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.

If you want to impress your future boss or anyone looking to hire you, there is something you can work on that is much better than a resume or a CV in today’s world.

Why not get it so that your name appears “first” when someone searches for it on Google or some other search Engine that is mainly used in your country.  It takes some work to do this, but it may not be as difficult as you think.  If someone can “Google” you and read a lot about you on a well designed WordPress template, people will naturally be impressed.  It seems like you are unique and almost famous.  There is something magical about this process.

So many people are “old school thinkers” in their advice for how to get a good job.  Show someone how to find you on the internet and it’ll impress them a lot.  It will also show that you are very unique and can think outside the box for a change.

Andrew Best, me, just started working on this and I’m still not where I’d like to be, but it’s only a matter of time.  I know that in a few months max I’ll be at the top.  I’ll do it through writing my honest thoughts and posting them in places I think people might want to see them.  I’m not looking for a new job at all, but I do want to start marketing myself and my “personal brand”.  I’ve seen how important this is and I want people to remember Andrew Best as the world’s top marketer.  If that will be true, I need to get people to know who I am.  It can create celebrity status with people you meet.  Linked in is also very good for this but getting your own website is better.  The best of all is to combine both.  Get a good Linked In profile and put a link to your own website on there.

Job advice is often bad.  So many people give the same advice and that is the problem.  Go to a good school, bla bla bla.  We all know what people say.

The real thing about finding a good job is being able to learn a different skill than others have.  If everyone went to medical school, doctors would not make much money.  Good jobs today are about paying attention to changes in the world and in technology.  There are some exceptions for sure, but being able to “think outside the box” and be creative is probably more important than having an MBA from Harvard.

You need to forget about what most people are doing and think for yourself about where the future is going.  It is impossible to know for sure but if you read and think about it enough, you will have a better idea than most people.  That is the key point.  You do not have to be perfect, you just have to know more than most people.  It’s not that hard really.  To be honest, most people don’t even read.  They just watch TV and do a simple job and copy most people.  If you are competing with these people, your life should be easy.  This isn’t about winning a gold medal in the Olympics.

Now is 2011.  The internet, globalization, smart phones like the Iphone and Android, as well as other high tech stuff is in demand.  Schools don’t really prepare you properly for these industries.  You need to “learn how to learn”.  That is really the whole point of university.

Now I’m going to get to the point about jobs in “hands free video recording”.  The idea is that this is a very new and exciting industry.  Video recording has been around for a long time, but it has been annoying because you have to hold a camera.  Now, there is a revolution going on.  This is important to get in now because you want to be in the game before other players.  Hands free video, or “HDHF” is talking about taking HD videos without using your hands.   It is what they call “point of view” video recording.  The idea is that you see on the screen exactly what the person sees with their own eyes.  It won an innovation award a couple months ago and the technology is going to be huge.  The applications will be amazing but it will be the thinkers that will be the ones making the money.  Be creative and don’t be lazy.  Things will work out for you.  This product will start out in the USA and then quickly whip all over the world.  Get ready for it.  Click on some of the links to find out more info on this.  Of course there will be other ways to make money, but this is just one cool thing that I truly believe in.  It’s certainly worth taking a look at.

The top brand makes super high quality cool looking glasses.  They will “indirectly” open up doors for many jobs.  It’s like Apple.  They made a lot of jobs for people making “Apps” and other things.  With this video stuff, there will be jobs for cool video editors, marketers, online promoters, and all kinds of other things.   Being creative and having a positive attitude are going to make you more money than any degree ever will.

Your parents might be proud of you for going to Harvard, but at the end of the day, it is just a piece of paper, the rest is up to you.  If you can prove that you are useful to a company, they will want you.  I believe in high technology and video recording eyewear in particular.  There will be an explosion in sales in the next year or two.  Start studying video stuff now and how to apply it to social networking like Facebook and Twitter and other sites.  Think about apps for this stuff.  This is true High Def video that can be recorded just from wearing glasses.  It is an amazing product and most people don’t even know about it yet.  I’m sharing this secret information with you now because I want to help you.

The internet will get faster and faster all over the world and there will be a lot more high quality video.  Google is really starting to include video in search results so you’d be wise to get on this train before it’s too late.

The better your spoken English is, the more job opportunities you will have.  This may sound obvious but there are more reasons for this than you may think.  If you can speak English well, it means that you can communicate with people from all over the world.  Your understanding of the world will be broadened because you will be exposed to a lot more things and ideas.  A lot of business is about understanding more than your competitors.  If you can understand English and your own native language, you will be at a huge advantage to other people in your country.  Of course, English alone isn’t enough but it’s a really good start.  If you can speak and read a little then with the right study method you are probably only 4 months away from amazing English and a whole new life ahead of you making a lot more money.  Once you learn spoken English, no one can ever take this skill away from you and you will never regret the decision to start studying now.  There are some great ways to learn online and here is a great site to do it.

