[Vocabulary] Is it a good answer to the question?

[julesalvanette]

Hello teachers.

I have here a probable interview question. Would you mind reading my answer below? I would like to know better expressions and correct grammar that would sound more professional as an intermediate English learner.

Thanks!

1. how busy are you in your current job and how is the firm's economic situation

After Lehman’s bankruptcy, we were robbed of a lot of clients by small and medium accounting firms because the clients wanted to reduce the cost for the audit services and these small and medium accounting firms offered lower fees.

For this reason, our firm’s financial results became worse than the previous years. So our firm decided to restructure and laid off many employees. As a result, it made an awkward atmosphere in the company. Although it made an awkward atmosphere in the company, the firm’s financial situation recovered from its economic slump.
So now everybody has a lot on their plates. But actually, I’m not as busy as you think. With good time management, I am able to create a lot of free time. And recently, I spent almost all of my free time on studying English or practicing football.

 

[SoothingDave]

You weren't "robbed" of clients, the clients chose to go elsewhere for economic reasons.

I don't see the need to repeat the phrase "awkward atmosphere in the company."

 

[julesalvanette]

You weren't "robbed" of clients, the clients chose to go elsewhere for economic reasons.

I don't see the need to repeat the phrase "awkward atmosphere in the company."

Thanks so much. But I would like to emphasize 'robbed' because let's say they purposely offered lower fees to attract clients? Any suggestions on how to better express my thoughts?

 

[Barb_D]

If you are interviewing for a job with another company, they have no business asking about the situation where you are now. If it's a public company, they can look it up. If it's not a public company, then they are asking you to be their spy and give them confidential information. If you actually get this question, don't answer it as you did. Switch to something like "I have enough to keep me busy, but I'm looking for more of a challenge."

If I were a prospective employer and you told me you spent your time at work practising football because you had finished your work, the interview would be over.

 

[julesalvanette]

If you are interviewing for a job with another company, they have no business asking about the situation where you are now. If it's a public company, they can look it up. If it's not a public company, then they are asking you to be their spy and give them confidential information. If you actually get this question, don't answer it as you did. Switch to something like "I have enough to keep me busy, but I'm looking for more of a challenge."

If I were a prospective employer and you told me you spent your time at work practising football because you had finished your work, the interview would be over.

Thanks for the tips Barb. I apologize if I haven't made it clear. This is not for a job interview but rather for an English speaking test.

 

[Barb_D]

Then follow Dave's advice.

 

[SoothingDave]

Thanks so much. But I would like to emphasize 'robbed' because let's say they purposely offered lower fees to attract clients? Any suggestions on how to better express my thoughts?

That's not robbery, that's the free market.

 

[julesalvanette]

Thanks a lot Barb and Dave