When you’re preparing for a job interview in English, it’s important to sound natural, confident, and professional. One way to do that is by using phrasal verbs, which are expressions that native speakers often use. These short phrases can make your language clearer and more impressive.
If you’re an intermediate ESL learner, learning some common phrasal verbs for job interviews can help you express your experiences and skills more effectively. Below, you’ll find 15 useful phrasal verbs, with simple meanings and real interview examples you can start using today.
Let’s get started!
15 Phrasal Verbs You Can Use in Job Interviews
- Carry out – to complete or perform a task
- Example: “In my last job, I carried out a market analysis that helped our team reach new customers.”
- Tip: Use this when talking about tasks or projects you’ve finished.
- Take on – to accept a task or responsibility
- Example: “I took on extra responsibilities and trained a junior colleague when our team was busy.”
- Tip: This shows you are proactive and willing to help.
- Bring about – to cause or create a result
- Example: “I brought about a 20% sales increase by improving our customer service.”
- Tip: Use this when talking about positive results you helped create.
- Follow up – to take further action or check in after something
- Example: “After the career fair, I followed up with recruiters by sending a thank-you email.”
- Tip: A great phrase to show you’re organised and responsible.
- Set up – to arrange or organise something
- Example: “I set up a new filing system that made finding documents much faster.”
- Tip: Use this when you create or organise something at work.
- Work out – to find a solution to a problem
- Example: “We had a scheduling conflict, but I worked out a solution by adjusting our timelines.”
- Tip: Shows that you can solve problems and think on your feet.
- Bring in – to introduce or attract new things like customers or money
- Example: “I brought in three new clients last quarter through networking.”
- Tip: Perfect when talking about business growth or improvements.
- Step up – to take more responsibility or lead
- Example: “When my manager was on leave, I stepped up and led the project to meet the deadline.”
- Tip: This shows leadership and initiative.
- Look into – to investigate or examine a problem
- Example: “I noticed some delays in shipping, so I looked into the process and fixed the issue.”
- Tip: This shows you take action when something isn’t right.
- Keep up with – to stay updated or current
- Example: “I keep up with industry trends by reading articles and attending webinars.”
- Tip: Shows you care about learning and staying informed.
- Speak up – to express your thoughts clearly and confidently
- Example: “During team meetings, I try to speak up and share my ideas.”
- Tip: Great for showing communication skills.
- Get ahead – to make progress in your career
- Example: “My goal is to get ahead by learning new skills and taking on challenging projects.”
- Tip: Shows ambition and motivation.
- Go over – to review or check something carefully
- Example: “Before the interview, I went over the job requirements and prepared examples.”
- Tip: Use this when you want to highlight your preparation and attention to detail.
- Show up – to arrive or be present
- Example: “I always make sure to show up early and well-prepared for every interview or meeting.”
- Tip: This shows that you are dependable and serious about your work.
- Get along with – to have a good relationship with someone
- Example: “I get along with all my coworkers, which helps us collaborate effectively.”
- Tip: This is useful when talking about teamwork and your ability to work with others.
Now that you’ve learned these 15 phrasal verbs for job interviews, try using them when you talk about your own work experience. These expressions will help you sound more fluent and confident in interviews.
Want more practice? Download our free worksheet with exercises, examples, and practise questions to help you remember and use these phrasal verbs naturally.
Keep practising, and good luck with your next interview!
