english_at_work_ep2.pdf
english_at_work_episode_2.mp3
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 end of the pdf script
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 sayin
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 companies
in 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 comprehension question
What word is Anna struggling to remember that means being very enthusiastic
?and wanting very much to succeed
Motivated
