• 1994at_the_office1.mp3
• 1994at_the_office2.mp3
• 1994at_the_office3.mp3
• 1994at_the_office4.mp3
• 1994at_the_office5.mp3

When you go to see somebody in an office, you should begin with a greeting such as "hi", "hello" or "good morning".  Then ask for the person you want to see.  Read these example sentences:

"Is Mr. Ward in?"

"May I see Mr. Ward?"

"I'd like to see Mr. Ward please"

"I have an appointment with Mr. Ward"


If it's a busy office, the secretary will ask you if you have an appointment.   What if you don't have an appointment?   This is what can happen.  Read this short conversation.

Visitor:  Hello, I'd like to see Yoko Kelley please.
Secretary: Is she expecting you?

Another way to check if someone has an appointment is by saying:

"Do you have an appointment?"


Read this next  conversation:

Visitor: Hello, I'd like to see Yoko Kelley please.
Secretary:  I'm sorry she's out right now.  You just missed her.
Michael:  When do you expect her back?
Michiko: She'll probably be back in an hour.

When a person leaves the office or place where they work, you mighthear these sentences.   Read these example sentences:

"She's out right now"

"She just stepped out"

"She's unavailable now"


When you hear these sentences, you might want to know when she will return to the office.   For example:

"When do you expect her back?"


Now, let's move on to telephone conversations that occur in the office.  If you call an office, they may have several telephone lines so the secretary may put you on hold.







They might ask you these questions:

"Do you want to hold?"

or
"Do you want to wait?"


You may also hear:

"Please hold"

or
"Will you hold?"


Remember that "will you hold?"  is a question so you should reply with a  "yes" or a "no".   What if you call that person and they are out? Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Hello, may I speak to Polly Matsumoto?
Michiko:  I'm sorry, she's out.  May I  take a message?
Michael:  Yes, please have her call Michael Depoe.  My number is 599-0987.
Michiko:  I'll give her the message. Bye.
Michael:  Thank you  bye.

Usually if someone is out, the secretary or receptionist will offer to take a message.  For example:

"May I take a message?"


If the person that you are calling doesn't offer to take a message, you can ask to leave one.












The conversation may sound like this:

Michael: Hello, may I speak to Osamu Takada, please?
Secretary:  I'm sorry he's not in.
Michael:  May I leave a message?
Secretary:  Sure.
Michael:  Please tell him that Max is coming in tonight at 9:05
p.m. on China Airlines Flight 17.
Secretary:  O.K. I got it.
Michael:  Could you repeat it back to me?
Secretary:  Max is coming in on China Airlines, flight 17, tonight at 9:05 p.m.
Michael: Right.  This is a very important message, so could you make sure he gets it?
Secretary:  Yes, don't worry.
Michael:  Thanks.

If you want to give a message, you should use this sentence:

"May I leave a message?"


If you want to make sure the message is correct, you could ask the person to read it back to you.  You could say:

"Could you repeat it back to me?"

or
"Can you read it back to me?"


People often leave important messages.  In that case, you could say this sentence:

"This is a very important message,  so could you make sure he gets it?"


Secretaries work hard every day so we should learn how to compliment them.  On this day, people may recognize the secretaries and give them gifts or flowers.  Read this next conversation  that might sound like something from your office!

Michael:  We really wouldn't be able to get anything done here without you.
Co-worker:  I agree.  On behalf of the entire office I'd like to say thank you for all your hard work.  We really appreciate you!
Michiko: I don't really know what to say except, thank you everyone!

If you want to say something for everyone you can use the phrase:

"On behalf of the Jones company….  "


Other words that you can say to your secretary are:

"Thanks for your hard work"

and
"We appreciate you"


Read these example sentences:

"On behalf of the entire office, I'd like to say thank you for all your hard work"

"We wanted to show our appreciation by giving you this gift"


      


Now, let's move on to office supplies.  One thing that you need a lot of in an office is supplies.  Read this conversation between a boss and his employer and see if you can hear the supplies that are mentioned:

Boss:  Where's the scotch tape?
Lady:  In the second drawer.
Boss:  I used the last piece.  Is there any more?
Lady:  No, we've run out of tape.
Boss:  I also need some white out and paper clips.
Lady:  I'll get them for you as soon as I put these scissors away.
Boss:  May I borrow your pen?
Lady:  Sure, here you are.
Boss:  Do you have another one?   This one's almost dead.
Lady:  Hmm, I don't know.  There must be one around
here somewhere.
Boss:  We need more supplies here.  Is there anything else
that we're running short of?
Lady:  Maybe we could use more staples.
Boss:  Karen, please make sure that we have a good stock of office supplies at all times.
Lady:  Yes, Mr. Rodgers.

