外贸英语函电

 English is the most widely accepted language in international business world.

 English for Foreign Trade is an essential tool of international trade communication on business terms and

conditions

 Comprises of a set for generally accepted international business practices and standards

 Not only a specific range of English vocabulary but also business culture and body language common in

international business communities

WHY English for Foreign Trade

 To enhance international business communication to achieve common business objectives  Through understanding of each stake holder’s needs & wants to reach win-win  To negotiate and protect presenting party’s best business interest  Familiarize with Western business practices and cultural insights WHERE is English Used in Foreign Trade

 Market demand and entry research

- demand and supply balance of a particular product in a given market  Product promotion – Product inquiry

- technical specifications to meet buyer and user requirements  Contract negotiation

- offer, counter-offer, re-counter offer, pricing system, terms and conditions negotiation (devil is in the  Order fulfillment

Chapter One: Business Letters

The 11 Components of a Business Letter: 1. 4.

Letter Heading & Letter Date

- Sender’s information: name, address, telephone, email, website, corporate logo Letter Date: American (October 1st, 2010) vs British (1st October, 2010) Attention:

(1) Usually on top center or upper right corner (2) 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th – 20th, 21st etc

(3) comma between date & year, and between city & country names

- Recipient’s information: name and address; (No need to list telephone, email, website) - Left hand side below and opposite Letter Head

- Dear “First Name” or Mr/Miss/Mrs/Messrs/with Last Name

- Use Doctor (MD & PhD), Professor, Officer (Lieutenant, General) etc professional designations, but not Subject Caption

- Re: to highlight key subject matter of the letter - shipping and delivery: FOB, CIF, force majeure  After sales follow-up

- installation, custom modification, trial run, operator training, performance report details)

2. Inside Address

3. Salutation

“MD, Manager, position designations.

5. 7.

Opening Paragraph

- Separate 1st paragraph for self-introduction and to briefly state your purpose of writing - Main paragraph(s) clearly stating your case, request and intention in details - Use page #’s when letter is more than one page, e.g. (p. 1 of 5 or p. 1/5) Closing Paragraph

- Summarize your letter, emphasize your requests - Yours truly, Yours sincerely, Yours faithfully (Br.) - Cordially yours, Respectfully yours (Am.) Attention: always adv not adj

- Hand signature, followed by signer’s name, position in

typing

6. Body of Letter

Complimentary Close

9. Signature 10. Enclosure

- Enc when there are attachments, e.g. photos, invoices, certificates etc. - P.S. and P.P.S. to bring up subjects not mentioned in body of letter - Identification mark: ASY/asy to indicate BOSS/secretary - cc and bcc: carbon copy and blind carbon copy

- Block style most commonly used today, indented style no longer fashionable - Refer to Textbook p.8 for appropriate full letter format - Return address always on upper left corner - Mailing direction & address in center of envelop

- Remarks (private, personal & confidential, airmail, urgent, printed matter) on lower left - Stamps on upper right corner

- Refer to Textbook p. 13 for appropriate envelop format - Mr. True Recipient c/o Mr. Forwarder - Block style (Am) vs. indented style (Br) - Month/Date/Year (Am) vs. Date/Month/Year (Br) - Comparison table p. 17-20 automobile vs. motorcar baggage vs. luggage last name vs. family/surname first floor vs. ground floor color/harbor vs. colour/harbour

11. Postscripts

Indented style vs Block style

Envelop Dressing (superscription)

Letter Forward

Common Address & State Names (p.15-16) Dissimilarities in American vs. British Letter Writing

Noteworthy Examples:

Million, Billion, Trillion

Day light savings time – spring forward/fall back EST/Central Time/Mountain Time/Pacific Time One-way – Round trip

Toilet/lavatory/washroom/men-lady’s room/powder room/W.C.

