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If you are looking for a job, you will find that many companies and industries are looking for a TOEIC score above a certain level. Even if it is not a specific score, if you are a company that uses English, the TOEIC score will affect the selection. Some people may be wondering, "Isn't it possible to get a slightly higher score than it really is?"
So, this time, I will explain how to answer when asked about TOEIC in a job hunting interview. I will also introduce the effects of lying and getting caught, so if you are currently job hunting or will be job hunting, please check this article.
Interviewer's intention to ask TOEIC questions
In job hunting interviews, the interviewer will give you the opportunity to ask about your TOEIC test experience and score. Why do interviewers ask questions about the TOEIC? Let's know the intention.
Confirmation of human resources who can play an active role globally
In recent years, the number of companies that have moved the market to the world is increasing, and many companies are planning to expand into the world in the future. For such companies, the ability of their employees to speak English is very important.
The reason why you are asked about TOEIC in a job hunting interview is to determine if you are a human resource who can play an active role in promoting globalization. Among various English qualifications, many companies use TOEIC, which has a large number of examinees and is also suitable for business, as "an index for assessing English proficiency."
Ask questions about TOEIC if you are a company that has already expanded overseas, a company that is considering expanding overseas, a company that is actively hiring foreigners, or if you have a job that requires an interpreter for the job you are applying for. Then, check the applicant's English proficiency.
Check if there is room for growth
I sometimes get questions about TOEIC even though I am not a company that does not expand overseas at all or a department that uses English. In this case, you may be asking a question to see if you have room to grow.
In order to get a certain score in TOEIC, you have to study hard. To put it the other way around, TOEIC, which has many countermeasure books and a tendency to ask questions, can get a certain score by studying.
Having a score above a certain level on the TOEIC is proof that you have been patient with one thing. Even if it is not a job that uses English directly, the interviewer will check whether the applicant can make an effort by asking questions about TOEIC.
What to do when asked about TOEIC
Even if you assume that you have a question about TOEIC, you are wondering how to answer it. From here, I will introduce how to deal with interviews according to the situation. Think about where you are and know what to do best.
If the score is high
First of all, what to do if the TOEIC score is high. The score that is judged to be high depends on the company and industry you are applying for. Check the score of the company or industry, and if the current score is higher than that, let's deal with it by the method described below.
Just because you have a high TOEIC score, you don't like the answers you brag about. While introducing the episodes of TOEIC learning so far, it is more favorable to appeal that you are humble and "I am still learning to get a high score". When you talk about the episode, let's talk about the reason why you decided to study TOEIC and how you made an effort.
If the score is low
Even if your TOEIC score is low, you must answer when asked. At this time, I want to be careful not to say "English ability and TOEIC score are not always proportional" in attitude or words. It is true that TOEIC alone cannot judge English proficiency, but there is no point in appealing it.
If your score is increasing little by little, "I was in the 300s for the first exam, but now I'm in the 500s. It's a slow pace, but I'm studying to get a high score little by little." Let's be specific about the situation where the score is rising.
Also, in order not to take a negative score at the moment, "I was shocked that the score was low in the previous TOEIC test, so I am now focusing on learning English. I would like to aim for 700 points in the next test. It is also OK to tell.
If you have not taken the TOEIC test
If the industry or industry you are aiming for does not require English, you may not have taken the TOEIC test. In that case, you don't have to lie and say "I've taken the exam". On the other hand, do not give the attitude that "TOEIC is not necessary".
Even companies and occupations that are not related to English may be asked, "How good is your English?" For that time, prepare some episodes that can appeal your English ability, such as "I often travel abroad, but I have no problems with words" and "I have foreign friends and communicate in English". Let's go.
If you have qualifications or goals other than English, you can talk about them. Through that story, I will appeal that I can make continuous efforts.
Risk when lying in the score and getting caught
Even if you are asked about TOEIC in an interview and lie, you are rarely asked to show your score. However, the interviewer's eyes are strict, and there is a good chance that he will get caught after joining the company. Be aware of the risks of telling a false score.
The offer may be canceled
Even if you tell a false TOEIC score because you want to get a job offer, if you find out that it is a lie, the job offer may be canceled. There are some conditions for a company to cancel a job offer, and false declarations at the time of selection apply to those conditions.
If the lie is revealed and the job offer is canceled at the end of the job hunting season, it may be difficult to find a job.
Losing the trust of those around you
Even if a false declaration is made after joining the company, there may be no blame. However, there is a possibility that it will be rumored that "that person seems to have joined the company with a false TOEIC test".
In that case, even if you work hard, you will be seen as a "person who made a false declaration", and you may lose the trust of those around you.
If you have already joined the company, your salary may be reduced.
You shouldn't get fired just because you declared a false TOEIC score and joined the company. However, you may be subject to punishment such as salary reduction.
Also, since it is known to the upper management as "a person who made a false declaration", there is a possibility that he will lose the chance of promotion or be relegated in the future.
I have a hard time when I am entrusted with the task of using English
For example, if you lie, "The TOEIC score is 900 points," the company may say, "If you have that much English ability, let's leave the job to use English." If you declare a score that is considerably higher than it actually is, you will not be able to do the work and you will have a hard time because you cannot understand English even if you are entrusted with the work.
People around me may be rumored that they can't really speak English, which may make them uncomfortable.
Conclusion
It is not uncommon to be asked about TOEIC in job hunting interviews. It is safe to ask a question if you assume how you will answer by referring to the countermeasures introduced this time.
You may want to give a higher score than it really is to make a good impression on the interviewer, but it will be a problem later if the lie is revealed. There is nothing you can lie to, so answer honestly. If your score is low or you haven't taken the test, it's a good idea to prepare an episode that can appeal your English ability other than TOEIC, or an episode that tells you how much you can grow!
