UNIT 22
People in Computing
1 What do the following people in computing do? Compare answers with your partner.
1 Webmaster
2 Help-desk troubleshooter
3 Applications programmer
4 Security specialist
5 Systems programmer
2 READING
Work in groups of three: A, B and C. Read your text and complete this table. You may not find
information for each section of your table.
A
B
C
1 job title
2 nature of work
3 formal qualifications
4 personal qualities
5 technical skills
6 how to get started
7 how to make progress
How to become a programming expert
The primary requirements for being a good programmer are nothing more than a good memory,
an attention to detail, a logical mind and the ability to work through a problem in a methodical
manner breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
However, it's not enough just to turn up for a job interview with a logical mind as your sole
qualification. An employer will want to see some sort of formal qualification and a proven track
record. But if you can show someone an impressive piece of software with your name on it, it
will count for a lot more than a string of academic qualifications.
So what specific skills are employers looking for? The Windows market is booming and there's a
demand for good C, C++, Delphi, Java and Visual Basic developers. Avoid older languages such
as FORTRAN and COBOL unless you want to work as a contract programmer.
For someone starting out, my best advice would be to subscribe to the programming magazines
such as Microsoft Systems Journal. Get one or two of the low-cost 'student' editions of C++,
Visual Basic and Delphi. Get a decent book on Windows programming. If you decide
programming is really for you, spend more money on a training course.
How to become a Computer Consultant
The first key point to realise is that you can't know everything. However you mustn't become an
expert in too narrow a field. The second key point is that you must be interested in your subject.
The third key point is to differentiate between contract work and consultancy. Good contractors
move from job to job every few months. A consultant is different. A consultant often works on
very small timescales - a few days here, a week there, but often for a core collection of
companies that keep coming back again and again.
There's a lot of work out there for people who know Visual Basic, C++, and so on. And there are
lots of people who know it too, so you have to be better than them. Qualifications are important.
Microsoft has a raft of exams you can take, as does Novell, and in my experience these are very
useful pieces of paper. University degrees are useless. They merely prove you can think, and will
hopefully get you into a job where you can learn something useful. Exams like Microsoft
Certified Systems Engineer are well worth doing. The same goes for NetWare Certification.
However, this won't guarantee an understanding of the product, its positioning in the market,
how it relates to other products and so on. That's where the all-important experience comes in.
1
Here's the road map. After leaving university you get a technical role in a company and spend
your evenings and weekends learning the tools of your trade - and getting your current employer
to pay for your exams. You don't stay in one company for more than two years. After a couple of
hops like that, you may be in a good position to move into a junior consultancy position in one of
the larger consultancy companies. By the age of 30, you've run big projects, rolled out major
solutions and are well known. Maybe then it's time to make the leap and run your own life.
How to become IT Manager
IT managers manage projects, technology and people. Any large organisation will have at least
one IT manager responsible for ensuring that everyone who actually needs a PC has one and that
it works properly. This means taking responsibility for the maintenance of servers and the
installation of new software, and for staffing a help-desk and a support group.
Medium to large companies are also likely to have an IT systems manager. They are responsible
for developing and implementing computer software that supports the operations of the business.
They're responsible for multiple development projects and oversee the implementation and
support of the systems. Companies will have two or three major systems that are probably
bought off the shelf and then tailored by an in-house development team.
Apart from basic hardware and software expertise, an IT manager will typically have over five
years' experience in the industry. Most are between 30 and 45. Since IT managers have to take
responsibility for budgets and for staff, employers look for both of these factors in any potential
recruit.
Nearly all IT managers have at least a first degree if not a second one as well. Interestingly,
many of them don't have degrees in computing science. In any case, the best qualification for
becoming a manager is experience. If your personality is such that you're unlikely to be asked to
take responsibility for a small team or a project, then you can forget being an IT manager. You
need to be bright, communicative and be able to earn the trust of your teams. Most of this can't
be taught, so if you don't have these skills then divert your career elsewhere.
3 Now share information orally about your text with others in your group to complete the table
for each of the occupations described.
4 For which of the careers described are these statements true? More than one career may match
each statement.
