Job Hunting

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IDIOMS!

"bone up on" = study hard before a test
"I suggest you bone up on your typing skills before going to the job interview."
"work your fingers to the bone" = work extremely hard
"My father worked his fingers to the bone to provide for our family and send me to college."

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[ Quiz Script ]

Job Hunting

I. Pre-Listening Exercises
II. Listening Exercises
III. Vocabulary and Grammar
IV. Post-Listening
V. Online Investigations

Level:	Topic:	Type:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	jobs	conversation	man - woman	02:15

I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Which factor is most crucial when looking for a new job? Rank the following points in terms of importance and then discuss your reasons:

opportunities for promotion or advancement, working hours, vacation days, pension plan, interest level, salary, benefits such as health and life insurance, sick or maternity leave

HELPFUL TIP: If you really want to impress interviewers, be prepared to ask your own questions about the company, its policies, and employee satisfaction. In this way, the company will see that you are a serious candidate for the position.

help wanted

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

Listen to the conversation by pressing the "Play Audio" button and answer the questions based on the information you hear. Press the "Final Score" button to check your quiz.

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[ What are these different audio choices? ]

[ Other Audio Options: Play RealMedia | Play Window Media ]

1. In which field is the man looking for a job?
A. education
B. medicine
C. technology

2. Which statement best describes the pay for the job?
A. Employees can receive periodic pay increases based on their work.
B. The salary for the position is above the industry average.
C. Workers are paid on a commission basis depending their sales.

3. What are some of the benefits that the company provides?
A. insurance, paid vacation, and a company vehicle
B. paid vacation, opportunities for promotion, and insurance
C. opportunities for advancement, insurance, and a free bus pass

4. What does the future hold for the industry that he is considering?
A. growing, yet uncertain
B. expanding and secure
C. contracting, yet stable

5. From the conversation, what do we know about the man's educational background?
A. He dropped out of high school.
B. He has some post-secondary education.
C. He has a college degree.

Score =
Correct answers:

Listen to the conversation again as you read the Quiz Script.

III. Vocabulary and Grammar Activities [Top]

Review the key vocabulary from the conversation: [ Why do these? ]

IV. Post-Listening Exercises [Top]

What are ten common questions asked during a job interview in your field? How would you personally respond? What suggestions and advice can you come up with to answer such questions? What questions would you ask the interviewer to show you are informed about the company and you are serious about the position?

V. Online Investigations - [ What's This? ] [Top]
Use the Internet to find two services where you can post your resume in order to find a job. What kinds of options do these services provide? Is there a cost associated with posting your resume?

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Now, write your opinions on a similar topic at Randall's ESL Blog HERE.

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