BUSINESS LETTER

SPEAKING
Task 1 Discuss this questions: Which factor is most crucial when looking for a new job? Rank the following points in terms of importance and then discuss your reasons: opportunities for promotion or advancement working hours vacation days pension plan interest level Salary benefits such as health and life insurance sick or maternity leave Tips: If you really want to impress interviewers, be prepared to ask your own questions about the company, its policies, and employee satisfaction. In this way, the company will see that you are a serious candidate for the position.

Task 2 Look at this sample of questions you might find in a job interview. Then, with a friend, try to make a job interview role play.

Questions to ask employers: What company do you represent? What kind of job do you offer? How much does the job pay? Where is it located? Do you offer any benefits? Is there any chance for a promotion or a raise?

Questions to ask applicant: Could you spell your name please? What kind of experience do you have? What did you study in university? Do you have any special skills? What are your good points and bad points?

Benefits and Qualifications: A benefit is something you receive from a job A qualification is something you need to do a job.

READING

Look at the following list of vocabulary items. Are they benefits of a job or qualifications for a job? __________________ promotion __________________ work experience __________________ medical insurance __________________ vacation __________________ bachelor/masters/doctor 1Catetan MaYos

degree __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________ __________________

references salary wage housing license commissions tips bonus being well-spoken being hardworking discount on goods training courses dental insurance creativity report card/transcript raise neat appearance/dress

In a group, decide what the most important qualifications and benefits are? Most Important Benefits Most Important Qualifications

WRITING
Business Letter Writing: Inquiries - Asking for Information
We write an inquiry when we want to ask for more information concerning a product, service or other information about a product or service that interests us. These letters are often written in response to an advertisement that we have seen in the paper, a magazine, a commercial on television when we are interested in purchasing a product, but would like more information before making a decision.

Remember to place your or your company's address at the top of the letter (or use your company's letterhead) followed by the address of the company you are writing to. The date can either be placed double spaced down or to the right. Important Language to Remember

The Start: Dear Sir or Madam To Whom It May Concern - (very formal as you do not know the person to whom you are writing) Giving Reference: With reference to your advertisement (ad) in... Regarding your advertisement (ad) in ... Requesting a Catalog, Brochure, Etc.: After the reference, add a comma and continue - ... , would (Could) you please send me ... Requesting Further Information: I would also like to know ... Could you tell me whether ...

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Signature: Yours faithfully - (very formal as you do not know the person to whom you are writing)

An Example Letter Kenneth Beare 2520 Visita Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 Jackson Brothers 3487 23rd Street New York, NY 12009 September 12, 2000 To Whom It May Concern: With reference to your advertisement in yesterday's New York Times, could you please send me a copy of your latest catalog. I would also like to know if it is possible to make purchases online. Yours faithfully (Signature) Kenneth Beare Administrative Director English Learners & Company
Task 1 Write a sample of letter of inquiry! Business Letter Writing: Responding to Inquiries and Requests for Information It is very important to make a good impression when responding to inquiries from potential customers. Of course, the best impression will be made by providing the materials or information that the perspective client has asked for, this positive impression will be improved by a well written response. Remember to place your or your company's address at the top of the letter (or use your company's letterhead) followed by the address of the company you are writing to. The date can either be placed double spaced down or to the right. You can also include a reference number for correspondence.

Important Language to Remember

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The Start: Dear Mr, Ms (Mrs, Miss VERY IMPORTANT use Ms for women unless asked to use Mrs or Miss) Thanking the Potential Customer for His/Her Interest: Thank you for your letter of ... inquiring (asking for information) about ... We would like to thank you for your letter of ... inquiring (asking for information) about ... Providing Requested Materials: We are pleased to enclose ... Enclosed you will find ... We enclose ... Providing Additional Information: We would also like to inform you ... Regarding your question about ... In answer to your question (inquiry) about ... Closing a Letter Hoping for Future Business: We look forward to ... hearing from you / receiving your order / welcoming you as our client (customer). Signature: Yours sincerely (remember use 'Yours faithfully' when you don't know the name of the person you are writing and 'Yours sincerely' when you do.

Example Letter Jackson Brothers 3487 23rd Street New York, NY 12009 Kenneth Beare Administrative Director of English Learners Company 2520 Visita Avenue Olympia, WA 98501 September 12, 2000 Dear Mr Beare Thank you for your inquiry of 12 September asking for the latest edition of our catalogue. We are pleased to enclose our latest brochure. We would also like to inform you that it is possible to make purchases online at http:\\jacksonbros.com. We look forward to welcoming you as our customer. Yours sincerely (Signature) Dennis Jackson Marketing Director Jackson Brothers
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