Chapter Two Establishing Business Relations Sources of new customer information

 Chamber of Commerce, e.g. AmCham, HKCC

 Commercial Counselor’s office: Embassy and Consulate/Consulate General  Newspapers, trade magazines and media

 Other customers’ introduction – word of mouth is the best form of introduction  Self-introduction: cold calls/sweep floors  Websites and Yellow Pages Writing Principles:

 write a short letter no more than one page

 In polite language with courteous and sincere attitude

 Direct to the point at first paragraph – a good start is half the success  Say something high about your company and/or product; quantify results  List some well-known customers  Express your desire of cooperation Specimen Letter #1

Dear Mr. Johnson (avoid Sir/Madam),

We are pleased to introduce a new equipment to enhance your manufacturing productivity by 28%. Our company was established in 1898, carrying over 110 years of successful operations. 158 of Fortune 500 have to date expressed interest in this new product, including GE and HP. We would be very happy to perform a demonstration for you this coming week. Yours faithfully,

Specimen Letter #2

Beautiful Art is a maker of high quality furniture. We are ISO 9000 and CFA accredited with monthly production of 35-40 containers.

We regularly export to renowned buyers in Europe and America such as Wal-Mart and Sears. Please visit our website www.beautiful-art.com or our new show room at 500 Beihai Boulevard. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Key word

1. interest n. (p.25)

 Hobby, e.g. tennis, calligraphy

 Benefit, e.g. national interest in oil fields  Yield, e.g. simple/compound interest

“Rule of 72”

interest v.

 Attract attention, e.g. Your price is too high to interest potential buyers. 2.Industy n. (p.26)

 Cottage (small farm house) industry  Heavy vs. Light industry  National vs. Private industry

 Tertiary vs. Secondary/Primary industry (service, manufacturing & agriculture)

 Smokeless industries: tourism, financial 3. Company Designations (p.28)

 Most commonly as “Co.”, “Ltd.”, “Corp.”, “Inc.” and “LLC.”  Line(s): airlines, shipping lines

 Agency: real estate, advertising-broker types.

 Associates: medical, consulting, political, e.g. ASEAN, Kissinger Associates  Service: travel, money exchange e.g. Amex  Office: head or branch, internal designation 4. Market n. (p.30)

 Trading Place: i) corner the market; ii) hit the market; iii) niche market; iv) secondhand market; v) in the

market; vi) to find a market, etc.

Market v

 Sell: to market a product – to find a market for a product 5. Appreciate v. (p.39)

 Increase in value: price appreciates (vs. depreciate)

 Be grateful for: we appreciate your immediate attention (vs. un-appreciate)  Understand: we appreciate your feelings over our unfavorable decision

Useful Business Acronyms

 IOU – I Owe You  LOI – Letter of Intent

 MOU – Memo of Understanding  SOE – State Owned Enterprise  JV – Joint Venture  VC – Venture Capital  C/O – Care Of  O/B/O – On Behalf Of  PTO – Please Turn Over Useful Business Terminology

 export control – export quota

 export license – export oriented economy  export dumping – export subsidiary  trade barrier – tariff/customs duty  transit trade: China – HK – Taiwan

 trade representative – Commerce Department  we regret to inform: refuse, decline

Chapter 3 Enquiries

Section A Writing Principles ofEnquiry Letters Introduction

 An enquiry is a request made by a buyer for goods or services he/she is interested in.

 When making an enquiry the buyer may ask about price, product specification, packing, delivery, terms

of payment and so on.

 An enquiry should be clear and specific.

 When a buyer makes an enquiry, he has no obligation to purchase, i.e. non-committal.  On the other hand, the seller who receives such an enquiry is under no obligation to reply. Writing Principles of inquiry letter

 To tell where you learned the company and its products, e.g. mutual friend or trade magazine  Describe your specific needs but with no promise of booking the inquired products

 Stress the importance of your needed information, flatter your receiver for providing more information  If any queries, ask the reader to give you a definite reply

 If an unfamiliar reader, try to personalize your letter like the one between friends  Use courtesy words.

