Focus on Words

Fact file
In Denmark teachers are among the best paid workers.
In Japan teachers earn far less than factory workers.
A New York dustman makes three times as much as an Indian army general.
A German bus driver gets twice the pay of the British bus driver.
In China university professors earn as much as ministers.
Chinese journalists are the worst paid in the world.
US lawyers are paid more than people of other professions.
Just For Fun
What do we call a man who
- never gets home until 9.30 in the evening?
- always takes work home from the office?
- never goes to bed before one o’clock of night?
- drinks coffee before he goes to bed?
- never goes out in the evening?
- works all Sunday?
- walks to the underground station but takes no other exercise?
(a workaholic)
<strong>Focus</strong> on Function
Applying for a job
Before applying for a job, you should check that you meet the requirements.
These are usually specified in terms of previous experience, qualifications and
personality. To show that you are a suitable candidate for the post, it is usual to enclose
a curriculum vitae with your letter of application. There are many computer programs
that will help you produce a well designed and professional-looking curriculum vitae.
If you make the right impression, you will be invited to an interview; otherwise
you will probably receive a letter saying: “we regret to inform you that your application
has been unsuccessful.” The successful applicant will probably be given a contract of
employment which will contain the job description and the terms and conditions. You
show your acceptance of these by signing the contract.
On your first day of work, you may be invited to join a trade union. If so, you will
probably be introduced to your shop steward, the trade union official who will represent
you and your colleagues in negotiations with management. Sooner or later, you will
meet your boss. The person who you report to, could also be called a line manager or
director. In factories, workers often take their orders from a team-leader or foreman,
who is an intermediary between the employer and the employees.
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