Business English: Looking for a job

Megan has been looking for a new job. She is trying to pursue a different career in the financial industry and has been to several interviews with some of the biggest financial firms in Cape Town. However, she is still having a difficult time landing her dream job. Remember if you are really interested in this subject, we have very good Business English courses available at our English schools.

Part 1

Carl: Hey, Megan. Have you received word from Standard Bank or First National Bank?

Megan: No, nothing. I was hoping that one of them would have called me in for a second interview by now.

Timothy: I'm sure that they will call eventually. They might just have a lot of applicants to go through.

Carl: That's beside the point. Megan is clearly qualified for the job she is applying for. All she needs is a chance to get her foot in the door, and then she'll be climbing the corporate ladder all the way to the top!

Megan: Thanks, Carl. I appreciate the vote of confidence.

Timothy: Yeah, Carl. What's with all the flattery?

Carl: Oh, come on. I'm not allowed to say anything nice?

Megan: Well, you normally don't. But I think it's a nice change.

Timothy: Ok, why are you really being supportive?

Carl: Alright, alright. I was just thinking that if Megan gets a new killer job, she'd be able to help me out if I’m ever looking for work.

Timothy: That's typical. Anyway, Megan, let us know when you get that new job. It would be a great excuse for me to throw you a party!

Part 2

Megan: Hey, guys. Guess what?

Carl: Did you finally get a second interview at one of the banks you applied at?

Megan: You are not going to believe it, but I got offers from both of the companies I went to!

Timothy: That is fantastic news! Which job are you going to accept?

Megan: Actually, I turned both of them down.

Carl: You what?! Are you pulling my leg?

Megan: Not at all. When I went to hand in my resignation, I was offered a much better position here. It was such a good offer that I had to accept it. I have been promoted to manager of accounting!

Timothy: Oh no, does that mean we have to always be nice to you since you're our boss?

Megan: Don't worry, guys. We can still joke around. Besides Carl is so good at sucking up to people in powerful positions that I should keep him around so I can feel important.

Carl: Ha ha. Very funny.

Now answer these ten mulitple choice questions:

• 1. What does "receive word" mean?
  
  To get a message from someone
  To tell a secret to someone
  To buy a new keyboard
  To reply to a question in writing
  
  
• 2. What does "beside the point" mean?
  
  A location on a map
  A rude thing to say
  Not important to the subject
  Relevant to what is being discussed
  
  
• 3. "Climb the corporate ladder" refers to...
  
  Receiving promotions that will move one up in a company
  Quitting one's job and finding a new one
  Becoming friends with people who are important
  Moving to a new city for a job
  
  
• 4. What does Timothy mean when he says, "That's typical"?
  
  That's an unusual thing for Carl to say.
  Megan is normally worried about job offers.
  Megan will probably have a party soon.
  It's normal for Carl to focus on himself.
  
  
• 5. How many job offers did Megan get?
  
  4
  3
  2
  1
  
  
• 6. Why did Carl ask Megan if she was pulling his leg?
  
  He wouldn't have taken the job offers either.
  His leg hurts.
  He doesn't believe that she would turn down two good job offers.
  He thinks that Megan's leg looks funny.
  
  
• 7. After receiving a ___ from my coworkers, I knew I would be able to make this important sale.
  
  Throwing a party
  Vote of confidence
  Beside the point
  Pulling someone's leg
  
  
• 8. I hate watching Miles ___ to the boss. How can he not realize Miles is just hoping for a promotion?
  
  Suck up
  Sing to
  Throw parties
  Receive word
  
  
• 9. Don't believe what John said. You're not going to get laid off. He's just ___.
  
  Pulling your leg
  Receiving the word
  Voting of confidence
  Throwing a part
  
  
• 10. He gets a pay raise every year because he’s an expert at ___.
  
  Chemistry
  Flattery
  Talking
  Languages