Listening Practice
Unit 7 A Job Interview
Part A
Communicative Function Fact or Opinion?
An opinion is what a person thinks about something. It is based on personal judgment. A fact is an item of knowledge that is true and can be proved.
Now listen to the recording and decide whether what you hear is a fact or an opinion. Choose “a. Fact” for a fact or “b. Opinion” for an opinion.
1. a. Fact b. Opinion
2. a. Fact b. Opinion
3. a. Fact b. Opinion
4. a. Fact b. Opinion
5. a. Fact b. Opinion
6. a. Fact b. Opinion
7. a. Fact b. Opinion
8. a. Fact b. Opinion
9. a. Fact b. Opinion
10. a. Fact b. Opinion
11. a. Fact b. Opinion
12. a. Fact b. Opinion
Key：
1. O 2. O 3. F 4. F
5. O 6. F 7. O 8. O
9. F 10. O 11. O 12. F
Script
1. I don't think there's any problem for me to work on computers.
2. If I were you, I'd find a part-time job to earn some pocket money.
3. The salary is 1,600 yuan to start with and raises will be given according to ability.
4. I’ve only done some part time jobs in supermarkets.
5. I guess it is no easy job to be a stewardess.
6. I’ve never done any nursing but I love children.
7. In my opinion market research is very important if we want to increase the sales volume of our company.
8. It seems to me that this position would be a very good start for you.
9. There're many young people these days who can't find the jobs they want.
10. As to me I want a job in which I can use my English.
11. I assume you haven't had any work experience.
12. To qualify for the job of a tour guide, experience is very important.
Useful Expressions for Expressing Your Opinion
l I think / don't think (appearance counts a great deal in a job interview).
l As to / for me, (I'm used to working long hours).
l I assume (you know a great deal about marketing).
l As far as I'm concerned, (working with figures is the last job I'd like to take).
l In my opinion, (being a teacher is a worthwhile profession / job).
l Personally, (I would say yes to your proposal).
l To my mind, (working at a travel agency is fun).
l From my point of view, (that would be the best solution).
l You need to look your best at an interview.
l I guess (competition is intense in the job market).
l I suppose (you can't study well if you're doing a part-time job at the same time).
l If you ask me, I’d say that (the interview is often the decisive factor in landing a job).
l Don’t you agree that (good preparation before an interview is a must)?
l As I see it, (we need to submit at least two recommendation letters from our former employers or supervisors when applying for a new job).
l If I were you, I’d (choose my interview clothes with great care).
Listening Strategy
Recognizing the Weak Forms of Certain Words
Structural words, such as prepositions, conjunctions, auxiliaries and articles are often pronounced in their weak forms in spoken English unless for emphasis. Sometimes, a content word may also be unstressed if it is placed between two strong-stressed words. In these situations, we use their weak forms to pronounce them. The following exercise is designed for you to recognize the weak forms of such words.
Listen to the recording and fill in the blanks with what you hear. Notice how the weak forms of words are pronounced. .
1. Let me take a quick look at your application.
2. To tell you the truth, I need a part time job, both for money and experience.
3. To my mind, being a teacher is an honorable job.
4. We’re supposed to look our best at an interview.
5. I don’t think you can handle both a part-time job and your schoolwork.
6. I’d like to find a job as a secretary.
7. In my opinion the competition in the job market is quite intense nowadays.
8. Many students in the West take part-time jobs to get some working experience for their future career.
9. As far as I’m concerned, working as a tourist guide is fun.
10. In job application it is required that you submit at least two recommendation letters written by your teachers oremployers.
Part B
Pre-listening Task
Questions for Discussion
You are going to talk about part-time jobs and job interviews. Read the following questions and discuss them with your partner.
1. Are you doing any part-time jobs? Why or why not?
2. What would you do if you wanted to get a part-time job?
3. What kind of part-time jobs are available for college students?
4. Have you been to a job interview?
5. What questions will an interviewer ask during a job interview?
6. What questions can an interviewee ask during a job interview?
7. How can you handle both a part-time job and your schoolwork?
Demo
6. What questions can an interviewee ask during a job interview?
Here are some job interview tips and typical interviewee questions you may ask the interviewer during your job interview:
l What are the major duties and responsibilities of this position?
l What would a day on the job be like?
l What would my exact duties be?
l What are you looking for in the person who will fill this position?
l What does the company actually do?
