Research and practical stories
Many people notice that when they speak English, they seem to be different. Some become bolder, some more strict, some colder in their emotions. It’s not just intuition: linguists and psychologists have already proven that language and culture “turn on” certain patterns of behavior and emotions.
What exactly happens in your head
When you switch to another language, not only words are activated – cultural patterns, expectations, and manners are also activated. This mechanism is called cultural frame switching. For bilinguals, language acts as a trigger: the English-speaking frame is individualistic, more direct; the native frame is perhaps more reserved or collectivistic. This changes the way a person thinks, evaluates a situation, and expresses themselves.
Emotions in the L2: from distance to freedom
The second aspect is emotional distance. Many studies show that emotional reactions and the vocabulary of feelings differ between L1 and L2: English sometimes allows you to describe and even discuss difficult things more easily or with less involvement. For some, this is a defense – they can talk about painful things without the same internal “burning” feeling. For others, it is the key to more open self-expression.
Practical cases – what it looks like in real life
Does the “character” change forever?
Not really. Studies show that it is more of a change in personality expression than a complete transformation of the self. In other words, you don’t become a different person forever – you just get additional ways of behaving and thinking depending on the language context. And the higher your language competence and habit of using the language in different contexts, the smoother the switch.
Tips on how to use this effect to your advantage
● Practice your “role” consciously. If you want to be more confident at a job interview, practice answering questions in English, and hone your short formulations and strong phrases.
Try therapeutic L2 writing. If it’s hard to talk about emotions, write about them in English – it can give you distance and clarity.
Manage your emotions. If you notice that English makes you sound cold or “fake,” try consciously adding more congratulatory phrases and empathetic expressions to maintain sincerity.
● Develop cultural flexibility. The more you understand the cultural clichés and expectations of the language environment, the better you will be able to “turn on” the necessary traits without losing your core.
Unexpected benefits for language learning
In addition to communicative benefits, switching languages develops psychological flexibility: You learn to look at situations from different angles, adapt more easily to new cultural rules, and take risks because the “other language” gives you permission to behave differently. For an entrepreneur or a teacher, this is a real plus in negotiation or creative tasks.
A brief summary
English is not just a set of structures and words. It is also a tool of self-identification: it encourages you to try other roles, emotional states, and styles of behavior. For many people, it is a chance to find courage, express an opinion without excessive emotional stress, or vice versa – to learn to be direct and decisive. Research confirms that language switching is real and has measurable effects, but it doesn’t erase your “old self” – rather, it adds new tools to your toolbox.
If you want to not only learn English but also use it as a means of transforming your personality, ENGLISH.KH.UA is the place to do it. Here you will be offered not only grammar and vocabulary, but also practice in real-life situations: business negotiations, self-reflection, and communication. By immersing yourself in the language with us, you will get the key to new roles in life – a more confident leader, a more sincere person, a bolder dreamer. Allow yourself to grow, change and express yourself through English – and together we will discover new facets of your self.
References (for those who want to dig deeper)
● Chen, S. X., Benet-Martínez, V., & Bond, M. H. – Two languages, two personalities? Examining language effects on the expression of personality in a bilingual context. PubMed
● Benet-Martínez, V., Leu, J., Lee, F., & Morris, M. – Negotiating Biculturalism: Cultural Frame Switching in Biculturals. SAGE Journals.
● Aneta Pavlenko – Emotions and Multilingualism / Emotion and emotion-laden words in the bilingual lexicon.anetapavlenko.com+1
● Dewaele, J.-M. – research on the perception of self when switching languages (multilinguals feel different…).
(how language learning changes the brain and reduces anxiety)
When we learn English, we don’t just learn new words or grammar rules – we trigger a real brain rewiring that has a powerful therapeutic effect. In this article, we will analyze how language learning changes neural networks, helps you feel in control of your life, and reduces anxiety, and look at practical cases to show how this works in real life.
1. Why learning English can be anti-stressful
1.1 Feeling in control of your life
Many people who start learning a language feel a sense of inner power over the situation: they are learning, progressing, and getting small “victories”. When you can say a new word, make a sentence, or make sense of a simple conversation, it’s the real procrastination equivalent of small achievements every day. And it gives you a sense of control.
