So picture this. You finally land a job interview. You’re excited, you iron your shirt (or maybe you don’t lol), you reach the office, and then boom… the interviewer starts speaking in English. Suddenly, your brain freezes. Like bro, where did all the English words go?? They were here last night when you were practicing in front of the mirror.
I’ve been there. It’s like your brain is playing hide-and-seek with English vocabulary. And you just sit there smiling, saying “Yes sir, I am very hard worker” on repeat. 😂
Don’t worry. It happens to sooo many Urdu speakers (me included). So let’s break it down. How do you actually survive — and even shine — in an English job interview when Urdu is your comfort zone?
Honestly, interviewers are kinda predictable. They ask the same boring stuff again and again, like:
Bro, you can literally prepare these answers in advance. It’s not cheating, it’s smart.
Example:
Tell me about yourself → “My name is Ali. I studied Computer Science. I worked two years in IT support. I like problem solving. I want to grow my skills in your company.”
See? Simple English. No Shakespeare needed.
This is the biggest trap. You think in Urdu → translate in your head → by the time English comes out, you’re already panicking.
Like:
Urdu thought: میں بہت محنت کرتا ہوں
English panic: “I am much hardworking.” 😭
Instead, just learn simple ready-made phrases.
Urdu → English shortcut examples:
Easy.
But trust me, it works. Just stand there, ask yourself questions, and answer in English. Record yourself if you can. You’ll notice where you get stuck.
I once did this before an interview, and I kept saying “ummm” like every 2 seconds. Sounded like I was buffering. 😅 After practicing, it got better.
Sometimes your brain just blanks out. Instead of awkward silence, use small phrases.
Examples:
These give you a few seconds to gather thoughts without looking lost.
Look, no one cares if your grammar is 100% correct. What matters is confidence.
Like, even if you say: “I am very hardworking person and I do work with passion,” the interviewer gets the point. Don’t kill yourself over little mistakes.
Smile. Make eye contact. Sit straight. That alone makes you look professional.
Okay this is a risky one. But sometimes, if you really can’t explain something, just politely say it in Urdu. Example:
“I’m sorry, I don’t know the English word for this, but in Urdu we say…”
Most interviewers in Pakistan will understand. They’ll appreciate honesty over awkward silence.
| Urdu Thought | Simple English for Interview |
|---|---|
| میں محنتی ہوں | I work hard |
| مجھے نیا سیکھنا پسند ہے | I like learning new things |
| میں ٹیم میں اچھا کام کرتا ہوں | I work well in a team |
| مجھے مسائل حل کرنا پسند ہے | I enjoy solving problems |
| مجھے ذمہ داری لینا پسند ہے | I like taking responsibility |
So once I had an interview where they asked: “What are your weaknesses?” And my genius brain panicked and said:
“My weakness is… electricity load shedding.”
💀 The silence in the room… omg. But hey, we live and learn. Next time I just said: “Sometimes I take too much responsibility, but I am working on balance.” That sounded way more professional (and less Karachi-electric rant).
Write down 3–4 sentences for each common question. Memorize them loosely, not word-for-word, so you don’t sound like a robot.
Example:
Why should we hire you?
→ “I have skills for this role. I am hardworking. I want to contribute to your company. And I am eager to learn.”
Done. Short and sweet.
Remember: the interviewer is not your enemy. They’re just another human, probably tired, probably thinking about their chai break. They want you to do well because it makes their job easier.
So breathe. Chill. You got this.
A: Lol, it happens. Just breathe, use simple words, or even say: “Sorry, I’m nervous.” They’ll get it.
A: YES. Slow is better than rushing and mumbling. You’re not in a rap battle.
A: Honestly, most don’t. As long as you’re clear, it’s fine. Don’t stress if you sound “Urdu-ish.”
A: Nope. Just know the ideas. Speak naturally.
A: Just admit it politely: “I don’t know, but I’m willing to learn.” That’s actually impressive.
Interviews in English are scary at first, but once you do 2–3, they feel way less terrifying. Like the first time you ride a bike — you wobble, maybe fall, maybe cry a little — but then boom, you’re cruising.
So yeah, practice, prepare simple sentences, don’t panic if your English isn’t perfect. Confidence and honesty go a long way. And if nothing works, just smile. Smiles are universal.
Check out our free English course or take the English-Urdu Quiz to earn a free diploma at Urdupro.info. You got this!