Oral Activity
The following are some common questions and possible answers for a job interview. One student plays the role of the interviewer and the other interviewee. After a few minutes, exchange the role.
1. Question: Tell me something about yourself.
Possible answer: Provide a brief summary of your personal details, educational qualifications and your professional experience / skills.
2. Question: What is your exact profile/position in the previous job?
Possible answer: Provide your previous job titles and brief duties.
3. Question: What is your education background?
Possible answer: Provide additional information regarding courses / programs / lessons you took.
4. Question: What are your future plans?
Possible answer: You want to make progress in terms of – interest, duties, position and financials matters, etc. Be practical and don’t just tell about your dreams.
5. Question: What do you know about this company?
Possible answer: Tell what you know about the company and provide general details.
6. Question: Why are you leaving your current job?
Possible answer: Give an honest answer, but don’t provide too many details.
7. Question: What are your weakness and strength?
Possible answer: Be honest about your strengths as well as your weaknesses. Provide one professional weakness and one of your strengths (do not boast your strengths). Provide examples about how you’ve tried hard to handle/overcome your weakness (do not go too far).
8. Question: How did you handle difficulties and stress?
Possible answer: Provide short interesting success stories. Provide some good examples on how you managed your work-time, how you solved difficulties and relieved stress.
9. Question: What are your salary expectations?
Possible answer: Provide specific details. Remember to tell that you are ready to negotiate and compromise.
Language Focus
Here are some useful sentences and structures that you might find handy in discussing the above questions:
l I read on the bulletin board / heard from a friend / read in the Student News that helps are wanted in the school cafeteria / library / language lab / computer center / bookstore.
l The students' center is the right place to go to / ask for information if you want to find a position as a teaching assistant / lab assistant / tutor for school pupils.
l An ad in the school paper says that China Telecom wants to hire 50 students to do a market survey for the company.
l The interviewer asked me about the subjects I’ve learned/my work experience/my hobbies.
l The important thing, I think, is to get some work experience. Pay is secondary.
l In a part-time job you can learn things that you can’t normally learn on campus/from books.
l I need to support myself, so I’m really concerned about how much I can earn.
l I want a job that is rewarding/challenging/satisfying/stable.
l I would like a job to which I can apply what I have learned at college.
l I hope to get a job that pays well/ enables me to learn new things/ promotes growth.
l I want to look for an evening or weekend job since I’m available only during those periods of time.
l I would like to find a part-time job as an office worker/secretary/receptionist/tour guide/waitress/computer operator.
l I’m selling evening papers and magazines at a newsstand every Tuesday afternoon/delivering sample products/doing market research for a company.
l The job is tedious/exhausting/frustrating/stressful, but now I know earning money is not easy.
l I get up very early every day and make full use of my time.
l Besides studying and working part-time, I don’t have much social life.
l When attending classes, I listen very attentively and try to digest everything in class.
l Being efficient in everything I do / Wasting no time on trivial things/ Making full use of my time is how I handle both my schoolwork and a part-time job.
Listening Tasks
A Conversation
We Have an Opening Now
Word Bank
hire v. to employ 雇佣
part-timer n. a person who works for only part of each working week 打零工者
junior n. a student in the third year of a program of study at a university [美国四年制大学的] 三年级学生
life guard n. an expert swimmer employed at a swimming pool or on a beach to rescue swimmers in danger 救生员
handle v. to deal with 对付
reference n. a letter written by someone about a job applicant’s character, ability, etc. 推荐信
reliable a. dependable 可靠的，可信赖的
opening n. vacancy 空缺
mailroom n. a place where mail is handled 收发室
personnel department the department dealing with people 人事部
Atlas Raincoat Manufacturing Company 阿特拉斯雨衣制造公司
B average an average of B for school work 各科平均分数为B
minimum wage the lowest wage for an hour's work that can be legally paid to an employee 最低工资
night shift the period of working time from about 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. 夜班
take a nap have a short sleep, esp. during the day 小睡，打盹
stay up not go to bed until a certain time during the night 熬夜
Script
We Have an Opening Now
（Steve is in the Personnel Department of the Atlas Raincoat Manufacturing Company.）
Ms. Campbell: Have a seat, Mr. Wells. Let me take a quick look at your application…I see that you want a part-time job.
