Job interview

Lesson Overview: Job Interview - Negative Imperative in Italian

This lesson focuses on using the imperativo negativo (negative imperative) in Italian, especially within the context of job interviews. You will learn how to give polite but firm advice or instructions by telling someone what not to do. This is especially useful for preparing and behaving correctly during a job interview.

Key Grammar Point: Imperative Negative

The negative imperative is used for giving commands or advice telling someone to avoid a particular action. Here are some important examples from the lesson content:

• Non parlare troppo velocemente durante il colloquio. (Don't speak too fast during the interview.)
• Non dimenticare di presentarti chiaramente. (Don't forget to introduce yourself clearly.)
• Non inviare email senza rileggere prima. (Don't send emails without proofreading first.)
• Non usare il telefono durante il colloquio. (Don't use the phone during the interview.)

Practical Dialogues for Preparation

The lesson includes simulated dialogues to practice making polite warnings and instructions. For example, during a telephone interview preparation, you might practice saying things like:

• Non aprire la porta degli altri senza permesso. (Don't open other people's doors without permission.)
• Non rispondere subito senza riflettere. (Don't answer immediately without thinking.)

In face-to-face job interviews, instructions such as "Non parli troppo velocemente, per favore." (Please don’t speak too fast.) and "Non dimentichi di chiedere se ha dubbi." (Don't forget to ask if you have questions.) are typical.

Useful Vocabulary Highlight

• Colloquio di lavoro — job interview
• Preparare — to prepare
• Assumere — to hire
• Rispondere — to answer
• Rileggere — to reread/proofread

Localized Language Notes

Unlike English, where the negative imperative typically uses "Don't" plus the verb (e.g., "Don't speak"), Italian forms the negative imperative simply by placing non before the infinitive verb for the familiar (tu) form: Non parlare! (Don't speak!). For polite or plural forms, the negative imperative uses the present subjunctive, e.g., Non parli (you formal don't speak), Non parlate (you plural don't speak).

In English, the imperative lacks a formal/plural distinction, but Italian distinguishes these forms carefully. For example, Non parlare (tu - singular informal), Non parli (Lei - formal you), Non parlate (voi - plural you).

Summary

This lesson is designed to build your confidence in navigating job interviews in Italian by mastering the negative imperative form used to give advice and instructions on what to avoid. With practical dialogues, verb forms, and vocabulary, you will become comfortable advising others and understanding guidance given during job interviews.