Did you hear the office supplies in this conversation?  
They were:

"scotch tape"   "white out"   "paper clips"   "scissors"   and   "pens".



     

 


In this conversation, the office ran out of scotch tape.  To "run out" of something means that you have no more left.  "To run short of" something means that you are low on that supply.

Read these example sentences:

"We've run out of computer paper"

"We're running short of paper clips"


In the conversation above, the boss mentioned that his pen was almost dead.  When things become useless, you can use the word "dead".  For example, pens and things with batteries such as a cars, flashlights and  radios.   For example:

"This pen is almost dead"


Remember that  "please" and "thank you" are very useful words to use in the office.  Now, for our last conversation, we are going to learn about different kinds of workers.







Read this conversation:

Michiko:  Where is Jim?
Michael:  He's taking a nap in the conference room.
Michiko:  He sure is lazy.
Michael:  No, he's not, he has a migraine headache.
Michiko:  Well he's a lot different than Bill.
Michael:  Yeah, Bill is a conscientious, diligent worker.
Michiko:   Sometimes I think he's a workaholic.
Michael:   No, he knows how to have fun too.
Michiko:  Anyway, both guys are great no matter what their works habits are.
Michael:  I agree.

Bill was thought to be a good worker.  Other words that were used to describe him were, diligent and conscientious.   For example:

"He is a conscientious, diligent worker"


Someone who doesn't work very hard is known as lazy.  If the boss sees someone not working they might say "get back to work" or "stop goofing off."







Also, in the conversation, co-workers describe two people by saying, "Anyway, both guys are great no matter what their work habits are." This means that both of them are nice, even though they work differently.

• 1994movies3.mp3
• 1994movies4.mp3
• 1994movies5.mp3
• 1994movies1.mp3
• 1994movies2.mp3

In America, people are really "into" movies.  "Into" means almost the same things as like or enjoy.    Now read this opening conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, would you like to go to a movie tonight?
Michiko:  Sure, what's playing?
Michael:  It's called "Beethoven 2."
Michiko:  "Beethoven 2"  I've never heard of that.  Is it about the composer?
Michael:  No, actually, it's about a dog.

When people invite you to go to a movie, they might ask you one of these questions:

"What's playing?"

"What's the movie?"


These questions are important because the answer will help you to make your decision about whether to go or not.  After you find out the movie's title, you will want to know what the movie is about.  You can use one of the following sentences:

"What's the movie about?"

"What kind of movie is it?"


Michiko:  Michael, what kind of movie do you like the best?
Michael:  I like many different kinds,  but I would have to say my favoriteis comedy.  How about you?
Michiko:  I really like drama, like "Schindler's List"

There are lots of different kinds of movies, for example:  action and adventure movies,  horror movies,  drama and suspense movies and comedy.   There are also westerns, science fiction, and musicals. What kind of movies do you enjoy the most?  Read these example sentences:

"Comedy movies are hilarious"

"Horror movies terrify and shock me"

"Drama movies are usually complex and intense"

"The Movie theme songs can be very moving"

"The action in that movie was non-stop"

"I was on the edge of my seat all night"






Michiko:  Do you like western movies, Michael?
Michael:  Yes, I do.  I'm a big Clint Eastwood fan.
When I was younger, I used to watch those spaghetti westerns all the time.

The movie critics will rate the movies by giving them stars.  A one star movie is so-so while a five star movie is great.





Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Michael, where is the movie playing?
Michael:  It's playing at Pearlridge.
Michiko:  That's  a little far.  Is it playing anywhere closer to town?
Michael:  Yes it is.  It's playing at the Marina Twins.
Michiko:  That's ok.  Let's go there.

What do you say when you want to know where a movie is playing?  You can use one of  these sentences:

"Where is the movie playing?"

"What theater is the movie at?"


The next thing you will need to know is what time the movie is playing.   There are different times for movies.  The first show is called the "early show" while the last show is the called the "late show."  Read these example conversations:

Michael:  What time does the early show start?
Michiko:  It starts at 6 o'clock.

Michael:  When does the late show begin?
Michiko:  It begins at 10:45.

