job-hunting

Carmen: For this job, yes, but now they know
who you are and what you can do, they might
consider you for other jobs that are more suitable
for your talents. You could be the new ‘boss’s
son’, the favourite candidate for the next job.
Paul: Do you really think so?
Carmen: I have no idea. But if you don’t ask for
feedback, you’ll never know.
Paul: Okay, I'll give it a go. How should I do it?
Alex: Hello. Alex speaking.
John: Hello, Alex. It’s John Bradshaw from King’s
Theatre. I'm delighted to tell you that after careful
consideration we would like to offer you the
position of administrative assistant.
Alex: Thank you very much. That’s very good
news.
John: As we discussed during the interview,
we are happy to offer you a starting salary of
£20,000.
Alex: That’s great. I’d like to take some time to
consider your offer. Is it okay if I contact you with
a decision by tomorrow at the latest?
John: Yes. That’s absolutely fine. And if you have
any questions in the meantime, please feel free to
give me a call.
■ i 6.5
Alex: Hey Ella, guess what? King’s Theatre called
me this morning and offered me the job.
Ella: That's great. You always wanted a job at a
theatre in London.
Alex: I know. Even though I know it’s going to be
expensive, living in a big city, I’m looking forward
to moving. It’s going to be great.
Ella: So you’re sure that this is the right job for
you and you’re not just accepting the first offer
you get? You applied to a couple of theatres,
didn’t you?
Alex: Yes, I applied to a number of theatres. But
I really got on with the interviewer at King’s, and
the other members of staff that I met were really
nice. I could see myself working there. Plus the
money’s pretty good as well.
Ella: Did you negotiate?
Alex: Well, sort of. They offered me the same
starting salary I mentioned during the interview.
Ella: Doesn’t that worry you? Perhaps you could
have got more if you’d pushed for it?
Alex: Perhaps, but I’m happy with it for now, and
if I do well then I’ll be in a position to negotiate
a raise.
Ella: What about the benefits? How much holiday
will you have?
Alex: I’m not really sure, to be honest. We never
discussed it.
Ella: If I were you, I’d get that clarified before you
officially start work, as you don’t want a nasty
surprise later on. And what about your course
that you’ve enrolled on? Are you still going to be
able to do it?
Alex: Well, I mentioned the course during the
interview, and I made it clear that the skills I
would gain on the course would help me to do
the job much more effectively, so I’m pretty sure
they’ll let me do it.
Ella: And will they pay you while you do the
course?
Alex: I’m not sure.
Ella: Well, I think it’s worth contacting them and
finding out whether they’ll be willing to pay you
while you do the course. It’s not likely, but it’s
worth trying.
Alex: You're right. I'll give them a call.
Ella: And then afterwards you should send a
formal acceptance letter as well.
Alex: Is that really necessary?
Ella: Well, if you state in writing your
understanding of the terms of employment,
this will help clear up any potential
misunderstandings before they can become a
problem.
Alex: So what would I put in it?
Ella: Okay. Get me a pen and a piece of paper
and I'll help you plan it.
Ella: Okay, so in an acceptance letter the first
thing to do is thank whoever made you the
job offer, and then make it clear that you have
decided to accept it.
Alex: Okay, got that. That’s it, isn’t it?
Ella: Oh no. You’re missing the point of writing
the letter. You should use your acceptance letter
to restate the basic terms of employment as
you understood them, including hours per week,
salary and benefits.
Alex: And this is the second part of the letter?
Ella: Yes. This letter is not a contract, but putting
in writing your understanding of the terms
of employment will help avoid any potential
misunderstandings.
Alex: I see. What’s next?
Ella: Well, then I'd repeat any instructions you
were given during the interview, such as your
starting date, working hours and so on.
Alex: What about my question about my holiday
allowance?
Ella: Yes, this is the time to request clarification
of any terms of employment that were vague in
the interview or that concerned you afterwards,
so your question about holiday leave, for
example.
Alex: And that’s it?
Ella: Not quite. You’ve got to end with some
more positives, so it’s best to express how much
you’re looking forward to starting the job. You
could even mention a couple of aspects of the
post that you think you'll particularly enjoy. And
of course, you’ve got to ensure your acceptance
letter is professional looking - check it carefully
for any grammatical mistakes, typing errors and
misspelt words. Actually, on second thoughts why
don't you send it to me first and I’ll proof read it
for you? I know what your emails are like!
Alex: Hello. This is Alex Mencken. Could you put
me through to Karl Osborne please?
Receptionist: Yes, of course. I’ll just put you on
hold for a minute, and put you through.
Karl: Hello, Alex. What can I do for you? I’m
afraid we haven’t made a decision yet. as we’re
still in the process of interviewing candidates for
the position.
Alex: Yes, I know. Actually, I’m calling as I’ve been
offered a job elsewhere, which I have accepted.
Karl: I see.
Alex: I just wanted to let you know. 1also wanted
to say that I really enjoyed meeting you. I was
very impressed by your team and the working
environment at the Cromwell.
Karl: Thank you for saying so. I would say that
we were also impressed by your interview and
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve accepted another
job. But I understand your decision. I wish you
the very best of luck.
Alex: Thank you very much.
Karl: And if things don’t work out, make sure
that you give me a ring and I’ll see if we’ve got
anything we can offer you.
Alex: That’s very kind of you. I will do.
Karl: Thanks for letting us know like this.
Alex: It’s the least I could do. Thank you for
giving me the chance to talk about possible work
at the theatre.
Receptionist: Future Designs, Charlotte
speaking.
Tomasz: Hello. My name is Tomasz Filipek. I had
an interview with your company last week, for
the graphic designer’s job. I was wondering if I
could speak to Ms Johnson?
Receptionist: Yes, of course. I'll just put you
through.
Ms Johnson: Hello, Tomasz. It’s good to hear
from you.
Tomasz: Hello, Ms Johnson. Thank you very
much for offering me the job of graphic designer.
Ms Johnson: You’re very welcome. Have you
made a decision yet?
Tomasz: Well, I really appreciate the time you
spent talking to me about the job and the
company and it’s been a very difficult decision.
However, I have decided not to accept the job.
Ms Johnson: Oh, that’s a great shame. Can I
ask why?
Tomasz: Well, I was really impressed by the work
your company does, especially your advertising
campaigns for major retailers, and know it
would’ve been a good opportunity for me. But
I’ve recently been offered another job which I feel
is more suited to my skills and interests.
Ms Johnson: I appreciate the fact that you’ve
called to let me know, although it’s a shame you
won’t be joining us. I wish you the best of luck for
the future.
Tomasz: Thank you very much and thank you
again for your time.
Ms Johnson: You’re welcome. Goodbye.
Tomasz: Goodbye.
1
Employer: What sort of salary are you looking
for, Andy?
Andy: Well, in my last job I was paid £ 18,000
and I’d be hoping to earn more than that now
considering my level of experience.
Employer: We would certainly be able to match
that, and even offer you slightly more. How does
a starting salary of £20,000 sound?
Andy: It sounds very good.
Employer: Excellent. All we need to do now is
draw up a contract.
Andy: Great.
2
Employer: What sort of salary are you looking
for, Nick?
Nick: Well, I know you are a well-established
company with a reputation for looking after
your people well, so I expect you will be offering
employment at the market rate.
Employer: Yes, that’s very true, but we have
to start somewhere, so tell me, what are you
expecting?
Nick: Perhaps you could tell me what the range
is for this position, as I might be tempted to
overprice myself if I give a figure.
94 Audioscript