HR & Recruitment Free · self-study ~60 min

Job Interview for Communications Assistant Role

A candidate interviews for a Communications Assistant position at a Marseille-based company serving international clients. The candidate discusses their background in retail and digital marketing to demonstrate suitability for the role.

 Level

What you’ll be able to do

Dialogue

Beginner version

Elara
Hello, Sam Brooks. Nice to meet you. Thank you for talking with me today.
Sam Brooks
Hello, Elara. Nice to meet you too. Please use my name Julian. This is a relaxed talk. How are you?
Elara
I am fine, thank you. I am a little nervous, but I am very happy to be here.
Sam Brooks
That is okay. Let's start with you. Can you tell me about yourself and your work?
Elara
Yes. I study Management and Business at Verolane Group in Marseille. I learn about communication and digital marketing. I also worked in shops and offices. Now I want a full-time job in communications. I like companies with different languages and cultures. I want to use my studies and my work experience.
Sam Brooks
Thank you, Elara. Good start. Let's talk about your last job. You worked at Brankside Holdings from last October, right?
Elara
Yes. I worked there as a Sales Advisor. I helped customers. I also helped with the shop displays and with some business clients. I helped with content for special sales too. I became very interested in brands and communication there.
Sam Brooks
That is a lot of different things for a shop job.
Elara
Yes. I had to change and solve problems every day. My job title was not Communications Assistant, but I connected the product, the clients, and the brand.
Sam Brooks
Good. We like people who do more than their job asks. You also worked at Caldmere Systems, a start-up. Can you tell me about that?
Elara
Yes. I did a short internship there during my first degree. Caldmere Systems is a small fashion brand. It cares about the environment. I managed their Instagram and LinkedIn pages. I made a plan for posts every week. I also helped with their website. I used Meta Business Suite to test posts and check results.
Sam Brooks
Good. You worked at a big company and a small start-up. Which digital tools do you use most?
Elara
I use Canva to make pictures and designs. I use Meta Business Suite to plan posts and check results. I use Google Analytics for data. I also use Notion and Slack to work with my team. I learn new tools fast and I enjoy it.
Sam Brooks
Good. Now I have a harder question. Your job at Brankside Holdings finished early. Can you tell me why?
Elara
Yes. My contract was for August 2025. But fewer people came to the shop and the company made changes. So my contract finished early. It was hard, but it helped me look for a new job faster. I am now ready for a full-time job in communications. I try to think in a positive way.
Sam Brooks
That is a good answer. These things happen in shops and stores. So why do you want to work at our company?
Elara
I like that your company works in many countries. I saw some of your campaigns. I liked the one for the eco-tech brand in Scandinavia. You keep the same brand message in different countries and cultures. I also speak French and English. I want a job where I can use both languages.
Sam Brooks
That campaign did well. Your English is good. Did you use English at work before?
Elara
Not very much. My jobs were in French. But I wrote some reports and emails in English. Now I study and practice English every day. This interview is also good practice for me.
Sam Brooks
You are doing well. Good communication is about being clear and confident, not just grammar. What is your best skill from your past jobs?
Elara
I am good at understanding what clients need. At Brankside I helped each customer in a personal way. At Caldmere I made content for a specific group of people. I always think about the user first. I think this is very important in communications.
Sam Brooks
Yes, knowing the customer is very important. We sometimes work very fast and things change quickly. How do you deal with stress?
Elara
I make lists of tasks. I like to use Trello. Sometimes I use a paper notebook too. I also talk with my team when things are busy. For example, at Fennwick Partners I planned travel and important meetings. When plans changed, I changed my work fast and told everyone.
Sam Brooks
You are good at organising. Last question: what do you want to do in the next two years?
Elara
First, I want to get better at communications and managing campaigns. I want to work on small projects on my own. Later, I want to be a Communications Manager. I want to work at a company that cares about the environment. Right now, I want to learn and help the team.
Sam Brooks
That is a good plan. You want to work and also learn. Thank you for your time and for preparing well, Elara.
Elara
Thank you, Julian. I liked this conversation very much. It was a good experience for me.
Sam Brooks
That is a good way to think. We will call you soon. Have a good day.
Elara
You too. Goodbye.