Michael:  What time does the matinee start?
Michiko:  It starts at 12:30.

A "matinee" is shown in the afternoon.

How can you find out how long movies are?  One way is to check your daily newspaper.  Another way is to call the theater and ask someone.





Read this conversation on the telephone:

(ring)
Michiko:  Hello, consolidated theaters.  May I help you?
Michael:  Yes.  I'd like to know how long "Schindler's List" is.
Michiko:  Let's see.  "Schindler's List" is 3 hours and 15 minutes long.
Michael:  OK, thank you.
Michiko:  Your welcome.

So, in summary, you can ask:

"I'd like to know how long"Schindler's List" is"

"When does "Schindler's List" end?"

or
"What time does "Schindler's List" end?"


If a friend invites you to go to a movie, you might want to know if any other people are going.   Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Michiko, how would you like to go to a movie on Sunday?
Michiko:  OK.  Is anyone else going or is it just you and I?
Michael:  I called Osamu and Rona. Rona was busy and
Osamu wasn't sure.  He said that he would call me back later.
Michiko:  I know.  Why don't we call Polly?
Michael:  That's a good idea.

Read these example sentences:

"Is anyone else going?"

"Is it just you and I?"

"Who else is going?"


After you have decided what movie you are going to watch,  there is one more important piece of information that you should know.  You should know the rating of the movie.







Read this conversation between a mother and her son:

Son:  Mom, let's go see "The Deadly Wolf"
Mom:  What's it rated?
Son:  It's rated "R".
Mom: I think that movie is too violent for you to watch.
Son:  Please, mom.  All of my friends went to see it.
Mom:  I'm sorry. You are only eleven years old.  You have to be at least 17 years old to watch a movie that's rated "R".  You can't see it  and that's final.
Son:  That's a bummer.

After deciding what movie to go to and where,  you will have to purchase the ticket.  Read this conversation at the box office.

Michael:  2 adults for "The Fugitive"   please.
Michiko:  Here you are.
Michael: Thank you.

That was easy wasn't it.   By the way, another word for box office is ticket counter.   You can also ask for a ticket at a later time.

After buying your tickets, you will have to stand in line.  If you go to a place where there is more than 1 theater, you will have to find the right line to stand in.  The best way to do this is to ask someone who is already standing in the line.



　　　　　　　　


Read this conversation:

Michiko:  Excuse me, is this the line   for "The Fugitive"?
Michael:  No, this is the line for "Schindler's List".  Try over there.
Michiko:  OK, thanks.  (pause) Excuse me, is this the line for "Schindler's List".?
Michael:  Yes it is, but the line starts over there.
Michiko:  Oh no.  This line is a mile long.

Read these example sentences:

"Excuse me, is this the line for "The Fugitive"?"

"Excuse me, is this the line for "Schindler's List"?"







If someone tries to cut in line, you can use one of these sentences. Read these example sentences:

"Excuse me, the line starts over there"

"Go to the end of the line"

"No cutting in line"


In that situation, you should say:

"I'm sorry"


and go to the end of the line.  It's not fair to the rest of the people when someone is allowed to cut in line.  After the movie is over,  there is usually a long list of names.  This is called the credits.  Some people like to stay and read the credits but most people begin to leave at this time.   Read this conversation after watching a movie:

Michiko:  What did you think of the movie?
Michael:  It was the worst movie I have ever seen.
Michiko:  Really!
Michael:  Yes.  I wasted my hard earned money.
Michiko:  Wow, I'm surprised.  I thought it was a good movie.
Michael:  I guess we have different tastes.
Michiko:  I guess you're right.

After the movie is over, people usually ask each other about the movie.   When you ask your friends about the movie, it's ok to give your honest opinion.   Read these example sentences:

"I thought it was great"

"The ending was really touching.  I almost cried"

"I thought it was so - so"

"I thought it was fair"


If you would like to know someone else's opinion about a movie, you can ask them one of these questions:

"Was it worth seeing?"

or
"Would you recommend it?"

• 1994marriage3.mp3
• 1994marriage4.mp3
• 1994marriage5.mp3
• 1994marriage1.mp3
• 1994marriage2.mp3

Read this opening conversation:

Michiko:  Last night  Steven popped the question!
Michael   Really?  How did he propose?
Michiko:  He got down on his knees and asked for my hand in marriage.
Michael:  And what did you say?
Michiko:  I said yes, and I just started crying.

