1. Career
1.1
[Interviewer]: What are some of the qualities or skills needed for a successful career in business?
[Candidate]: That's a difficult on because, of course, it does depend on what field you're in ... but if you press me, I would offer three particular qualities, I think. Erm, first, you need to be able to get on with people. Whatever job, you're going to have colleagues and customers. You need to be able to get on with people at all levels. Second, er, you need to be adaptable; businesses go through constant change. Your role will change, as will the people you work with, even the place where you work sometimes. And finally, of course, you need a sense of humor to keep it all in proportion.
1.2
[Interviewer]: What are the best ways to prepare for a job interview?
[Candidate]: It really helps if you look at it from the point of view of the interviewer. So, for example, before the interview do your homework. Find out all you can about the company to show you're really interested in the opportunity. You can look up how old it is, what it does, how many people it employs, how fast it's growing. Then at the interview, help the interviewer by answering their questions fully, but sticking to the point; don't talk for too long. Let them stay in control of the agenda, I think. And then there are other things like, it's important to ask the interviewer questions which demonstrate that you are as interested in them as they are in you: for example, ' what is your medium-term plan for the company?' or 'what is your policy on training and development?' These sorts of questions show you're potentially interested in staying, not just looking for a short-term contract.
1.3
A: Good morning, VTS. Which department, please?
B: I'd like to speak to Carmen Diaz in human resources, please.
A: Thanks you. Hold on, I'll put you through.
C: Hello. Human resources.
B: Hello. Is that Carman Diaz?
C: Speaking.
B: Yes, I'm phoning about your advert in Careers Now. Could you send me an application form, please?
C: Certainly. Can I take some details? Could you give me your name and address, please?
B: Yes, sure, it's Christophe Boiteaud, which is B-O-I-T-E-A-U-D. And my address is ...
1.4
A: Hello. Could I speak to Andrea, please?
B: I'm afraid she's not here at the moment. Can I take a message?
A: Yes, please. This is Jacques from Intec. Could you tell her I won't be able to make the training course on Saturday? She can call me back if there's a problem. I'm on 0191-498-0001.
B: OK. Thank you. Bye.
1.5
A: Hi, John. Dave here.
B: Oh, hello, Dave. How are you?
A: Fine, thanks. Listen, just a quick word.
B: Yeah, go ahead.
A: Do you think you could let me have the fax number for Workplace Solutions? I can't get through to them. Their phone's always engaged.
B: I've got it here. It's 020-7756-4237.
A: Sorry, I didn't catch the last part. Did you say 4227?
B: No, it's 4237.
A: OK. Thanks. Bye.
B: No problem. Bye.
1.6
Extract 1
A: What's my aim? Well, to be honest, I would like to get to the top as soon as I can. I'm very ambitious. And if I get the job, I don't see why I couldn't become a director in a few years' time. That's what I really want.
Extract 2
A: I applied for the job because I think I've got a lot to offer. I'm competitive and I like to win. I know a few people think I'm difficult to work with. Maybe that's true, but I get results, that's the main thing.
1.7
Extract 1
A: If you choose me, I'll start by improving our sales team. I want people to enjoy working in our sales department. Everyone in the team must help each other, and help me as much as possiable. That way, we'll get good results.
Extract 2
A: I've got a lot of slaves experience, and I've always been successful wherever I've worked, especially during the past year. I think I could lead a team well. I'm the head of our local business club, and I like organising people and telling them what to do.
I'm a very fast learner. I'd enjoy going on a training course to help me do the job better.
1.8
Extract 1
A: I want to do a good job for the company. I think we should expand slowly over the next five years. We're in a very competitive market, so I won't take too many risks. I think we could increase our market share in the long term, but we must patient and realistic.
Extract 2
A: I feel I have the ability and experience to do this job. I'm 'safe pair of hand', as they say. People respect me because I have good judgment.
as long as: 只要
as long:一樣長；其一生；但前提；在有生之年
as well as: 且；和
as well:也；同樣；又；還
as much as: 儘；幾乎；差不多；好像；等於
as much:同樣多；一樣；同樣的或同樣多少的；一樣多
as good as: 幾乎是, 相當於, 實際上
