1.

A: Yes, can I help you?

B: I want to apply for a job as press secretary.

A: E-mail us a cover letter and a resume.

B: Do you want writing samples?

A: Yes, we need three writing samples.

B: What else are you looking for?

A: You need to be experienced, energetic, and creative.

B: I am, and I can generate ideas that yield media coverage.

A: You will be the spokesman for national and local media.

B: I’ve had a lot of experience coordinating press conferences.

A: You must have extensive media contacts.

B: I do, plus I have a lot of experience working with both print and electronic media.

2.

A: Yes, how can I help you?

B: I’m applying for your position as a press secretary.

A: We need an e-mail with a cover letter and a resume.

B: Should I send writing samples, too?

A: Yes, send us three writing samples, please.

B: Anything else I should know?

A: We want someone who’s experienced, energetic, and creative.

B: I’m that, plus I’m knowledgeable about the ideas that result in lots of media coverage.

A: We want someone who’ll be the spokesman for national and local media.

B: I know how to coordinate press conferences.

A: We want someone who has extensive media contacts.

B: I have those, and I constantly work with print and electronic media.

3.

A: Can I be of any assistance?

B: Yes, you have an opening for a press secretary.

A: Please e-mail us a cover letter and a CV.

B: Would you like some writing samples?

A: Three samples would be appreciated.

B: What else should I know about?

A: Are you experienced, energetic, and creative?

B: I’m all that, and I’m good at creating ideas that result in media coverage.

A: You’ll take center stage as our spokesperson for national and local media.

B: I’ve coordinated many press conferences.

A: Do you have many media contacts?

B: I have a huge file of contacts, and I regularly work with print and electronic media.

1.

A: Will you be able to work in Brooklyn?

B: That won’t be a problem.

A: The subway service is sometimes dicey.

B: There are always buses and taxis.

A: We need someone to enforce positive relations across the organization.

B: I’ve had a lot of experience with workforce relations.

A: We need someone to ensure competitive compensation and benefits.

B: I’ve ensured such policies and practices for employees in my previous jobs.

A: Do you have an advanced degree?

B: I have a master’s degree in human resources.

A: How much experience do you have in HR?

B: I’ve had 15 years of experience within an HR department.

2.

A: Can you work in Brooklyn?

B: That’s not a problem at all.

A: Sometimes the subways don’t run.

B: I can always take a bus or cab.

A: Can you enforce positive relations across our organization?

B: One of my strengths is enforcing workforce relations.

A: Can you ensure competitive compensation and benefits?

B: That’s a primary focus of my work.

A: What kind of degree do you have?

B: I have a master’s in human resources.

A: How long have you worked in HR?

B: I’ve been in HR departments for about 15 years.

3.

A: Will working in Brooklyn be a problem?

B: I would love to work in Brooklyn.

A: The subways aren’t always on time.

B: If there’s a problem, I’ll take the bus or a taxi.

A: We need someone who can enforce positive organization relations.

B: Enforcing such relations is one of my strengths.

A: We also need someone who can ensure competitive compensation and benefits.

B: That’s another one of my strengths.

A: Do you have a master’s degree?

B: I have a master’s in HR.

A: How many years have you worked in HR?

B: I’ve worked for 15 years in HR.

1.

A: Can you work part-time or full-time?

B: I can work part-time or full-time.

A: Are you bilingual?

B: I’m fluent in English and Spanish.

A: Do you have a medical degree?

B: Yes, I’m licensed to practice medicine in New York.

A: Are you board certified to work with children and adolescents?

B: Yes, I’ve been board certified for many years.

A: Do you have your resume with you?

B: Yes, I have it right here.

A: Will you be able to work in Manhattan?

B: That will be no problem at all.

2.

A: How many hours can you work a week?

B: I can work 10 to 40 hours, as you like.

A: Can you speak two languages?

B: I speak Spanish fluently.

A: Are you an M.D.?

B: Yes, I’m a licensed physician in New York.

A: Are you board certified to work with kids and teens?

B: Yes, I’ve been board certified since 2002.

A: Did you bring your resume?

B: It’s right here in my briefcase.

A: Can you work in Manhattan?

B: I live here, so it’s no problem.

3.

A: Are you able to work part-time or full-time?

B: I can work either.

A: Do you speak anything besides English?

B: I’m fluent in Spanish.

A: Are you licensed to practice in New York?

