![[C] Talking About Professional Experience](https://images.ctfassets.net/r30ratzbtbbf/2BVuwd6c7qDzkuo4sWzGl8/6e5a7637a876add71a59a161f18766ed/BUSINESS_ENGLISH_COMING_SOON-09.png)
LET'S LEARN! 📚
Competitive edge - the fact that a company has an advantage over its competitors
-
The merger will give the company a competitive edge in the market.
-
Through superior production techniques, we can gain a competitive edge.
Examples:
Cost-effective - producing good results without costing a lot of money
-
The procedure is quick, easy, and cost-effective.
-
For those who plan to ski often, purchasing your own equipment is the most cost-effective option.
Examples:
On a daily basis - every day
-
We back up our computer files at work on a daily basis.
-
Please bear in mind that invoices are signed here on a daily basis.
Examples:
Make redundant - to lose your job because your employer no longer needs you
-
She was made redundant from the company after eight years.
-
To keep the company alive, half the workforce is being made redundant.
Examples:
Job for life - a job you can stay in all your working life
-
Few people can count on having a job for life.
-
There's no such thing as a job for life any longer.
Examples:
LET'S READ! 📖
Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.
INTERVIEW
Situation:
Sam is applying for a job. The interviewer, Anna, is asking her about her work experience.
Anna
Sam
Hi, Anna. I am Sam. It's a pleasure meeting you, too.
Anna
Please tell me a bit about your educational background and employment history.
Sam
I received my bachelor's in Finance and Marketing at Tokyo University. Then, I proceeded to earn an MBA. For the past five years, I've been working in sales at Tabisuta Company. My most recent position is Regional Sales Manager.
Anna
I see. So you've had a fair amount of managerial experience, then?
Sam
That's right.
Anna
How are your computer and communication skills? This job requires spreadsheet reporting and dealing with people at all levels.
Sam
I'm proficient with various spreadsheet programs. I really enjoy working with people. I am also quite at ease communicating with clients, vendors and colleagues.
Anna
What was the most challenging part of your job and how did you handle it?
Sam
A long term client was ready to take their business to a competitor. I met with the client and managed to change the way we handled their account on a daily basis. From this situation, I learned the importance of being mindful of client operations and relations, not just after the issues arise but during the entire duration of the relationship.
Anna
That's really impressive. Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Sam
In five years, I see myself in a higher position in this company.
Anna
Alright. What salary expectation do you have for this job?
Sam
My salary expectation would be within the typical salary ranges.
QUESTIONS
1. What was Sam's most recent position?
2. What skills does the job require?
3. Where does she see herself in five years?
LET'S PRACTICE! 📝
👂🏻 Listening Exercise
Direction: Listen to the audio and answer the questions below.
- What did he use to do?
- Why did the bank resort to outsourcing?
- How did he feel about it?
🗣 Speaking Exercise
Direction: Think that you are in the situation below. Try to formulate your own dialogue.
Situation:
You are applying for a job and your mentor will be your interviewer.
Mentor
Please tell me a bit about your educational background.
Learner
(Task 1: State your education, qualifications, and any formal trainings you may have received during your university/college days.)
Mentor
Could you tell me about your previous job experience?
Learner
(Task 2: Describe your work experience relevant to the position you are applying for.)
Mentor
What was the most challenging part of your job and how did you handle it?
Learner
(Task 3: Talk about the the most challenging situation you were faced with or the most difficult aspect of your job.)
Mentor
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Learner
(Task 4: Describe your future plans.)
Hi! My name is Anna, the HR Manager. Nice to meet you. Please have a seat.