Day 01 - Deep Listening

Recording 1.1 - Conversation - Job Interview Practice

Narrator – Hello, I’m Ted and welcome to Com Fluency, a space for you to learn
and practice English for everyday use at work and in life.
Join me here, you will get to know E+ Education, where their learners are equipped
with the Effective use of the English language for business, with Extra information,
Efficient for use at work.
This is where it all begins, Kate Williams, our young girl on her way to learn English
and working skills, coming in for the interview to be a sales executive to prove that
she can be a valuable contribution to the company.
Kate is on her way to E+ Education for a job interview to be a sales executive. This is
one of the world’s biggest and best education groups. So Katie, how are you doing
out there? Are you nervous?
Kate – Well, I guess, a little. But I really want to work for them. And this position is so
attractive!
Narrator – Well, don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Just be yourself and be confident.
Kate – But, but what should I say?
Narrator – Well, you can use some sentences to sell yourself a little bit.
For example:
“A good example of my ability that comes to mind is…”
“I’m particularly proud of …
“Time management is so important to me.”
Kate – Oh! Right! What should I tell the interviewers to impress them?
Narrator – Remember to persuade the interviewers that you not only have the
necessary skills for the position, but also have the extensive experience. Be specific
and give them examples of what you did well in the past.
Kate – How do I do that exactly?
Narrator – Well, you can be specific and use the STAR method.
Kate – STAR?
Narrator – Yeah. S – T – A – R. It stands for Situation – Task – Action – Result.
Kate – But how do I use it?
Narrator – Answer these questions when you give an example:
What was the situation you or your previous employer faced?
What tasks were involved in that situation?
What actions did you take?
What were the results of those actions?
Kate – Oh! OK, I see. I think I can handle that.
Narrator – And, be positive. Saying something like, “I feel like I’m ready for a more
challenging position – like this seems to be” can make you look attractive to a hiring
manager.
Kate – All right.
Narrator – Last but not least, don’t forget to smile. And of course, dress for success!
Kate – That’s a great reminder. Thank you so much.
Narrator – So, how will she do in the interview? Let´s look at the next part.

Recording 1.2 - Conversation - Common Questions

Narrator – Here comes the interviewer. This is the moment of truth. Go for it, Katie.
David – Good morning, I’m David, the Manager of E+ Education. And you are….?
Kate – Kate – it’s short for Katherine.
David – Oh, right, of course. Thank you so much for coming in and interviewing with
us today.
Kate – Thank you very much for having me.
Mary – Excuse me, here´s your coffee, David!
David – Ooh. Thanks, Mary. Excellent! You did get me exactly two teaspoons of
sugar. Now, Kate, your résumé is very impressive with many qualifications. So, do
you have any teamwork experience that you can share with me?
Kate – I participated in a group of volunteers. I guess that’s teamwork.
Narrator – C´mon, Kate! Be more enthusiastic!
Kate – Oh, I can say that I’m particularly proud of my work with the volunteer team.
We cooperated to help a lot of disadvantaged people, especially young children.
David – Fantastic. So, what kind of sales experience do you think you can bring to
us here at E+ Education?
Kate – I spent some time working in a clothing shop.
Narrator – Ohhh Kate! Remember to give examples, use the STAR method I told
you about, and really sell yourself!
Kate – Oh, OK. Let me try again! Well a good example that comes to mind is that
last year, in a very difficult market, I promoted a campaign that increased sales
projection by 20%.
David – I see. That’s impressive.
Kate – And…Punctuality is important to me…
Kate – I’m particularly proud of my good time management. I manage my time by
planning out what I have to do for the whole week. Also, each day I remind myself all
my daily tasks, right after I get up in the morning. It keeps me on track and helps me
to be more efficient.
David – Wow, that’s good to hear, Kate. Punctuality is our first priority here. Finally,
Kate, I want to ask you what exactly makes you want to apply for this job?
Narrator – Uh – oh. A question she´s unprepared for! So, how´s she going to
answer that? Let´s find out in the next part.

