Diplomacy, indirect questions, and survival idioms. Prove you are a partner, not a suspect.
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🧠 Memory Refresh
Indirect Questions: Opener + subject + verb. "Could you tell me what is the bonus?" ✅ "Could you tell me what the bonus is?" ✅ Yes/No → use if / whether: "Can you tell me if the role is remote?"
Diplomatic Modals: Use would, could, might to soften demands. ❌ "I want more money." ✅ "I would like to discuss the compensation structure."
Exercise 1. HR Lexicon in Action
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Exercise 2. Spot the Grammar Trap
One of these indirect questions is grammatically wrong (it keeps the direct question word order). Choose the CORRECT one.
Exercise 3. Diplomatic Modals
Choose the most diplomatic and professional way to say the direct phrase.
Exercise 4. The Corporate Translator
What do these idioms ACTUALLY mean in an interview context? Choose the best definition.
Exercise 5. Read the Hiring Manager's Email
Subject: Next steps & a quick question
Hi,
Thanks for the great conversation yesterday. I know you have a lot on your plate, but I wanted to check in before we move to the final round. The CEO is very interested, but she is wondering if you have experience leading international compliance overhauls. Also, could you tell me what your notice period is? We are hoping to start on the right foot in early November.
Let me know if you have any questions about the team's current challenges.
Best,
Hiring Manager
True or False?
Exercise 6. Writing: The Follow-up
Write a 60–80 word reply to the email above. Confirm your notice period, answer the compliance question briefly, and ask ONE indirect question about the team's challenges. Use 1 idiom.
0 words (target: 60–80)
Take a screenshot of this screen and your writing exercise, and send it to your teacher.