It is hardly worth comparing the significance of these factors. We at DataArt pay great attention to the English language, because it is important for us that colleagues can communicate directly with the customer and among themselves in distributed teams. Of course, the level of technological proficiency and immersion in the main profession is very important. However, working at DataArt without proper knowledge of English is very rare.

As a specialist, you most definitely deal with English all the time: you read documentation, correspond with colleagues, learn new technologies. However, this is not the same as conversational skills. It is important that you understand English speech, and react adequately to the speech of the person you are talking to, and support and build a dialogue. Such communicative competencies are not always directly related to knowledge of grammar rules and the diversity of one’s vocabulary.

Our interviews are not like tests where there are correct or incorrect answers. First of all, this is a friendly conversation, so we hope that you will take an active part in it.

The interview lasts 10–20 minutes, depending on how actively the candidate makes contact and how willingly they talk about themselves.

The interview can be conditionally divided into two stages:

1. Small talk. They say “there’s nothing small about small talk.” It is, in fact, very important. We look closely at each other and check our mutual readiness for communication during such a conversation.

2. Talking shop is part of the conversation with a more professional focus.

• Presentation logic
• Vocabulary
• Grammatical correctness
• Fluency of speech
• Pronunciation
• The manner and tone of communication

1. Try to choose a quiet, calm place to make the call. Even if the noise in a cafe or on the street does not bother you, the teacher may not hear what you are saying. A home environment or a meeting room in a coworking space is perfect.
2. The interview usually takes place via Microsoft Teams, but just in case, include other contacts in your resume. Then, in case of connection problems, you can switch to a regular phone.
3. We are all real people and, perhaps, the day of the interview won’t be the best for you. If you are not feeling well or are not in the best emotional state, it is better to ask to reschedule the interview and do great on another day.
4. If you didn’t understand the question, or you didn’t catch a separate phrase or don’t know a certain word, don’t hesitate to ask again. Imagine that you are communicating with a colleague and act accordingly. You shouldn’t think and answer inappropriately. Instead, prepare a couple of phrases to help you clarify an incomprehensible moment.
5. If you suddenly forget a word that you really need, we suggest that you explain it using a description or a synonym.
6. Take your time, and try to speak clearly.

After the interview, if you want, the teacher will give feedback on what you have done successfully and what needs to be worked on. Recruiters will take into account the teacher’s feedback throughout the recruitment process.

Free English courses have been available at DataArt for many years. By becoming part of the company, you can join a suited group, whether you are starting out or improving your English skills.

Unfortunately, this means that we will not be able to invite you to work with us yet. But you can always return to us after having improved your English skills — usually this takes at least three months.