This is especially important when other parts of life seem chaotic or uncertain. Language acquisition is one of those aspects where you know you’re moving forward step by step.
1.2 Focus as a way to distract from anxiety
When you study, focus on phonetics, on rules, or on new words, some of the attention that might have been occupied by anxious thoughts is now diverted to productive activities. This “mental focus” works like a mini-meditation: you disconnect from cyclical negative thoughts and work on something constructive instead.
1.3 The social aspect
Learning a language is often connected with communication – online classes, language partners, teachers. This means new social interactions that can be a source of support. Try to imagine the situation: you have an agreement with a conversation partner, you discuss mistakes together, laugh at new words – all this creates a supportive environment in which it is easier to overcome nervousness.
2. What happens to the brain when we learn English
2.1 The brain is a plastic organ
Our brain is an incredibly flexible system. When we learn a new language, it doesn’t just store words in memory: it creates new pathways – neural connections between different areas. This process is called neuroplasticity.
For example, the parts of the brain responsible for memory, matching with audio-sensory signals, tactile and motor coordination (for example, when we write or speak) are all activated and “learn” to work together.
Over time, these connections become stronger, faster, and more efficient. This means that the brain adapts – and this adaptation has not only cognitive but also emotional benefits.
2.2 Regulating emotions
When we integrate a new language, brain areas related to attention, impulse control, planning, and emotional regulation are activated. This means that along with language knowledge, we train the “control muscles”: we teach the brain to focus, restrain impulses (for example, the desire to quit when something doesn’t work out), and analyze our mistakes constructively. As a result, your anxiety level decreases – you worry less about being “unprepared” and feel more stable and supported.
2.3 Long-term cognitive benefits
Studies show that people who regularly learn a second language have improved cognitive flexibility (the ability to switch between tasks), better memory, and abstract thinking. This means that language practice helps not only now, but also supports brain health in the long run. For an anxious person, this is like investing in a “mental reserve” of strength that can help them cope with life’s challenges.
3. How to get started so that studying really works as an anti-stress tool
3.1 Setting small goals
You don’t need to set yourself a super-task right away, such as “I’ll learn 10,000 words in a year.” It is better to start with something easier and more achievable:
● learn 5 new words a day;
● make an audio recording of yourself reading the text and compare it in a week;
Have a 10-minute conversation with a practice partner.
When you achieve such goals, your brain gives you a small “dose of dopamine” – and this increases the feeling of success and control.
3.2 Routine/habit
Create a simple program: for example, 10 minutes of vocabulary review in the morning, 15 minutes of reading or listening to an English podcast in the evening. Regularity is the key. The more often you practice, the more stable the neural connections become, and the better the brain “memorizes the route”.
3.3 Emotional support
Find a language partner or teacher who understands that learning is not just an academic task, but also part of your psycho-emotional health. Ask for support if you feel anxious or frustrated: talk about what exactly is bothering you (e.g., fear of making a mistake) and let your partner know how they can help you (support, explanation, praise).
3.4 Reflection
Keep a diary or simply write down your thoughts on the following topics: “What did I learn today?”, “What was difficult?”, “What inspires me?”. Reflection helps the brain process experience, prioritize, and strengthen neural connections. In addition, it gives you a sense of progress – even if it seems like it’s “still far away.”
4. Practical cases: living stories of learning English as an anti-stress tool
4.1 Olena’s story: a manager with anxiety
Olena is a manager in an IT company and often felt very anxious before speaking at meetings or presentations. She decided to enroll in an English for the corporate environment course. At first, her biggest fear was that she might make a mistake while speaking to clients in English.
Olena started with small steps: 5-minute interactive exercises every morning, a couple of minutes of audio before going to bed. In the beginning, she recorded herself speaking the lines from the textbook, then reviewed the recordings again. In 2-3 months, she noticed that she became more confident: she had her own “comfortable pace” of speaking, and the fear that others would not understand disappeared. In addition, this regular routine gave her a steady progression of achievements: new words every week, and improved pronunciation every month.
Emotionally, it became a real therapy for her: instead of worrying about the upcoming presentation at night, she focused on preparing her English, which gave her more control. At the end of six months, her ability to speak in public had increased and her anxiety had significantly decreased-not because of the pill, but because of her favorite “mental trainer.”
