Business English Шерсткова. Практикум по основам делового общения на английском языке учебное пособие
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to retire - уходить на пенсию to make somebody redundant - сократить кого-либо to get redundant - попасть под сокращение maternity leave - декретный отпуск (to be on maternity leave - находиться в декретном отпуске) to be on sick leave - находиться на больничном листе contract of employment - трудовой договор Labour Code - трудовой кодекс Trade Union - профсоюз 3. Translate the following into English using the active vocabulary from ex.2. Part A
Part B
JOB INTERVIEW ‘It is unfortunate we can’t buy many business executives for what they are worth and sell them for what they think they are worth.’ Malcolm Forbes (1919 – 1990), publisher of Forbes magazine 4. Study and summarize (in English or Russian) the following information about job interviews. First Impressions The first impression you make on the interviewer can decide the rest of the interview. It is important that you introduce yourself, shake hands, and be friendly and polite. The first question is often a ‘breaking the ice’ type of question. Don’t be surprised if the interviewer asks you something like: How are you today? Did you have any trouble finding us? Isn’t this great weather we’re having? This type of question is common because the interviewer wants to put you at ease. The best way to respond is in a short, friendly manner without going into too much detail. Here are some examples of correct responses: Interviewer:How are you today? You: I’m fine, thank you. And you? OR I  nterviewer:Did you have any trouble finding us?You: No, the office isn’t too difficult to find. OR Interviewer:Isn’t this great weather we’re having? You: Yes, it’s wonderful. I love this time of year. Here are some examples of incorrect responses: Interviewer:How are you today? You: So, so. I’m rather nervous actually. OR Interviewer:Did you have any trouble finding us? You: As a matter of fact it was very difficult. I missed the exit and had to return via the highway. I was afraid I was going to be late for the interview. OR Interviewer:Isn’t this great weather we’re having? You: Yes, it’s wonderful. I can remember this time last year. Wasn’t it awful! I thought it would never stop raining! Getting Down to Business Once the pleasant beginnings have finished, it’s time to begin the real interview. Here are a number of the most common questions that are asked during the interview. There are two examples of excellent replies given for each question. Following the examples, you will find a comment describing the type of question and important things to remember when answering that type of question. Interviewer: Tell me about yourself. Candidate: I was born and raised in Milan, Italy. I attended the University of Milan and received my master’s degree in Economics. I have worked for 12 years as a financial consultant in Milan for various companies including Rossi Consultants, Quasar Insurance and Sardi and Sons. I enjoy playing tennis in my free time and learning languages. Candidate: I’ve just graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree in Computers. During the summers, I worked as a systems administrator for a small company to help pay for my education. Comment: This question is meant as an introduction. Do not focus too specifically on any one area. The above question will often be used to help the interviewer choose what he/she would like to ask next. While it is important to give an overall impression of who you are, make sure to concentrate on work related experience. Work related experience should always be the central focus of any interview (work experience is more important than education in most English speaking countries). Interviewer: What type of position are you looking for? Candidate: I’m interested in an entry level position. Candidate: I’m looking for a position in which I can utilize my experience. Candidate: I would like any position for which I qualify. Comment: You should be willing to take an entry level position in an English speaking company as most of these companies expect non-nationals to begin with such a position. In the United States, most companies provide many opportunities for growth, so don’t be afraid to start from the beginning! Interviewer: Are you interested in a full-time or part-time position? Candidate: I am more interested in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time position. Comment: Make sure to leave open as many possibilities as possible. Say you are willing to take any job, once the job has been offered you can always refuse if the job does not appeal to you. Interviewer: Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job? Candidate: I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a customer inquiry form and catalogued the information in our database. I then collaborated with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The clients were then presented with a summarized report on their financial activities that I formulated on a quarterly basis. Comment: Notice the amount of detail necessary when you are talking about your experience. One of the most common mistakes made by foreigners when discussing their former employment is to speak too generally. The employer wants to know exactly what you did and how you did it; the more detail you can give the more the interviewer knows that you understand the type of work. Remember to vary your vocabulary when talking about your responsibilities. Also, do not begin every sentence with “I”. Use the passive voice, or an introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation. Interviewer: What is your greatest strength? Candidate: I work well under pressure. When there is a deadline, I can focus on the task at hand (=current project) and structure my work schedule well. I remember one week when I had to get 6 new customer reports out by Friday at 5. I finished all the reports ahead of time without having to work overtime. Candidate: I am an excellent communicator. People trust me and come to me for advice. One afternoon, my colleague was involved with a troublesome customer who felt he was not being served well. I made the customer a cup of coffee and invited both my colleague and the client to my desk where we solved the problem together. Candidate: I am a trouble shooter. When there was a problem at my last job, the manager would always ask me to solve it. Last summer, the LAN server at work crashed. The manager was desperate and called me in (=requested my help) to get the LAN back online. After taking a look at the daily backup, I detected the problem and the LAN was up and running (=working) within the hour. Comment: This is not the time to be modest! Be confident and always give examples. Examples show that you are not only repeating words you have learned, but actually do possess that strength. Interviewer: What is your greatest weakness? Candidate: I am overzealous (=work too hard) and become nervous when my co-workers are not pulling their weight (=doing their job). However, I am aware of this problem, and before I say anything to anyone, I ask myself why the colleague is having difficulties. Candidate: I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied. However, I began setting time-limits for myself if I noticed this happening. Comment: This is a difficult question. You need to mention a weakness that is actually a strength. Make sure that you always mention how you try to improve the weakness. Interviewer: Why do you want to work for Smith and Sons? Candidate:After following your firm’s progress for the last 3 years, I am convinced that Smith and Sons are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the team. Candidate:I am impressed by the quality of your products. I am sure that I would be a convincing salesman because I truly believe that the Atomizer is the best product on the market today. Comment: Prepare yourself for this question by becoming informed about the company. The more detail you can give, the better you show the interviewer that you understand the company. Interviewer:When can you begin? Candidate: Immediately. Candidate: As soon as you would like me to begin. Comment: Show your willingness to work! (From www.bogglesworldesl.com) 5. Imagine you have been invited for an interview. Here are some typical questions you can be asked. Think them over beforehand and prepare your answers.
6. Role-play. Fill in the forms below with information about a fictitious person or fictitious job. Act either an employer or an employee. Mingle with other students and interview or be interviewed for the job. Job applicants should try to find jobs and employers should find appropriate employees. The employers must hire someone, even if no candidate is ideal.
Sample questions for employers:
Sample questions for applicants:
7. Discuss the following questions.
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