ENGLISH AT WORK - EPISODE 4 - DOING LUNCH

                                    ENGLISH AT WORK - EPISODE 4 - DOING LUNCH

Anna is determined to be friendly with her new colleagues and to make a good impression. Unfortunately, a slight misunderstanding leads her to make an embarrassing mistake.

INTRODUCING YOURSELF:

This episode explores expressions you can use to introduce yourself and make small talk in the office.

Phrases from the programme:

⦁ Hello, I don't think we've met.
⦁ You must be Tom.
⦁ I've just joined the team.
⦁ Nice to meet you!
⦁ Have you worked here long?

Listening Challenge:

What is Tom's job title at Tip Top Trading?
The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below:

TRANSCRIPT:

Narrator: Last week, Anna got the job of sales executive at Tip Top Trading, thanks to her quick-thinking in an office crisis. Today it's her first day in the office. How are you feeling now, Anna?

Anna: Excited, but a bit worried. I really want to make a good first impression.

Narrator: Well, you're going to need some phrases to introduce yourself politely, such as:
Hello, I don't think we've met.
You must be – and say the person's name.
I've just joined the team.
Nice to meet you.
Have you worked here long?
Why don't you start by saying hello to Tom Darcy, the Senior Account Manager?

Tom: (On the phone) Yah, yah, no, yah, yah, OK, yah. I'll seal the deal, yah, no worries. OK, see ya mate, bye! (Hangs up)

Anna: Hello, I don't think we've met.

Tom: No.

Anna: You must be Tom. I'm Anna. I've just joined the team.

Tom: Uh huh.

Anna: Nice to meet you. Have you worked here long?

Tom: Sorry, I'm quite busy right now – I've got a big deal just coming through. But let's get together sometime. Um... can you do lunch tomorrow?

Anna: You want me to do lunch? Well, I'm not very -
(Telephone rings)

Tom: Sorry, important client. Lunch tomorrow at 12.30 then?

(On the phone) Tom speaking. Yah! Frankie! So what's the latest, are we on?

Anna: Well, OK then.

Narrator: Great Anna! You used some nice phrases to introduce yourself. It's a shame Tom thinks he's too important to do the same.

Anna: I'm sure he's just busy. But I'm a bit worried about tomorrow!

(The next day…)
Anna: (Struggling into the office carrying cooking implements) Good morning Paul!

Paul: Good morning Anna, are you OK?

Anna: Fine, the kitchen's through there, isn't it?

Paul: Er, yes.
(Kitchen noises as Anna starts preparing lunch)
Denise: Anna!

Anna: Oh hi, Denise!

Denise: What are you doing?

Anna: Cooking lunch for Tom.

Denise: You what?

Anna: Tom asked me to have lunch ready for 12.30.

Denise: Did he indeed?

Tom: Er, Anna.

Anna: Hi Tom!

Tom: What are you doing?

Anna: Spring rolls, followed by crispy duck in black bean sauce.

Tom: No, I mean, why are you cooking?

Anna: Well, if I don't start now, it won't be ready for you by 12.30.

Tom: Oh, you misunderstood me, Anna. When I said "Can you do lunch?" it didn't mean "Can you make lunch?" It meant "Are you available to come to lunch with me?" In a cafe or something.

Anna: Oh!

Paul: Mmm... something smells good, but what's going on here?

Denise: Anna thinks it's her job to cook for people!

Anna: No, no, I misunderstood!

Tom: Anna just got a bit confused.

Paul: Well, never mind, it looks tasty.

Anna: There's enough for everyone if you want some.

Paul: I think that's a splendid idea, we can have an office picnic!

Anna: Yes!

Paul: Mmm, that sauce looks delicious.

Anna: Yes, it's my favourite.

Narrator: Well, once again everything has worked out well for Anna! Before we go, a reminder of the phrases she used:
Hello, I don't think we've met.
You must be Tom.
I've just joined the team.
Nice to meet you.
Have you worked here long?
Just remember - if somebody says "Would you like to do lunch?" they're not usually expecting you to cook for them! Goodbye.

Listening Challenge - Answer

What is Tom’s job title at Tip Top Trading?
Senior Account Manager.

