Job Interview Phrases and Idioms
| Idiom | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Have butterflies in your stomach | Feel nervous or anxious | “Before the interview, I had butterflies in my stomach because I was worried about not answering the questions correctly.” |
| In the hot seat | Being in a difficult or uncomfortable situation | “During the interview, I felt like I was in the hot seat when they asked me about my biggest weakness.” |
| Being grilled | Being questioned intensively | “The interviewer grilled me about my experience in customer service, but I was able to answer all of their questions.” |
| Put on the spot | Suddenly asked to do or answer something without warning | “I was put on the spot when the interviewer asked me to describe a time when I failed.” |
| Under the microscope | Being closely examined or scrutinized | “During the interview, I felt like I was under a microscope, as the interviewers were carefully assessing my every word and gesture.” |
| Given the third degree | Being questioned intensively and rigorously | “The interviewer gave me the third degree about my qualifications for the position, but I was able to convince them that I was a good fit.” |
| Face the music | Confront a difficult or unpleasant situation | “After the interview, I had to face the music and accept that I didn’t get the job.” |
| Up against the wall | In a difficult or desperate situation | “I felt up against the wall when the interviewer asked me a question I wasn’t prepared for.” |
| Have your ducks in a row | Be well-organized and prepared | “Before the interview, I made sure to have my ducks in a row by researching the company and practicing my answers to common interview questions.” |
| Do your homework | Research or prepare thoroughly | “I did my homework by reading the company’s website and annual reports to learn more about their culture and values.” |
| On top of things | In control of a situation or task | “During the interview, I felt on top of things because I had prepared thoroughly and was confident in my answers.” |
| Winging it | Doing something without preparation or planning | “I tried to wing it during the interview, but it quickly became apparent that I wasn’t prepared enough.” |
| Going in blind | Entering a situation without knowledge or information | “I went into the interview blind because I hadn’t done any research on the company or the position.” |
| A train wreck | A complete disaster or failure | “The interview was a complete train wreck because I didn’t answer any of the questions correctly.” |
| A bomb | A complete failure | “My interview was a bomb because I was so nervous that I couldn’t think straight.” |
| A lost cause | A hopeless situation | “After the interview, I felt like it was a lost cause and that I wouldn’t get the job.” |
| Come across well | Make a positive impression | “I tried to come across well during the interview by being enthusiastic and engaging.” |
| Hit it out of the park | Perform exceptionally well | “I hit it out of the park during the interview because I answered all of the questions confidently and articulately.” |
| Nail it | Do something perfectly or with great success | “I nailed the interview by demonstrating my skills and experience in a clear and concise manner.” |
| To ace something | Do something perfectly or with great success | “I aced the interview by impressing the interviewers with my knowledge and enthusiasm.” |
Job Interview Phrases and Idioms
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