Alex:
Hi, thank you, it's a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer:
So, how long have you worked for Symantec?
Alex:
Well, that is an interesting question…..and I suppose the
answer is roughly two weeks.
Interviewer:
That's not long?
Alex:
Well, you see, Symantec recently bought the company where
I have worked for over two years and that happened two weeks
ago.
Interviewer:
I see, has the merger gone well?
Alex:
So far so good. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
Interviewer:
As part of your job you have to visit different companies
all over Europe, how do you handle working in so many different
countries?
Alex:
I am always on the move….one week Ireland, the next Sweden….some
times two different countries in one week. It is tiring, but
I enjoy it. What I have to bear in mind when I'm visiting
different European countries is my behaviour….well; it's not
so much behaviour but business etiquette.
Interviewer:
Why's that?
Alex:
because different countries like to do business in different
ways. For example, meetings….generally in the UK if a meeting
is scheduled for 09:30 it will start dead on time, however,
in Spain the meeting won't start until 10:00 or 10:15. In
Germany a meeting is more likely to kick off before its scheduled
time. These things take a bit of getting used to.
Interviewer:
What about when it comes down to business lunches or dinners?
Alex:
That's another interesting one because what is polite in your
country might be rude in another. The British are happy to
have a business lunch and discuss business matters with a
drink during the meal, but the Germans like to talk business
before dinner. However, the Spanish like to eat first and
talk afterwards. They have to be well fed and watered before
they discuss any business matters.
Interviewer:
Ok, looks like our time is up. Thank you for your time.
Alex:
You're welcome!