1 You may work for only a few days or a week for a company.
2 It's a good idea to buy books on languages such as C++.
3 You are responsible for developing and implementing the software a company needs to run
its operations.
4 You need to be able to break down a problem into a number of smaller tasks.
5 It's worth paying for a training course if you get serious about this career.
6 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer is a useful qualification for your career.
7 Your objective is to become self-employed.
8 It's important you have the right personality to lead a team.
LANGUAGE WORK
Note how we describe requirements for particular jobs:
1 You need to be able to empathise with the person at the other end of the phone.
2 IT managers have to take responsibility for budgets.
3 You must be interested in your subject.
4 You must have worked for at least two years in systems analysis.
5 Experience with mainframes is essential/critical.
We can describe things which are not requirements like this:
6 You don't need to have a degree in computing science.
We can also treat need as a modal verb and use the negative form needn't.
7 You needn't have a degree in computing science.
2
Have to is an ordinary verb. Its negative form is made in the usual way:
8 You don't have to be an expert in everything.
Mustn't has a quite different meaning. It means it is important not to do something. It is
used for warnings, rules and strong advice. For example:
9 You mustn't make unauthorised copies of software.
5 Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the verbs, need to, have to and must, to make
sensible statements. More than one answer is possible in some examples.
1 Technical qualifications....................to be renewed at intervals to ensure they do not go out
of date.
2 You....................become an expert in too narrow a field.
3 You....................to have good communication skills to become an IT Manager.
4 You....................be an expert in hardware to become a programmer.
5 You....................have worked with IBM mainframes for at least two years.
6 You....................be able to show leadership.
7 You....................have a degree but it....................be in computing science.
8 You....................to have experience in JavaScript.
9 You....................be able to use C++.
10 These days you....................study BASIC.
6 Study these requirements for different jobs in computing advertised on the Internet. Then
describe the requirements using the methods studied in this unit.
1 Systems Manager/Programmer
* technical specialist
* min. 2 yrs work in systems programming
* plus exp. of Netview/automation design & support
2 Support Analyst: IBM Mainframe MVS
* IBM MVS support technician
* 1 yr exp. of VTAM, NCP, SSP, NPM, IBM 3745-900 hardware
* authorised to work in the EU
3 Programmer
* 3 yrs exp. SAP Basic Technical Environment
* team player with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
* ability to communicate issues and solutions and manage time effectively
4 Webmaster
* strong Unix experience
* able to use HTML, DHTML and JavaScript
* knowledge of Shell Scripts
5 Cisco Technician
* CCNA qualified
* excellent skills in the surrounding technologies
* min. 2 yrs work in support
6 IS Manager
* knowledge of NT and Netware
* experience of ERP systems implementation
* very strong managerial skills
7 PROBLEM-SOLVING
Work in pairs. Study these job requirements. Then try to match the requirements to the list of
jobs which follows.
1
 at least 5 years (2 at senior level) in: Unix, SYBASE or ORACLE, NT or Windows 2000,
Terminal Server, TCP/IP, Internet.
3


strong project management (2 years)
willingness to travel abroad




able to manage, lead and develop a team
knowledge of C, C++, Delphi
experience of object-oriented design within a commercial environment
ability to deliver software projects against agreed schedules and within agreed estimates



proven track record in the delivery of e-solutions in banking environment
knowledge of Unix, NT and Oracle
willingness to travel internationally



minimum 4 years lifecycle development experience
demonstrable skills using VB, SQL, RDBMS
able to develop core s/w excellent communication skills



minimum of 18 months commercial experience of Web development
knowledge of HTML, Java, ASP
full portfolio of URLs as examples



experience of NT, Exchange, SQL Server, Monitoring Software, Verta, TCP/IP
solid grasp of networking
2 to 5 years experience in a network environment
2
3
4
5
6
a Visual Basic Developer
b IT Engineer (Network & Database)
c Web Developer
d Network Support
e E-commerce Consultant
f Team Leader
SPEAKING
Work in pairs, A and B. Choose one of the computing careers from the list provided. Your
partner must find out what your job is by asking only Yes/No questions. Your partner cannot ask
'Are you a programmer, etc?'