 If you can answer all the inquiries of the buyers, respond as soon as possible

 If you can only meet a part of the requirements, first inform what you can do and then explain what you

can not do

 If you cannot meet any of the requirements, first express your thanks for the inquiry and then your

regrets

 Try your best to entice your potential buyer by stressing your quality and offering incentives e.g. volume

discount

 Let your reader fell the sincerity and heart-felt desire for co-operation

 As appropriate, try to introduce more about your associated companies and products, e.g. Carrier & Otis,

elevator & escalator.

Section B Specimen Letters, Key Words and Structures Key word 1. Price (p.58)

 retail price vs. wholesale price  bid price vs. ask price  opening price vs. closing price  price range: max. vs. min. price  market price: seafood price on menu

 price gouging: charging a high price during supply shortage, e.g. in disaster 2. Term (p.60)

 Time period: long term vs. short term  Expression: technical terminology  Provision: terms and conditions 3. Order (p.67)

 Place an order -> accept an order -> confirm an order -> fulfill an order  New order vs. Repeat order  Made to order: custom made

 Trial order: test order usually small quantity  Money order: bank draft  Back order: work back log  Mail order: order by mail delivery 4. Discount (p.61)

 Sales promotion: price discount, e.g. If you can discount your price by 10%, we are ready to order 300

units.

 Discredit: Unproven hearsays should be discounted as rumors are often exaggerated. 5. Quality (p.70)

 Condition: Quality is essential in any product  Excellence:

 Best quality  High quality  Average quality  Inferior quality

6. Buy vs. Purchase – casual vs. major 7. Custom vs. custom vs. the Customs

– tradition vs. tailor made vs. the authority 8. In good time – being punctual, in a timely fashion 9. Binding – required, obligatory

10. Mill (flour & paper) vs. factory (light industry) vs. plant & works (heavy industry) 11. FYI – for your information 12. Deposit – payment before delivery 13. COD - payment at time of delivery 14. Balance – payment after delivery

15. L/C – third party assurance of payment after delivery

Useful sentences Inquiry & Response:

 Please price your offer as low as possible.

 If quality of your initial shipment is found satisfactory, large repeat orders will follow.  We apologize for our delay in replying to your inquiry.  Quality is the essence in all of our products and services. Order Placement:

 We are pleased to place an order with you for 1,000 bicycles.

 This contract price does not include any government taxes, levies or shipping costs (Disclaimer).  This contract terms and conditions should be taken as final and binding.  We look forward to your prompt reply.

 Please rest assured of our product quality and our desire for long term co-operation.  You are welcome vs. Not at all vs. Don’t mention it (verbal usage)

Chapter 4 Offers Introduction

 An offer refers to a buyer or a seller gives certain sales terms and conditions to the other side for

confirmation, and expresses to sign a legal and effective contract based on these terms and conditions  In the first case it is a buyer’s offer (offer to buy); and in the second case it is a seller’s offer (offer to

sell)

 In any case, the person who makes the offer is an offeror and the person to whom the offer is made is an

offeree.

Kind of offers

1)Firm Offer (standing offer 实盘) – may not cancel within offer validity period, subject to legal obligation once

accepted

2)Non-firm Offer (offer without obligation 虚盘) (1) free offer (随时可以撤回的报盘); (2) offer subject to prior sale (有权先售报盘);

(3) offer subject to change without any notice (如有变化无须另外通知的报盘). 3) Counter-offer, 还盘

4) Counter counter-offer, 反还盘

Writing Principles

 To reply promptly in due course  To reply definitely and accurately

 To comprise all essential trade terms in offer  If firm offer, express clearly the validity

 To stress the part of the commodity worth saying high Key words 1. offer (p.102)

 We are now making you a firm offer subject to your reply before October 31, 2010.

 We offer you 2,000 dozen men’s shirts at US $58 per dozen, net, CIF New York, shipment August,

payment by irrevocable L/C.

 We offer you firm subject to your reply within one week from today.  Offer (all terms) vs. quote (price only). 2. subject to (p.103)

 Our fuel costs, especially heating oil, are subject to market price fluctuations and seasonal demand.  This offer price is subject to alteration without advanced notice.

