Business English Vocabulary: Employment, Companies, and Communication

Posted on May 6, 2024 in Teaching & Education

Business English Vocabulary

Employment Terms

Job Status and Changes

Employed/Unemployed:

  • Employed: Having a job.
  • Unemployed: Without a job; seeking employment.
  • Resigned: Voluntarily left a job.
  • Sacked/Fired: Involuntarily dismissed from a job.
  • Retired: Permanently stopped working due to age.
  • Promoted: Given a higher position within a company.
  • Trainee: A person undergoing training for a particular job.
  • Part-time: Working less than the standard number of hours per week.
Job Titles and Responsibilities
  • Career: A person’s chosen profession.
  • In charge of/Responsible for: Having control and accountability for something.
  • Charge: A position of responsibility or leadership.
Workplace Scenarios
  • Pay rise/Better salary: An increase in wages or salary.
  • Future possibilities in a job: Potential opportunities for advancement or growth within a role.
  • Workers in a company: Employees of a particular organization.
  • Left the company: Departed from employment at a specific company.
  • Was given a better position in the company: Received a promotion or a more desirable role within the organization.
  • Stopped working forever: Permanently ceased employment; retired.

Company Structures and Finances

Company Types
  • Limited Company (LTD): A company with limited liability for its shareholders.
  • Public Limited Company (PLC): A company whose shares are traded publicly on a stock exchange.
  • Charity/Trust: An organization with a social or charitable purpose.
  • Co-operative: A business owned and operated by its members for their mutual benefit.
  • NGO (Non-Governmental Organization): A non-profit organization independent of government.
Company Roles and Stakeholders
  • Investors: Individuals who provide financial backing to a company.
  • Directors/Board of Directors: Individuals responsible for the overall management of a company.
  • Council of Trustees/Board of Governors: A group overseeing the activities of a charity or trust.
  • Co-operative Members: Individuals who jointly own and operate a co-operative.
  • Staff/Paid Employees: Individuals who work for a company and receive wages or salaries.
  • Volunteers: Individuals who work for an organization without receiving payment.
  • Shareholders: Individuals who own shares of a company’s stock.
Financial Terms
  • Profits: The financial gains of a company after deducting expenses.
  • Surplus: An excess of income over expenditure.
  • Investment: The act of putting money into a business with the expectation of profit.
  • Donation: A gift of money or resources to a charitable cause.

Business Communication

Telephone Etiquette

Example Conversation:

Receptionist: Hello, Frontline Industries, How can I help you?

Michael: Hello, Can I speak with Mr. Stone, please?

Receptionist: Could you tell me your name, please?

Michael: This is Michael Willis.

Receptionist: Which company are you calling from?

Michael: Columbus Pension and Finance Consultants.

Receptionist: What is the reason for your call?

Michael: I’m calling to introduce our services to Mr. Stone.

Receptionist: I’m afraid Mr. Stone isn’t available at the moment. Could I take a message?

Michael: No thanks. I will call back later.

Receptionist: Okay, I’ll let him know to expect your call.

Michael: Thank you, goodbye.

Receptionist: Goodbye.

Expressing Opinions and Suggestions

Opinions:

  • What do you think about this situation?
  • I think they should use the phone more.
  • If you ask me, they write too many emails.
  • I don’t think a monthly meeting is necessary.
  • I couldn’t agree more.

Suggestions:

  • Does anyone have any suggestions?
  • What shall we do about this?
  • I wonder if we could do something.
  • What about contacting them directly?
  • Shall we ask the staff for their opinion?
  • Why don’t we do some research?
  • Let’s try this for a month.
  • That sounds like a good idea.
  • That’s worth a try.

Formal Email Writing

Example Email:

The Manager

Voyager Travel

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for the online marketing specialist position advertised on the Infojobs website on January 11th.

I believe I have excellent qualifications for the position. I graduated from baccalaureate five years ago and hold a degree in Marketing and Publicity. I am fluent in Spanish, have a good level of Catalan, and am currently studying English.

Additionally, I have five years of experience as a product manager for various companies and completed an internship in a marketing company. I have strong communication skills, am friendly and open-minded, and possess knowledge of social media and digital platforms.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]