Student A Your careers are on page 189.
1 Systems Analyst
Studies methods of working within an organisation to decide how tasks can be done efficiently
by computers. Makes a detailed analysis of the employer's requirements and work patterns to
prepare a report on different options for using information technology. This may involve
consideration of hardware as well as software. Either uses standard computer packages or writes
a specification for programmers to adapt existing software or to prepare new software. May
oversee the implementation and testing of a system and acts as a link between the user and the
programmer.
2 Software Engineer/Designer
Produces the programs which control the internal operations of computers. Converts the system
analyst's specification to a logical series of steps. Translates these into the appropriate computer
language. Often compiles programs from libraries or sub-programs, combining these to make up
a complete systems program. Designs, tests and improves programs for computer-aided design
and manufacture, business applications, computer networks and games.
3 Computer Services Engineering Technician
4
Can be responsible for installation, maintenance or repair of computers and associated
equipment. Installs hardware, ranging from personal computers to mainframe machines, and
tests by running special software. Some technicians carry out routine servicing of large
mainframe systems, aiming to avoid breakdowns. Others are called in to identify and repair
faults as quickly as possible usually by replacing faulty parts. Work can also involve upgrading
machines usually on customers' premises.
4 Network Support Person or Computer Engineer: Network Support
Maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network. Use
telecommunications, software and electronic skills and knowledge of the networking software to
locate and correct faults. This may involve work with the controlling software, on the wiring,
printed circuit boards, software or microchips on a file server, or on cables either within or
outside the building.
Student B Your careers are on page 195.
1 Computer Salesperson
Advises potential customers about available hardware and sells equipment to suit individual
requirements. Discusses computing needs with the client to ensure that a suitable system can be
supplied. Organises the sale and delivery and, if necessary, installation and testing. May arrange
support or training, maintenance and consultation. Must have sufficient technical knowledge.
2 Applications Programmer
Writes the programs which enable a computer to carry out particular tasks. May write new
programs or adapt existing programs, perhaps altering computer packages to meet the needs of
an individual company. When writing a new program, follows a specification provided by a
systems analyst. Devises a series of logical steps and converts these to the appropriate computer
language. Checks programs for faults and does extensive testing.
3 Systems Support Person
Systems support people are analyst programmers who are responsible for maintaining, updating
and modifying the software used by a company. Some specialise in software which handles the
basic operation of the computers. This involves use of machine codes and specialised low-level
computer languages. Most handle applications software. May sort out problems encountered by
users. Solving problems may involve amending an area of code in the software, retrieving files
and data lost when a system crashes and a basic knowledge of hardware.
4 Hardware Engineer
Researches, designs and develops computers, or parts of computers and the computerised
element of appliances, machines and vehicles. Also involved in their manufacture, installation
and testing. May specialise in different areas: research and development, design, manufacturing.
Has to be aware of cost, efficiency, safety and environmental factors as well as engineering
aspects.
27 Careers in computing
Tuning-in
Task 1
Work in groups. List some of the jobs you know in computing. Compare your lists
with other students in the class.
Task 2 Which of the jobs listed would you like to make your career? Explain why to others in
your group.
Reading: Computing jobs
Task 3 Work in groups of three, A, B, and C. Read these descriptions of jobs in computing
and make notes about the main responsibilities.
Group A Read descriptions 1-2; Group B Read descriptions 3-4;Group C Read descriptions 5-6
Example
Systems Analyst
Studies methods of working within an organization to decide how tasks can be done efficiently
by computers. Makes a detailed analysis of the employer's requirements and work patterns to
5
prepare a report on different options for using information technology. This may involve
consideration of hardware as well as software. Either uses standard computer packages or writes
a specification for programmers to adapt existing software or to prepare new software. May
oversee the implementation and testing of a system and acts as a link between the user and the
programmer.
Job
Main responsibilities
Systems analyst
Studies employer's requirements and working patterns. Reports on different
options. Writes specifications for programmers. Oversees implementation
and testing.