 Subject to our final, written confirmation, we are sending you our initial offer terms as below. 3. entertain v. (p.104) - accept / amuse

 He refused to entertain our proposal.

 We shall be glad to entertain any constructive suggestions.  The aim of this TV series is both to entertain and to educate.  He likes to entertain friends with music and refreshments at home. 4. sports venues (p.117)

 Golf course/links  Bowling alley  Billiard/pool room  Football field  Basketball/tennis court  Baseball diamond  Shooting range 5. stock (p.111) - commodity

 Land is a stock can not be replenished.  In Thailand rice is an important stock for export.  Spot stock vs. future commodity  In stock vs. out of stock  Over stock vs. under stock

6. In due course (p.116) – at appropriate time

 We look forward to receiving your reply in due course. 7. In installments (p.118)

 Payments were to be made in three equal installments. 8. Take/have pleasure (p.105)

 We take pleasure in doing business with you.

 We have pleasure in making you a firm offer as follows. 9. Keep offer open (p. 120)

 We will keep this offer open until end of this month.

Chapter 5 Counter –Offers Introduction

 When an offer cannot meet the satisfaction of the offeree, he/she may amend and add new terms and

conditions.

 Counter-offer is in a way a form of refusal of original offer and may be considered as a new offer issued

by the offeree to the offerer.

 The original offer will be invalidated after the issuance of the counter-offer. Writing Principles:

When drafting a counter offer:

 Be polite but to the point

 List those terms you can not accept  State your own terms and suggestions Specimen letter

 We acknowledge and thank you for your offer dated May 5.

 While we appreciate the good quality of your product, we find your price rather high for the market we

wish to supply.

 Similar products are available from several other suppliers, all priced 15-30% below yours.

 We ask you to consider lowering your price by 10%, as our 50,000 order quantity may worthwhile your

concession.

Key words

1. acknowledge – admit (p.126)

 We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated May 10, 2010.  The soldiers refuse to acknowledge defeat.  We acknowledge the excellent work of yours. 2. manufacturers (producers)

vs. merchants (traders)

 We are manufacturers as well as merchants 3. worthless (without value)

vs. priceless (very highly valued)

 Glass is worthless while diamond is priceless 4. concession (p.128)

 i) making concession - yielding, giving up grounds  ii) concession stand – refreshment stand  iii) French concession – privileged district

5. in view of (p.134)

 In light of; considering 6. price levels (p.135)

 Your price is a bit high.  Your price is too high.  Your price is rather stiff.  Your price is excessive.  Your price is prohibitive. 7. accounts/accounting

 Bank account – checking/savings  Sales accounts – customer list

 Expense account - travel/T&E allowance  Accounting/accountancy – U.S. vs. U.K.

 Certified public accountant vs. chartered accountant Useful sentences

 Much as we are interested in your product, we believe your prices are simply too high. (p135)

 Such being the case, we request to amend our contract to allow partial shipment and transshipment.

(p126)

 We are ready to accept your offer provided you extend your product warranty to 12 months and payment

term to 90 days. (p140)

Chapter 6 Conclusion of Business Introduction

 To draw a conclusion of business refers to the acceptance of the terms and conditions of a deal by both

parties who negotiated on business

 Drawing a conclusion of business often means two parties reaching an agreement then proceed to

signing an order

 An order is an agreement to supply a certain amount of merchandise. An order should include essential

business elements:

1.detailed description of the commodity, such as the name, article number, special features if any; 2. quantity; 3. price; 4. Payment terms; 5.shipment and destination; 6. packing; 7. insurance, etc. .

Specimen letter

 We confirm supply of 1,000 pairs of shoes at the prices stated in your order No. 888  We will allow a 5% special discount on any order worth $5,000 or above.

 It is understood that a letter of credit in our favor covering the said shoes should be opened immediately.  Please rest assured we will effect shipment without delay on receipt of your L/C. Key words

1. Allow a discount (p146)

 We allow a discount of 15% on all orders over US$250,000.