Intermediate version

Elara
Good morning, Sam Brooks. It's great to meet you. Thanks for taking the time to speak with me today.
Sam Brooks
Good morning, Elara. Great to meet you too. Feel free to call me Julian, let's keep things relaxed. How are you doing today?
Elara
I'm doing well, thanks. I'm a little nervous, to be honest, but I'm really glad to be here.
Sam Brooks
That's completely normal, don't worry. Let's begin with some background on you. Could you give me a brief overview of who you are and what you've been up to professionally?
Elara
Sure. I'm currently finishing a Master's degree in Management and Business Strategy at Verolane Group in Marseille, with a focus on communication and digital marketing. While studying, I've built up experience in retail, content creation, and office support. I'm now looking for a full-time position in communications, ideally at a company like yours that works across different cultures and languages. I'd like to combine my academic knowledge with the practical skills I've developed.
Sam Brooks
Thank you, Elara. That's a clear introduction. Let's move on to your most recent role. You've been at Brankside Holdings since last October, is that right?
Elara
That's correct. I was working as a Sales Advisor as part of my apprenticeship. Although customer service was my main responsibility, I also took on tasks like organising visual displays and working with business clients on joint projects. I even contributed to content during seasonal promotions, which really grew my interest in brand communication.
Sam Brooks
That sounds like quite a varied role for a retail position.
Elara
It was. I had to be flexible and think on my feet. Even though my title wasn't in communications, I was regularly connecting the product, the client, and the brand message in practice.
Sam Brooks
That's exactly the kind of initiative we appreciate in candidates early in their careers. I also noticed your experience at Caldmere Systems, which is a start-up. Could you tell me more about that?
Elara
Of course. That was a short internship during my undergraduate studies. Caldmere Systems is a small, eco-friendly fashion brand aimed at younger audiences. I was responsible for managing their Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, putting together weekly content plans, and helping update their website. I also used Meta Business Suite to run post tests and track performance, which taught me a lot about reaching the right audience online.
Sam Brooks
That's impressive, having experience in both a corporate environment and a start-up is a real advantage. Which digital tools do you use the most?
Elara
I mainly use Canva for creating visual content, Meta Business Suite for scheduling posts and monitoring results, and Google Analytics for reviewing data. I've also used Notion for organising team projects and Slack for day-to-day communication. I'm always looking to improve my skills, and I tend to pick up new tools fairly quickly.
Sam Brooks
That's good to hear. Now, I'd like to ask about something a little sensitive. Your role at Brankside Holdings is ending sooner than planned. Could you explain what happened?
Elara
Of course. The original plan was for my contract to run until August 2025, but because of lower customer numbers and some internal changes at the company, it was ended earlier. It wasn't easy, but it pushed me to focus on my job search sooner. Looking back, I think I'm ready to move into a full-time communications role, and I'm trying to approach the situation constructively.
Sam Brooks
That's a mature way to look at it. These situations do happen, especially in retail. So, what made you want to apply to our company specifically?
Elara
I'm really attracted to the international nature of your work. I've been following some of your campaigns, including the one for the eco-tech brand in Scandinavia. I was impressed by how you kept a clear brand identity while adapting to local cultures. I'm also keen to use both French and English professionally, as I'm fluent in French and working hard to improve my English.
Sam Brooks
That campaign performed really well. Your English is clearly coming along nicely. Have you had the chance to use it in a work context?
Elara
Not very often, since most of my roles have been in French. However, I have written emails and reports in English on a few occasions. These days I'm spending more time studying and practising spoken English regularly. Taking part in this interview is actually a great opportunity to put that into practice.
Sam Brooks
You're handling it well. Good communication is really about being clear and confident, not just about perfect grammar. Looking at your experience overall, which skill do you think has been most useful?
Elara
I think my strongest skill is understanding what clients or customers need and turning that into something concrete. At Brankside I focused on giving personalised service, and at Caldmere I created content that was tailored to a specific audience. I always try to keep the end user in mind, which I think is really central to good communications work.
Sam Brooks
Absolutely, putting the customer first is essential. We also work under pressure sometimes, with tight deadlines and last-minute changes. How do you handle that kind of stress?
Elara
I focus on managing my time carefully and I rely on task lists to stay organised, I often use Trello, though a notebook works too. I also make sure to communicate openly with my team when things get busy. For example, during my time at Fennwick Partners, I was responsible for coordinating travel and senior-level meetings, and when things changed unexpectedly, I had to reorganise quickly and keep everyone informed.
Sam Brooks
It's clear you're well-organised. As a final question, what would you like to achieve over the next couple of years?
Elara
In the near future, I want to strengthen my skills in communication and campaign management, and gradually take on more independent responsibility for projects. Further down the line, my goal is to work as a Communications Manager, ideally at a company with a strong social or environmental mission. For now, though, my priority is to keep learning and make a real contribution wherever I can.
Sam Brooks
That's a well-thought-out answer. You seem motivated to get started while still being open to development. Thank you for your time and for preparing so thoroughly, Elara.
Elara
Thank you, Julian. I've really enjoyed our conversation. Whatever happens next, I've found this a genuinely useful experience.
Sam Brooks
That attitude will take you far. We'll be in touch soon. Have a great rest of your day.
Elara
You too. Goodbye.