Software Engineer/Designer
Produces the programs which control the internal operations of computers. Converts the system
analyst's specification to a logical series of steps. Translates these into the appropriate computer
language. Often compiles programs from libraries or sub-programs, combining these to make up
a complete systems program. Designs, tests, and improves programs for computer-aided design
and manufacture, business applications, computer networks, and games.
Computer Salesperson
Advises potential customers about available hardware and sells equipment to suit individual
requirements. Discusses computing needs with the client to ensure that a suitable system can be
supplied. Organizes the sale and delivery and, if necessary/ installation and testing. May arrange
support or training, maintenance, and consultation. Must have sufficient technical knowledge.
Computer Systems Support Person
Systems support people are analyst programmers who are responsible for maintaining, updating,
and modifying the software used by a company. Some specialize in software which handles the
basic operation of the computers. This involves the use of machine codes and specialized lowlevel computer languages. Most handle applications software. May sort out problems
encountered by users. Solving problems may involve amending an area of code in the software,
retrieving files and data lost when a system crashes, and a basic knowledge of hardware.
Computer Systems Analyst Programmer
Creates the software programs used by computers. May specialize in the internal operating
systems using low level computer language, or in applications programs. May specialize in one
aspect of the work, e.g. programming, systems design, systems analysis, or cover them all. May
support the system through advice and training, providing user manuals, and by helping users
with any problems that arise.
Hardware Engineer
Researches, designs, and develops computers, or parts of computers and the computerized
element of appliances, machines, and vehicles. Also involved in their manufacture, installation,
and testing. May specialize in different areas: research and development, design, manufacturing.
Has to be aware of cost, efficiency, safety, and environmental factors, as well as engineering
aspects.
Network Support Person
Maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network. Uses
telecommunications, software, and electronic skills, and knowledge of the networking software
to locate and correct faults. This may involve work with the controlling software, on the wiring,
printed circuit boards, software or microchips on a file server, or on cables either within or
outside the building.
Task 4 Exchange information with other students in your group.
Task 5
Listening: Talking about work
Listen to this recording of five people employed in computing talking about their work. Try to
match each extract to the correct job from this list.
a Hardware Engineer
b Network Support Person
6
c Operator
d Software Designer
e Systems Analyst Programmer
f Systems Support Person
g Technical Sales Manager
Language work: Job requirements
Study some of the requirements for the job of Computer Network Support Person.
Essential
1 Diploma in computing or telecommunications engineering
2 Good communication skills to discuss requirements with users
3 Deductive ability for analysing faults
4 Able to work quickly under pressure
5 Normal colour vision to follow colour-coding of wires
Desirable
6 Interest in technology to keep up with new developments
7 Physically fit for lifting, carrying, and bending
We can describe the essential requirements like this.
They must have a diploma in computing or telecommunications engineering.
They must have normal colour vision.
We can describe the desirable requirements like this.
They should have an interest in technology.
They should be physically fit.
Task 6
Study these requirements for a Computer Technical Salesperson. Decide which are essential and
which are desirable. Then describe each requirement using must have/be or should have/be.
1 a certificate or diploma in computing
2 experience in the computer industry
3 able to put technical ideas into everyday language
4 able to persuade and negotiate
5 a qualification in marketing
6 a thorough understanding of the product
7 a driving licence
8 a high level of communication skills
9 patient, persistent, and diplomatic
10 able to work away from home
Обычно сопроводительное письмо значительно короче, однако некоторые фразы и
обороты из него вполне могут быть использованы при написании функционального (с
раскрытием Ваших навыков) резюме.
Пример сопроводительного письма
(Sample of Cover Letter)
Dear Mr. Marinichenko:
Mark Diamond
4701 Pine Street, #K-13
Philadelphia, PA 19143
Tel. l-(215)-748-3037
7
April 2, 1992
I am a first-year student in the M.B.A. program at the Wharton Business School in Philadelphia.
I understand that you are heading the independent Ukrainian airline. I have heard from my friend
Mr. Bill Eastmann, a student at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, that you might
wish to have an American M.B.A. student work with your airline this summer as an intern. I am
very interested in the possibility of such an internship during the summer of 1992.