Steve: That's right.
Ms. Campbell: We hire part-timers occasionally. How many hours a week do you want to work?
Steve: About fifteen or twenty.
Ms. Campbell: You're a junior at the university, I see. Also, you were a lifeguard for the past two summers.
Steve: Yes. But this year I have an apartment. So I need a job during the school year, too.
Ms. Campbell: Do you think you can handle both a job and school?
Steve: Well, I have a B average. Yes, I think I can do it.
Ms. Campbell: Your references are very good. They say you're a hard worker and are very reliable.
Steve: I seldom miss work, and I'm always on time.
Ms. Campbell: Well, Steve, we have one opening now.
Steve: That's wonderful!
Ms. Campbell: We need a clerk in the mailroom.
Steve: That's fine.
Ms. Campbell: The job pays the minimum wage.
Steve: That's okay.
Ms. Campbell: However, it's on the night shift.
Steve: That's all right.
Ms. Campbell: The hours are 2 to 6 a.m., Monday through Friday.
Steve: That's… not so good.
Ms. Campbell: I know. What do you think? Are you interested?
Steve: Well,…I often take a nap in the afternoon, and then I stay up late. I guess the hours are okay. When do I start?
Ms. Campbell: On Monday.
Steve: All right. Thank you.
Language and Culture Notes
1. Background information In job application, the interview is often the decisive factor in determining success or failure. It is designed to find out more about an applicant and to see if one is suitable for a particular job. So if one is lucky enough to be called for an interview, good preparation beforehand is necessary. Find out as much as possible about the job and consider how one’s qualifications and experience can be related to it. More people also think that appearance counts in an interview, so they will choose their interview clothing with great care.
During the interview, it is good policy to show interest to the questions raised by the interviewer and answer every one of them politely, truthfully and convincingly. At the close of the interview, the applicant may ask some questions about such matters as the salary and benefits, or if there is a training program.
2. part-timers people who do part-time jobs. Many students in the West take part-time jobs to earn some money to cover their tuition or living expenses and to get some working experience for their future career.
3. a lifeguard a person employed at a beach or a swimming pool, whose job is to make sure that the swimmers are safe and to rescue them if they are in danger of drowning. The popular American TV series "BAYWATCH" depicts the lives of lifeguards.
4. I have a B average. The average score of my school work is B. In American schools, the average quality of a student's work is indicated by his or her score of GPA, or grade-point average. A GPA between 3.0 to 4.0 is considered very good.
5. Your references are very good. You have been highly recommended. In job applications, it is required that you submit the names of at least two former superiors, such as your teacher or employer, who are willing to provide a letter of recommendation on request.
Exercise 1: Listening for general understanding
Listen to the recording and choose the right answers to the questions you hear.
1. What do you know about the man from the conversation?
a. He is a university student, looking for a part-time job.
b. He is a lifeguard but intends to find a better job.
c. He is a junior school student working part time as a lifeguard.
d. He is a clerk, working in the mailroom of a university.
2. What can be inferred about the man?
a. He has met the woman before.
b. He is an experienced job hunter.
c. He likes the job offered to him very much.
d. He is badly in need of a job.
Exercise 2: Listening for details
Listen to the recording again and fill in the blanks with the missing information.
INFORMAYION ABOUT THE JOB APPLICANT
Name: Steve Wells
Status: A university junior
Academic record: B average
Work experience: A lifeguard for two summers
Accommodation: Lives in an apartment
References' remarks: Hard working and reliable
Self evaluation: Seldom absent from work and always on time
Reason for accepting the job: To pay the rent of the apartment
INFORMATION ABOUT THE JOB OFFERED
Job: A clerk in the mailroom
Working schedule: 2 to 6 a.m. Monday through Friday
Wage: Minimum
Speaking Tasks
Pair Work
Listen to the conversations and repeat after the recording. Practise the conversations with your partner, playing the role of A or B. Then create your own conversations by replacing the underlined parts with your own words.