4.2 Igor’s story: a student looking for an escape from stress
Igor is a student who works and studies at the same time. He was chased by deadlines every day, and he began to get absorbed in anxious scenarios: “will I make it in time”, “what if I fail”, “how will I survive this marathon”. To distract himself and change the routine tension, he decided to start learning English through a mobile app.
At first, he just played the exercises – they became his short “reset breaks” during the day. When working between lectures, he would set aside 10 minutes for exercises, scrolling through flashcards with words and listening to short audios. Gradually, he added conversational practice to his routine by chatting with a native speaker (he found partners online).
After three months, Igor noticed that when stress comes, he panics less: instead of worrying about a deadline, he imagines himself practicing English or working with flashcards, and this automatically reduces tension. His productivity at work and school has improved because some of the energy he used to spend on negative scenarios is now spent on learning. And interestingly, he began to understand his resources in a new way: stress was no longer an enemy, but a signal to “train”.
4.3 Maria’s story: calming through language
Maria is a young mother who often experienced anxiety about the future: “will I have enough time”, “will I be able to combine family and work”, “will I make mistakes in my new business”. She had never thought about learning a language before, but one day she realized that it could be more than just a skill, it could be therapy.
She signed up for an online course with live lessons with a teacher. Every day, when the child calmed down, Maria would open the platform and take a short lesson – reading dialogues, repeating phrases, asking questions to the teacher. Gradually, this became her “quiet time”: even when other things were creating chaos, English was the island of calm where she had control.
After six months, Maria noticed that her anxious thoughts were less frequent, and if they did, she was able to find a way to switch gears more quickly. She felt her own value again: “I’m learning a language, I’m developing, I’m not just a mom – I’m a person with my own goals.” And this self-awareness helped her feel more stable in her inner life.
5. Mechanisms that explain the anxiolytic effect of language learning
5.1 The dopamine system and “small achievements”
Every time we learn a new word or use a correct construction, the brain receives a small “reward” in the form of dopamine. It’s not a big euphoria, as with big life events, but it’s enough to keep you motivated and strengthen neural pathways. This “small reward” system is ideal for reducing chronic anxiety, which is often fueled by a shifted balance between fear and anticipation.
5.2 Activation of the prefrontal cortex
When we learn a language, we use the prefrontal cortex, a part of the brain that is responsible for thinking, planning, and controlling emotions. Regular English exercises train this area, making it more “mature”: this means a better ability to react thoughtfully rather than impulsively, which means less panic when stressors arise.
5.3 Reducing rumination
Rumination is when thoughts dwell on, for example, negativity or fears. Learning a language serves as a kind of “cognitive barrier”: when attention is focused on grammar, vocabulary, or listening, rumination simply has less “space” to unfold. Thus, the brain gets a chance to “rest” from the cycle of negative thoughts.
5.4 Social neurotransmitters
When you communicate with a conversation partner, teacher, or friends in English, social reinforcement systems are activated: oxytocin, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters associated with feelings of safety, support, and belonging. This is not just useful for learning – it is therapeutic.
6. How to make learning anxiolytic – tips
7. Potential challenges and how to deal with them
● Feeling “stuck”
Sometimes progress slows down, and this can cause frustration. At such moments, it is helpful to change your approach: try other formats (games, flashcards, songs), or contact your teacher to develop a new plan.
● Inner critic
Many people are afraid of making mistakes or sounding “imperfect”. It is worth remembering that mistakes are not a failure, but a learning mechanism. The goal is not to “be perfect” but to “grow.”
Difficulties with motivation
If practice seems boring, try to regulate it more clearly: some days focus on grammar, others on listening, and still others on talking to people. This rotation will help keep you interested.
● Limit the time
Many people have very busy schedules. That’s why micro-lessons, mini-exercises, or audio while traveling can be a lifesaver.
8. Conclusion: why English is not just a skill, but a tool for self-development and calming down
Learning English triggers neuroplasticity: the brain creates new connections, becomes more flexible and stronger.
Regular language practice trains the prefrontal cortex, a key area for controlling emotions and impulses.
Achievement of even small goals (a new word, successful pronunciation, communication) gives systemic “rewards” that reduce stress.
