Episode 01

Philip is the CEO of WebWare, an IT company. He needs to hire a new sales director as soon as possible.

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises. You can also read the transcript.

Preparation

Transcript

Philip: You what? What do you mean? You've lost the DollarMart contract? Oh, Brian, tell me you're joking! That's our biggest contract and you've lost it! OK ... OK ... yes, I know you've had some personal problems recently. Yes, sure ... yes, I know our competitors have improved their offer, but really, Brian, these are just excuses. Oh, Brian, come on – you failed to meet agreed targets for the entire last quarter. We talked about this in your last performance review and I told you then it had to improve, and to be quite honest – it hasn't. Losing the DollarMart contract is the last straw. No, I'm sorry, Brian, that's it. That's your last chance. I'm going to have to let you go. Let you go. Yes, that's what it means, Brian. You're fired.

Hi, Jess. Can you put me through to Marcia in HR, please? Thank you.

Hi, Marcia. It's Philip here. Listen, I've had to let Brian go. He lost us the DollarMart account. Yeah, but it had been going on for a while, and he just wasn't pulling his weight any more. He'd been warned. His last performance review was really bad. He knew it was coming. So, we'll be looking for someone new and we'll need to decide on who that is.

Who are we looking for? Good question. I was hoping you might be able to help me with that! Here's what I'm thinking and let me know if you agree. Well, obviously, they'll need to have a first degree. Doesn't matter what subject. And then a master's or an MBA, I'd say.

Experience? At least five years' relevant experience in an international company. I want somebody with a proven track record. Oh, they have to be a team player – Brian never was – so strong interpersonal skills. Oh, and I want someone with vision ... yes, 'vision'! Well, I know it’s difficult to define. What I mean is, someone who knows we're in a rapidly changing market, and they can use it to our advantage.

Experience with online sales, perhaps but ... yes, I'd be interested in that. Oh, language skills. I can't emphasise that enough. Not necessarily a native speaker, but they must be very good at English. And another language as well – Spanish, or Mandarin is best.

Does that sound OK to you? Great. OK, can you get an ad out on the website as soon as possible? Oh, and the trade press as well. OK, great. Thanks, Marcia. I want a new sales director by the end of the month. Bye!

Task 1

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Discussion

When was the last time you applied for a job? What skills do you have?

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Worksheet90.3 KB

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Language level

B1 Intermediate

B2 Upper intermediate

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The last time I applied for a job was last month. Procurement Management was the position I applied for, and this position required several needed skills such as negotiation, communication, good analytical, problem-solving, team working skills.

Last time i applied for a job was last year , The one who was responsible for the hiring asked my about my personal skills , i replied to him that I'm self confidence,self denial,hard worker, bilingual,l can work under pressure,do many task at the same time proficiently

How should I follow my lessons in this section. For example I have finished episode 1 but there is no indicator warning me I did it before. So I have to remember each time. Please help.

Hello Irfan Morkoc,

That's correct. There is no indication on the page for individual users whether or not they have completed a given task. If you want to keep a record then you'll need to organise it yourself. However, remember that repetition and revision are very important. There's nothing wrong with going back to a task you've done once before!

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

I applied for a job 2 months ago. In my opinion, my personal skills are team work and organized.

Lastly I have applied to an international language school as a receptionist. They desire flexibility working, team experience, good skills at interpersonal relations, convince ability of people. Yes, I have been chosen and worked since one year.

its useful vidieo

The last time I applied for a job is yesterday. My main skills are interpersonal skill, team work, arrange the work suitably and I am also able to work under pressure.

last year and i get that job