CHAPTER 1

Here is a list of some well-known job titles or professions Check their general meanings in a dictionary. Describe what function these people perform: boss, advisor, research worker, receptionist, clerk, secretary, executive, skilled worker, unskilled worker, personnel officer, manager, vet, hairdresser, dentist, firefighter, engineer, priest, mechanic, plumber, tailor/dressmaker, economist, public relations officer, lawyer.

TEXT 1

A Quick Start and Realistic Expectations Are Critical To A Successful Job Search

On your mark . . . Get set. . . Go.

Like a sprinter, you need to be off like a shot the moment you find out your services are no longer needed. Any delay in starting your job search could result in lost opportunities. Time is of the essence when you're out of work.

But mistakenly, too many executives take time off before they commence an active search, sometimes to go sailing for the summer or skiing for the winter. Some people need to sit back and reflect. Others negotiate lucrative severance packages and have the confidence they can find a job at will. Then there are the ones who are just confused and apprehensive because looking for a job is a new and frightening experience.

Whatever the reason, you need to be keenly aware that taking time off not only removes you from the market, it also raises concerns for potential employers. Putting off the search sends a signal that you lack a sense of urgency in one of the most important aspects of your life. The employer then has to wonder if you would react the same way when a critical part has to go out the next day to avoid shutting down a customer's plant.

False and delayed starts also raise questions about your commitment, focus, and aggressiveness. Employers love to hire people who demonstrate their desire to work. The greater the gap on your resume between your last day of work and the time you apply for a position, the more likely you will have to answer in-depth questions concerning your activities during the period of unemployment. And by the way, bragging about a huge severance package does little to justify taking time off, particularly during the summer months.

If you are shy about getting your search on the road, seek the help of professional recruiters, self-help groups, or friends and associates who have been through similar experiences. Remember, you are not alone in your quest to find a job, so make every effort to keep your spirits high and your attitude positive. Be aggressive and don't just sit back and expect things to happen. Severance pay runs out faster than you think, and the more time you spend jobless, the more your confidence will wane. In addition, potential employers will begin to wonder why others haven't picked up on your talents.

Now ... For all you top dogs who have earned six figures for many years, get ready for a slice of reality. You are now on the other side of the desk. The companies you are soliciting have functioned in the past without your help and knowledge.

Don't forget. .. You are the one trying to make the team.

In a tough market, the key words are flexible and realistic. You must be flexible and willing to consider positions that are lower in stature and may require sacrifices, such as relocating or even forfeiting a fancy title. More important, you must be realistic with your compensation and expectations for your new job. Set­ting your sights too high will limit your objectivity. You may even pass up a good opportunity because you think something better might be on the horizon.

A case in point: Jonathan, a forty-five-year-old marketing executive, was a key player in a $500M company that was purchased by a $5 billion conglomerate. The consolidation of the companies resulted in the elimination of his position as VP of product planning. For the first time in twenty-one years, this father of three college students was faced with the task of finding a job.

Shortly after he was laid off, a $75M telecommunications client I represented interviewed Jonathan for a top marketing position. Throughout the meeting, it was clear to both me and the hiring company that Jonathan felt the position of VP of marketing in this smaller company was beneath him. Eventually, he turned down a generous offer from this company. The compensation package was only 15 percent less than his former salary. My client proceeded to fill the position with an equally qualified person at a significantly lower salary. Jonathan continued on his quest for the perfect job.

Six months later, almost to the day, 1 received a distressed call from Jonathan inquiring if the marketing position was still available. After hearing the bad news, Jonathan asked if I knew of any other opportunities in his field. Jonathan admitted, "I shouldn't have passed up the opportunity at the telecommunications company," but he had been reluctant to accept a low offer so early in his search. Several months later, Jonathan landed an assignment as a product manager but for 30 percent less than the first offer he received almost a year earlier.

Jonathan fell prey to the most deadly mistake that high fliers make after losing touch with the job market for many years. He misjudged the value of his talents and misread the market.

Industries are constantly changing and technology alters the needs for specific expertise. Nuclear engineering was one of the most sought-after disciplines in the late seventies. Software professionals were in strong demand throughout the eighties. Environmental engineering may be a growing field in the years ahead. Times change.

Whatever the case, make sure you sit down and set your job search strategy by becoming fully cognizant of the changing market conditions in your target industries.

Regardless of how extensive your education, or how deep your talents and experience, be realistic and recognize that every potential employer doesn't have the need or financial resources to pay for each and every one of your skills. Realistic expectations will keep you on the road to that new job provided you don't get detoured by your ego and pride.

Don't be insulted by the first offer you get. Remember, your negotiating base for future jobs is significantly strengthened if you are gainfully employed. That first offer may be the only one you receive.

