😬 The Waiting Room
Mission 2 · Unit 2 — You're not the only nervous person here. Small talk while you wait — nerves, prep, expectations.
👀 Two Strangers, One Waiting Room
Emma and Noah are both waiting for job interviews. Read what they say to each other.
Same chairs. Different nerves.
Emma: Hi, are you here for the interview too?
Noah: Yeah, I'm so nervous. This is my first ever job interview.
Emma: Me too. What job are you applying for?
Noah: Junior Reporter at the youth magazine. You?
Emma: Front Desk Trainee at the hotel down the street. Have you prepared any questions to ask them?
Noah: A few. I read some tips online — apparently you should always ask something at the end.
Emma: Good idea. I'm mostly worried they'll ask something I don't know how to answer.
Noah: Same. But I guess that's normal, right? Nobody expects us to know everything.
Emma: True. Good luck, by the way!
Noah: You too!
True or False: Noah is applying for the same job as Emma.
True or False: This is Noah's first job interview.
True or False: Emma is worried about not knowing an answer.
🗣️ Useful Small Talk Phrases
- Are you here for the interview too?
- I'm so nervous / a little nervous / really nervous.
- What job are you applying for?
- Have you prepared any questions?
- I'm worried that …
- I hope they ask about …
- Good luck!
✍️ Write Your Own Waiting-Room Dialogue
With a partner: write a short dialogue (6–10 lines) between two nervous candidates. Use at least 4 phrases from the box above. Talk about the job, your nerves, how you prepared, and what you expect.
💭 Reflection
How do you think you would feel in this situation? What would help you feel less nervous?
Almost done
Enter your name and class, then submit.
Next up
They call your name. It's your turn.