The social component of learning – conversations, support from a partner or teacher – brings a sense of belonging and security.
Reflection and daily progress give a sense of control over oneself and one’s development.
● Micro-lessons and flexible formats allow you to fit learning even into a busy schedule and turn it into a resource rather than an additional source of anxiety.
Conclusion.
English can be a powerful anti-stress tool. It doesn’t just open up new career or travel opportunities – it changes your brain, helps you develop internal control, reduce anxiety, and make you feel more confident. Learning a language is not just about knowledge, it’s about transforming yourself: step by step, word by word, you build not only your linguistic competence, but also your psycho-emotional stability.
Learning English with us is not just about grammar or correct pronunciation. It is your little daily ritual of self-care. When you take an online lesson with us, you have a safe space where you can slow down, focus on something new and give your brain a break from disturbing thoughts. Step by step, you will feel more control, more confidence, more inner support. And we at www.english.kh.ua will be there for you – calmly, humanely, with support and faith in your progress – until English becomes your personal anti-stress and source of strength.
When we communicate in English, we often use buffer phrases, many conventions, polite requests, and “soft” constructions, which are perceived as courtesy and friendliness in the English-speaking world. But Ukrainian communication culture is different: here, sincerity, directness, tone, and quality of interaction are more valued than simply formal “politeness” for the sake of politeness. For example, it is said that Ukrainians use the formal “Ви” in formal relationships and refrain from an overly friendly tone, as it may seem insincere. Cultural Atlas+2speakua.com+2
Thus, a phrase that in an English-speaking context means “I am friendly, polite, and ready to cooperate” may sound like “you are not serious,” “I am not in the mood for deep communication,” or even “I am looking down on you” in a Ukrainian context. It is these “cross-cultural pitfalls” that we want to explore today.
Before moving on to specific phrases, here are a few explanations of why this happens:
So, now let’s get down to practice: let’s look at specific English phrases, their literal/typical translation/use, and how they can be understood in Ukrainian (often not as the English speaker expects).
English: “I hope you’re well.”
What the English speaker means: “I hope everything is okay with you.”
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “I hope you are feeling well.”
Why it can be tricky: In the context of a worksheet, it can be interpreted as: “I’m not sure if you’re here,” “I’m not needed here.” In Ukrainian, it is more common to say, “I hope you are well,” which sounds normal, but if it is used as an introductory phrase before a serious request, it may seem distant due to its formality.
How to adapt: “Good afternoon, [Name]” — short, clear, and to the point.
In English: “Would you mind…” (“Would you mind sending the report by Friday?”)
What the English speaker means: to politely ask someone to perform an action.
How it sounds in Ukrainian literally: “Would you mind if…?”
Why it may be perceived as harsh: This construction is rarely used in Ukrainian, and when it is used, it often has the subtext “I don’t really want to, but I have to.” In other words, “Would you mind…?” can be perceived as “I think you might not want to, but we have to.”
How to adapt: Better: “Could you send the report by Friday?” or “Please send the report by Friday.”
In English: “Just to check…” (“Just to check if you received my previous email.”)
What it means: a polite reminder.
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “Just checking if you received…”
Why it’s a trap: “Just checking” can sound like “I doubt you received it” or “I don’t believe you did it.” When communicating with adult Ukrainians, it is better to avoid the word “just” as a minimizer.
Adaptation: “I wanted to know if you received my previous message.” — clearly, without diminutives.
In English: “If possible…” (“If possible, could you join the meeting at 3 pm?”)
What it means: necessity + willingness to accept “no.”
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “If possible, could you join…”
Why it can cause misunderstanding: The Ukrainian “if possible” is often perceived as “most likely impossible, don’t bother.” Instead of “if convenient,” it is better to say “please.”
Adaptation: “We invite you to join the meeting at 3 pm.” If ‘no’ is a real possibility, then: “If it’s convenient for you, please join us at 3 pm.”
In English: “We’ll keep you posted.”
What it means: “We will keep you informed.”
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “We will inform you.”
Why it’s a trap: “We will inform you” often sounds like “you are passive, we decide.” In Ukrainian business interactions, it is better to emphasize commonality: “We will provide you with updates” or “We will inform you about the next steps.”