In America, the man usually asks the woman to marry him.  Read these example sentences:

"He proposed to me"

"He popped the question?"

"He asked for my hand in marriage"






Usually, the man will propose on his knees.  When you become engaged, your boyfriend or girlfriend becomes your fiancee.  For example:

"I'd like to introduce my fiance Jane"


Now what happens after you become engaged?  You have the difficult job of preparing for the wedding.  One of the first things you do is decide who is going to be in the wedding party. Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Don, you know you're one of my closest friends.  I'd like you to be my best man in the wedding.
Don: I'd be honored to.
Michael:  My other groomsmen are Phil,  Brian, and Joel.
Don:  I never thought I'd see the day!  I'd thought you'd be celibate all your life.

In this conversation, the friend said:

"I'd be honored to"


Singleness is also called celibacy.  For example:

"I don't want to be celibate for the rest of my life"


Some people choose not to have a wedding ceremony.  If they have no money then they might elope.  Elope means just to run away and get married in front of an ordained minister.  If you have a ceremony, it's tough to decide the guest list.  Read this next conversation.

Michiko:  We have to change our guest list.
Michael:  Yes, we have to cut down on the number of guests.
Michiko:  How many do we have so far?
Michael:  About 200.
Michiko:  Let's look at it again.





A guest list is the people you want to invite.  Often people have to cut down or decrease the number of guests since they can't afford to pay all the expenses.

Read this example sentence:

"We have to cut down on our guest list"


After you receive a wedding invitation, you should respond.  Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Stacy, look!  We got an invitation to Steven's wedding.
Stacy:  When is it?
Michael:  March 26th.  Can you make it?
Stacy:  Maybe.  When do we have to reply?
Michael:  By February 26th.
Stacy:  O.k. wait a few more weeks until I can see my work schedule.
Michael:  Alright, but let's not forget to respond to the invitation.
Stacy:  By the way, do you think they'll like a gift or money?
Michael:  I think they can use the money more.

If you get a formal invitation, you might be required to tell them if you are coming or not.  You will know this if you see RSVP.  This means to answer as soon as possible. Read these example sentences:

"We have to reply by February 26th"

"Did you answer the invitation yet?"


When you prepare for a wedding, you write down a guest list.  When the guests come to the wedding, they sign the guest book.  This is so they know who came and the address they should send the thank you cards to.

The father usually walks his daugher down the aisle.  This called "giving away."  Because the father gives his daughter away to her husband.  For example:

"The most touching part was the father giving away his daughter."


The dress that the bride wears is called a wedding gown.  Read this example sentence:

"She wore a designer wedding gown made by Pierre Cardin"








"Michiko:  Michael, who is the person who is in charge of the ceremony?
Michael:  The pastor or priest performs the ceremony.
Michiko:   Then what happens?
Michael:  They exchange vows and rings.  Then sometimes take communion together or hear a short message from the pastor.

Read this example sentence:

"They exchanged their own vows with each other"


After the ceremony is over,  the guests who are invited can go to the reception.  There they will usually have a reception line.  This is the line in which the bride and groom and their parents greet people. The bridesmaids and groomsmen do not usually participate in this.





Read this conversation:

Woman:  Oh Jena, you look gorgeous!
Jena: Thank you!  I'm so glad you could make it.
Woman:  I'm glad to be here!
Man:  Hi, I'm Jena's father.
Woman:  I'm one of Jena's college friends, Agnes.
Man:    It's nice to meet you.
Woman:  It's a pleasure meeting you too.  You must be very proud of Jena.  Congratulations.
Man:   Thank you.







When you go through the reception line, there are a few nice things you could say.  Read these example sentences:

"Congratulations"

"I'm so happy for you"

"You look wonderful"


Here are some things you could say to the parents:

"You must be very proud"

"It was a beautiful wedding"


At the reception, you might want to take some pictures together.  Read this conversation:

Michael:  Cindy, do you want to take a picture with us?
Cindy:  No, no I'll take the picture for you.
Michael:  No, we want you in it.  Come here.
Cindy:  Oh, alright.

In this conversation, the man wanted Cindy in the picture with the group.  He said:

"Do you want to take a picture with us?"







He could also have said:

"Let's take a picture together"

or
"Take a picture with us"


Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Vincent is the MC tonight.
Michiko:  Oh really?
Michael:  Yeah, he's one of Steven's good friends.
Michiko:  Well, he does have a lot  of charisma and charm.
Michael:  Yes, I know all the girls think he's quite a catch.
Michiko:  Uh huh, but he's not the only fish in the sea.
Michael:  Oh, he's standing at the podium now.  The program's starting.