Advanced version

Elara
Good morning, Sam Brooks. It's a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for making the time to speak with me today.
Sam Brooks
Good morning, Elara. Likewise. Please, call me Julian. Let's keep this conversation informal. How are you today?
Elara
I'm well, thank you. A touch nervous, but genuinely delighted to be here.
Sam Brooks
That's perfectly understandable. Let's start with a bit about you. Could you tell me a bit about who you are and what you do?
Elara
Certainly. I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree in Management and Business Strategy at Verolane Group in Marseille, with a focus on communication and digital marketing. During my studies, I've gained practical experience in retail, digital content creation, and administrative support. Now, I'm seeking a full-time role in communications, ideally within a company like yours that operates across diverse cultures and languages. I aim to leverage both my academic background and hands-on experience.
Sam Brooks
Thank you, Elara. That's a solid introduction. Let's discuss your most recent role. You've been with Brankside Holdings since last October, correct?
Elara
Yes, that's right. I served as a Sales Advisor during my apprenticeship there. While my primary responsibility was customer service, I took on additional tasks such as managing visual store displays and collaborating on B2B projects with corporate clients. I also contributed to the store's content during seasonal campaigns, which deepened my interest in brand communication and storytelling.
Sam Brooks
That sounds quite multifaceted for a retail position.
Elara
Indeed. It required adaptability and problem-solving. Although my title wasn't Communications Assistant, I effectively bridged the gap between product, client, and brand messaging.
Sam Brooks
That's precisely the kind of initiative we value in someone new to the field. I also noticed your stint at Caldmere Systems, a start-up. Could you elaborate on that?
Elara
Of course. That was a brief internship during my Bachelor's degree. Caldmere Systems is a small, eco-conscious fashion brand targeting a young demographic. I managed their Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, developed weekly content calendars, and contributed to their website. I also utilized Meta Business Suite to A/B test posts and analyze performance. It was a valuable lesson in audience targeting and digital engagement.
Sam Brooks
Excellent. It's impressive to see both corporate and start-up experience. Which digital tools do you rely on most?
Elara
I primarily use Canva for visual content creation, Meta Business Suite for scheduling and performance tracking, and Google Analytics for data analysis. I've also used Notion for team collaboration and Slack for group communication. I'm still honing my skills, but I'm a quick learner and genuinely enjoy mastering new tools.
Sam Brooks
That's great. Now, I have a slightly more delicate question. Your position at Brankside Holdings is ending earlier than anticipated. Could you explain why?
Elara
Yes. It was originally scheduled to run until August 2025. However, due to reduced foot traffic and internal restructuring, my contract was terminated early. It was certainly challenging, but it accelerated my job search. I've since realized I'm fully prepared to commit to a full-time communications role. I'm trying to view the situation positively.
Sam Brooks
That's a very thoughtful response. These things happen, particularly in retail. So, what drew you to apply to our company?
Elara
I'm drawn to your international scope. I've followed some of your campaigns, such as the one for that eco-tech brand in Scandinavia. I admire how you maintain a consistent brand message while adapting to different cultures. I'm particularly interested in roles that leverage both French and English, as I'm fluent in French and actively improving my English.
Sam Brooks
That initiative yielded strong results. Your command of the language is evident. Have you applied it in a professional setting?
Elara
Not extensively. Most of my roles have been French-speaking. However, I have drafted reports and emails in English. I'm currently dedicating significant time to studying and practicing spoken English daily. This interview itself is a valuable learning opportunity.
Sam Brooks
You're doing very well. Effective communication isn't just about grammar; it's about clarity and confidence. Which skill from your past roles do you consider most valuable?
Elara
I believe I excel at identifying client needs and translating them into action. At Brankside, I provided personalized service; at Caldmere, I crafted audience-specific content. I always prioritize the user's perspective, which I believe is crucial in communications.
Sam Brooks
Absolutely, understanding the customer is key. We often work under tight deadlines and face sudden changes. How do you manage stress?
Elara
I prioritize time management and rely on to-do lists. I'm fond of Trello, though I sometimes use a paper notebook. I also emphasize open communication with my team during shifts. For instance, at Fennwick Partners, I coordinated travel and high-level meetings. When plans changed, I had to quickly adjust and inform everyone.
Sam Brooks
Your organizational skills are clear. To conclude, what do you hope to achieve in the next couple of years?
Elara
In the short term, I aim to sharpen my communication and campaign management skills. I hope to take ownership of smaller projects independently. Long-term, I aspire to become a Communications Manager, preferably within an eco-conscious or mission-driven company. For now, I'm eager to learn and contribute to the team in any capacity.
Sam Brooks
That's a well-considered plan. You seem ready to hit the ground running while also being open to growth. Thank you for your time and thorough preparation, Elara.
Elara
Thank you, Julian. I truly enjoyed this conversation. Regardless of the outcome, I consider it a valuable experience.
Sam Brooks
That mindset serves you well. We will reach out soon. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Elara
You as well. Goodbye.