ENGLISH AT WORK - EPISODE 3 - MAKING SUGGESTIONS

ENGLISH AT WORK - EPISODE 3 - MAKING SUGGESTIONS

Tip Top Trading é a empresa que mais cresce no sector de frutas de plástico, e Anna quer desesperadamente fazer parte dela. Sua entrevista de emprego para uma posição em vendas vai ser um desafio. Como ela vai se sair? Acompanhe o segundo episódio, da série ENGLISH AT WORK da BBC Learning English

In this episode Denise explains why she's in such a state of panic and Paul is not pleased. Will Anna be able to make suggestions and help resolve the crisis? 

Language for making suggestions

This episode explores language for making suggestions.

Phrases from the programme:

·         Can I make a suggestion?

·         Why don't you try...?

·         Have you tried asking your colleagues?

·         Maybe I could do a big office search for you...?

·         How about looking through your rubbish bin...?

·         I have an idea!

Listening Challenge

Why was the memory stick wet?

The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below:

TRANSCRIPT

Narrator
Here we are again at Tip Top Trading, where Anna's interview for a sales job has been suddenly interrupted. Office assistant Denise has entered the room, looking very worried. What's wrong? And will Anna have any suggestions that might help?

Denise
I don't know what to do!

Paul
So what's the matter Denise?

Denise
You know the PowerPoint presentation?

Paul
The one we've been preparing for the last two months?

Denise
Yes.

Paul
The one that's very, very important and that we need this afternoon?

Denise
That one.

Paul
Aha.

Denise
We've lost everything!

Paul
No!

Denise
I had it on a USB stick, to transfer it, but the stick has vanished!

Narrator
Right Anna, now is your chance to help them find solutions to the problem.
You'll need phrases like:

·         Can I make a suggestion?

·         Why don't you...?

·         Have you tried...?

·         Maybe we could...?

·         How about...?

·         I have an idea!

Paul
But don't you have it saved on your computer?

Denise
No, it was taking up a lot of space, so I deleted it.

Paul
So you have lost the only copy we have.

Denise
Yes.

Narrator
What idiots! I've never seen such a disorganised office. Go on, you'd better help them, Anna.

Anna
Can I make a suggestion?

Paul
Yes, please do!

Anna
Why don't you try looking in your recycle bin? It might still be there.

Denise
I did. It isn't.

Anna
Have you tried asking your colleagues if they've seen the memory stick?

Denise
I did. They haven't.

Anna
How about looking through your rubbish bin to see if you threw it away by mistake?

Denise
(getting shirty) I don't do silly things like that!

Paul
All very sensible suggestions Anna, thank you.

Anna
Maybe I could do a big office search for you...? I'm good at finding things.

Denise
There are confidential documents in this office – non-staff are not allowed to see them.

Paul
Now, now Denise. Why don't you drink up that nice tea?

Anna
I have an idea! Did you ever email the presentation to anyone?

Paul
Golly gosh, you did Denise! You emailed it to me to proof-read. It'll be in my inbox somewhere. Good thinking Anna!

Denise
I was just about to suggest that myself.

Paul
Problem solved. Thank you Anna!

Anna
Pleasure.

Narrator
Well done Anna!

Paul
Right, now please leave us Denise. Anna and I will continue our interview. Would you like a biscuit Anna?

Anna
Thank you. Oh, what's that?

Paul
Oh golly gosh, the USB stick! It was mixed in with the plate of biscuits that Denise brought in.

Anna
It's wet

Paul
Yes, I think maybe I stirred my tea with it at one point. Oh well. Now, where were we...? My goodness, it's 11 o'clock! I have a meeting right now! I'm afraid I'm going to have to go. But I've made my mind up about you anyway. I suppose you'd like to know if you've got the job?

Anna
Yes please!

Narrator
Ah - Stop right there! I'm sure everybody would like to know if Anna's got the job – but everybody's going to have to wait until we've heard her helpful phrases once again:

·         Can I make a suggestion?

·         Why don't you try looking in your recycle bin?

·         Have you tried asking your colleagues if they've seen the memory stick?

·         How about...?

·         Maybe I could do a big office search for you...?

·         How about looking through your rubbish bin...?

·         I have an idea!

Paul
Anna, we need someone who can think on her feet and who is a first-rate people person. Someone who sees solutions, not problems... someone like you! So if you want the job, it's yours!

Narrator
Ah, now think carefully Anna – do you really want to work for these people? They seem a bit... disorganised.

Anna
I would definitely like the job! Thank you!

Narrator
So be it. Join us again next week for Anna's first day as a sales executive at Tip Top Trading.