Adaptation: “We will inform you about the next steps immediately after approval.”
In English: “Like I said before…”
What it means: a reminder of what has already been said.
How it sounds in Ukrainian: “As I said before…”
Why it can sound harsh: In Ukrainian, this phrase can be perceived as “you weren’t listening” or “I’m repeating myself because you forgot.” And that can cause tension.
Adaptation: “As discussed earlier…”
Translating English phrases into Ukrainian literally is like transferring the styles of one culture to another without adaptation. But communication cultures are different: what works in one environment may create distance, misunderstanding, or even offense in another.
● The Ukrainian style of communication is more direct, less subtly “circumventing,” but that does not mean “rude.”
● A large number of conventions or buffer expressions can create the impression that we are speaking insincerely or even formally and coldly.
● In a business or educational context with an adult audience, the following are often valued: clarity, transparency, strength of argument, not “softness.”
● Do not overuse “substitute” phrases. For example: “Just checking in” is fine in an informal letter, but in a formal Ukrainian context it can create an impression of unprofessionalism.
● Check whether the request is perceived as a request and not as a plea for an exception. If you use “If possible,” think about whether it is really possible or whether it sounds like “unfortunately, probably not.”
● Use clear verbs. For example: “Send,” “Discuss,” “Program.” Avoid overly soft constructions if you want action.
● Teach your audience to analyze cultural signals. For example, when an English speaker says “that’s interesting,” it often means “I doubt it.” Similarly, if a Ukrainian interlocutor says “that’s interesting,” it is not necessarily a compliment.
● Encourage directness with respect. In Ukrainian culture, being direct does not mean being rude — it means being clear. Learn to express yourself respectfully but clearly.
Intercultural communication is not just about knowing words or grammar, it is about understanding context, culture, and expectations. When we speak English “politely” and transfer the same model to Ukrainian, we risk not only being “formally polite,” but also creating a sense of distance, uncertainty, or even inappropriate seriousness. But this is not a tragedy — it is an opportunity to learn to adapt. You can learn this in the course “Ukrainian for Foreigners.”
Do you remember that feeling when you know a hundred English words but can’t put them into a simple sentence? When “cat,” “dog,” and “London” are running through your head, but when a tourist asks you a question, you just smile awkwardly? This is a starting point that many people know. It seems that there is an invisible wall between you and the world of English.
But there comes a point when this wall begins to crumble. It doesn’t happen all of a sudden, but it’s a feeling you can’t mistake for anything else. This is the moment when the language turns from a set of rules and words in a textbook into a living instrument. This magical stage is called the Elementary level. Experts use the terms A1 or A2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), but the point is not in the name. It’s about transformation: you move from passive knowledge to active use of the language for communication, travel, and discovery.
Elementary level is your ignition key. It is the foundation on which you will build your skyscraper of fluency. Let’s take a look into your near future and see what amazing doors the completion of this stage will open for you.
The greatest desire of every language learner is to start speaking. And it is at the Elementary level that your dreams begin to come true. It’s no longer just memorized phrases like “My name is…” or “London is the capital of Great Britain”. This is the beginning of your personal story in English.
You will be able to not only introduce yourself but also talk about yourself, your family, work and hobbies using simple but confident sentences. And all this thanks to basic grammar, which at this stage becomes your reliable assistant.
● Present Simple allows you to talk about your habits and everyday life: “I drink coffee every morning”, “I work as a manager”. You can describe your working day or what you like to do on weekends. ● Past Simple brings your memories to life. You can share your impressions of your last vacation, tell us what movie you watched yesterday, or discuss important events in your life. The “going to” construction turns your dreams into concrete plans. You can discuss with a new friend where you’re going to go this weekend or what you plan to do in the evening. Imagine the situation: you are sitting in a cozy cafe somewhere in Prague. You don’t just point at the menu, you confidently say: “Can I have a cappuccino and a croissant, please?”. You can ask for the price, pay and say thank you. This is a small but important victory. Or you meet another traveler and can make small talk about where you are from, what you do, and what you like. Your vocabulary, which at this stage reaches 500-1000 active words, becomes the toolkit that allows you to build these first bridges between cultures.
