phrasal verbs for job interviews

Phrasal Verbs for Job Interviews: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners

Phrasal verbs are essential in professional settings, especially during job interviews. Mastering them can help you communicate more naturally and confidently. Below is a detailed guide to common phrasal verbs used in job interviews, along with examples and exercises.

1. Bring up

Meaning: To mention or introduce a topic.

• During the interview, the manager brought up the issue of teamwork.
• She brought up her previous experience in marketing.
• Don’t bring up salary expectations unless the interviewer asks.

2. Carry out

Meaning: To perform or complete a task.

• I carried out market research for my previous employer.
• The team carried out the project successfully.
• Can you describe how you carry out daily tasks efficiently?

3. Fill out

Meaning: To complete a form or document.

• Please fill out this application before the interview.
• He filled out the questionnaire with his personal details.
• Make sure you fill out all sections of the form.

4. Follow up

Meaning: To take further action after an initial contact.

• I will follow up with an email after the interview.
• The recruiter followed up to schedule a second meeting.
• Always follow up to show your interest in the position.

5. Go over

Meaning: To review or examine something.

• Let’s go over your resume together.
• The interviewer went over the job description in detail.
• Before submitting, go over your application for errors.

6. Hand in

Meaning: To submit something, usually a document.

• You need to hand in your CV before the deadline.
• She handed in her resignation letter last week.
• Did you remember to hand in the references?

7. Look into

Meaning: To investigate or research.

• The company will look into your background before hiring.
• I looked into the company’s history before the interview.
• Could you look into this issue and report back?

8. Take on

Meaning: To accept responsibility or a challenge.

• I’m ready to take on new challenges in this role.
• The manager took on extra duties during the busy season.
• Are you willing to take on leadership responsibilities?

9. Turn down

Meaning: To reject an offer or request.

• She turned down the job because of the low salary.
• He turned down a promotion to focus on his family.
• Never turn down an interview opportunity without careful thought.

10. Work out

Meaning: To resolve or find a solution.

• We need to work out a schedule for the training.
• They worked out the contract details after negotiations.
• Can we work out a compromise on the start date?

Exercises

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences with the correct phrasal verb from the list above.

1. Before the interview, I ___________ the company’s website to learn more.
2. The HR manager asked me to ___________ the application form.
3. She ___________ the job offer because it required relocation.
4. We need to ___________ the project plan before presenting it.
5. He promised to ___________ with me next week about the position.

Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
Bring up	To submit a document
Hand in	To mention a topic
Take on	To accept responsibility
Go over	To review something
Turn down	To reject an offer

Answer Key

Exercise 1 Answers

1. looked into
2. fill out
3. turned down
4. go over
5. follow up

Exercise 2 Answers

Phrasal Verb	Correct Meaning
Bring up	To mention a topic
Hand in	To submit a document
Take on	To accept responsibility
Go over	To review something
Turn down	To reject an offer