Entrevista de trabajo en español (A2): Key phrases, ser vs estar, and culture

Ready to shine in a Spanish job interview? In this A2-friendly guide, we’ll cover the essentials: how to greet, introduce yourself, answer common questions, and avoid easy mistakes. You’ll learn useful phrases like “Tengo experiencia” (I have experience) and when to use ser vs estar. Short, practical, and interactive—let’s go!

Saludos y presentación (Greetings and introduction)

In a job interview, keep it formal. Use “usted” unless the interviewer invites “tú.” Start with a polite greeting:

• Hola, buenos días. (Hello, good morning.)
• Mucho gusto. (Nice to meet you.)
• Encantado/Encantada. (Pleased to meet you.)

Introduce yourself and your background:

• Me llamo [Nombre]. (My name is [Name].)
• Soy [profesión]. (I am a [profession].)
• Tengo [x] años de experiencia. (I have [x] years of experience.)
• Actualmente estoy buscando nuevas oportunidades. (I am currently looking for new opportunities.)

Practice: reorder a mini interview

Put the conversation in a logical order (greeting, intro, motivation, strengths).

Tip: In Spanish interviews, you might hear “Háblame de ti” (Tell me about yourself). Keep it short and relevant: education, experience, strengths.

Ser vs estar para describirte (How to describe yourself)

Use ser for permanent traits and identity; estar for temporary states.

• Soy responsable y puntual. (I am responsible and punctual.)
• Estoy motivado/a. (I am motivated right now.)
• Estoy disponible a partir de la próxima semana. (I’m available starting next week.)

Yo responsable y puntual.

Ahora en búsqueda de nuevas oportunidades.

dos años de experiencia en ventas.

Responder preguntas comunes (Answering common questions)

Here are typical questions and model answers. Adapt them to your situation.

• ¿Por qué te interesa este puesto? (Why are you interested in this position?)

  • Me interesa porque puedo aprender y aportar al equipo. (I’m interested because I can learn and contribute to the team.)

• ¿Cuáles son tus fortalezas? (What are your strengths?)

  • Soy responsable, organizado/a y me comunico bien. (I’m responsible, organized, and I communicate well.)

• ¿Cuál es tu experiencia? (What is your experience?)

  • Tengo experiencia en ventas y atención al cliente. (I have experience in sales and customer service.)

• ¿Cuándo puedes empezar? (When can you start?)

  • Estoy disponible desde el lunes. (I’m available from Monday.)

Vocabulary for strengths and weaknesses

Use positive traits, and be honest about areas to improve.

• fortaleza (strength)
• debilidad (weakness)
• responsable (responsible)
• puntual (punctual)
• proactivo/a (proactive)
• flexible (flexible)
• trabajar en equipo (to work in a team)
• liderar (to lead)
• resolver problemas (to solve problems)

Cultural notes: being polite and professional

• Use “usted” in formal settings: ¿Cómo está usted? (How are you?) Many companies still prefer formal language in the first interview.
• Punctuality matters: Llega 10 minutos antes. (Arrive 10 minutes early.)
• Keep answers concise: 30–60 seconds for “Tell me about yourself.”
• Bring or send your currículum (résumé) and be ready to speak about it.
• Show enthusiasm: Me gustaría contribuir al equipo. (I’d like to contribute to the team.)

Essential verbs for interviews

Tener (to have) is key for talking about experience and qualifications. Review the present tense:

Quick corrections: avoid common mistakes

Mini-quiz: choose the best interview Spanish

Select the best option for each situation.

Final practice: short pitch (30 seconds)

Use this template and customize it.

Spanish:

• Buenos días. Me llamo [Nombre]. Soy [profesión] y tengo [x] años de experiencia en [área]. Me interesa este puesto porque puedo aportar [fortaleza] y aprender [habilidad]. Estoy disponible desde [fecha].

English:

• Good morning. My name is [Name]. I am a [profession] and I have [x] years of experience in [area]. I’m interested in this position because I can contribute [strength] and learn [skill]. I’m available starting [date].

You’ve got this. Practice these phrases out loud, keep your answers clear, and remember: "Soy responsable" + "Estoy listo/a" will take you far. ¡Suerte en tu entrevista! (Good luck in your interview!)