Applying for a job

The attention of John Morris, a young graduate of Chelsea College of Science and Technology in London is caught by the advertisement in the Daily Express. At present he is in temporary employment in a big food store. As he is looking for a more permanent position with good career prospects, he decides to send in his application together with a curriculum vitae and two references. A few weeks later he meets the recruitment officer at the firm's head offices in Great Yarmouth for an interview.

Recr. Off.: Mr. Morris, could you perhaps tell me briefly what exactly aroused your interest in the advertised position?

Morris: First there was, I think, the impression that this seemed to be a job where a good deal of initiative, interest in market developments, a willingness to take on a certain amount of responsibility were required. In addition, I felt this might be the ideal starting point for a career where previous professional experience is not essential.

Recr. Off.: Have you had any experience in the meat industry?

Morris: No, not really. Except perhaps that at present I am working in the meat department of a large supermarket in Lincoln where I am responsible for the running of the prepacked meat section. 1 have to prepare the lists of orders, supervise the sale of fresh and frozen meat and do the work of a shop assistant. I took on this job to get some experience in consumer habits and the handling of meat in retail outlets.

Recr. Off.: Well, this may be very useful indeed for the position advertised. When would you be free to start working in our firm?

Morris: I have to give two weeks' notice, so that I could start work here on January 1^st. But before I make up my mind I would like to know exactly what is expected of me.

Recr. Off.: Your task would be twofold, first to keep an eye on market developments outside our firm. This implies analysis of all the meat products introduced on the market

by our competitors. And secondly, to take an active part in the creation and development of new products. This will involve both office and laboratory work. As to conditions of service, we work a forty-hour week. Work starts at 9 a. m. and finishes at 6 p. m. There'll be the usual breaks for morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea. You'll get three weeks holiday. In the first year your salary will be £ 6000 p. a. with a possible increase of between £ 500 and £ 750 after the first six months.

Morris: Yes, that sounds reasonable. I see that employee benefits are mentioned in your advertisement. Could you explain these, please?

Recr. Off.: Certainly. Those that concern you are the contributions of 50 p per day for lunch and a share in the profits which is pegged to the dividend paid by the parent company and varies between 3 and 6 per cent of your earnings.

Morris: That seems quite satisfactory. Could you tell me what the future prospects would be for me?

Recr. Off.: In the beginning you'll work mainly in the laboratory under the guidance of experienced colleagues. After about two years you could become the head of a small group of laboratory staff and be responsible for a limited range of our products. During this period you'll be sent on various kinds of training courses to learn something about the regulations governing the manufacture and marketing of meat products in Britain and the Common Market, but also to get an insight into management techniques and business administration generally. It you are successful you could be promoted to product manager.

Morris: That sounds very promising. Thank you very much for this information. When could you let me know the results of this interview?

Recr. Off: I'm afraid I cannot give you a definite answer now. You will appreciate that we want to see all the candidates before we make up our minds. We'll let you know in a fortnight whether we can engage you or not. It you are successful, we'll send you a contract to sign and return to us.