 If you allow us a 3% discount, we shall have added stimulus to market your product.  We allow all buyers a 5% discount for cash payments. (e.g. 5% cash/30 day credit) 2. Cover (p149)

 We have to cover their short positions. (short vs. long positions; settlement date)  $3,000 should be enough to cover all their expenses and losses sustained.

 Our new insurance policy covers against All Risks. (i.e. coverage includes fire, flood, theft, vandalism,

earthquake, business disruption etc.)

3. Countersign (p151)

 After a sales contract has been signed by the seller, it should be countersigned by the buyer as well. 4. Bridge the Gap (p151) – make up difference

 It takes mutual efforts to bridge the gap between the two parties. 5. Lot (p152) – batch

 The goods are to be shipped in three lots of 20 tons each.  Stock sales: lot vs. odd lot 6. Mark (p152)

 Post mark

 Price mark (vs. price tag)  Trade mark 7. Note (p153)

 Please take note – please pay attention.  The question you raised is worthy of note.  Bank note – paper money (vs. coins)  Debit note – invoice (vs. credit note)  Treasury note – national debt

 Footnote – comments as in dissertation 8. Ply/coat/deck/layer/story/veil

 Ply: cloth or wood  Coat: paint or dust  Deck: boat or bus

 Layer: rock/clay/sand, jam/peanut butter  Story: floor of a building

 Veil: cloud, mist, waterfall (Bridal Veil at Yosemite National Park) 9. Duplicate (p158) – prepare 2 copies

 Please sign the contract in duplicate and send us a copy. 10. Stipulate (p158) - designate

 Our contract stipulates direct shipment and payment by irrevocable L/C  Executed copy – signed & validated contract  Port of shipment & port of destination  Discrepancy & claims  Terms of shipment  Terms of payment  Force Majeure

 Arbitration – in lieu of court action

 Legal jurisdiction

Chapter 7 Terms of Payment Introduction

 Terms of payment define the conditions under which the seller and buyer agree to settle the amounts of

the sales contract.

 Key elements of terms of payment

• • • • •

payment amount; currency & exchange； place and date of payment; method of remittance; remittance costs

Writing Principles: Credit Inquiry Letter:

 Explain reason why you need information of customer’s financial capacity & credit history;  Promise to keep confidential of customer’s credit information. Payment Terms Amendment:

 Outline current situation and problem, raise specific requirements & suggestions. Pressing for Payment:

 Use firm but polite, non-threatening language;

 Direct to the point asking for payment detailing amount and expected settlement date;  Send collection letters at regular intervals;

 “If payment has already been remitted, please ignore this correspondence.”

International business transactions are more complicated than domestic ones. Payment process is longer, and involves more risks.

Methods of payment

 Open Account

贸易赊账；记账交易；赊购；赊销

It is the least secure method of trading for sellers, but the most attractive to buyers. Should only be used when seller is confident of buyer’s business integrity and credit history.

 Payment in Advance 预付

The most secure payment method for sellers but the least attractive to buyers.

 Letter of Credit 信用证

Buyer should open through a bank acceptable to the Seller an irrevocable sight L/C or L/C at xx days’ sight to present to the Seller before shipment;

The L/C should remain valid for xx days after shipment to allow time for en-route.  Letter of Credit 信用证 (cont.)

The main advantage of a letter of credit is providing payment security to the seller; however the transaction cost is expensive.

 Irrevocable/ revocable L/C 不可撤消的/可撤消的信用证:  Unconfirmed/ confirmed L/C 不可保兑/保兑的信用证:  Sight L/C; payable at sight 即期信用证  Time L/C; term L/C 远期信用证

 Revolving L/C 循环信用证

Specimen letter

 Our past purchase from you has been paid by confirmed, irrevocable letter of credit.

 It has cost us a great deal, as from the time L/C is opened to the time our buyers pay us, our funds are

tied up for over 4 months.

 If you would kindly accept easier payment terms, we propose payment on delivery.  Your favorable response would be conducive to encouraging business.