B: My M.D. is valid in New York.

A: Do you have board certification for adolescents and children?

B: I’ve been board certified for quite a few years.

A: Can I see your resume?

B: Here’s a copy for you.

A: Is it possible for you to work in Manhattan?

B: I would be delighted to work in Manhattan.

1.

A: You will be responsible for various online communication projects.

B: I’ve been responsible for that and for various online development projects.

A: These projects will include content management.

B: I’m sure they’ll include online marketing and donation fulfillment, too.

A: You need to have a bachelor’s degree.

B: I have a bachelor’s degree, plus website and content management experience.

A: Do you have previous experience planning website content?

B: Yes, and I’ve managed website content, too.

A: You must have experience in social media.

B: I use Twitter and Facebook all the time.

A: Do you have web design skills?

B: Yes, and I’m familiar with HTML, CSS, and Photoshop.

2.

A: Your responsibilities will include various online communication projects.

B: My past responsibilities have also included various online development projects.

A: Content management will be part of these projects.

B: My previous projects have included online marketing and donation fulfillment, too.

A: I assume you have a bachelor’s degree.

B: I have that, plus website and content management experience.

A: Have you had experience planning content management?

B: Yes, I’ve planned and managed online content.

A: What’s your experience with social media?

B: I’ve been using Facebook and Twitter for years.

A: Do you know how to design websites?

B: Yes, and I’m knowledgeable about HTML, CSS, and Photoshop.

3.

A: Included in your responsibilities will be various online communication projects.

B: In the past, my responsibilities have also included online development projects.

A: Included in the projects will be content management.

B: I’ve done content management, plus online marketing and donation fulfillment.

A: We require that you have a bachelor’s degree.

B: I have one, and I have website and content management experience.

A: Have you ever planned website content?

B: Yes, I’ve planned it and managed it, too.

A: How much experience do you have with social media?

B: I’m very familiar with Twitter and Facebook.

A: I assume you have web design skills.

B: Yes, and I’m very comfortable with HTML, CSS, and Photoshop.

1.

A: You’ll be responsible for the financial management department.

B: In my last job, I was responsible for the facilities maintenance department, too.

A: You’ll be handling all the financial plans and reports.

B: In my last job, I handled those and the department budgets, too.

A: You need to have a master’s in business administration.

B: I have that, plus I’m a CPA.

A: You’ll need excellent verbal and written skills.

B: I also have excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.

A: You need to be computer literate.

B: I’m a computer programmer.

A: What are your salary requirements?

B: I’m looking for no less than $80,000 a year.

2.

A: Your responsibilities include the financial management department.

B: My past responsibilities have also included the facilities maintenance department.

A: You’ll also be responsible for financial plans and reports.

B: My past responsibilities included department budgets, too.

A: Do you have an MBA?

B: I have an MBA, and I’m a CPA.

A: You must have excellent oral and written skills.

B: I have those, plus excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.

A: You must be computer literate.

B: I know Word and Excel like the back of my hand.

A: What are you looking for salary-wise?

B: I’ll accept nothing less than $80,000 annually.

3.

A: You’ll be running the financial management department.

B: I’ve also run the facilities maintenance department in the past.

A: You’ll also be in charge of the financial plans and reports.

B: I’ve been in charge of those and department budgets, too.

A: You need to have an MBA, of course.

B: I’ve got that, plus I’m a certified public accountant.

A: Your verbal and written skills must be exceptional.

B: In addition, I have exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills.

A: You must be knowledgeable about computer software and programs.

B: My dad taught me how to build computers when I was a kid.

A: I need to know your salary requirements.

B: I need to make at least $80,000 a year.

1.

A: I’ve got an important job interview tomorrow.

B: Then you should dress well.

A: I’m going to wear a dark gray business suit, of course.

B: Wear a white shirt and a red tie.

A: Red is supposed to convey power, right?

B: You don’t want them to think you’re weak.

A: I’m wearing a pair of black socks with black shoes.

B: Make sure the socks are calf-high.

A: Because it’s not good to show skin, right?

B: Shine your shoes and clip your nails.

A: I’m getting a haircut this afternoon.

B: Remember to use a firm handshake and look the interviewer in the eye.

2.

A: I’m going to an important job interview tomorrow.

B: Make sure you dress well.

A: I’ll wear my dark gray business suit.

B: Make sure you wear a white shirt and a red tie.

