Episode 01

Philip is the CEO of WebWare, an IT company. He needs to hire a new sales director as soon as possible.

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises. You can also read the transcript.

Preparation

Transcript

Philip: You what? What do you mean? You've lost the DollarMart contract? Oh, Brian, tell me you're joking! That's our biggest contract and you've lost it! OK ... OK ... yes, I know you've had some personal problems recently. Yes, sure ... yes, I know our competitors have improved their offer, but really, Brian, these are just excuses. Oh, Brian, come on – you failed to meet agreed targets for the entire last quarter. We talked about this in your last performance review and I told you then it had to improve, and to be quite honest – it hasn't. Losing the DollarMart contract is the last straw. No, I'm sorry, Brian, that's it. That's your last chance. I'm going to have to let you go. Let you go. Yes, that's what it means, Brian. You're fired.

Hi, Jess. Can you put me through to Marcia in HR, please? Thank you.

Hi, Marcia. It's Philip here. Listen, I've had to let Brian go. He lost us the DollarMart account. Yeah, but it had been going on for a while, and he just wasn't pulling his weight any more. He'd been warned. His last performance review was really bad. He knew it was coming. So, we'll be looking for someone new and we'll need to decide on who that is. 

Who are we looking for? Good question. I was hoping you might be able to help me with that! Here's what I'm thinking and let me know if you agree. Well, obviously, they'll need to have a first degree. Doesn't matter what subject. And then a master's or an MBA, I'd say. 

Experience? At least five years' relevant experience in an international company. I want somebody with a proven track record. Oh, they have to be a team player – Brian never was – so strong interpersonal skills. Oh, and I want someone with vision ... yes, 'vision'! Well, I know it’s difficult to define. What I mean is, someone who knows we're in a rapidly changing market, and they can use it to our advantage.

Experience with online sales, perhaps but ... yes, I'd be interested in that. Oh, language skills. I can't emphasise that enough. Not necessarily a native speaker, but they must be very good at English. And another language as well – Spanish, or Mandarin is best.

Does that sound OK to you? Great. OK, can you get an ad out on the website as soon as possible? Oh, and the trade press as well. OK, great. Thanks, Marcia. I want a new sales director by the end of the month. Bye!

Task 1

Task 2

Discussion

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Average: 3.8 (26 votes)
Profile picture for user oana.junc

Submitted by oana.junc on Sun, 18/08/2019 - 09:45

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Hello, This episode was very useful for me. I found interesting the various synonyms of the verb "to fire". I appreciate. I became curious about the next episodes. Thank you!

Submitted by Loc Dang on Wed, 24/07/2019 - 16:09

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The lesson is very useful for me, especially at the moment when the new owner is changing the structure of the organisation. Yes, it's not good news for all of us learning that the company is acquired by another group. I feel as we are in defeat in a battle. Every one of us is preparing for being given the boot.

Submitted by Vesna on Mon, 15/07/2019 - 23:47

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This is very useful lesson and realy good task to write in discussion. Thank you!

Submitted by Merajuddin on Tue, 11/06/2019 - 13:08

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It was quiet useful for me. thank you for offering such a great English video for English language learners.
Profile picture for user Anaitat

Submitted by Anaitat on Sun, 12/05/2019 - 20:17

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I am my team. And to have a proven track record I am pulling my weight every day.

Submitted by srgarcia on Wed, 01/05/2019 - 14:32

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I appreciate your method and good site! Thank you for help me to learn more English! It will be very important to me in this moment. Best regards.

Submitted by Anna S. on Sun, 03/03/2019 - 20:02

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Hi, can someone please explain me what is 'track record' ? i just don't get it. According to the dictionary it's "all the past achievements or failures of a person". how can the company proof the track record of someone? many thanks in advance! Anna
Profile picture for user Peter M.

Submitted by Peter M. on Mon, 04/03/2019 - 07:09

In reply to by Anna S.

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Hi Anna,

When we say someone has a proven track record it means that they have done things in the past which prove their talent or ability. In the context of recruitment, this would mean the person's experience and achievements in their previous positions.

A person without experience does not have a proven track record, for example, so it is harder to judge how good or bad they will be in a particular role.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team