One of the most exciting moments in learning a language is that “click” when a continuous stream of incomprehensible sounds suddenly breaks down into familiar words. This is the moment when the world around you literally starts talking to you.
At Elementary level, you develop the fundamental skill of listening comprehension in a variety of settings. It’s important to remember that you won’t be able to understand fast-paced native speakers or complex news stories. Your superpower lies elsewhere: you can get the gist if the speaker speaks slowly, clearly and uses familiar vocabulary on everyday topics.
Think about these scenarios that are becoming a reality for you:
● At the airport: You hear a clear announcement: “Flight to… Berlin… gate… number ten”. There is no panic. You understand everything and calmly walk to your gate. You can understand the short, simple directions and instructions.
● At the hotel: The receptionist slowly explains to you: “Breakfast is from 7 to 10”. You nod because you understand the key information.
In a conversation: Your new foreign friend is talking about his family, and you catch some familiar words: “I have a brother and a sister. We live in a big house.” You may not understand every word, but you get the gist of it, and now you can start a conversation.
This is the skill of selective listening – the ability to grab the most important information you need here and now from the flow of speech. It turns chaos into order and gives you an incredible sense of control and confidence.
The world of text also opens up to you in a new way. Signs that used to be just a decorative element now carry information for you. Short messages are no longer hieroglyphs.
Reading at the Elementary level is primarily a practical skill for orientation in space. You will be able to read and understand easily:
● Signs on the streets and in public places: “Entrance”, ‘Exit’, “Open/Closed”, “Information”.
● Menus in a restaurant or cafe by finding familiar names of dishes and drinks. ● Short and simple messages, for example, in a messenger from a friend or in a sale announcement. ● Simple personal letters or postcards by capturing the main idea.
Writing is no longer a challenge. You can now not only write your name, but also leave a meaningful message. Your new skills include:
● Filling out simple questionnaires and registration forms at hotels or airports (Name, Surname, Nationality).
● Writing a short message to a friend: “Let’s meet at 6 pm” or “I am late, sorry”. ● Writing a simple personal letter or signing a greeting card, expressing simple thoughts and wishes. Write a few sentences about yourself, your family, or your home.
If, while reading this, you recognized yourself in many situations and your heart was happy to think of new opportunities, this is a great sign! Perhaps you are already at the Elementary level or have even surpassed it.
The best way to find out is to take a small, friendly test. It’s not an exam, it’s just a way to confirm your progress and see how much you already know. It only takes a few minutes, but it will give you a clear understanding of your current knowledge.
Click here to take our Elementary test and get instant confirmation of your new superpowers.
Elementary is your solid foundation. What’s next? And then there’s Pre-Intermediate, the first floor of your knowledge skyscraper, which offers a much wider view. At this stage, conversations get longer, jokes get funnier, and texts get more interesting. You begin not only to survive in the English-speaking environment, but to feel more and more comfortable in it.
What if our first test seemed too easy for you and you passed it with flying colors? Congratulations! It looks like you are ready for the next challenge and are on the verge of reaching the Pre-Intermediate level. This means that you are ready to deepen your grammar knowledge, expand your vocabulary and talk about more complex topics.
Test your ambitions and try your hand at the Pre-Intermediate test to see what new heights await you.
The Elementary level is not just another step in your education. It is your personal breakthrough. This is the moment when English turns from an abstract school subject into a universal key that opens the door to new countries, new friends, new music and new career opportunities.
This is proof that you can achieve your goals. It is the confidence that inspires you to move on. It is your ticket to a world without borders. And the most interesting is yet to come. So don’t stop. Communicate, listen, read – and you will be surprised how quickly you will start not only speaking but also thinking in English.
Prepared by ENGLISH.KH.UA
Contact us, they will always help
The global labor market has no borders anymore. Ukrainian specialists are increasingly being interviewed by international companies where English is the working language. And even if you are a super-specialist in your field, without the ability to speak English clearly and confidently, your chances of getting a job are sharply reduced.
English at a job interview is not about perfect grammar. It’s about whether the recruiter or technical interviewer will understand how you think, whether you can explain your decisions, and whether you can interact with an international team.
In this article, we will analyze:
● the differences between HR and technical interviews
● what English skills are important for interviews
● how to answer typical questions
● what words and phrases will help you sound confident;
● how to prepare so that you don’t look confused.