Vocabulary and grammar exercises

1 Choose the correct form and fill in the gaps:

1. We will increase the amount of ________ for women who are expecting babies.

a) maternal leave b) mothering leave

c) maternity time d) maternity leave

1. We will increase the size of the _______ by 10 %.

a) manpower b) workforce

c) human resources d) employees

2. We will give everyone _______ training at least twice a year.

a) in - house b) tailoring

c) designed d) outhouse

3. There will be no annual _______ interviews.

a) superior b) appraisal

c) objective d) holiday

4. We will pay everyone an extra _______ at Christmas.

a) salary b) expense

c) commission d) bonus

2 Ask questions on the underlined words:

1. Some people are often confused and apprehensive because looking for a job is a new and frightening experience.

2. Employers love to hire people who demonstrate their desire to work.

3. You must be flexible and willing to consider positions that are lower in stature.

4. He turned down a generous offer from this company.

5. Industries are constantly changing and technology alters the needs for specific expertise.

3 Fill in the blanks with prepositions and articles:

1. After he was laid _______, a $75 M telecommunications client I represented interviewed him for ______ top marketing position.

1. Whatever _______ case, make sure you sit down and set your job search strategy _______ becoming fully cognizant of _______ changing marketing conditions in your target industry.

2. I shouldn't have passed _______ the opportunity at

_______ telecommunications company.

3. Be realistic and recognize that _______ potential employer doesn't have _______ need to pay each and every one of your skills.

4. Some people like to complain _______ everything.

5. I’ve never approved ________ smoking.

6. My favorite subject at the University was ________ Information Technology.

7. I’d like to have ________ hamburger for________ breakfast.

4 Reword the following sentence without changing their meaning. Pay attention to the italicized words:

1. Some months later I received a despairing call from Jonathan.

2. In a tough, strong market, the key words are flexible and apprehensive.

3. He formed a wrong opinion of his talents and misread the market.

4. He continually questions his employees about every aspect of the business and he tries to pick up holes in their arguments to find out whether their ideas will work.

5. He has had several business failures in the past and nearly went bankrupt several times.

5 Read the newspaper contents list. Which headings would you like to look at if you wanted to read about the following:

1. articles for sale

2. clothes

3. the editor’s comments on the news

4. films being shown locally

5. houses for sale

6. news from abroad

7. people who have died recently

8. recently published books

9. second-hand car

10. jobs

INDEX

Arts, Reviews

Business

Classified Ads

Professional Opportunities

Editorial

Entertainment

Fashion

Home News

House Hunter’s Guide

Obituaries

Overseas News

6 Complete the following table:

NOUN	ADJECTIVE	VERB	ADVERB
advertisement
		resign
economy
		employ
		apply
qualifications
profit
		earn
		retire

Use the words given in the table in the sentences below:

Leaving a Job

I recently left my job in an …… agency after a disagreement with my boss. She accepted my…… but warned me that because of the…… situation, I might have to get used to the idea of being……for a while. I thought that she was trying to make a point, but after I had made over fifty……to other companies, I realized that she was right. Although I am a ……designer, I didn’t receive any offers of a job. After that I tried working from home, but it was not very…… Then I became an……in a fast-food restaurant, even though my……were extremely low. I wish I had accepted early.….. from my old job. That is what I disagreed with my boss about!

7 Write the missing preposition in the job advertisement.

on(1); for (2): in(4): to(1)

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER REQUIRED

Southgate PLC is currently looking…a confident person with at least five years experience…running administration departments. You will be responsible…a large department with 20 staff reporting…you. You will have knowledge… organizing databases.

You will be based… London though you will need to be available to visit our sales office in Paris twice a year. Fluency… French is desirable though not a requirement. Your salary will depend… qualifications and experience. The right person will enjoy good prospects… promotion.

8 Find words or phrases in the advertisements below which mean the following:

1 only for select and wealthy guests

2 an applicant’s list of qualifications and experience

3 equipped

4 minimum of

5 looking for

6 open for some time and known to be good

7 chances of promotion

8 extras to wages/salary

9 applicants

10 able to develop new ideas

11 at the start

12 salary equal to or higher than at other hotels

RECEPTIONISTS This exclusive hotel in the heart of the city is currently seeking candidates with enthusiasm and initiative. We offer excellent benefits, good prospects and competitive pay. At least two years’ experience essential. Please call Linda Bloom on 097855555
HEAD CHEF Energetic and innovative chef required initially to work with chef/proprietor and later to take over established restaurant. The kitchens are fitted out to the highest standard. We are known locally for our fish specialties. Own flat available. Write enclosing C.V. to William Bush, The Woodlands, wayside Road, Oakton NH 34 9 EF www.thewoodlands.com

9 Pair work. Discuss the statements below and find out your partner’s views on the issues:

1. Potential employers will admire you for taking time off between jobs.

2. Good jobs are easy to find if you have great qualifications.

3. Employers will think you are a soft touch if you accept a lower salary.