ESA134 – BUSINESS ENGLISH

A. What is JOB INTERVIEW?

Job interview means asking ans answering question dealing with jab vacancy. Someone who  asks questions is called interviewer and someone who will answer them is called interviewee or applicant.  As we have already discussed in the previous session that sending application is not applying job, but asking an opportunity to face job interview. That is why an applicant, in his application, must be able to convince the employer that s/he is the right candidate to face job interview.

Some applicants get stressful on job interview, but some others have different point of view. However, If the applicants know what they have to do on job interview and make good preparation, job interview can be an interesting moment, because  this is the final step to get job or promoted.

In order to be well-prepared on job interview, an interviewee had better identify all possible questions and prepare the answers. There are two classifications of questions on it: first, general questions and second, specific questions. General questions will be asked to all interviewees while specific questions deal with skill and competency.

Here are some general questions:

• Please tell me your family background.
• What’s your last education?
• How did you get this vacancy?
• What is your motivation to work here?
• Please tell me your work experience relating to this position.
• Why did you quit your previous job?
• Who is your favorite figure?
• What are your hobbies?
• Do you like working overtime?
• What is your weakness?
• How much salary do you expect?
• learn more questions on your Business English Module, Page 43.

B. TIPS

For any job interviewee, it is important to be well prepared to face the interview and impress the interviewer from the moment you arrive. Here are some tips on how you can make the right impression.

Tip 1: Look the Part

• Plan to dress professionally in conservative clothing with appropriate shoes, minimal jewelry, and perfume. Even if the office is casual, you should dress in business attire.

Tip 2: Before the Interview

• Bring a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, and a notepad and pen. Use a breath mint before you enter the building. Leave the gadgets at home or turned off in your bag or briefcase.

Tip 3: Arrive on Time

• Arrive a few minutes early for your interview. It is very important to be on time for the interview. On time means ten to fifteen minutes early. Know the interviewer’s name and use it during the interview. If you’re not sure of the name, call and ask prior to the interview. When you arrive for your interview, greet the receptionist and let him or her know why you are there.
• Be on time. It’s best to get there a little early to allow time in case you get lost and need to fix your clothes and hair.

Tip 4: Answer Questions Calmly

• During the interview try to remain as calm as possible. Ask for clarification if you are not sure what has been asked and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to frame your responses so you can be sure to fully answer the question.
• Make a list of questions beforehand to ask the interviewer.

Tip 5: Ask Questions About the Job

• Be prepared with questions of your own, because you will probably be asked if you have any at the end of the interview. Having questions will show that you have done your homework and are truly interested in the position.
• Be prepared. Know as much about the company and the job as possible and know why you’re the person they should hire. Practice answering possible questions.

Tip 6: Follow Up                                                  

• Ask your interviewer for a business card so that you will have the correct spelling of names and job titles for your thank you notes and follow up calls. It is important to thank the interviewer for their time and to let them know that you look forward to hearing from them. Follow up by sending a thank you note to everyone you interviewed with.

Tip 7 :  Miscellaneous

• Give a firm handshake when greeting the interviewer and when saying good-bye.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Be confident and try to act as calmly as possible.
• Be honest.

C.   CASES ON JOB INTERVIEW

Sometimes an interviewer portrays cases or problems to an interviewee in order to find out more detail information about applicant’s character and ability.

Here two examples

1.  Imagine that you are offered a perfect job. The salary is more than you expected; the responsibilities are challenging, and the job will give you an opportunity to use your skills and talent. The only problem is that the job requires you to move to a small town across the country. Consequently, you will be far away from your family and won’t be able to do your favorite activity. Would you take or leave the job?

2. You are being interviewed for a job in a prestigious firm. The question of salary comes up. The interviewer offers you $19,000, but you tell her that you cannot accept anything below $23,000.  Her offer would represent a salary cut for you (on your last job you earned $20,000). The interviewer explains that for an entry level position, company rules are that salary be $19,000. You feel that you are worth more and try to explain this. Finally, the interviewer says, “I cannot change company rules. Take or leave it”. You want the job. To go back to your demands would make you feel weak and cowardly. What would you do?

Learn more cases on your Business English Module, Page 44.

tugas di modul Listening Part A :

Online pertama : hal 4, 5, 9,10, 11,12 13, 14, 17,18,19,20,21

Online kedua : halaman 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 37, 38, 39, 41, 42, 43,

Online ketiga : halaman 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55

REDUCED CLAUSE

Same time

Time clauses with “while” and “when” can be reduced by deleting the subject and “be” verb.