Check your understanding

1. What is Elara currently studying, and where?

Show answer
Elara is pursuing a Master's degree in Management and Business Strategy at Verolane Group in Marseille.

2. How does Elara describe her role and responsibilities at Brankside Holdings?

Show answer
Elara served as a Sales Advisor during an apprenticeship. Her primary responsibility was customer service, but she also managed visual store displays, collaborated on B2B projects with corporate clients, and contributed to store content during seasonal campaigns.

3. What digital tools does Elara mention she is familiar with?

Show answer
Elara mentions using Canva, Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics, Notion, and Slack.

4. Why is Elara’s apprenticeship at Brankside Holdings ending earlier than planned?

Show answer
The contract was terminated early due to reduced foot traffic and internal restructuring at the company.

5. How does Elara explain her experience using English in professional contexts?

Show answer
Elara states she has not used English extensively in professional roles, as most of her roles have been French-speaking. However, she has drafted reports and emails in English and is currently dedicating significant time to studying and practicing spoken English daily.

Grammar practice (mixed)

Prepositionsself-check

She was responsible ___ managing social media content at Caldmere Systems.

Show answer & why
for · 💡 The adjective 'responsible' is always followed by the preposition 'for' when indicating the thing for which one has responsibility.
Linking Words/Phrases

Elara had limited experience using English professionally; ___, she was actively improving.

Show answer & why
however · 💡 The word 'however' is used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or seems surprising given the previous statement.
Conditionalsself-check

If Elara ___ more experience with English, she would feel even more confident.

Show answer & why
had · 💡 This is a second conditional sentence, which uses the past simple tense in the if-clause to talk about hypothetical or unlikely situations in the present or future.
Prepositionsself-check

Elara is currently pursuing her Master's degree ____ Verolane Group in Marseille, with a focus on communication and digital marketing.

Show answer & why
at · 💡 The preposition 'at' is used to indicate the specific institution or organization where someone is studying or working.
Conjunctions

While my primary responsibility was customer service, I took on additional tasks such as managing visual store displays ____ collaborating on B2B projects with corporate clients.

Show answer & why
and · 💡 The conjunction 'and' is used to connect two similar items or actions (managing displays and collaborating on projects) that are both part of the additional tasks.
Conditionalsself-check

If I ____ the opportunity to join your team, I would be able to apply my academic knowledge in a real-world setting immediately.

Show answer & why
were offered · 💡 This is a second conditional sentence, which describes a hypothetical or unlikely situation in the present or future. The structure requires the past simple in the if-clause ('were offered') and 'would + base verb' in the main clause.

Discussion (practise speaking)

How did your apprenticeship at Brankside Holdings prepare you for a role in communications despite your title being Sales Advisor?

🤔 Think about a time when your job title didn't match your actual responsibilities.