Conversation 1
A: 1) Hi, Mary, what have you been doing?
B: Hello, 2) Ted. I've been getting ready for a job interview. 3) Have you ever been to one?
A: No, not yet. But my friend has.
B: 4) Oh, really? What does he think?
A: Well, he said he thought he didn't get the first job because 5) he dressed too casually.
B: But surely 6) qualifications are more important than what you wear.
A: He feels first impressions 7) count a lot, you know.
B: 8) Maybe he's right. But I think I'm also going to 9) point out what I can do well, even if it's on my resume.10) What do you say?
A: Yes, I agree — well dressed and well qualified can't go wrong. 11) I wish you luck.
B: Thank you. 12) Now I don't feel quite so nervous.
Substitution 1
1) Hello Gill / Good morning, Ella 2) Billy / Bob 3) Have you ever had an interview / Have you ever had one? 4) Has he? 5) he was informally dressed / he didn’t dress properly / he didn’t dress formally 6) a college degree is / experience is 7) are very important 8) I think he could be right / He may be right. 9) emphasize my strong points, though I wrote them on my resume / state what I’m capable of 10) What do you think of it /What’s your opinion? 11) Good luck /I wish you success. 12) Now I’m not as nervous as before / Now I don’t feel that nervous.
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Conversation 2
A: Good morning, Miss Wang. I'm Mr. Zhang. 1) Please sit down.
B: Thank you. 2) It's nice to meet you, Mr. Zhang.
A: I have your application here. You are a university student?
B: Yes, I’m a 3) business major.
A； So you are interested in working for our company.
B: Yes. I need a part time job, 4) both for money and experience.
A: We’ll have an opening 5) for an office clerk.this summer.
B: 6) That would be wonderful.
A: Are you computer trained?
B: Yes. I can handle 7) Windows, Power Point, and Excel. Here’s my certificate.
A: Ah, that's very good. 8)You'll need some training in our methods, though. Every office is different, you know.
B: Thank you. 9) That will be very helpful for my future. When do I start exactly?
A: We'll let you know as soon as possible. Goodbye.
B: Goodbye.
Substitution 1 1) Take your seat, please / Have a seat, please. 2) It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr Zhang / Pleased to meet you, Mr Zhang. 3) finance / management / marketing 4) not only for money but also for experience / for money as well as for experience 5) for a secretary 6) That would be really good / That would be excellent. 7) Word, Access, and web design. 8) But you still need some training in our method / we still need to train you to adapt to our method. 9) That will be beneficial to my career / That will be a good experience for me.
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Part C
Additional Listening
A Passage Unusual Interviewees
Listen to the passage once. Then read the following statements based on the passage. The possible answers are already offered as “Mentioned”, “Can be inferred” or “Can’t be inferred”. As you read, choose the right answers to the statements.
Statements:
1. A candidate who failed to finish high school had been kidnapped to Mexico.
a. Mentioned b. Can be inferred c. Can’t be inferred
2. The candidate who had no time for lunch didn’t have good manners.
a. Mentioned b. Can be inferred c. Can’t be inferred
3. The female candidate listening to music was not very serious about her interview.
a. Mentioned b. Can be inferred c. Can’t be inferred
4. A candidate broke an arm fighting with the interviewer.
a. Mentioned b. Can be inferred c. Can’t be inferred
5. The candidate who had little hair cared much for his appearance.
a. Mentioned b. Can be inferred c. Can’t be inferred
6. All the interviewees were hired.
a. Mentioned b. Can be inferred c. Can’t be inferred
Script
Unusual Interviewees
A recent survey asked vice-presidents and personnel directors of America’s 100 largest corporations for their most unusual experiences interviewing prospective employees.
They included:
A job applicant who challenged the interviewer to a fight.
A job candidate who said he had never finished high school because he was kidnapped and kept in a closet in Mexico.
A balding candidate who excused himself during the interview and then returned wearing a full hairpiece.