Listening Challenge - Answer

Why was the memory stick wet?
Because it had been in Paul’s tea.

ENGLISH AT WORK BBC - EPISODE 2 - THE INTERRUPTION

ENGLISH AT WORK - EPISODE 2 - THE INTERRUPTION

Tip Top Trading é a empresa que mais cresce no sector de frutas de plástico, e Anna quer desesperadamente fazer parte dela. Sua entrevista de emprego para uma posição em vendas vai ser um desafio. Como ela vai se sair? Acompanhe o segundo episódio, da série ENGLISH AT WORK da BBC Learning English.

Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector, and Anna desperately wants to be a part of it. Her job interview for a position in sales is going to be a challenge. How will she cope?


Anna's job interview continues. But with all the pressure and stress, she has frozen mid-sentence, unable to find the right word in English for what she wants to say.

Structuring answers

The programme looks at useful phrases for structuring answers in a job interview.

Phrases from the programme:

Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience.
Secondly,...
Above all, the reason I want this job is...

Listening Challenge

What word is Anna struggling to remember that means being very enthusiastic and wanting very much to succeed?

The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below:

Transcript

Narrator
Hello! Welcome back to the offices of Tip Top Trading, where Anna's interview for a sales job continues. When we last said goodbye, Tip Top boss Paul had asked Anna why she wanted the job. First she said:

Anna
Errr... mmmmm...

Narrator
Since then, she's added:

Anna
Mmmm... errr...

Narrator
And as we join her again, Anna is saying:

Anna
Well, errrr... I'm errr.

Narrator
Come on, Anna! If you can't think of the word you need, find another way of saying it.

Anna
I am... Well, I really, really want this job and I am willing to work very hard if I get it.

Paul
So you’re very motivated, then?

Anna
Motivated! Yes, that’s it. I am really motivated.

Paul
Good! Why?

Narrator
Now over to you Anna; structure your answer! Say, 'firstly', then give your first reason, 'secondly' and then a second reason. Then say, 'above all' and give a really, really good, enthusiastic final reason! Go for it: firstly!

Anna
Firstly!

Paul
Firstly...?

Anna
Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience: I've spent several years working in sales and I get on with people easily. Well, I mean, apart from the ones I don't like, of course. Secondly, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest-growing companies in London, and I want to be part of that.

Paul
That's absolutely right. Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector. But enough about the company; this is all about you, Annabel.

Anna
Anna.

Paul
Sorry, Anna. Where were we?

Anna
Well, I said that firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience, secondly, the company is growing fast... and… and… above all… the reason I want this job is…

Paul
Yes? (knock on the door) Denise! Is everything alright?

Denise
No Paul, it’s not. Everything is not OK!

Paul
You look pale. Here, sit down, drink what's left of my tea.

Denise
Oh, thank you! Oh… what are those bits floating in it?

Paul
Oh they're just lumps of soggy biscuit. In fact, if I can just... get that bit out... with my finger... for you… Mmm, delicious! Now, tell me what happened.

Denise
Well, it's terrible...

Narrator
Oh dear! Just as Anna was doing really well, it looks like her interview has come to a sudden end. What’s happened? Join us next time to find out. But before we go, here's a reminder of how Anna structured her response:

Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience
Secondly, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest-growing companiesin London and…
above all… the reason I want this job is…

Anna couldn’t remember the word ‘motivated’, so she just found another way of saying what she meant.

I really, really want the job and I am willing to work very hard if I get it.
Nice work, Anna! Let's hope you get the chance to finish your interview next week!

Listening Challenge - Answer

What word is Anna struggling to remember that means being very enthusiastic
and wanting very much to succeed?
Motivated.

ENGLISH AT WORK BBC - EPISODE I - THE INTERVIEW

Tip Top Trading é a empresa que mais cresce no sector de frutas de plástico, e Anna quer desesperadamente fazer parte dela. Sua entrevista de emprego para uma posição em vendas vai ser um desafio. Como ela vai se sair? Acompanhe o primeiro episódio, da série ENGLISH AT WORK da BBC Learning English.


Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector, and Anna desperately wants to be a part of it. Her job interview for a position in sales is going to be a challenge. How will she cope?

Language for interviews

This programme focuses on useful language for job interviews.

Phrases from the programme:

A good example that comes to mind…
I'm particularly proud of…
Timekeeping is important to me.
Listening Challenge

What was Anna's role in the university debating society?

The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below.

