JOB LINE
面接ガイド　英会話チートシート
Interview Cheat Sheet
Sheet 1 of 2  ●  Before & During the Interview  ●  Retail / Café / Service Jobs
01
立ち居振る舞い Body Language & First Impression
🤝
✓ DO
Smile when you enter and introduce yourself
Offer a firm (not crushing) handshake
Make steady eye contact — look away sometimes, not staring
Sit up straight, feet flat on floor
Nod occasionally to show you're listening
Bring a copy of your résumé
✗ DON'T
Cross your arms — looks defensive
Look at your phone or bag
Speak too quietly — project your voice
Say "um" repeatedly — take a breath instead
Badmouth your previous job or boss
Arrive late — aim for 10 min early
★ PRO TIPWhen you walk in, say: "Hi, I'm [Name]. It's great to meet you!" — confident, warm, simple.
最初の挨拶 Openings & Small Talk
💬
  • "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me."
  • "I'm really excited about this opportunity."
  • If asked "How was your trip here?" → "It was easy, thanks! The directions were very clear."
  • If asked "Did you find us okay?" → "Yes, no problem at all!"
  • "I've heard great things about this store / café."
★ FILLER PHRASES — buy yourself thinking time "That's a great question…"  |  "Let me think for a second…"  |  "What I mean is…"  |  "To put it another way…"
よくある質問と答え方 Common Questions + Model Answers
📋
Tell me about yourself.
"I'm [Name]. I studied [subject] and I've [brief experience]. I'm very motivated, and I enjoy working with people. I'm excited to bring that energy here."
Why do you want this job?
"I love interacting with customers and being part of a team. I'm drawn to [company name] because [one genuine reason — friendly atmosphere, love the brand, etc.]."
What are your strengths?
"I'm very reliable, I pick things up quickly, and I stay calm when things get busy."
What are your weaknesses?
"I sometimes work too hard on details. I'm learning to balance thoroughness with speed." (Turn it positive!)
Do you have experience?
If yes: "Yes, I worked at [place] for [time]. I handled [task]."
If no: "Not in the US yet, but in Japan I [relevant experience]. I'm a quick learner."
Are you available on weekends?
"Yes, weekends work well for me." / "I'm flexible on most weekends, but I may occasionally need Sundays off — is that okay?"
重要語彙 Key Vocabulary
📖
shifta work period (morning shift)
availabilitywhen you can work
registerthe cash machine / POS
flexibleable to change / adapt
customer servicehelping / serving people
reliablealways on time, trustworthy
part-timefewer than 40 hrs/week
full-time~40 hrs/week
referencespeople who recommend you
résumé / CVyour work history document
onboardingtraining when you start
probationtrial period at start
自己紹介の公式 Self-Introduction Formula
⭐
1Name + origin: "My name is [Name]. I'm originally from Japan, and I've been in the US for [time]."
2Background: "I studied [English / Business / etc.] and I have experience in [customer service / food / retail]."
3Personality: "I'm a hard worker, I love meeting people, and I always give 100%."
4Hook: "I'm really excited about this position because [one specific reason]."
Keep it to 60–90 seconds. Practice out loud before the interview!
INTERVIEW LINE
ARRIVE EARLY GREET WARMLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF ANSWER QUESTIONS ASK QUESTIONS THANK THEM FOLLOW UP
JOB LINE
面接ガイド　英会話チートシート
Interview Cheat Sheet
Sheet 2 of 2  ●  Tough Questions, Job Scenarios & Closing  ●  Retail / Café / Service Jobs
02
状況別の質問と答え方 Situational Questions — Retail, Café & Service
🎯
RETAIL
A customer is unhappy with a product. What do you do?
"I'd listen carefully, apologize for the inconvenience, and offer to help find a solution — a replacement, refund, or manager."
CAFÉ
You made the wrong drink. The customer is waiting.
"I'd apologize immediately, remake it quickly, and maybe offer a small extra — like a cookie or discount — to make it right."
RETAIL
It's very busy and you have multiple customers waiting.
"I stay calm, acknowledge each customer, prioritize by order, and ask a colleague for help if needed."
CAFÉ
A customer is rude to you. How do you handle it?
"I stay professional and polite, try to understand their concern, and if it escalates, I involve my manager."
GENERAL
Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.
"At [school/job/club], I collaborated with [people] to [goal]. I listened, communicated, and we succeeded together."
ANY JOB
Where do you see yourself in 1–2 years?
"I'd love to grow with this company, develop my skills, and take on more responsibility over time."
給与・時間の話し方 Hours, Pay & Availability Phrases
🕐
  • "I'm flexible on hours — weekdays and weekends work for me."
  • "What does a typical shift look like here?"
  • "How many hours per week would this role be?"
  • If asked salary: "I'm open to discussing — what is the range for this position?"
  • "I'm happy to start with the offered rate and grow from there."
  • "Is overtime sometimes available?"
  • If you have limits: "I'm not available before 9am on weekdays — is that okay?"
面接官への質問 Questions to Ask the Interviewer
❓
★ ALWAYS ASK 1–2 QUESTIONS — it shows genuine interest
  • "What does a typical day look like for this role?"
  • "What qualities do your best team members have?"
  • "Is there training provided when I start?"
  • "What do you enjoy most about working here?"
  • "What are the next steps in the hiring process?"
  • "When can I expect to hear back from you?"
Avoid asking about pay or days off in the first interview unless they bring it up.
締めの言葉・お礼メール Closing the Interview & Follow-Up
✉️
CLOSING PHRASES
  • "Thank you so much for your time today."
  • "I really enjoyed learning about this position."
  • "I'm very interested in joining the team."
  • "I look forward to hearing from you."
  • Handshake: "It was a pleasure meeting you!"
THANK-YOU EMAIL (send within 24 hrs)
Subject: Thank you — [Job Title] Interview

Dear [Name],

Thank you for taking the time to interview me today for the [position] role. I really enjoyed our conversation and learning more about [company].

I'm very excited about the opportunity and would love to join your team. Please let me know if you need anything else from me.

Best regards,
[Your Name] | [Phone/Email]
★ IF YOU DON'T GET THE JOBIt's okay to ask: "Could you share any feedback that might help me in future interviews?" — Shows maturity and willingness to grow.
緊急フレーズ Emergency Phrases — When You're Stuck
🆘
DIDN'T UNDERSTAND
"Sorry, could you repeat that?" / "Could you say that more slowly, please?"
NEED MORE TIME
"That's a great question — let me think for a moment." / "Hmm, I'd say…"
DON'T KNOW ANSWER
"I haven't experienced that yet, but I would…" / "I'd make sure to ask my manager."
MADE A MISTAKE
"Sorry, what I meant to say was…" / "Let me rephrase that…"
INTERVIEW LINE
ARRIVE EARLY GREET WARMLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF ANSWER QUESTIONS ASK QUESTIONS THANK THEM ★ GOT THE JOB!