A candidate who wore headphones to the interview and, when asked to remove them, explained that she could listen to the interview and the music at the same time.
A candidate who said he didn’t have time for lunch and then started to eat a hamburger and French fries in the interviewer’s office.
A clumsy candidate who fell and broke an arm during the interview.
An applicant who interrupted the questioning to phone her doctor for advice.
A candidate who dozed off during the interview.
A candidate who refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed standing up.
A candidate who asked, “Would it be a problem if I’m angry most of the time?”
It was reported that all of them were hired.
Movie Time
Watch a video clip. After watching it, choose the right answer to each of the following questions
Word Bank
chorus n. 合唱
qualification n. 合格证书，资格
inner-city n. 市中心区域
coordinator n. 协调员
talent show （非专业表演人员的）才艺表演秀
tap shoes 踢踏舞的鞋子
thrilled adj. 非常兴奋的
assuming conj. 如果，假设
committed adj. 专心致志的
span n. 范围，跨度
underestimate vt. 低估
sub n. （substitute的简写）替补者（电影里指临时代课的教师）
for now 暂时
permanent adj. 固定的，永久的
Script:
- Aside from half a term in a private school in Greece ... and a year teaching chorus in Hawaii ten years ago ...
- That's ... the Navy. They move you around.
- Um ... it doesn't look as if you've had any other teaching experience.
- Well, not traditional teaching experience, but I have, um ... Uh, I've given private lessons.
- Oh.
- That's not on there. I ... I taught my sons.
- I'd like to help you, Mrs. Demetras.
- Brian spoke highly of you, and I told him I would consider starting a violin class.
- But without the proper qualifications ... and without any experience in inner-city schools ... I'm very sorry.
- Okay. Thank you for seeing me.
- You're quite welcome.
- Come in.
- Excuse me.
- Oh, I didn't mean to interrupt. I just wanted you to meet my boys.
- I'm sorry, Janet.
- This is Nick.
- Hi. - Hi.
- And Lexi.
- Hi.
- I'm sorry. Hi. Oh, I'm Roberta Guaspari-Demetras.
- Dennis Rouche, our music teacher and program coordinator. Mrs. Demetras, did I not make myself clear yesterday?
- Oh, yes, yes, of course. I just wanted to show you something. Just take a second. Ready, boys?
- Are we having a talent show? I should have brought my tap shoes.
- Five, six, ready, and ...
- Beautiful. Beautiful.
- Oh ...
- Will you hire her now?
- Oh!
- Uh ... how long have you boys been playing?
- Since I was three.
- And you?
- Maybe since I was three and a half.
- Your mom must be a pretty good teacher, huh?
- She's okay.
- Nick ... That's right. You guys wait out there.
- Okay, so...
- Mrs. Demetras, if you could ... teach our students to play as well as they do, I ... I'd be thrilled, but ...
- I could. Any child can learn to play the violin.
- Assuming they have the discipline.
- I would teach them to have discipline.
- Mrs. Demetras, a lot of our parents are struggling ... to feed their kids, to pay the rent.
- They don't have time to help them learn violin.
- Well, they wouldn't have to. They wouldn't have to. I mean, it would be great if they wanted to help, but these kids are going to be committed, you know.
- They would practice on their own, and they'd help each other in the classroom.
- I think I know these students, Miss Demetras.
- Mrs.
- Mrs. Demetras. And I can tell you right now, their attention span doesn't go past do, re, mi. Maybe on a good day, I can get them to fa.
- I think you're underestimating them. They can learn to play as well as any other kids.
- That I'd like to see.
- Well, you will.
- Or you would ... if ...
- I'll tell you what ... I'll put you down as a sub.
- For now.
- Thank you very much.
- But even if it works out, the board may not let me create a permanent position for you.
- That's okay. Anything is okay. That's great.
Exercise:
1. What job did the woman candidate apply for?
a. The music teacher.
b. The dancing teacher.
c. The principal.
d. The secretary.
2. What made the interviewer refuse to hire the woman at the first interview?
a. She didn’t have enough teaching experience.
b. She had no teaching experience.
c. She was busy with teaching her own sons.
d. She didn’t stay in one place for long.