Key words

1. currency denominations (p180)

 U.K. - Pound sterling; pence  U.S. - Bank notes:

- $100 (Benjamin Franklin); $50 (Ulysses Grant) - $20 (Andrew Jackson); $10 (Alexander Hamilton)

- -

Coins:

$5 (Abraham Lincoln); $2 (Thomas Jefferson) $1 (George Washington)

$0.50 (half dollar – John F. Kennedy); $0.25 (quarter – George Washington); $0.10 (dime – Franklin D. Roosevelt); $0.05 (nickel – Thomas Jefferson) $0.01(penny - Abraham Lincoln) Louisiana Purchase (1803): $15,000,000 Alaska Purchase (1867): $7,200,000 2. as a rule (p194) - usually

 As a rule, the larger the sales order, the lower the unit price.

 As a rule, we promise to deliver within seven days after receipt of an order.  As a rule, the buyer ought to bear the charges of shipping & packaging. 3. conducive (p195) - helpful

 Accumulation of information is conducive to success in business.

 We believe personal contact will be conducive to the promotion of better understanding.  These new policy changes are conducive to the growth of private enterprises.  The government aims to foster investments conducive to high-tech researches. 4. tax vs. taxing (stressful) (p194)

 Writing an email in English is taxing.

 Such an amount is taxing for a firm of moderate means.  tax avoidance (lawful) vs. tax evasion (illegal)  tax abatement vs. tax rebate  tax heaven & tax holiday 5. interval - (time or physical) distance

 There is an hour's interval to the next train.  Shipments are arranged at intervals of one month.  We hope to work up some business in the interval/interim.

 Proper intervals should always be maintained between two moving vehicles.

6. terms for payments (p199)

 deferred payment – delay in payment  down payment -> interim payment  partial payment vs. full payment  non-payment – refuse to pay  pay by installments

 payment in kind – by balance offset Useful sentences

 We advice caution in granting credit terms (credit report excerpt).  We can not proceed without settling first the terms of payments.

 In as much the amount involved in rather small in this order, we exceptionally accept payment on

delivery.

 However this is not our standard payment term and should not be regarded as a precedence.

Chapter 17 Job-Application Writings

The difference between a resume and a curriculum vitae

 Resumes

 One or two pages - summary of skills, career path and education;  Brief and concise – reviewer only takes a minute or two at first glance.

 Curriculum Vitae

 Two or more pages – awards, honors & other details;

 Itemized synopsis – more elaborate accounts of each job experience.

Chronological Resume Format

               

1. name, address & contacts (email & mobile) 2. career objective and/or highlights 3. employment history in reverse order 4. education degree, academic achievements 5. licensed qualifications, honors, awards 6. professional activities, volunteer 7. language & computer skills 8. references

front center – easy to file, find and contact;

English name – especially for MNC’s where superior may not be fluent in Chinese; full contact details w/ address, phone numbers and email – in case one approach fails; refer to textbook p469 samples 1 & 2 as ideal references.

To find an entry level position in a major CPA practice/manufacturing/service company To apply regional sales director experience on a nation wide scale

Demonstrated administrative & leadership ability as President of Students Association Established IT systems for 5 start up companies

1. name, address & contacts

2a. career objective - in one sentence, state your career development target

2b. career highlights - in one sentence, state your academic/career highlight

3. employment history in reverse order

- start with most recent work history

- state company name, employment period, location, & positions held - elaborate key responsibilities & achievements - quantify results for credibility & better effect 

University Sports Bureau

- Oct to Dec 2010

Asia Games interpreter

Guangzhou, China

- English interpretation for 15 Asia Games sports manual and handbooks - Greeted over 500 international athletes and delegates 

Summer Intern, ABC Trade Company, 2009 Senior Tutor, University Assistance Program Store Clerk, XYZ Supermarket, 2010-2011 Salesperson of Tiger Beer, Grand Hotel, 2010

3. employment history (cont.)