My professional experience has given me an in-depth knowledge of the air transportation
industry. I have, in particular, worked for American Airlines, the Federal Aviation
Administration, and Kurth & Company, Inc., an aviation consulting firm where I was Manager
of Airline Analysis. My responsibilities included the study of schedules, fares, equipment
selection, and financial results. Notably, I prepared numerous feasibility studies for both jet and
turboprop routes, including passenger and pure cargo service, for proposed transatlantic and
transpacific services.
I wish to place this experience at the disposal of your airline. I believe strongly that my
knowledge of the deregulated air transportation industry in the United States could be quite
beneficial to your carrier.
I have enclosed a copy of my resume. If my background and qualifications are of interest to you,
please telephone me at (215) 748-3037. I would be interested in meeting with you in mid-April
in New York to discuss further the possibility of such a summer position, and your requirements.
Sincerely,
Клише и выражения сопроводительного письма:
With reference to your advertisement in "Kiev Post" of Tuesday, January 10, I would like to
apply for the position of... in your company. Ссылаясь на объявление в «Киев-Пост» от 10
января, вторник, я хотел бы претендовать на должность... в вашей фирме.
- / recently heard from ... that there is a vacancy in your sales department. - - Я недавно
услышал от ... о вакансии в вашем торговом отделе.
I am used to working on my own.
Я привык работать самостоятельно.
- / appreciate the opportunity to work on my own initiative and to take on a certain amount of
responsibility. - - Я высоко ценю возможность работать с должной мерой ответственности,
проявляя собственную инициативу.
— During training for my present job I took courses in marketing. -Во время обучения для
получения должности, которую я занимаю в настоящий момент, я закончил курсы
маркетинга.
— Since my present position offers little prospect for advancement, I would prefer to be
employed in an expanding organization such as yours. — Так как моя настоящая должность
не дает мне больших возможностей для продвижения, я хотел бы работать в такой
перспективной организации, как Ваша.
— I am at present earning ... per month. — В настоящее время я получаю ... в месяц.
— Thank you for offering me the post/position of... Благодарю Вас за то, что Вы предложили мне
должность,..
-— / have pleasure in accepting this position. — С удовольствием принимаю эту должность.
— I am looking forward to commencing work on September 1. — С нетерпением жду начала
работы 1 сентября.
Письменный отказ от предложенной работы:
- / regret to inform you that I am unable to accept the position, since I have received another,
more attractive one. С сожалением сообщаю вам, что не могу занять эту должность, так
как получил другое, более привлекательное предложение.
- I feel that my experience in this field would not be used to its full capacity in above position.
Therefore I have to decline. — Чувствую, что мой опыт работы в этой области не будет
использован в полной мере, поэтому вынужден отклонить предложение.
8
Problem-solving
Task 7 Study this job advertisement. Which of the three candidates do you think is the best
applicant?
IT Support Officer
• Educated to degree level, candidates should have at least two years' relevant experience.
• We need a highly-motivated individual, able to support approximately 30 networked PCs. The
role is very much 'hands-on', and so it is essential that you have a good understanding and
experience of Microsoft
Office, Novell networks, Email systems, TCP/IP, hardware and virus-protection tools.
• You should be able to communicate well with users and external contractors and to make a
contribution to the training of all PC users.
• The successful candidate must work well under pressure and as a team member.
Applicant 1
BSc Computing Science. Graduated this year.
• Knowledge of a variety of operating systems including Unix, Novell, and Windows XP
• Experience in programming in C, C++, Pascal, Java, Delphi and Visual Basic
• Familiar with a wide variety of hardware and software packages
• Has taught a lot of fellow students how to use computers
• Highly motivated
• No work experience
Applicant 2
Higher National Diploma in Information Technology
• Trained in using network systems including Novell and Windows XP
• Experienced user of Microsoft Office programs and Internet systems
• Knowledge of setting up and troubleshooting most types of computers and peripherals
• Gets on well with others and can work as part of a team
• Keen to gain experience and develop a career in computing
• Two years' part-time summer experience working in a computer repair workshop
Applicant 3
Higher National Certificate in Computing
• Employed for 3 years in a computing sales team advising customers on purchase requirements
and helping them troubleshoot problems with installed systems
• Trained in using Unix and Novell network systems and a wide variety of hardware
• Experienced in many PC packages including most Microsoft products
• Good communicator, experienced in dealing with the public and working as part of a team
• Highly motivated
Task 8
Writing
Your teacher will give you an example of a CV. Write your own CV on the same model. If you
are still a student, you may invent work experience for the purpose of this task.
