Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Physical Distribution: Setting Your Career Path
Physical Distribution: Setting Your Career Path
Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3
2. Let’s talk..................................................................................................................... 8
Job readiness: having a job interview .......................................................................... 8
References ................................................................................................................... 17
Introduction
Thus, the study of Physical Distribution includes deep training on all the activities
associated with the supply of finished product at every step, from the production line to
the consumers. Among those activities, communication -written and spoken- play a
fundamental role in the company growth in the current globalized world. Hence, it is
important for every Physical Distribution student to be good with words not only in
his/her native language, but also in the language of global business: English.
The following material, then, will give the SENA Physical Distribution student some tools
to use English for specific purposes on their specialty area in such way that he/she can
be competitive both nationally and internationally.
Once you finish the following material, you will be able use basic vocabulary related to
your specialty area and state your professional profile when applying for a job.
3
SENA de Distribución Física Internacional algunas
herramientas para que este pueda usar el inglés con unos
fines específicos en su área de especialidad. Esto le brindará
la oportunidad al aprendiz de ser competitivo tanto a nivel
nacional como internacional.
Mind Map
The following mind map will show you what the distribution of topics for this material is:
4
1. Let’s listen
Fuente: SENA
Hi, welcome!
As SENA students we should always keep in mind the way we are going to implement
everything we have learnt. In the end, our biggest objective is to be able to get a job
position that fits our abilities and expectations.
That’s why, the following material will help you to get the necessary tools to be able to
speak in English about your professional profile as a Physical Distribution Student.
Being able to speak in a different language than your native one is the first step to get
that position you have always dreamt of, so… Let’s go get it!
In this section, we will focus on understanding people speaking about how to get an
internship. Pay attention to the vocabulary and the pronunciation. If you need any help
with vocabulary you don’t know, you can always click on the button with the dictionary
on it.
5
Fuente: SENA
A. Hey John! What are you doing? You look very serious! Is something wrong with
Facebook?
B. Hey! I’m not on Facebook. I’m looking for an internship. I am about to get my
diploma with the Physical Distribution Program, but first I need some work
experience. Did you get your insternship already?
A. Yes, I did. I’m going to start with that practical stage next semester. It was not very
difficult. If you want to, I can help you!
B. That would be great! What did you do? Where did you look for your internship? How
did you apply?
A. First of all, I check the Job ads on that Bulletin Board. There are many things on
internet, but I preferred to start with the bulletin board. They always post good offers
there.
B. You’re right! That is why I was so confused! I didn’t know where to go on the
internet! Hey, thanks!
6
Fuente: SENA
Position Overview:
Job Requirements:
Schedule: Full-time
7
A. So… Did you find anything?
B. Of course! I think my profile is perfect for that position… but…. There are a lot of
technical words … and I don’t understand them all.
A. Well, don’t worry. We need to study some technical language and then, you will
decide if you really have the profile for that position.
B. You’re right, again! I really want that position so I will work on some technical
language to be able to write my CV and have a job interview.
2. Let’s talk
Fuente: SENA
Being able to state who you are, what your interests are and the skills you have is
absolutely important when applying for a job position. Besides, using proper language
related to your specialty will always give your future employer a better impression on
you and the knowledge you have to complete your job.
In this section we’ll work on the vocabulary you will need to talk about yourself and your
skills.
8
Let’s study some of the vocabulary and questions that your future employer can ask
you. For this activity, we will imagine that you are in a job interview. There are four
principal questions and you have many options to answer. Please, select the best
answer for each question.
I am unemployed.
What is your current job
I study and work part-time in a small
situation?
company.
I can organize the safe and efficient
storage of goods.
I can organize, develop and confirm
shipping schedules.
I can organize shipments.
I can monitor stock.
Tell me about your
I can work together with a team.
skills…
I have good communication and customer
service skills.
I am self-motivated and I have the ability to
motivate others.
I can be a good asset for the company
because I am a quick learner.
I have experience with Physical
Distribution processes.
I have experience coordinating drivers,
What work experience do vehicles, loads and journeys.
you have? I don’t have much experience but I want to
learn.
I know how to manage staff and shifts.
I am good at establishing cost-planning.
I want to fill this job vacancy.
I want to fill this intern vacancy.
I want to gain some experience in the
What are your
supply chain management.
expectations?
I want to explore new growth opportunities
in the field.
I want to work with your company.
9
3. Let’s read
Fuente: SENA
Reading and understanding what you read are vital skills in finding and keeping a good
job. Many well-paying jobs require reading as a part of job performance. There are
reports and memos which must be read and responded to. Poor reading skills increases
the amount of time it takes to absorb and react in the workplace.
Following, we will check the places where you can read information about job vacancies
and we will also work on some reading strategies to help you read faster.
B. I’m still working on completing some paperwork. I must confess I am a little nervous.
What if I don’t get this intern position?
B. It’s true. But I don’t know how to. There isn’t any more offers at the bulletin board.
A. Hmmm…. I see. Don’t worry! There are some more places to check. We can do a
quick search and find some other vacancies according to your profile.
B. Sure! Besides, that might help me to complete my application because I will see
10
what different companies are looking for.
When people want to find a job or position, they usually search for it using resources
form the Internet or attending specific places.
Networking:
Recruitment agencies:
11
Improving your Reading
Fuente: SENA
Strategy Description
Skimming refers to looking only for the
general or main ideas. You read only
what is important to your purpose.
How to skim?
12
4. Grammar Focus
Not only the vocabulary but the use of language is fundamental to cause a good
impression. Anytime you’re applying for job positions, you should be able to answer
questions and describe yourself.
Simple Present
We use the Simple Present to talk about facts that do not change. That is why, this
grammar form is useful to talk about descriptions and habits.
Fuente: SENA
It is important to follow some rules when using the simple present. Let’s check:
AFFIRMATIVE SENTENCES
SUBJECT VERB FORM
(PERSON)
I / WE / YOU* / WORK
THEY
HE / SHE / IT WORKS
*You is singular and plural according to the context.
13
NEGATIVE SENTENCES
SUBJECT NEGATIVE FORM BASE FORM
(PERSON) FULL FORM CONTRACTION VERB
I / WE / YOU / DO NOT DON’T WORK
THEY
HE / SHE / IT DOES NOT DOESN’T WORK
SHORT ANSWERS
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
AFFIRMATION SUBJECT AUXILIAR NEGATION SUBJECT AUXILIAR
I / WE / DO I / WE / DON’T
YOU / YOU /
YES, THEY NO, THEY
HE / SHE / DOES HE / SHE / DOESN’T
IT IT
Wh Questions
In a job interview, you will be asked many questions. It is important to know how to
answer. Questions that ask for specific information are called wh- questions because
they include the letters W and H. Let’s check the most common questions:
QUESTION
WORD
FUNCTION EXAMPLE
(WH-QUESTION
WORD)
Information about THINGS. What is your name?
WHAT
Repetition. What? I can’t hear you! What?
WHEN Information about TIME. When is your birthday?
WHERE Information about a PLACE. Where do you live?
Information about CHOICE. Which color do you prefer, red or
WHICH
blue?
WHO Information about PEOPLE. Who is that person?
WHY Information about REASON. Why do you wnt to work here?
Information about MANNER. How are you?
HOW Information about How was your interview?
CONDITION or QUALITY.
14
5. Let’s write
Fuente: Freepik
15
Follow these simple steps to write a successful cover letter:
16
References
Document control
17