3. Why did the woman bring her two sons?
a. She wanted her sons to be enrolled in the school.
b. She wanted her sons to make a talent show.
c. She wanted to show she was good at teaching.
d. She wanted to show her sons were well-disciplined.
4. What did the woman promise at the second interview?
a. The students would play violin as well as her sons.
b. To treat the students in the same way she treated her sons.
c. To communicate with children’s parents very often.
d. She would stay in the school permanently.
5. What was the result of the second interview?
a. The man in office was replaced by the woman candidate.
b. The two boys could learn in the school.
c. The interviewer asked the parents to help the teacher.
d. The woman candidate got the job temporarily.
Time to Talk
Look at these pictures and describe them one by one.
Hints:
1. A job fair (人才招聘会):
materials about companies, posters (招贴) on wall, employers are busy introducing …;
students look around, introduce themselves to the employers, ask for information about jobs / positions;
a girl student in front, express her wish to join a company, discusses the possibility of working for …
2. A company recruiting (招聘) on campus:
competition, companies come to universities each year, in an attempt to recruit talented young people;
a woman from HP Company (惠普公司)，standing in front of the company’s attractive posters;
provide information, encourage students to apply for a job, have discussions, make appointments
3. A one-to-one (一对一的) interview:
job hunting, interview an applicant, look at her application / resume (简历), ask questions, try to find out about her interest, ability, attitude, etc.;
applicant asks questions about the job details, duties, pay, and other benefits, etc.
Demo:
1. This is a job fair. You can see posters on the walls and employers are busy introducing their companies to students. You can also see students looking around, introducing themselves to the employers, who can offer jobs and positions. A girl student seems to be expressing her wish to work for a certain company and is discussing with the man about the possibilities of working for the company.
2. Competition is everywhere. Big companies come to universities each year in an attempt to recruit talented young people. The picture shows that a woman from HP Company is standing in front of the company’s attractive posters. She explains to students and encourages them to apply for jobs in her company.
3. Interviews are very important in job hunting. The picture shows a one-to-one interview. The man on the right talks to an applicant, asking her about her work experiences and her ability of doing the job. The woman applicant may also ask questions about the job details, her duties, pay and other benefits, etc.
Part D
Test Your Listening
A Conversation
Listen to the conversation and choose the right answers to the questions you hear.
Script
W: Before we finish, I have just one or two more questions.
M: Certainly.
W: May I ask why you want to leave your present job?
M: You know I'd like to work in a larger company that offers more opportunities for growth.
W: I understand. But perhaps you could tell me a little more about yourself.
M: All right. I'm married. My wife's name is Barbara. She works at P&G Company. We have one son.
W: Uh-huh. Any hobbies or special interests?
M: Yes. I collect stamps and I like to play tennis.
W: Oh. That's interesting. Tell me, do you have any questions for me?
M: Yes. Could you tell me about the hours?
W: Yes. The work-day is from nine to five, with a one-hour lunch break at noon.
M: And may I ask about the salary?
W: Oh, I didn't mention the salary?
M No, I don't believe so.
W: The salary is $65,000.
M: And may I ask about vacations?
W: Yes. Employees receive ten days off per year for the first two years, and fifteen days off per year after that.
M: And what about the company benefits?
W: Yes. We have an excellent benefits package that includes health insurance, a retirement program, and a savings plan.
M: That sounds very complete. I really appreciate the time you've taken to talk with me.
W: My pleasure. You'll be hearing from us shortly.
M: Thank you very much.
1. Why does the man want to leave his present job?
a. He wants to earn more money.
b. He wants to work in a much larger company.
c. His present company doesn’t offer him a complete benefits package.
d. His present company doesn’t offer him more opportunities for growth.
2. What do you know about the man?
a. He’s got a large family.
b. He enjoys playing two kinds of sports.
c. He’s ambitious.
d. He thinks a good benefits package is more important than a high salary.
3. What can we learn from the conversation?
a The man is quite sure that he’ll be accepted by the new company.
b. The man can have 15 days off per year if he works in the new company for three years.
c. The man is now working in a very small company.
d. The man earns about $65,000 at his present job.
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