Transcript of the conversation:

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! ·

Listening Challenge - Answer

What was Anna's role in the university debating society?
She was treasurer.

Fonte: BBC Learning English

Como se dar bem em uma entrevista de emprego em inglês

As entrevistas de emprego já deixam muitos candidatos com o cabelo em pé, mas quando a conversa com o empregador é em inglês o nervosismo e a falta de prática podem atrapalhar a busca por novas oportunidades na carreira. Para não perder a vaga, fique atento às dicas do coach de inglês para executivos e diretor da escola Outliers, Augusto Rocha.

“As dicas serão úteis principalmente para candidatos que já estudam o idioma, mas que ainda não são fluentes”, explica Rocha. Porém, ele ressalta que o mais importante é nunca mentir sobre o nível de inglês. “Se descoberto, o candidato perde a credibilidade no ato”, acrescenta.
Veja cinco passos para se preparar para uma entrevista de emprego em inglês:

1º passo: Pratique respostas para as questões mais comuns em entrevistas de emprego
Saiba quais são as 10 perguntas mais frequentes, seja em inglês ou português:

1. Tell me about yourself. / Me fale sobre você.
2. Tell me about your 3 greatest achievements. / Fale sobre suas 3 maiores realizações.
3. Are you satisfied with your career to date? / Você está satisfeito com sua carreira até hoje?
4. Tell me about a difficult situation you have faced and how did you tackle it. / Me fale de uma situação difícil que você já se deparou e como você a encarou.
5. What do you like about your present job? / O que você gosta no seu atual emprego?
6. What do you dislike about your present job? / O que você não gosta no seu atual emprego?
7. What are your strengths? / Quais são os seus pontos fortes?
8. What is your greatest weakness? / Qual é o seu maior ponto fraco?
9. Why do you want to leave your current employer? / Por que você quer sair do trabalho atual?
10. Why should we hire you? Or Why do you think you are the best candidate for this position? / Por que deveríamos contratá-lo(a) ou Por que você acha que você é o melhor candidato para essa vaga?

2º passo: Treine o vocabulário relativo à áreaEstude o vocabulário em inglês correspondente à área de atuação da empresa e mostre ao entrevistados que você conhece o segmento ao qual faz parte. Faça uma lista com as palavras e termos mais comuns, leia artigos técnicos e publicações segmentados para não ser pego de surpresa.
Esteja preparado para falar sobre assuntos relativos à indústria à qual a empresa pertence ou assuntos gerais da atualidade. Exemplo de perguntas nessa linha:

1. What is your opinion about the financial crisis in Europe? / Qual é a sua opinião sobre a crise financeira da Europa?
2. What is your view about the World Cup being held in Brazil? / Qual é a sua opinião sobre a Copa do Mundo no Brasil?
3. What do you think is the trend for retail companies? / Em sua opinião, qual será a tendência no mercado para empresas de varejo?
4. Do you think the economical prosperity in Brazil will continue in the next 10 years? / Você acha que a prosperidade econômica no Brasil vai continuar nos próximos 10 anos?
5. Do you think the real estate price will continue to raise in Brazil in the next years? / Você acha que o preço dos imóveis vai continuar a aumentar no Brasil nos próximos anos?

3º passo: Elabore um roteiro e treine a pronúncia das palavras.
Elabore um roteiro com as perguntas, treine as respostas e certifique-se sobre a pronúncia correta, principalmente termos técnicos. Em caso de dúvidas, recorra a professores, amigos com maior nível de fluência ou procure na internet.

4º passo: Pesquise sobre a empresa
Pesquisar sobre a empresa demonstra interesse pela vaga e garante pontos a mais. Se for uma multinacional, acesse o site em inglês e pesquise sobre os produtos e o mercado. Se for uma empresa de capital aberto, busque dados de faturamento para fazer perguntas pertinentes sobre a empresa durante a seleção.

5º passo: Postura e Comportamento
Não se atrase. Em quase 100% dos casos, aquele que chega tarde a uma entrevista é eliminado no início do processo. Americanos e europeus, prováveis entrevistadores, são muito mais intolerantes a atrasos do que os brasileiros. Verificar a origem do entrevistador antes da seleção também é uma boa alternativa para se sair bem, levando em consideração os diferentes aspectos culturais.
Em hipótese alguma o candidato pode atrasar. (Foto: Thinkstock)
*Com informações da assessoria de imprensa da Outliers.