MC stands for master of ceremonies.  This is the person who is in charge of the program, introduces everyone, and does all the talking.

People often compare dating with fishing terms.  If a person is considered a good or an attractive person to date or marry they are considered a good "catch."

If you break up with someone, a friend might tell you, " there are a lot of fish in the sea."  This means that there are still a lot of men or women out there. Read these example sentences:

"Scott is considered a good catch"

"Don't worry, there are a lot of fish in the sea"


In American weddings, the bride and groom prepare small gifts for the guests who come to the reception.  Usually the bride will work very hard on them herself.  We say she worked "night and day."  Read these example sentences:

"Did you get a favor?"

"Jena worked night and day on the favors"

After the reception, the newelyweds usually go on their honeymoon. Read this conversation between the new couple:

Michael:  It's finally over!  I can't believe we're husband and wife.
Michiko:  Yeah, it's a relief to finally be going on our honeymoon.
Michael:  Now I can introduce you as my better half.
Michiko:  Don't be silly.  We're partners in this marriage.
Michael:  And I hope we stay that way!


 

• 1994laundry4.mp3
• 1994laundry5.mp3
• 1994laundry1.mp3
• 1994laundry2.mp3
• 1994laundry3.mp3

Now let's start by reading this opening conversation:

Michiko:  Michael, what are you going to do tonight?
Michael:  I have to go to the laundromat and wash my clothes.
Michiko:  You mean you don't have a washing machine in your apartment?
Michael:  Unfortunately not.  So every week I have to carry my clothes over to the laundromat.
Michiko:  How long does it take to do your laundry?
Michael:  It usually takes about 2 or   3 hours. It depends on how long I have to wait for the machines.

In this conversation, Michael was at the laundromat or "coin laundry." These places have public washing machines that anyone can use.  You only need to put some coins in the machine.  That's why they call it a coin laundry.  There are different ways to ask questions.  For example:

"What are you going to do tonight?"

"What are you up to tonight?"

"What's happening tonight?"


One thing you have to remember when you go to the laundromat is to bring a lot of change, especially quarters.   If you forget to bring any change, you can always ask someone.

Read this next conversation:

Michael:  Oh no, I don't have enough quarters.  Excuse me.  Do you have any change?
Michiko:  Uh, no, I'm sorry I don't. You might try at that store across the street.  They might give you some change.
Michael:  Excuse me, could you give me some change?
Clerk:  I'm sorry, we can't give any change unless you buy something. Here's your change.
Michael:  Thank you.

Read these example sentences:

"Could you give me some change?"

"Do you have change for a dollar?"


Some stores aren't able to give a lot of change because they need it for their business. In that case, you may have to buy something first.  And then, they will give you change.

At the laundromat, if you want to use one of the machines,  you can ask one of these questions:

"Are you using this dryer?"

"Are you using this washing machine?"


There may be some men who would like to try to meet ladies.  They might use some of these common pick up lines.  Read these examples:

Michael:  Do you come here often?
Michiko:  No, this is my first time?

Michael:  Have you lived here long?
Michiko:  Yes, I've lived here all my life.

Michael:  Haven't I seen you somewhere before?
Michiko: No, I don't think so.

Michael:  Do you live around here?
Michiko:  That's none of your business.

If you have any real problems with someone in the laundromat, you should call the police immediately.  They will come and check out the laundromat.  It's probably better to go in the daytime, especially if you're a woman.  Now, read this opening conversation between a mother and her son:

Mom:  Andy, would you mind doing your laundry this week?  I have a meeting to go to so I won't have time.
Andy:  Aww, Mom.  I don't know how to do laundry.
Mom:  Ok, I'll teach you.  But first you have to promise me that you'll stop whining.
Andy:  OK.  So what do I do first.
Mom:  Are these all of your dirty clothes?
Andy:  Yeah.


In this conversation, a mother is teaching her son how to wash clothes.  He has never washed clothes by himself.  This is a very useful thing for mothers to teach their children because some day they will have to do it themselves.

If someone says:




"Would you mind?"





You can answer:

"No, I wouldn't."


or just

"no".


Read these example conversations:

Michael:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Audience:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Michiko:  No, I wouldn't mind.

Michael:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Audience:  Would you mind doing your laundry this week?
Michiko:  Yes, I would mind.