An HR interview is the first barrier. It tests not only English, but also soft skills: communication, motivation, and the ability to fit into a team.
1. Tell me about yourself.
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
3. Why do you want to work for our company?
4. Describe a challenge you faced at work and how you handled it.
5. Where do you see yourself in five years?
It is important not to memorize ready-made answers, but to have a structure. For example:
● Briefly: who you are, what experience you have.
Specifics: an example from life or work.
Conclusion: a positive conclusion.
Example:
“One of my strengths is adaptability. For example, when my team switched to a completely new tool last year, I quickly learned it and helped others onboard. I believe this skill will help me integrate smoothly into new projects.”
The main thing here is to prove that you can solve problems. But you need English to explain the logic:
● how you approached the problem
● why you chose this particular algorithm or technology
● how your solution works.
● IT: solve an algorithmic problem and explain your thought process in English.
Engineering: describe the process you have optimized.
Marketing: present a case study where the strategy has yielded results.
The formula Problem → Solution → Result works here.
“The problem was slow query performance. I optimized the database indexes, which reduced execution time from 15 seconds to 2. As a result, the system could handle more users simultaneously.”
1. Professional vocabulary. You should be fluent in the terms of your specialty.
2. Stable phrases for HR questions. In order not to get lost and start answering confidently.
3. Ability to paraphrase. If you forget a word, explain it in another way.
4. Pronunciation. Not an accent, but intelligibility.
5. The pace of speech. Calm and even, without fuss.
● I would describe myself as…
● One of my key strengths is…
● I’ m currently focusing on improving…
● What excites me about this role is…
● I’ m motivated by opportunities to…
● The main challenge was…
● I decided to approach it by…
● My solution was based on…
● This resulted in…
● If I had more time, I would improve it by…
1. Answering too briefly. To the question “Tell me about yourself ” they say: “I am a developer with 5 years of experience ” – and that’s it. You need at least 2-3 sentences with details.
2. They translate verbatim from Ukrainian. This results in strange phrases like “I have such experience ” instead of “I have experience in…”.
3. They focus on grammar. This is distracting. It is more important for recruiters to understand the essence.
4. Excessive modesty. English culture allows you to talk about achievements directly.
1. Make a list of typical HR and technical questions.
2. Write down your answers. Don’t cram, but make notes for reference.
3. Record yourself on a dictaphone. You will hear where you get confused and which words are “stuck”.
4. Find a partner or teacher. Role-playing interviews are the best training.
5. Go through several fake interviews. Even with an AI agent or a friend.
The secret is simple: don’t correct yourself in the middle of a sentence. If you make a mistake, finish the thought. The recruiter will understand the meaning.
Energy, confidence, and clarity of explanation are more important.
Phrases that save you if you get stuck:
● Let me rephrase that.
● What I mean is…
● Could you please clarify the question?
That’s a good question, let me think for a second.
● You have 3-4 sentences for Tell me about yourself.
● Ready-made answers to the “strengths and weaknesses”.
Examples of projects with a clear structure (Problem → Solution → Result).
● Vocabulary of your profession in English.
● Fallback phrases in case you forget a word.
English at an interview is not about perfect grammar. It’s about the ability to communicate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Therefore, preparing for an interview in English is very important. If you know the basic answers, practice professional vocabulary, and rehearse the interview situation at least a few times, you will have a huge advantage.
Every interview is a training session. Even if you don’t get an offer, the next one will be easier. And with the right preparation, English will no longer be a barrier and will become your weapon.
Prepared by ENGLISH.KH.UA
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating English as the official language of the United States, the White House website reported on Saturday.
“To foster unity, cultivate a common American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement in America’s interests, the Federal Government should designate one – and only one – official language. Establishing English as the official language will not only simplify communication, but will also reinforce shared national values and create a more cohesive and effective society. Accordingly, this order designates English as the official language of the United States,” the March 1 executive order reads.
The document emphasizes that “a policy of encouraging the study and adoption of our national language will make the United States a common home and enable new citizens to achieve the American dream.”
The executive order also repeals the 2000 order to improve access to services for people with limited English proficiency.
