A letter of recommendation is a letter a boss writes for a worker who is leaving the company.

The worker will show the letter to a new  company. They will use the letter to show they are a good worker. They will use the letter to help them find a new job.

Please read the letter.

Think about:

Is Trever Adams a good worker?                        TIP: Use your dictionary for any new words!

Now read the letter again, but ONLY READ EVERY SECOND LINE!

ACTIVITY

Is Trever Adams a good worker? 

Tell me TWO things that Trevor is NOT good at.

Put your answer in the comments!

Q: I need to improve my business English listening and speaking. If you can, I would like you to recommend some materials and/or books to help me with BEC (Business English Certificate) Vantage and Higher, and/or TOEIC.

If you could help me with these my goals, I would appreciate it very much.

I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

A: Thank you for your question! The following materials will help you to prepare for either BEC or TOEIC. They will also help to improve your business English listening skills:

I hope this helps! If these materials do not suit you, let me know and I will find something else.

All the best in your test!

Can’t see the video? Click HERE.

QUESTION: What word is used to describe the notes taken in a meeting?

Write your answer in the comments!

ACTIVITY: Read or listen to the article below and then watch the video.

Tell me about your country:

•  What do people usually wear for work?
• Is it okay to wear jeans and a t-shirt to work?

Sadly most people judge us within 10 seconds of seeing of us so although it is important to know what we say sometimes…..sometimes how we look speaks for us.

Dress the part of what ever is necessary for your business. For some it might be a business suit for others it may be a lab coat and for others it may be a pair of coveralls. Whatever it might be its important that your client knows you fit in for the work you must sell to them.

People often only hear and listen to about 10% of what you are saying. The rest isn’t so much on what you are saying but how your body language and tone of voice is making them feel. Wow!
Start with a sincere smile and a warm hand shake. Use a greeting that is comfortable for you “How was your flight”, “how were my directions”…etc.

By asking open ended questions you automatically give more control to the customer making them feel more comfortable.
Speak clearly and at the same speed as your client is speaking, unless your client has an unusual speech pattern. You don’t want to mimic them if that’s the case .

Smile while you talk it makes a huge difference. Regardless of whether you are sitting or standing it is important to keep your shoulders back and chest out. This already shows your client that you are confident about your work.

Relax and have fun.

Meeting a new client often means a long term relationship and may even lead to friendship – who knows?

Can’t see the video? Click HERE

ACTIVITY: Tell me about your country:

•  What do people usually wear for work?
• Is it okay to wear jeans and a t-shirt to work?

Q: I am looking for some business conversation when talking about a new project.

A: Thank you for your question. Talking with customers and other businesses about projects is a very important part of business.

Let’s take a look at some useful language for talking about business projects.

Watch the video and then try the activity below:

Can’t see the video? Click HERE.

ACTIVITY:

Write or record sentences using the following words. Your sentences could be about business or just everyday conversation:

1) time frame

2) constraint

3) deadline

Today, let’s look at how to write a letter to reject someone who has applied to work in your company.

Many companies get people sending them job applications everyday.

It is important to:

1. Thank these people for thinking of your company.
2. Be honest with the applicant and tell them they have not been successful.

If you want to, you can also tell them why they have not been successful. They may appreciate this feedback as it will help them in their next job application. Let’s look at an example.

EXAMPLE LETTER:

____________________________________________

Bob Smith (Your name)
5 Brown Street (Your address – number and street name)
Sydney NSW 2000 (Your address – city, state, postcode) 
(02) 5555-5555 (Your phone number) 

2 February 2009 (Date)

Dear Mr. Bush, 

Thank you  for your interest in the position of Regional Manager with ABC Inc. There were a high number of applicants for this position and unfortunately, your application was not successful.

Although your application was of a high standard, many other applicants held a Master of Business Administration degree.

Thank you again for your application.

Kind Regards.
Signature

 
Bob Smith (Print your full name)

____________________________________________

Most of us have received a letter like this one at some time during our lives.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WRITING COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES

QUESTION: Have you had a letter telling you that you were unsuccessful in a job application?

What did they say? Was it helpful?

How should I write a letter to refuse a job offer? I have received a letter in English and have to answer.

My Answer: Firstly, congratulations on the job offer and also the freedom to choose your job! That is great!

To refuse a job offer, I suggest you be honest, but also polite. You may want to work for that company in the future, so it is important to keep a good relationship with them.

Here is an example letter:

____________________________________________

Bob Smith (Your name)
5 Brown Street (Your address – number and street name)
Sydney NSW 2000 (Your address – city, state, postcode) 
(02) 5555-5555 (Your phone number) 

14 January 2009 (Date)

Dear Mr. Bush, 

Thank you very much for offering me the position of Regional Manager with ABC inc. It was a difficult decision to make, but, I have accepted a position with another company.

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to interview me and to share information on the opportunity and your company.

Again, thank you for your consideration.
Signature

 
Bob Smith (Print your full name)

____________________________________________

modified from: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/morejobletters/a/rejectajob.htm

Let’s look at the main part of the letter in detail:

Thank you very much for offering me the position of Regional Manager with ABC inc. It was a difficult decision to make, but, I have accepted a position with another company. (The first part thanking the company for their offer. The second part explains why you cannot accept the offer)

I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to interview me and to share information on the opportunity and your company.  (More specific thanks for things the company did for you)

Again, thank you for your consideration. (A final thank you)

TIP: It may also be good to say something like:  Although I cannot accept your offer in my present circumstances, I hope that I may have the opportunity to work with you in the future.

I wish you all the best with your new job!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WRITING COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES

When you answer the phone in English, what should you say?

The correct answer is: B!

Yes! On the phone we us the phrase ”This is …. speaking”.

So how about in business calls?

The same thing! The phone rings… You can say:

PRACTICE:

IN THE COMMENTS, RECORD YOURSELF ANSWERING THE PHONE.

You can either TYPE your answer, or RECORD yourself using ‘add audio only comment’. (You need a microphone to record yourself!)

HAVE A TRY!

Today, let’s look how to give someone your business card.

Put your answer in the comments!

When we meet new people in business, we usually exchange business cards. Did you know that different countries have different customs for giving and receiving business cards? 

Today, let’s look at some general tips on how to exchange business cards politely.

How should you introduce yourself?

Imagine:

You are in a new country alone on a business trip. You are meeting someone you will be doing business with for the first time.

What would you say? What would you do?

Watch this video for some tips.

QUESTION:

How did the two people introduce themself?

1. What did they say?
2. What did they do?