Business english lesson 6 hiring and firing / прием на работу и увольнение

Hiring or firing an employee is a challenging, emotional experience and a pathway to possible lawsuits. The decision to employ or terminate someone will influence you, that individual, his or her family, your team, your customers, and your stakeholders.

1. Read the manager's report of the incident at work. He uses the passive to sound more objective and formal in style. Complete the report using the verbs below in the passive.

ask give (x 2) inform (x 2} note warn

RE: NICOLA WILLIAMS

On two occasions in November Ms Nicola Williams, an employee in the assembly plant, (a) … that using a mobile phone in work hours was against the company rules.

Both these warnings (b) … by another supervisor, and (c) … in her file. Then, in December, on a further occasion, she (d) … a written warning. Finally, on Friday, 12 January at 10.30 I (e) … of a problem on the factory floor. When I arrived there, I found a lot of noise and shouting going on, Ms Williams was using her mobile phone to participate in a radio phone-in programme. Apparently she had won a prize. I asked her to put the phone down immediately, and to come in to my office. I decided to terminate her employment, and in the presence of Ms Jones, my deputy, Ms Williams was told that she was being sacked. She became hysterical and abusive, and (f) … to leave the factory immediately. She (g) … that her possessions would be forwarded to her by post.

2. In what way are the details about the incident different?

3. Improve these shorl tests by changing one verb to the passive in each text.

a They have laid off over 35,000 people in the last five years, unemployment is rising, and there are social problems in the region. 35000 people have been laid off 'in the last five yearn, unemployment is rising, and there are social problems in the region.

b The business is a great success. They are hiring new staff and it is expanding fast,

c As there was a recession and the number of orders decreased. I hey closed one ot the factories,

d To improve margins, il is making the new model in I lungarv, where labour costs are lower,

e Ford has several plants in Europe. One of them is in Valencia and it produces the Escort there,

f Thev have announced plans for the new industrial estate. It will cover ten hectares and create space for over 1 5 business ventures.

4. Work in groups. In what situations do you think sacking is justified? Think about the following: dishonesty, disrespect to superiors, inappropriate dress, industrial action (going on strike), punctuality, violence, revealing company secrets.

5. Read the following extracts from letters of application. Match them to the summaries.

1. I'm looking for a chance to develop and demonstrate my true potential.

2. My qualifications and experience speak for themselves.

3. I'm so brilliant at whatever I do, they would be lucky to have me working in their company.

4. There may be people with better qualifications and experience, but no one is more enthusiastic or hard working than me.

A) I am very keen to work for your company because of its excellent reputation. I do not have the specific qualifications or experience referred to in your advertisement. However, I am applying because I feel I am able to make up for this through hard work and willingness to learn.

B) If you believe in the pursuit of excellence, then I am interested in joining your company. I set high standards for myself and expect them from others, especially the organisations thai I work for. I look forward to an opportunity to add to the list of already outstanding achievements, which are outlined in my CV.

C) From my CV. you will see that five years at a chemicals multinational have given me a solid business background. I am responsible for my department's logistical planning, which has developed my organisational skills. However, I am now looking for opportunities for further development and responsibility, which my present employer cannot offer.

D) As a commercially aware and linguistically trained university graduate, I have a broad range of employment experience at blue-chip companies in both the USA and Europe. I am dynamic and creative, with a strong team spirit and leadership qualities. I have a proven record of working with individuals at all levels through highly-developed interpersonal and communication skills.

6. Read the extracts above once again. There are certain formal phrases people use in letters of application lo talk about their qualities and achievements. Underline phrases which mean the following:

a I'd really like to work for you because you're such a great company.

h If you think doing things well is important, I'd like to work for von.

c I don't really have the profile of the ideal candidate.

d I've worked with many different; important companies.

e I've shown I can work with all kinds of people and get on with everyone.

f I look after the practical day-to-day aspects of department organisation.

g I want a new job because my company probably won't be able to promote me.

h I have five years of international business experience working for a chemicals company.

7 Use some of the phrases in Ex. 5 to write a paragraph introducing your own CV.