Unit V : Job Market

Interviewer: Good morning, Mr. Brown. Thank you for coming in today. We reviewed your
application and would like to discuss your experience and what you bring to this role. Could
you start by telling me why you applied after seeing our job advertisement?
Applicant: Good morning. Thank you for the opportunity. Your advertisement highlighted
your company’s commitment to innovation and employee development. I’ve always admired
organizations that value creative thinking and teamwork, and I believe my skills align with the
position you’re offering.
Interviewer: That’s great to hear. Let’s dive into your experience. Can you share an example
of how you handled a challenging project or task in your previous role?
Applicant: Certainly. In my last position, I was tasked with leading a project that required
developing a new training program for employees. The challenge was meeting a tight
deadline while ensuring high-quality content. I collaborated closely with my team and
successfully delivered the project within four weeks, which increased productivity across the
company.
Interviewer: Impressive. Now, let’s discuss compensation. What are your salary expectations
for this position?
Applicant: Based on the industry standards and the responsibilities described in your
advertisement, I believe a salary of $60,000 to $65,000 would be appropriate. However, I’m
open to negotiation depending on additional benefits or opportunities for growth.
Interviewer: That sounds reasonable. One more question—how do you approach situations
where a decision needs to be made about whether to hire or fire an employee?
Applicant: I approach these situations thoughtfully. When hiring, I look for candidates who
not only possess the required skills but also fit well with the company culture. As for firing, I
believe it’s essential to exhaust all options, such as providing feedback, training, and support.
Termination should only occur if all efforts to improve performance have failed.
Interviewer: A practical approach. Finally, do you have any questions for us?
Applicant: Yes, I’d like to know more about the growth opportunities within the company
and how success in this role is measured.
Interviewer: Success is typically measured through individual performance, team
collaboration, and achieving specific project milestones. As for growth opportunities, we offer
regular training programs and the potential for promotions based on performance.
Applicant: Thank you for the explanation. I’m excited about the possibility of joining your
team.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mr. Brown. We’ll review all candidates and get back to you within
the next week.
Applicant: Thank you. I look forward to hearing from you.
Source: adapted from Indeed Career Guide – ‘Common Job Interview Questions and Answer’
and The Balance Careers – ‘How to Prepare for a Job Interview’

I. Reading Comprehension: read the conversation between the applicant and the
interviewer and answer the following questions accordingly:

1. Why does the applicant express interest in the company?

A. The company is renowned for its employee benefits.
B. The company values creativity and development, as highlighted in the
advertisement.
C. The company operates in an industry the applicant is familiar with.
D. The position offers a clear path to senior management roles.

2. How does the applicant demonstrate their ability to meet challenges?

A. By discussing a campaign that achieved financial success.
B. By describing their teamwork on an international project.
C. By explaining how they led a successful training initiative under a tight schedule.
D. By detailing their role in improving company communication channels.

3. What quality does the applicant prioritize when hiring new employees?
A. Extensive prior experience in a similar role.
B. Willingness to adapt to new tasks and environments.
C. Alignment with company culture and values.
D. A proven ability to work independently without supervision.
4. How does the applicant suggest handling performance-related issues before
considering termination?
A. By providing regular feedback and opportunities for improvement.
B. By monitoring the employee for a probationary period.
C. By outsourcing the decision to an external HR consultant.
D. By issuing formal warnings without further support.

5. What reasoning does the applicant use to justify their salary expectations?
A. The demands of the role and the cost of living in the area.
B. Market research and the job responsibilities described.
C. A comparison with their previous salary and wages.
D. A conversation with a current employee in the company.

6. What type of information does the applicant seek from the employer at the end of the
interview?
A. Details about how performance in the role will be assessed.
B. Information about the team’s current challenges.
C. Insight into the company’s future expansion plans.
D. Clarification about salary negotiations.

II. Vocabulary:
a. Match each word in the left column to its closest synonym in the right column:
 b. Fill in the blanks using the correct word: advertisement, hire, salary, fire, wages,
recruitment, promotion, probation, dismissal, advancement.

1. The company posted a detailed __________ to attract qualified candidates for the
managerial position.
2. Employees are eligible for __________ after six months of consistent performance in their
current role.
3. The HR department will __________ three new team members next month to meet growing
demands.
4. During the __________ period, new employees are closely monitored to assess their
suitability for the role.
5. Failure to meet performance standards can result in __________, which is always a last
resort.
6. The company offers competitive __________ to attract top talent from across the industry.
7. Monthly __________ are calculated based on the number of hours worked by employees.
8. Effective __________ strategies ensure the company remains staffed with top-performing
professionals.
9. The employee was thrilled to receive a __________ to the position of Senior Analyst.
10. The intern’s dedication and skills led to rapid __________ within the organization.

III. Grammar:
a. Complete the sentences with the correct form of the verb in the passive (past or
present):
1. A new marketing strategy __________ (develop) by the team last week.
2. The job advertisement __________ (post) on the company’s website every Monday.
3. The decision to fire the employee __________ (make) after several warnings.
4. Monthly wages __________ (calculate) based on hours worked.
5. A new employee __________ (hire) to assist with the project last month.
6. Important emails __________ (check) daily by the manager.
 7. The office __________ (redecorate) last year to improve employee morale.
8. The proposal __________ (approve) by the CEO yesterday.
b. Transform these active sentences into the passive voice (past or present):
1. The HR department evaluates the applications.
2. The manager gave the employees their monthly salaries yesterday.
3. The team organizes training sessions for new hires.
4. The company fired two employees due to poor performance.
5. The CEO announces major decisions during team meetings.
6. The recruiter conducted interviews for the position last week.
7. The IT department updates the software regularly.
8. The employees cleaned the meeting room after the conference.
c. Complete the sentences using the correct form of the verb (simple past or past
continuous:

1. While the manager __________ (explain) the new policy, the employees __________ (take)
notes.
2. I __________ (finish) my report before the deadline last night.
3. The team __________ (discuss) the project when the fire alarm __________ (go) off.
4. She __________ (work) in the office when she __________ (receive) the good news.
5. We __________ (attend) a meeting when the power __________ (cut) out unexpectedly.
6. They __________ (not complete) the task because they __________ (have) technical
issues.
7. While I __________ (write) the email, my computer __________ (crash).
8. He __________ (leave) the office at 7 PM after he __________ (finish) his tasks.
d. Choose the past simple or past continuous:
1. What ________________ (you / do) when I _________________ (call) you last night?
2. I _______________ (sit) in a café when you ________________________ (call).
3. When you ________________ (arrive) at the party, who ____________ (be) there?
4. Susie ________________________ (watch) a film when she
________________________ (hear) the noise.
5. Yesterday I ____________________(go) to the library, next I___________________
(have) a swim, later I ________________________ (meet) Julie for a coffee
6. We _________________ (play) tennis when John ___________________(hurt) his ankle

IV. Writing: Write a paragraph about your dream job.