English at work – Episode 1 : Language for interviews

Transcript of the podcast

Narrator: Hold tight please! This is Anna, on a bus going to an interview for a job as a sales executive at Tip Top Trading – one of London’s fastest growing companies. How are you feeling Anna

.Anna: Oh, a little nervous but I really want this job

.Narrator: Well don’t worry Anna, as long as you say the right things, you’ll be fine

?Anna: The right things!? Like what

Narrator: You need to sell yourself, be confident, not arrogant and give examples. Like: A good example that comes to mind. I’m particularly proud of. Timekeeping is important to me

?Anna: Oh right. Thanks. Perhaps you can come with me

Narrator: Sorry Anna, you’re on your own now – but we’ll be listening in. Look! You’ve just arrived. Good luck

?…Paul: Come in. Hello, I’m Paul, the Manager of Tip Top Trading. And you must be

.Anna: It’s Anna

…Paul: Yes, very good. Thanks for coming. Now somewhere in this pile, I’ve got your CV

?Anna: Err, is that it there

Paul: Oh yes, thanks Hannah. Your qualifications look impressive but what sales experience can you bring to our company

.Anna: I worked in a shop once

!Narrator: Ohhh Anna! Sell yourself. Give a good example

Anna: Oh right…mmm….well a good example that comes to mind is when I was involved with a campaign to promote and sell a new range of clothes – I loved doing it and it was

.Denise: Oh sorry, excuse me, here’s your tea Paul

Paul: Thanks Denise. Now Anna, it looks like you’ve achieved a lot during your time at university. Could you give me an example of good team working during your time there

.Denise: Sorry! I forgot the sugar

.Paul: Thank you Denise

Anna: Hmm, so you want an example? I was the treasurer of the debating society at university. That was OK I suppose

!Narrator: Come on Anna. Be more enthusiastic – the debating society is exciting

Anna: I mean… I’m particularly proud of how I organised the finances for the debating society. We had a very small budget and I had to make decisions on what to buy

.Narrator: I like it! “I’m particularly proud of” – Positive but not boasting. You’re doing well

Paul: Very impressive – so you’re a good planner Anna! We like organised people here… ooops, silly me. I seemed to have spilt tea over your CV

?Anna: Oh, do you need some help

…Paul: Oh no…I’m sure it’ll dry out… carry on please

…Anna: Also… timekeeping is important to me

!Narrator: “Timekeeping is important to me” – that’s good

.Anna: I always try to complete my work on time. At university I never handed my assignments in late

…Paul: That’s good to hear. We like punctuality here

.Denise: Excuse me Paul. Sorry it’s a bit late – but I thought you might like a biscuit with your tea

Paul: Hmm thanks….oh lovely, custard creams… mmm. Now Hannah, finally I wanted to ask you what exactly made you apply for this job at this company

…Anna: Errrr… ooo… well. The reason I applied is

?Narrator: Yes, yes, yes Anna? Do you need a bit more time to think

…Anna: Errr…mmm

Narrator: What’s she going to say? How would you answer that? Join us next time to find out. Before we go, here’s a reminder of some of the great lines Anna’s used today

A good example that comes to mind .I’m particularly proud of .Timekeeping is important to me

!Until next time, bye bye