Show sample answer
  • I managed visual store displays which required an eye for brand aesthetics.
  • I collaborated on B2B projects that taught me how to communicate with corporate clients.
  • I contributed to seasonal campaigns, which helped me understand the importance of timing and messaging.

Ask Phil: Practice describing how your past roles have prepared you for a new career path.

What specific digital tools do you use to manage content and analyze performance, and why are they important?

🤔 Consider which tools you rely on most and how they improve your workflow.

Show sample answer
  • I use Canva for creating visual content because it is user-friendly and efficient.
  • Meta Business Suite helps me schedule posts and track engagement metrics.
  • Google Analytics allows me to understand user behavior and optimize content strategy.

Ask Phil: Discuss how technology impacts your ability to measure success in communications.

How do you handle stress and adapt to sudden changes in a fast-paced environment?

🤔 Reflect on your personal strategies for managing stress and adapting to change.

Show sample answer
  • I prioritize tasks using to-do lists and tools like Trello to stay organized.
  • I maintain open communication with my team to ensure everyone is informed of changes.
  • At Fennwick Partners, I learned to quickly adjust plans and inform stakeholders when travel or meetings changed.

Ask Phil: Practice explaining how you stay organized and calm under pressure.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how do they align with the company's mission?

🤔 Think about how your career goals align with the values and mission of the companies you want to work for.

Show sample answer
  • In the short term, I want to sharpen my campaign management skills and take ownership of smaller projects.
  • Long-term, I aspire to become a Communications Manager in an eco-conscious or mission-driven company.
  • I am eager to contribute to the team while learning and growing within the organization.

Ask Phil: Articulate your career goals and explain how they fit with the company's values.

Vocabulary

Management and Business Strategy
reveal definition An academic field focusing on how organizations achieve their goals and plan for the future. “I'm currently pursuing my Master's degree in Management and Business Strategy at Verolane Group in Marseille, with a focus on communication and digital marketing.”
↗
B2B projects
reveal definition Business-to-business projects that involve transactions or collaborations between companies rather than individual consumers. “While my primary responsibility was customer service, I took on additional tasks such as managing visual store displays and collaborating on B2B projects with corporate clients.”
↗
brand communication
reveal definition The practice of conveying a company's message, values, and identity to its audience through various channels. “I also contributed to the store's content during seasonal campaigns, which deepened my interest in brand communication and storytelling.”
↗
audience targeting
reveal definition The process of identifying and focusing on specific groups of people who are most likely to be interested in a product or service. “It was a valuable lesson in audience targeting and digital engagement.”
↗
internal restructuring
reveal definition A significant change in a company's organizational structure, often involving the reassignment of roles or departments. “However, due to reduced foot traffic and internal restructuring, my contract was terminated early.”
↗
international scope
reveal definition The global reach or extent of a company's operations, covering multiple countries or regions. “I'm drawn to your international scope.”
↗
tight deadlines
reveal definition Short periods of time within which a task or project must be completed. “We often work under tight deadlines and face sudden changes.”
↗
campaign management
reveal definition The process of planning, executing, and overseeing marketing or communication campaigns to achieve specific objectives. “In the short term, I aim to sharpen my communication and campaign management skills.”
↗

Key phrases (useful expressions from the dialogue)

More HR & Recruitment lessons

Addressing Employee Resistance to IT System Rollout

Alex Vance and Sam Brooks discuss the initial success of a Spanish pilot rollout for a new IT system, focusing…

Airline Pilot Interview and Radio Communication Test

A candidate undergoes a simulated airline interview and radio communication assessment to evaluate aviation vo…

Conducting a Performance Review with a Stock Team Leader

An assistant manager meets with a senior stock associate to evaluate team performance ahead of the holiday rus…

Discussing Career Transition with a Headhunter

A legal professional meets with a headhunter to explore new career opportunities after leaving a senior role. …

Executive Interview for Regional Operations Director

An executive candidate interviews for a regional operations director role, discussing leadership style and pas…

First-Round Leadership Interview at Consulting Firm

An HR Director conducts a first-round interview with a candidate for a Director of Strategy & Transformation r…

Keep going

Practise this scenario live with Phil, and get a personalised lesson built from your own mistakes. Interactive in the browser, with a booklet to keep.

Book a lesson with Phil