Language practice

I. Match the words to their definitions.

a) staff	1) a formal agreement between two or more parties
b) vacancy	2) one in charge of managing an enterprise or business
c) manager	3) the lack of something useful, necessary or desirable
d) experience	4) a group of people employed at the firm
e)qualification	5) a person who represent interests of others
f) employee	6) a person who applies for a job or position
g) applicant	7) an unoccupied post or office
h) contract	8) a ranked series of persons or things
i) hierarchy	9) the acquired knowledge or skill
j) need	10) a person who works for another in return for salary or wages
k) representative	11) the ability, skill or quality which makes you suitable for a given position

II. Complete the sentences below using the information of the text.

1. Human resource is a contented and efficient … of the firm. 2. The job … is nature and duties associated with the post. 3. The person … is personal qualities required by the successful applicant. 4. Notice boards and staff newsletters are forms of internal … . 5. It is necessary to shortlist … for selection. 6. The … may gain additional skills through on-the-job or off-the-job training. 7. To gain job … is important for the firm’s employees. 8. Trade unions aim to … with employers regarding pay conditions. 9. Employers and unions may resort to … if the dispute continues.

III. Say whether these statements are true or false, and if they are false say why.

1. In order to recruit suitable staff, the department with the vacancy needs to inform Personnel of the job description and the person specification. 2. Staff in Personnel can order suitable job adverts. 3. The firm might recruit externally, for example on notice boards or in a staff newsletter. 4. Internal recruitment will decrease the motivation level of future employees. 5. For selection, applicants need to be shortlisted. 6. Interviews are then conducted: these never include selection tests such as aptitude testing. 7. Before appointment the Personnel Department will issue the successful applicant with a contract of employment. 8. Once in post, the Personnel Department considers staff training needs. 9. Employee may gain additional skills only through on-the-job training. 10. Off-the-job training is more closely associated with obtaining qualifications. 11. Personnel managers are particularly concerned with their own job satisfaction. 12. Personnel staff is involved in negotiation and consultation with trade union representatives. 13. Trade unions are employer organizations set up to represent their interests. 14. Unions normally aim to ensure their members receive rights such as maternity benefit to which they are entitled. 15. Collective bargaining is an unusual way to establish pay levels and working conditions. 16. If the dispute continues, employers and unions may resort to arbitration.