Practical Business English: Letters, Biographies & Dialogues
Job Application: Receptionist Position
I am writing to apply for the receptionist position at Cetursa Sierra Nevada, which I saw advertised on your website. I believe that my positive attitude, coupled with my experience working as a receptionist in other offices, makes me an excellent candidate for this role.
For the past seven years, I have worked as part of a great team at the front desk of a multinational corporation. I possess strong communication, organizational, and administrative skills. I also offer experience with a variety of software programs, such as Microsoft Office and Amadeus System.
Furthermore, I have a proficient level of English, having studied in London for a year. In addition, I speak some French and a basic level of German.
Please see my attached CV for more information. I would be grateful if you would consider my application.
Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Amancio Ortega: From Small Business to Global Empire
I would like to write about a significant Spanish businessman, Amancio Ortega Gaona. He was born in 1936 in Busdongo, León, the youngest of four children. His father worked as a railway worker in Busdongo. When Amancio was three months old, his family moved to Tolosa (Guipúzcoa) because his father was designated head of the station. He lived in Tolosa until he was 12 years old, though some biographies state he was only 8 years old.
Amancio Ortega’s family left Tolosa and moved to La Coruña when he was 14. It was there that the remarkable journey of what would become a textile empire began. His first job was as an employee of a clothing store, where he distinguished himself through his keen observational skills, perfectionism, and leadership.
In 1972, he founded Confecciones Goa, selling bathrobes produced by thousands of local women organized into sewing cooperatives.
In 1975, he made a pivotal decision, opening his first Zara store with his wife, Rosalía Mera. Today, Zara is a cornerstone of the Inditex group, a global textile business empire. The company comprises over 6,000 stores across 10 brands and employs more than 92,000 people.
I chose Amancio Ortega for this exercise because his journey exemplifies how perseverance and a clear vision can transform a small business into a global empire.
Car Rental Dialogue: Agent & Customer Interaction
Agent: Good morning. ASI Rental Car. My name is Julia. How may I help you?
Customer: Hello, I’m Jesus Martín. I would like to rent a car, please.
Agent: Okay, what type of car would you prefer?
Customer: We are two adults, and I would like a compact car.
Agent: All right, we have a Volkswagen Golf with GPS navigation. Is that okay?
Customer: Perfect, how much does it cost per day?
Agent: It’s €79 a day with unlimited mileage. However, we have a special offer: €399 for a week. How long will you rent it for?
Customer: Yes, that’s a good offer, but we only need a car for a weekend. I would like to pick up the car on Saturday morning.
Agent: Okay, it has to be returned by 8 PM on Sunday. That will be a total of €158, and the rental includes standard insurance. I’ll need a copy of your driver’s license and a credit card number, as a security deposit is required.
Customer: Perfect. Could I pick up the car at the airport office?
Agent: Of course, Mr. Martín, but there’s an airport surcharge for picking up the car there. It’s €20.
Customer: Okay, that’s all right.
Agent: Could you please provide your name and phone number to make the reservation?
Customer: Yes, of course. My name is Jesus Martín, and my phone number is +34 611223344.
Agent: The reservation is made, and you will receive the confirmation on your mobile phone in a few minutes. Thank you very much, and have a nice day.
Customer: You’re welcome.