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B2Job Interview

How to 'Come Across' Well in Job Interviews

Phrasal Verb: come across |Grammar: Past Simple

Objective

Students will learn how to use the phrasal verb 'come across' in the past simple tense to describe impressions made during job interviews.

Article

During a job interview, how you come across can be just as important as your qualifications. Many candidates came across as confident by maintaining good eye contact and speaking clearly. For example, Sarah came across as very professional because she prepared answers to common questions. On the other hand, some candidates came across as nervous or unprepared, which affected their chances negatively. Interviewers often came across with a strong first impression, noting if a candidate was punctual and polite. In one recent interview, a candidate came across as enthusiastic, which helped him stand out from others. Overall, how you come across in interviews can influence the final decision, so it’s important to be aware of your behaviour and presentation.

Grammar Explanation

Meaning

'Come across' means to give a particular impression to others, often about your character or behaviour.

Grammar Note

The Past Simple tense is used to describe actions or states that happened and finished in the past. For example, 'She came across as confident' describes how someone appeared during a past event.

Usage Tips

  • Use 'came across' when talking about how someone appeared or was perceived in the past.
  • Pair 'come across' with adjectives like confident, nervous, professional, or enthusiastic.
  • Remember that 'come across' focuses on the impression others receive, not the speaker's intention.

Examples

He came across as very knowledgeable during the interview.

Describing impression in an interview

She came across nervous but answered all questions well.

Describing someone’s behaviour

They came across as friendly and approachable to the hiring manager.

Describing first impressions

I came across as unprepared because I forgot some answers.

Self-reflection after interview

The candidate came across confident, which impressed the panel.

Positive impression example

Dialogue

Context: Two friends discuss how one appeared during a recent job interview.

A:
How do you think you came across in the interview yesterday?
B:
I think I came across as confident, but maybe a bit nervous at first.
A:
That’s normal. Did you come across as prepared when answering their questions?
B:
Yes, I came across as knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the role.
A:
Sounds like you made a good impression overall.
B:
I hope so! I want to come across well in every interview.

Vocabulary

Interview
A formal meeting to assess a candidate for a job
Example: She prepared well for her job interview.
Synonym: Meeting
Candidate
A person applying for a job or position
Example: The candidate answered all the questions confidently.
Synonym: Applicant
Impression
An idea or feeling about someone formed from an experience
Example: He made a good impression on the interviewer.
Synonym: Perception
Confident
Feeling sure of oneself and one’s abilities
Example: She appeared confident during the presentation.
Synonym: Self-assured
Nervous
Feeling worried or anxious about something
Example: He was nervous before the interview started.
Synonym: Anxious
Professional
Showing the qualities expected of a skilled worker
Example: Her professional attitude impressed the panel.
Synonym: Competent
Enthusiastic
Showing strong interest or excitement
Example: The candidate was enthusiastic about the role.
Synonym: Eager
Prepared
Ready and able to do something
Example: He was fully prepared for the interview questions.
Synonym: Ready
Punctual
Arriving or doing something at the expected time
Example: Being punctual is important for interviews.
Synonym: On time
Polite
Showing good manners towards others
Example: She was polite and respectful during the meeting.
Synonym: Courteous

Tips

  • Always maintain eye contact to come across as confident.
  • Prepare answers in advance to come across as knowledgeable.
  • Avoid speaking too quickly, as it can make you come across as nervous.

Summary

In this lesson, you learned how to use the phrasal verb 'come across' in the past simple tense to describe impressions made during job interviews. You also explored vocabulary and tips to help you come across positively and confidently in real interview situations.

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