How to Improve Spoken English

Networking is unbelievably important for doing business or getting a job.

Basically, networking just means building relationships with other people.  These are kind of like business friendships.   People who are smart in school but poor socially often have a really difficult time in the “real world” when it comes to finding a good job.

These people often complain that “life isn’t fair”.  They feel that they deserve a good job but don’t know how to get it.  The fact is that people are much more likely to give the good jobs and business positions to people they already know and trust.  This is even true for large companies and government organizations.

If you are learning English, it’s important to learn western culture as well.  This cultural understanding will help you make friends and connect with business people.  Even if you aren’t the “best person for the job” you will have a much higher chance of getting a good job than the people who just sit around and hope that something good will happen to them.
It sounds funny, but this is what most people do.  They sit around complaining instead of spending their time and energy meeting people.

If you want to learn the culture, you need to learn modern slang

That link is a really good program for learning culture and the way that native speakers talk together.  If you follow it, you will understand western culture at a very deep level and have much more business success as a result.

So many students study business English mainly to get a good job in a western company. I live in Shanghai and I see what works and what does not for getting an international job. Here are a few important things I’ve noticed.

1. English level is far more important than English test scores.

It’s true that a good TOEIC score might be required by some companies, but often employers really want to know your true English level and don’t care about your test scores. They will speak with you in English. After the interview, they will know your true level.

2. Getting jobs through the people you know is much easier than passing in your CV everywhere.

Most young job searchers care too much about their CV and send them to big companies. Most of these companies get thousands of CV’s per week and don’t even have time to read them all. Get out of your house and meet people. If you can show them that you are worth something, they will recommend you for some good position. This recommendation is huge. So many people I know got great jobs just because they were good at meeting people.

3. Be prepared to explain exactly how you will add value to the company

This is important for both getting a job and also salary negotiation.  Bosses really want people to help them earn money.  That’s really all companies are doing.  If you seem like a smart and capable person, they will invest time, money, and energy into training you into a valuable employee.  It’s important to be able to sell yourself.  Tell them how you can help the company.  Don’t use fake answers and talk about what degrees you have.   It’s not that important.  The biggest question is “WHY YOU?”

4.  Learn western culture!

Learning western culture will help your chances of getting a good job.  You don’t have to agree with the culture, but it’s important you understand it.  You need to understand the jokes, the way of thinking, and the way of doing business in the west.  This is a huge advantage that many ESL students miss big time.

These tips should really help your chances of getting a sweet job.  Remember, most English learners look for jobs in a different way, and that is a good thing.  Be different and be better.

If you want to learn more about business, western culture, and a lot of other stuff that will really help you improve your English, or improve the English of your students (Great for the ESL classroom too as well as individual students), I highly recommend this step by step Mp3 Learning Program

Being able to negotiate a good salary is one of the most important things you can do in your career.

Money is often a sensitive topic and it’s not easy to look your potential boss in the eye and tell him or her you need a lot more money than they initially offered. Western companies go around the world looking for cheap labor. It’s up to you to demand what you are worth. You need to stand strong and here are some useful tips.

1. Be able to explain clearly why you are worth the money you want.

Remember that this is a game where the boss is trying to save money. If you will accept a low paying job, why would he offer you more? If you can really add value to the company, you can make a lot of money. You need to be able to explain how exactly you will do this. CEO’s make a lot of money because they bring in even more money than that for the company. You need to show how you can justify your high salary.

2. Don’t accept weird excuses for low pay.

I used to work for a start up company in China and the boss always tried to pay the local workers a low wage. He said that the company wasn’t making any money yet and bigger salaries would come in the future. Everything was promised in the future. What he was saying was true, but this doesn’t mean that the employees should accept really low pay. Start up companies should plan to lose money for the first few years. There are millions of clever excuses bosses can use to offer a low salary. Demand a reasonable salary and be prepared to work hard to add value to the company. If the boss really believes you can help them earn big money, he will pay you well. It’s hard to find good talent.

3. Never sign anything the first day.

Always ask to take home the contract and look it over. Don’t be scared to make some changes and ask for more money. You won’t always get exactly what you want, but bargain hard and think about what you are really worth to the company. If you are just starting, maybe you don’t deserve a large salary yet. Always make sure you have room to grow in the company if you perform well.

Different people make hugely different salaries for similar jobs. It all comes down to being good at negotiation.