When washing clothes, you will have to adjust the temperature for the wash cycle and rinse cycle.  For white and light colored clothes, you can use hot or warm water.  For colors, you can use cool or cold water.





Read this next conversation:

Andy:  OK, mom. I'm ready to use the dryer.
Mom: Do you need any help?
Andy: Yes.  Do I put everything in the dryer?
Mom: Well, I usually dry heavy objects on the clothes line like jeans   and towels.

Using the dryer is usually much easier than using the washing machine. All you need to do is clean out the lint screen and push the on button.  In this conversation, the mother asked her son:

"Do you need any help?"

She could also say:

"Would you like any help?"

or

"Could you give me a hand?"


But if you can do it by yourself, you can say:

"No, I think I can handle it."


Here's a tip for saving  electricity in the dryer.  Some heavy objects like jeans and towels take a long time to dry.  So if you want to save money on electricity, you can dry them by hanging them on a clothesline.





Michiko:  Michael, sometimes I see people put something in the
dryer with the clothes.  What is that?
Michael:  Oh, that's something to keep the clothes from clinging.
Michiko:  What does "cling" mean?
Michael:  "Cling" means to stick together.
Michiko:  Oh.  Why do the clothes stick together?
Michael:  Because of static electricity.

Static electricity causes clothes to cling or stick together.  For example:

"Static electricity causes clothes to stick together"


So how do you get rid of really tough stains.  The first method of getting out tough stains is to spray some kind of stain remover on the clothing and / or let them soak in water.  You can say the word "should",  "let's" or "why not".  Read these examples and repeat after me:

Michael:  We should spray this stain remover on the clothing.
Audience:  We should spray this stain remover on the clothing.

Michael:  Let's spray this stain remover on them.
Audience:  Let's spray this stain remover on them.

Michael:  Why don't we spray stain remover on them.
Audience:  Why don't we spray stain remover on them.

Read this example conversation between husband and wife.:

Wife:  I'm really looking forward to next weekend.
Husband: Why's that?
Wife:  Because Monday is a holiday.
Husband: Oh, yeah.  You should cook something healthy on Sunday. I haven't eaten good food in a long time.
Wife: What do you mean by that?  Husband: It was just a suggestion.  You don't have to get upset.

In this conversation, we can see the problem.  The husband used the phrase "you should" and the wife understood it to mean " you must". She became upset because it sounded like a command.  So to avoid that problem, you can say:

"I think it would be a good idea"


The most powerful way to get stains out of clothes is to use bleach. Bleach is for really tough stains.  If you use too much bleach, the clothes will lose their color.  Now, read this final conversation between a mother and her son.

Mom:  Oh, I have to do some ironing now.
Son:   Good.  My shirts have a lot of  wrinkles.
Mom:  You're not kidding.
Son:  Can you put starch in the collar?
Mom:  Here, I want to show you how so next time you can do it by yourself.
Son:  Oh, sorry, I have to go now.  See you later.
Mom:  Hey come back here.

If you go to a professional dry cleaner, you can use the word "press."  They usually use a heavy iron or steam machine.  You can use this sentence:

"I got my clothes pressed at the dry cleaners."


You can use the word iron as a verb or as a noun.  For example:

"I have to do some ironing now"

"I iron my shirts every day"

• 1994job_hunting4.mp3
• 1994job_hunting5.mp3
• 1994job_hunting1.mp3
• 1994job_hunting2.mp3
• 1994job_hunting3.mp3

Now, let's get started by reading this opening conversation.

Michiko:  Oh, I'm so depressed.
Michael:  Why?  What's wrong?
Michiko:  I was just fired from my job last week.
Michael:  I'm so sorry for you, but I'm sure you can get another job.

In this conversation, the woman was really sad because she lost her job.  She said:

"I was fired"


Another way to say almost the same thing is:

"I lost my job"

or

"I was let go"


The opposite of being fired is being hired.   For example:

"I was hired by the Jordan and Partners Law Firm"


How should you start looking for a job?  The first thing you should do is to write a resume.  The next thing to do would be to drop these resumes off at different companies.

Read this conversation as a woman delivers her resume:

Michiko:   Hi, I'm looking for a job. May I leave my resume with you?
Michael:  Sure, but we don't have any openings right now.
Michiko:   Will you have any in the near future?
Michael:   I'm not sure.  We'll keep your resume in our file.
Michiko:   Thank you.

