3.6. Getting and keeping a job

Task 1. You will listen to a lecture on how technology has influenced the workplace and how to get and KEEP a job. The following items contain important vocabulary from the lecture. Work with a partner. Using the context and your knowledge of related words, take turns trying to guess the meanings of the words in bold.

1. The procedures for finding a job and sending an application have changed quite a lot.

2. You will be expected to complete multiple tasks.

3. If you are looking for any type of administrative work, . . .

4. Forget about the good old days of paper calendars, rolodexes, and file cabinets.

5. ... digital databases that store all the information that used to be kept on paper

6. Many departments use spreadsheet programs to keep track of all transactions.

7. You must have a plan for how to acquire these skills.

8. Even novice users can learn how to create professional-looking flyers.

Task 2. Work with your partner. Match the vocabulary terms from Task 1 with their definitions below. Check your answers in a dictionary if necessary.

1. beginners

2. managing or organizing documents and information

3. several or many

4. learn, get

5. keep

6. items that hold information on paper

7. buying and selling

8. steps

Task 3. Read the following questions about the lecture. Think about what kind of information you will need to answer them.

1. Why must an applicant be able to participate well in an interview?

2. Which basic computer skills are expected in an office environment today?

3. How was information stored in the past? How is it stored today?

4. What are some ways to acquire or improve the skills you need?

Task 4. Listen to the lecture and take notes on your own paper. Use the questions in Task 3 as a guide to help you listen for the important points.

Task 5. Use your notes to answer the questions in Task 3. Share your answers with a partner. You can take turns explaining your answers orally. Or, you can write your answers and then exchange what you have written. Answer as fully as you can.

Task 6. Write a one-paragraph summary of the lecture. Remember that only the most important points of a lecture should be included in a summary. Include these words in your summary:

traditional

computer

research

skills

apply

interview

technology

acquire

T ask 7. Look at these cartoons. Work with a partner and take turns answering the following questions.

1. Who do you think the woman is talking to?

2. Do you think the person the woman is talking to will agree with her opinion about what is important?

Task 8. Look at the cartoon on the left. Work with your partner and make up the rest of the conversation between the two men in the cartoon. Take turns acting the parts of "Bob" and "the other man."