Recording 1.3 - Conversation - Structuring Your Answers

Narrator – In the last part, Kate was at an interview to become a sales executive at
E+ Education. When we stopped, she was answering the tough question: Why do
you want the job?
Kate – Oh… Well…uhmmm. Because I really want this job.
David – Hmm. And, what more?
Kate – And I will put as much effort as I can into it to get the work done.
David – Good! But why?
Narrator – Kate, organize your ideas, be logical, and consistent! Say, “First –
Second” when giving your reasons. Use “above all” together with an enthusiastic
reason to conclude! Now go for it: “First…”!
Kate – First, I want to work hard here because this job is an ideal match for my skill
set and experience. Second, I’ve always looked forward to being a part of a fast  –
growing group like you are here.
David – Well, that’s absolutely right! E+ Education is the fastest growing group in the
education sector. But what about you in particular?
Kate – Well, above all, your company offers a mix of short  –  term projects and long
–  term goals. I understand that the challenges I´ll face here can bring about
personal and professional development.
David – Yes? Mary!
Mary – Yep, sir! It’s 10 o’clock and you have an appointment with the Marketing
Manager of Global Development.
David – Oh, that’s today. I’m so sorry. I have another meeting right now, Kate! I’m
afraid I’ll have to go. We’ll call you later.
Mary – But there’s something that’s not OK, sir!
Narrator – Uh oh! What’s happened? Let´s see in the next part of the lesson. 

Recording 1.4 - Conversation - Making Suggestions

Narrator – At the end of the last part, David was going to leave the interview with
Kate for a meeting when Mary came in looking trouble. Let´s find out what happens
next.
David – So, what’s the problem Mary?
Mary – We somehow lost the draft contract with the Global Development. I had it
copied on a memory stick but now the stick’s gone. It’s vanished into thin air.
David – Impossible! We’ve been preparing for this the last three months and I
urgently need it for my meeting now. Don’t you have it saved on your computer as
well?
Mary – Unfortunately, not anymore. It was taking up a lot of space, so I´m afraid I
deleted it.
Narrator – Now Kate, it’s your chance to show that you are enthusiastic and have
problem – solving skills.
You’ll need phrases like:
“How about trying…?”
“Maybe you could…?” or “Maybe we could…”
“I have an idea!”
“Can I make a suggestion?”
“Why don’t you…?”
“Have you tried…?”
Kate – Can I make a suggestion?
David – Yes, please! Anything that could help us get out of this jam.
Kate – How about checking the recycle bin on your computer – Have you tried
looking in that folder? There’s a chance that file´s still there.
Mary – I’m afraid it’s not. I  looked there already
Kate – Maybe you could ask your colleagues if they’ve seen the memory device.
Mary – They haven’t – I already asked them.
Kate – Why don’t you look through your trash?  You might possibly have thrown it
away by mistake.
Mary – What do you think of me? I’m not that messy and disorganized. Excuse me!
Kate – Maybe we could search the whole office. That memory drive must be here
somewhere.
Mary – You can´t just go and look at our confidential documents. You´re not a staff
member here.
David – Ooh! All very sensible suggestions Kate –  – thank you for your helpful
input.
Kate – Oh, and I have another idea! Did you ever email the document to anyone?
David – Oh, that’s right, Mary! I remember you emailed it to me to proofread. I’ll go
search in my inbox. Good thinking, Kate!
David – No… No… Aha! Problem solved. Thank you, Kate!
Kate – You’re very welcome. It´s my pleasure to try to help.
David – Oh, yes, I see. Kate, here at E+ Education, we appreciate those who can
think on their feet, who see solutions, not problems! So I would like to offer you this
job right now!
Kate – Ooh. Thank you, it would be my great pleasure to work with you.
Narrator – So that’s it –  – Kate got the job! She hit it off with the boss before the
interview even finished. Now it’s your turn to practice until the next lesson when we
find out how Kate’s first day at work is.