While I was eating dinner, I watched television.

While eating dinner, I watched television.

When you are in Rome, (you) do as the Romans do.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do.

If there is no “be” verb, change the verb in the subordinating clause to its -ing form. Sometimes the subordinator (when or while) can be deleted as well.

When I opened the door, I saw a strange sight.

When opening the door, I saw a strange sight.

Opening the door, I saw a strange sight.

Note: If the subjects are different, you may not reduce the adverbial clause.

While I was taking a shower, my sister called from California.

X While taking a shower, my sister called from California.

Be careful when reducing time clauses that come at the end of sentences.

We saw many beautiful birds while we were fishing in the lake.

We saw many beautiful birds while fishing in the lake.

X We saw many beautiful birds fishing in the lake.

In the last sentence, the meaning is ambiguous: Are we fishing or are the birds fishing?

Different times

After I finished my homework, I went to bed.

After finishing my homework, I went to bed.

After I had finished my homework, I went to bed.

After having finished my homework, I went to bed.

Having finished my homework, I went to bed.

Before he left the dance, Jerry said good-bye to his girlfriend.

Before leaving the dance, Jerry said good-bye to his girlfriend.

Other clauses

Sometimes clauses with because can be reduced.

Because he was a doctor, George knew how to handle the situation.

Being a doctor, George knew how to handle the situation.

As a doctor, George knew how to handle the situation.

I. What is Application Letter?

Application Letter is a means of communication used by an applicant to communicate with an employer. In other words, an applicant holds a conversation with an employer dealing with applying for a job vacancy. Generally, an applicant or job seeker can be an undergraduate, graduate or even a post-graduate.

II. Types of Application Letter

There are three types of application letter. First, application which is sent as a reply to advertisement. It means, a job seeker gets job vacancy from newspaper, radio, TV or website. Most working people get jobs through this way. Second, Application Letter which  is based on recommendation. Recommendation could be given by relatives, families or any other kinds of working people. Some employers prefer recommended Application Letter to a reply to advertisement. Third,  Application Letter which is sent by initiative of an applicant without advertisement or recommendation. In other words, a job seeker may send Application Letter anytime he wants even though the employer does not publish a job vacancy. In other words, a job seeker does not have any reason not to send Application Letter.

III. Parts Of Application Letter (Please learn your module page 25)

Remember, Application Letter does not apply letterhead, reference number and CC.

IV.  Some essential Notes about Application Letter

A. There are three important elements of Application Letter. They are the quality of paper, tone and its content.. The employer will make judgment about the applicant through these three items.

B. Application letter is not applying the job itself, but asking a job interview. That is why the content of Application Letter must be able to convince the employer that you are the right candidate to be given a chance for job interview.

C. It is suggested that Application Letter ideally consists of one page only. The reason is very simple. Employer is very busy. Therefore, s/he does not have enough time to read long application letter. In short, s/he is not interested to learn long application letter.

D. It is less polite to say thanks at the end of Application Letter. Remember, English people will say thanks if they get something. Sending Application Letter does not get something. We had better say thanks after receiving invitation for job interview from the employer.

V. Examples of application (Let you learn your module pages 26, 27)

VI. Writing CV or Resume

CV is recognized on British English whereas Resume on American English. The most important thing about CV or Resume is the whole information that you jot down in it must have added value. It means, if an employer looks at your CV or Resume, he will not hesitate anymore to let you have chance for job interview. (Please learn your module pages 28 – 31)

Starting English Conversation

Some people say that starting English conversation is very difficult. That is why, this group of people will try to avoid doing any English conversation. However, some other people have different point of view. It means they are eager to make English conversation. In reality, every business people is required to be able to communicate in English, especially when doing any business with foreign people. The following list consists of several essential notes about how to start English conversation.

1. Realizing that English is a foreign language for us, it is not necessary to be ashamed to do any mistakes while making conversation, especially on grammatical problems. Very often, we may learn from the mistakes.

2. Remember, the most important one on conversation is that the other people can understand what you mean. Therefore, grammatical error  does not mean “death” on conversation.

