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

Task 2

Discussion

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Do you need to speak better English at work?
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Submitted by nourhan saed on Sun, 27/08/2023 - 10:39

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Last Jan I applied for a job as an HR assistant
my skills
hiring
helping hr manager in some fields
Make the administrative work at the office
handle the employees and solve these problems at work

Submitted by fajaraji25 on Tue, 08/08/2023 - 14:49

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Last time I applied for a was approximately 1 week ago. I have applied as Digital Marketing officer. I have many skills such as Digital Marketing, Business Development, Copywriting, Graphic Design, and Project Management.

Submitted by ericporfirio on Sat, 25/02/2023 - 21:19

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Two weeks ago, I had an interview that ultimately led to my current job in a big car company in the US. One of the most important requirements for the job was advanced English speaking skills. It was a challenge for me to pass the interview and answer in English, but I did it, and now I am working remotely from my home country.

Submitted by IrinaOC on Thu, 12/01/2023 - 15:07

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I applied for a job two days ago. Now I must prepare for a QA Manual Tester interview. I have B1 intermediate-level English (381 English Score), but in speaking English I have A2 Elementary (272 English Score). I have more skills: team player, problem-solving, analytical, natural curiosity, detail-oriented, good intuition, adapt quickly, and self-improvement.

Submitted by AlexLom on Fri, 26/08/2022 - 17:15

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I have collected a lot of Job interview's , But still waiting for a positive answer.
Be patient and trust

Submitted by lalolipc on Sat, 11/06/2022 - 12:53

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The last time I applied for a job was one year ago. I'm responsable person , tech enthusiast, hard worker and I am also able to work under pressure.

Submitted by Adela Delka on Mon, 29/11/2021 - 21:18

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last time I'm applied to job last year in November. My skills are bechelore economy degree, well organisation skills, good in logistic jobs, comunicative person, leader skills, precise and responsible person.