If you want to apply at many different places, you might  want to give them your resume.  For example:

"May I leave my resume with you?"


The woman didn't get that job because there were no job openings, but she tried to call some other companies.  Read the following conversation:

Michael:  Hello, Systems Service.
Michiko:  Hello, do you have any job openings right now?
Michael:  No, we don't but if you call back in about a week, there might be some.
Michiko:  All right, thank you.

If you don't know if there is a job opening you can always ask these questions:

"Do you have any job openings right now?"

"Are there any positions available right now?"


Next, the woman saw an interesting ad in the newspaper.  Let's see what happens as she calls them.

Michael:  Hello, Helmer's Network Incorporated?
Michiko:  Hi, I'm calling about the job opening advertised in the newspaper.  I'd like to apply for it.
Michael:  O.K.  Bring your resume and we'll have someone do an interview with you.  Is 3:00 tomorrow afternoon all right?
Michiko:  Yes, that's fine.
Michael:  And what's your name?
Michiko:  Judy Roberts.
Michael:  Thank you Judy.  We'll see you tomorrow.





Read these example sentences:

"I'm calling about the job opening advertised in the newspaper"

"I'd like to apply for the job"


Now, read this next conversation:

Michiko:  Rob, what is your job?
Rob:  Oh, I'm a zoo keeper.
Michiko:  How did you find that job?
Rob:  Well, I found it through a classified ad in the newspaper.

One of the most common things to talk about is jobs.  Read these example questions:

"What is your job?"

"What do you do?"

"What's your occupation?"


A classified ad is one of the most common ways to find a job.  Read this example sentence:

"I found my job through a classified ad in the newspaper"


Now let's read this next conversation:

Michael:  What kind of job do you have now, Marge?
Michiko:   I'm a waitress at Tubby's Diner.
Michael:   How did you get that job?
Michiko:   I saw a help wanted sign and so I went in and applied for the job.

Did you hear how Marge got her job?  If  you see a help wanted sign, that means that the store is looking for someone to hire.  There are other ways to find a job.  For example:

"I found my job through a friend"

"I got my job through an employment agency"


Most manual jobs like factory jobs or construction can be monotonous. For example:

"Working on an assembly line can be very monotonous"






Sometimes people job title's can be confusing.  If you don't understand someone's job you can ask:

"What does that title mean?"

"What do you do in your job?"

or

"What does your job involve?"


When you go to a job interview, you want to look your best. You should wear something that is neat, clean, and formal. Let's read
an example interview:

Michael:  Hello Judy.   Are you here to apply for the clerical position?
Judy:  Yes, I am.
Michael:  Well, let me look at your resume.  Have you had any previous experience?
Judy:  Yes, I worked for Image  Incorporated for 3 years.
Michael:  Why did you leave your last job?
Judy:  I got married and had my first baby so I had to quit.
Michael:  Who referred you to our company?
Judy:  I saw your ad in the newspaper.

Read this example sentence:

"Yes, I've been working in this field for 5 years"


Next the interviewer asked:

"Why did you leave your last job?"







There are different ways to find a job.    Read these example sentences:

"I saw your ad in the newspaper"

"A friend referred me to you"


Now, let's read the rest of the interview:

Michael:  How did you get along with your last employer?
Judy:  We got along really well. Our communication was good.
Michael:  Why do you want to work here?
Judy:  You've got a great reputation. I heard that the people are pleasant to work with and thesalary and benefits are good.
Michael:  I see.  How do you think you can help our company?
Judy:  Well, I'm a hard worker. I like to get things done.  I get along with people and with my experience, I think I can effectively manage the office.

In the interview, they might ask you:

"How did you get along with your last employer?"


You can respond by saying:

"We got along well."

"We had a good relationship."

or

"We worked together well."





If you had a bad relationship with your former boss, you shouldn't say that.  You could respond in a general way by saying:

"We got along O.K."

or

"Our relationship was so-so"


The next question asked was:

"Why do you want to work here?"


Read these example sentences:

"You have a good reputation"

"I heard that the salary and benefits were good"

"I think I could be an asset to your company"


The interviewer also asked:

"How do you think you could help our company?"


He asked this because he wanted to know the strengths of the applicant.  You should answer this question confidently.  Read these examples:

Michiko:  How do you think you could help our company?
Michael:  I'm a hard worker and  I like to get things done.

Michiko:  How do you think you could help our company?
Michael:  I have a lot of experience which could help the company.