- Prepared letters of credit, bills of lading   

- tutored freshman English & mathematics - self financed tuitions for Junior and Senior years - made record selling of 1,200 units in one month

4. education degree, academic achievements

- State school name, degree obtained, year of graduation, GPA & academic achievements

     

Beihang Beihai University B.S./B.A./B.B.A. Graduation June 2011

GPA 3.8/4.0, top 2% of class, Dean’s List National Scholarship: Junior & Senior years

Relevant Courses: Advanced Accounting, Financial Management, International Trade

5. licensed qualifications, honors, awards

- list your professional qualifications, awards and certificates if any     

Intermediate Accountancy Certificate English Proficiency Examination Level 6 Qualified First-Aid Certificate

Voted “Most Popular” by Management students

2010 Valiant Citizen award by Beihai Public Security Bureau

6. professional activities, volunteer

- name all your professional activities and volunteer works         

Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants President of University Students Association Class Prefect, Management School 2009-2010 Volunteer tour guide for Shanghai Expo 2010 Chairperson, University International Chess Club Fluent in written and spoken English

Intermediate in Korean listening comprehension Dialects include Cantonese & Houkien Professor John Smith, 88 University Road

7. language & computer skills

8. References

 Available upon request

Letters reading

Resume 1 for John Doe (p.476)

- - - - -

Cover Letter

-

A cover letter tailors your application to each specific job, captures employer’s attention.

- A cover letter should include:

1) Purpose of your writing, self introduction;

2) How you will benefit the company (not the other way around!); 3) Ask for a job interview

- Should be spell checked, and proof read by someone to avoid easy mistakes Letters reading

Select volunteers to read through cover letter 1 (p.480)

- - -

“Dear Sir/Madam” “Dear Lucy” “Dear Mr. Grissert”

Select volunteers to read through cover letter 2 (p.481) Select volunteers to read through cover letter 3 (p.481) Follow Up Letter A.K.A. “Thank You Letter”

- Touch base with the prospective employer after an interview; - To thank the interviewer again for his/her time - Emphasize again your key qualifications - Clarify any areas you missed during the interview - Shows you really want the job

- Brings your name to interviewer’s attention again - Reminds him/her you are waiting for the decision.

Letters reading

Select volunteers to read through follow up letter 2 (p.483)

- -

“Dear Ms.”

“Dear Mr. Zhang Wei”

Select volunteers to read through follow up letter 3 (p.483) Interviews

Behavior based interviews:

 

In-person interview aims to assess whether the applicant possesses the desired qualification the company is looking for.

Interviewer will ask the candidate to give specific examples of what they have done to deserve the job. Good format for “name and contacts” Select volunteers to read through resume

No need to disclose sex, marital status, date and place of birth under “name and contacts” Clear headings for each contents category Layout is easy to read

Resume 2 for Yu Jing (p.478)

Second Interviews:

                          

Moving from HR manager to line managers

Questions are more specific to the particular functions being recruited Secure a quiet location un-interrupted by others Turn off background music or television Bring a written resume for easy reference Dress more formally for better mental focus Speak slowly & clearly, ask to repeat if needed Do not eat, drink or chew gum at any point

Be warm & enthusiastic, interviewer can hear from your voice tone Familiarize background & news of the company Familiarize with the interviewer’s name & position

Understand job requirements, prepare to give specific qualifications to meet each selection criteria Draw from work and life experience, quantify results

Describe memorable events to deepen interviewer impression and to stand out among other candidates Dress appropriately, be punctual for the appointment Bring an extra copy of your resume just in case Prepare 2-3 questions to ask at the interviews end Thank the interviewer for his/her time spend Tell me about yourself/your career history. Tell me what you know about this company. Why are you best qualified for this job?

What are the most important things you learned in university? How would you contribute to this company? Why did you leave your last employer? What are your strengths and weaknesses? What was your most rewarding experience? Where do you see yourself in another 5 years?

 Implemented  Improved  Increased  Initiated  Instituted  Managed  Monitored  Organized  Oversaw  Prepared  Supervis

Telephone Interviews:

Preparations in advance:

Common Interview “Soft Questions”:

Key words in a resume

 Achieved/accomplished  Assisted/advised  Completed  Conducted  Created  Delivered  Designed  Directed  Examined  Executed  expanded