A: Red signifies power, right?

B: It tells the interviewer that you’re independent.

A: I’m wearing black socks and black shoes.

B: Wear calf-high socks, not ankle-high ones.

A: I don’t want to show any skin.

B: Make sure you shine your shoes and cut your nails.

A: I’ve got a haircut appointment this afternoon.

B: Look the interviewer in the eye and give him a manly handshake.

3.

A: I’ve got a big job interview tomorrow morning.

B: You’d better make a good presentation with your appearance.

A: I think my dark gray business suit looks great.

B: You should wear a red tie and a white shirt.

A: Red is a power color, right?

B: It shows the interviewer that you’re not a pushover or a weakling.

A: I’m wearing black socks with a pair of black shoes.

B: The socks should be calf-high, of course.

A: I don’t want to show any leg, of course.

B: Make sure your shoes are shined and your nails are clipped.

A: I’m getting a haircut this afternoon.

B: Look directly at the interviewer, and make sure your handshake is firm.

1.

A: Would you take a look at my resume?

B: I’ll be happy to examine it.

A: I hope I have all the necessary information.

B: I see that you have no spelling mistakes.

A: I learned that a long time ago.

B: It’s organized into Education and Employment History.

A: I’ve also included References, of course.

B: You should have a section labeled Strengths.

A: Why do I need such a section?

B: An organization wants to know what you can do for them.

A: So I should show my strengths relative to their needs.

B: That makes you more valuable to the company.

2.

A: I’d appreciate it if you would look at my resume.

B: It would be my pleasure to help you with it.

A: I hope I’ve included all relevant info about myself.

B: Well, at least you have no spelling errors.

A: I know that typos are the kiss of death.

B: The two main parts are Education and Employment History.

A: Yes, plus References, of course.

B: But you don’t have a part called Strengths.

A: What’s that all about?

B: It tells the company if your skills fit their needs.

A: So they should know if we will work hand in glove.

B: That makes you look like a good fit in their organization.

3.

A: Would you mind looking at my resume?

B: I’ll be glad to help you out with it.

A: I think I’ve presented all the information I need.

B: I see that there are no spelling problems.

A: Yes, typos are so unprofessional.

B: The two main parts are Education and Employment History.

A: Followed by References, of course.

B: But I don’t see anything about your strengths.

A: I should have a part called Strengths?

B: That will tell the company how you can fit into their vision.

A: So my strengths should complement their needs and goals.

B: That means you’ll increase your chance of getting hired.

The world of international business is very interesting and quite complicated.  There are no clear rules saying that everyone must speak English like native English speakers, but somehow, we all know that it helps.

English is clearly the language of business and most CEO’s of large companies are native English speakers.  I was just at a big business Conference in China.  Most of the people spoke English as a second language but the entire conference was in English.

This conference was in a 5 star hotel and cost the company about 250 000 USD to prepare.  It was very important.   The people in the conference were doing a lot of networking.  I noticed that some of the more successful business people were more fluent in English.  They were not necessarily the more intelligent people, but they could make everyone understand their point.

In many ways the world isn’t fair but I strongly believe that it’s much better to study how the world really is instead of how we wish it was.  If you want to improve in business, you need to do all that you can to learn western culture and at least an English style that is similar to native speakers.  You will make more friends and get more job opportunities with this approach.  I’ve seen it in the real world.  I know this is how it works.  Here is an interesting post about how to speak like a native speaker.  I think it will benefit you in many ways.

Business English is not only a language but also a type of international culture.  It’s a kind of world culture you need to understand if you want to seriously succeed in the world of International business.

International Business English is basically the way the world communicates when doing business.  Grammar and showing off with high level vocabulary is not necessary.  The most important part of this world is understanding how to relate to people and make your point short and clear to other people.  Business English is about getting the job done and it’s not about anything else.  Understanding others and being understood is the whole key.

One interesting tip that you might not have thought of is that using a simpler version of English might actually be better than a more advanced one.  You should of course learn all the advanced stuff yourself, but don’t forget that you will be dealing a lot with other people who don’t speak English well.  Even if your English is perfect, you need to take into account the level of English that other people have.  If you write or speak at a higher level than they can understand, you are wasting your time, their time, and most importantly, losing the business deal.

International Business English is a high level yet simple form of communication.  It’s direct, polite, and to the point.

If you are serious about succeeding internationally, you should check out:

International Business English