English at work – Episode 2 : The Interruption

Transcript of the podcast

Narrator: Hello! Welcome back to the offices of Tip Top Trading, where Anna’s interview for a sales job continues. When we last said goodbye, Tip Top boss Paul had asked Anna why she wanted the job. First she said

…Anna: Errr… mmmmm

:Narrator: Since then, she’s added

…Anna: Mmmm… errr

:Narrator: And as we join her again, Anna is saying

.Anna: Well, errrr… I’m errr

.Narrator: Come on, Anna! If you can’t think of the word you need, find another way of saying it

.Anna: I am… Well, I really, really want this job and I am willing to work very hard if I get it

?Paul: So you’re very motivated, then

.Anna: Motivated! Yes, that’s it. I am really motivated

?Paul: Good! Why

Narrator: Now over to you Anna; structure your answer! Say, ‘firstly’, then give your first reason, ‘secondly’ and then a second reason. Then say, ‘above all’ and give a really, really good, enthusiastic final reason! Go for it: firstly

!Anna: Firstly

?…Paul: Firstly

Anna: Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience: I’ve spent several years working in sales and I get on with people easily. Well, I mean, apart from the ones I don’t like, of course. Secondly, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest-growing companies in London, and I want to be part of that

Paul: That’s absolutely right. Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector. But enough about the company; this is all about you, Annabel

.Anna: Anna

?Paul: Sorry, Anna. Where were we

Anna: Well, I said that firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience, secondly, the company is growing fast… and… and… above all… the reason I want this job is

?Paul: Yes? (knock on the door) Denise! Is everything alright

!Denise: No Paul, it’s not. Everything is not OK

.Paul: You look pale. Here, sit down, drink what’s left of my tea

?Denise: Oh, thank you! Oh… what are those bits floating in it

Paul: Oh they’re just lumps of soggy biscuit. In fact, if I can just… get that bit out… with my finger… for you… Mmm, delicious! Now, tell me what happened

…Denise: Well, it’s terrible

Narrator: Oh dear! Just as Anna was doing really well, it looks like her interview has come to a sudden end. What’s happened? Join us next time to find out. But before we go, here’s a reminder of how Anna structured her response

Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience
Secondly, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest-growing companies in London and… above all… the reason I want this job is

Anna couldn’t remember the word ‘motivated’, so she just found another way of saying what she meant

.I really, really want the job and I am willing to work very hard if I get it

!Nice work, Anna! Let’s hope you get the chance to finish your interview next week