3. There are three common ways we can apply to start English conversation especially with someone we do not recognize. They are:

A.     Good morning. I’m Justinus from Indonesia. Can I talk with you?

B.     Hello. My name is Jokawi from Indonesia. Are you free for a moment?

C.    Excuse me. I’m Maya from Indonesia. May I disturb you?

4. There are some common phrases which are usually used on conversation. Some of them are :

–  How do you do!

–  How are you?

–  Repeat please!

–  How do you spell your name?

–  I see.

–  You’re welcome

The remaining phrases can be found on your Business English Module Page 5.

5. Sometimes, we would like to know furthermore information about someone’s identity like name, address, occupation etc. To do that, please complete the Mind Mapping of Personal Identity, on your English Module, Page 6.

6. It is natural for someone to create a good conversation. To achieve it that he may follow  two things. First, try to find out as soon as possible what someone likes and dislikes as well. Second, talk all things that he likes so that he will feel warm. Needless to say that foreign people are not interested to talk about certain things such as: age, marital status, and religion. On the other hand, they prefer talking about job, nationality, address and education.

7. For exercises, listening the conversation on your English Module Page, 7 and 8, Track 6, 7, 3, 5 and Track 12.

8. For lecturer, please drill your student to pronounce some geographical names on English Module page. 10.

9. Remember what the quotation says that “Practice Makes Perfect”. It means, the more frequently you do conversation, the more mistakes you can overcome.

Thanks

PRESENTATION 1 : VOCABULARY BUILDER

A. MAIN TOPICS TO BE COVERED ON BUSINESS ENGLISH SUBJECT

–  How To Start English Conversation

–  Application Letter

–  Job Interview

–  Reading, Translating, and Summarizing English Passages

–  Listening Audio and Watching Video

–   Mid Semester Exam    (Written Exam)

–   Writing Paragraph

–   Explaining Graph

–   Reading, Translating, and Summarizing English Passage

–   Listening Audio and Watching Video.

–   How to make effective presentation

–   Final Semester Exam  (Presentation by students)

B. PAMU’S RULES

1. At least 75 % attendance for Final Semester Exam,

2. Must take mid and final exam,

3. Not more than 30 minutes late,

4. Well dress and good attitude,

5. Turn hand phone off.

D. GRADING SYSTEM

1.      Kehadiran                     10 %

2.      Tugas                            20 %

3.      UTS                              30 %

4.      UAS                              40 %

Scoring System

1.      80 – 100 = A

2.      68 – 79   = B

3.      56 – 67   = C

4.      45 – 55   = D

5.      0 –  44    = E

E. BREAKING THE ICE

Good afternoon everybody. Let me introduce myself. My name is___________________ I’m_____________years old. I live at___________________________________________ I study at Esa Unggul University, Faculty of ………………, majoring………………………………. in the________________ semester. About family background, I have _________brother(s)s and ________ sister(s). My phone number is________________My hobby is __________ In future, I want to be____________________.  That’s all about my personal identity. Thank you for listening

I. A brief Description about the topic

As university students, how often do you give opinion to other people? Is it in formal or informal situation? How do you feel while giving opinion? Here below, some essential notes about this topic are available.

1. University students as intellectual people, must be familiar to asking and giving opinion especially in formal situation such as joining seminar, facing exam, taking part on workshop, attending discussion etc.

2. In giving opinion, be accustomed to telling reason or argument. For example, when you say disagreement to someone’s opinion, you need to tell the reason why you disagree.

3. University students must be able to appreciate different opinion. It means your opinion sometimes will be received or rejected by others. Remember, it is impossible that an opinion will be accepted by all people.

4. University students must be able to differentiate between formal and informal situation.

5. The following list deals about some common phrases that can be applied to ask someone’s opinion in formal situation.

A) What’s your opinion about demonstration?

B) What is your comment about TV’s current programs?

C) What can you say about function of money?

D) According to your mind what are the characteristics of a good boss?

E) What is your point of view about working overtime?

F) What do you know about pollution?

H) What do you think about law enforcement in Indonesia nowadays?

6. There are some ways you can apply in giving opinion in formal situation.

A) In my opinion, demonstration is OK as long as the demonstrators do not disturb public interest.

B) I think working overtime is good especially for the efficiency of the company.

C) According to my mind, one characteristic of a good boss is polite when speaking to employees.

D) If I am not mistaken, law enforcement in Indonesia is getting improvement.

II. Complete the exercise on your module page: 46, 47, and 48

III. Please drill your students vocabulary page 10.