For Cadets. Preparing for a Job Interview in English

At the beginning cadets have a tough time, especially if they don’t have someone close to them working in this area who can help and give a piece of advice. However, we all once started and took our first steps in our professional life, and not always, everything turned out to be a success. Therefore, we would like to say to cadets not to be upset if they fail an interview or test. Any interview can always be retaken, the main thing is to analyze mistakes and try to eliminate them as far as possible.

 

The spoken language requirements for a cadet are usually much higher than, for example, for an ordinary seaman or motorman. Despite the fact that you have the same work document and their salary is higher. The thing is that the company considers cadets as potential officers for its ships. In more respectable companies, cadets write and defend Projects. Senior officers must work through certain practical topics with them and certify them. However, this is not always carried out, and it would be advisable for the cadet to go to the bridge after work and try to master something new. Therefore, tests in English are most often quite comprehensive in order to determine the level of spoken language.

 

Then several questions are asked, which cannot always be answered clearly and in detail, because one cannot always formulate an answer even in one’s native language. Therefore, it is advisable to work out the plan of a right answer in advance.

 

 

 

Here is a list of questions to be prepared for:   What is your future occupation?  Why did you chose this occupation?  Why do you want to go to sea?  Why do you want to become an Engineer, not a Navigator?  What are plans for nearest future?  What carеer do you want to make?  What is the most interesting for you in your occupation?  What activities are you supposed to perform on board?

 

The answer must be comprehensive and clear. It is also advisable to work over the issue of your practical training, since everyone knows HOW the practical training is done. Therefore, it is better to immediately turn on your imagination and compose a short, touching story. It should not necessarily imply a truthful outline of the events.

 

 

 

We have prepared for you a relevant answer to the question about practical training.

 

Before you start telling something in English, it is advisable to draw up a rough outline of the story in Russian. Otherwise, the task becomes dramatically more difficult. Especially if you try to describe a virtual practical training, since the real one is absent and exists only in the form of a certificate. It could be outlined as follows:

 

I had my sea practice on tug in Odessa port during three months. It commenced in March and completed in June. Our vessel stayed in port and it was in repair. I assisted Engineers with simple repair works, overhauling and maintenance of different equipment, namely: pumps, coolers, purifiers, sea water system.  It was my first experience on board and it was very exciting and interesting as I got a lot of practical experience and recommendations as well as plenty of new useful information.

 

 

Conscious preparation increases your chances for success. The first steps are always difficult, but only the brave conquer the seas.

 

Successful interviews and smooth starts to everyone!

 

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Other documents:

 

English for Seafarers – Secrets of Rapid Language Learning.

International Maritime Forum - Nothing But the Truth

Maritime Medical Examination in Georgia without a Queue.