24. What papers do you need to apply for a job and give a good impression? What are the main types of interviews?

Here are some papers, which one need to apply for a job:

• A CV (curriculum vitae) or resume (contains all the unchanging information about you, your education, background and work experience);

• Covering letter (explaining why one wants the job and why he or she is the right person for it);

• Letter of application (if a company expects all your personal information to be entered on a standard application form);

• Letter of recommendation (is a letter in which the writer assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of that individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function).

Here are the main types of interview:

• Traditional one-to-one interview;

• Panel interview (where several candidates are interviewed by a panel of interviewers);

• “Deep-end” interview (where applicants have to demonstrate how they can cope in actual business situations);

• Stress interview (designed to see whether person has the mettle to withstand the company culture, the clients or other potential stress);

• And others.

25. What does a contract cover? What does it guarantee?

A valid contract must contain these elements:

• Agreement (offer and acceptance);

• Consideration;

• Capacity;

• Legality.

A contract can be valid and yet unenforceable because it fails to meet two other conditions: genuineness of assent and proper form.

Most contracts are fulfilled by both parties performing their promised actions; occasionally, however, one party fails to perform as agreed, thereby breaching the contract. Usually, the nonbreaching party is allowed to sue for monetary damages that would place her in the same position she would have been in had the contract been performed. In cases where money is an insufficient remedy, the injured party may sue for specific performance of the contract’s terms.

26. What types of messages are most commonly used in business?

Messages are divided into:

• Written and oral;

• External and internal;

(There also messages can be: formal and informal, and verbal and non-verbal messages).

Oral communication:

• Negotiations;

• Interviews;

• Speeches and presentations;

• Telephone conversations.

Written communication:

• Business letters (letter of apology, reminder, inquiries, complaints, and offers). Business letters are: * much longer; * very particular about style, vocabulary, and structure and so on; * intended to touch sensitive methods; * express attitude; * give better image of a company; * show respect; * express ideas.

• Telexes or memos (very brief comparing with business letters).

• E-mails (much quick, ask for quick feedback).

External messages are sent outside the company.

Internal messages are sent inside the company (circular letters, reminders)

27. What are the stages of business negotiations? What verbal and non-verbal communication skills are required when talking to people in business situations?

Stages of business negotiations:

• Preparation (find out about etiquette and negotiating style of people you negotiate; work out your initial bargaining position; estimate your needs, objectives, and priorities; try to estimate needs and objectives of the other side; prepare a fallback position; choose venue; if you are negotiating as part of a negotiating team, allocate with your colleagues roles and responsibilities).

• Relationship buildings (social formalities: meet and greet representatives, introduce yourself and colleagues; general conversation: offer a coffee and a small talk, try to create a relaxed atmosphere).

• Getting down to business (setting a clear agenda and a timetable; giving the background, exchanging task-related information; persuasion; concessions and agreement).

Negotiators should try to reach a win-win solution: an agreement of equal benefit to both sides. They should avoid aggression and confrontation. Everything is negotiable.

Verbal communication skills are:

• Using the appropriate level of formality;

• Avoiding being overly familiar, using inappropriate humor, sounding preachy, bragging, or trying to be something you’re not;

• Avoiding obsolete and pompous language;

• Using plain English;

• Using concrete words that avoid negative connotations;

• Avoiding clichés.

Non-verbal communication skills are:

• Body language;

• Physical contact;

• Conversational rules;

• Relationship buildings;

• Hierarchy;

• Attitudes to time;

• Tone of voice;

• Facial expression;

• Appearance.