28 Interview: Systems Manager
Task 1
Tuning-in
Study the job advertisement below and decide whether the statements (1-7) are true or false.
The successful applicant:
9
1 will develop new systems him/herself
2 must have at least five years' work experience
3 must have worked in a company
4 must be a good communicator
5 must know VB
6 must know SQL
7 will work alone.
Systems
Working closely with in-house users, you will be responsible for commissioning
Manager new systems and for maintaining and enhancing existing systems for a major
retail company. You will be part of the management team.
• You will have a minimum of five years' experience in software development in a
business environment.
• You should have a good knowledge of VB and Access and have experience of
Novell networks. Experience with Oracle and SQL would also be an advantage.
• Good communication skills are essential and the ability to work as part of a team.
To find out more, email your CV to: steve.bell@pathfinder.com.uk
Task 5 Fill in the gaps with the correct form of an appropriate verb from this list.
may
might
must
should
will
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Technicians _____ have normal colour vision to follow colour-coding of wires.
You ___________try to remove a floppy disk when the drive is running.
Biological computers___________ replace electronic computers in the future.
You___________ update your webpage regularly.
You___________ have pages with dead-ends on your website.
You___________ know your password to gain access to the network.
Computers___________ get cheaper and more powerful.
You___________ back up your files regularly.
ЛИНГВОСТРАНОВЕДЧЕСКИИ КОММЕНТАРИИ
Ниже представлены выдержки из публикаций университета Стони Брук (США) о том,
как вести себя в поисках работы.
DOs and DON'Ts For Job Seekers
• DO learn ahead of time about the company and its product. Do your homework.
• DO apply for a job in person.
• Do let as many people as possible know you are "job hunting."
• DO stress your qualification for the job opening.
• DO recount experience you have had which would fit you for the job.
• DO talk and think as far as possible about the future rather than the past.
• DO indicate, where possible, your stability, attendance record and good safety experience.
• DO assume an air of confidence.
• DO approach the employer with respectful dignity.
• DO try to be optimistic in your attitude.
• DO maintain your poise and self-control.
• DO try to overcome nervousness and shortness of breath.
• DO hold yourself erect.
• DO answer questions honestly and with straightforwardness.
• DO have a good resume.
• DO know the importance of getting along with people.
• DO recognize your limitations.
• DO make plenty of applications.
10
• DO indicate your flexibility and readiness to learn.
• DO be well-groomed and appropriately dressed.
• DON'T keep stressing your need for a job.
• DON'T discuss past experience which has no application to the job situation.
• DON’T apologize for your age.
• DON’T be untidy in appearance.
• DON’T display "cocksuredness."
• DON’T cringe or beg for consideration.
• DON’T speak with muffled voice or indistinctly.
• DON’T be one of those who can do anything.
• DON’T hedge in answering questions.
• DON’T express your ideas on compensation, hours, etc. early in the interview.
• DON’T hesitate to fill out applications, give references, take physical examination or tests on
request.
• DON'T hang around, prolonging the interview, when it should be over.
• DON'T go to an interview without a record of your former work connection.
• DON’T arrive late and breathless for an interview.
• DON'T be a "know it all" or a person who can't take instructions.
• DON’T isolate yourself from contacts that might help you find a job.
• DON’T feel that the world owes you for a living.
• DON’T make claims if you cannot "deliver" on the job.
• DON’T display a feeling of inferiority.
APPLYING FOR JOB
- Sit down, please, Mr. Sloan. We have your letter in answer to our advertisement. [1] I’d like to
talk about your qualifications for the position.
— (Mr. Sloan, taking a seat) I suppose you have received a great many replies to your
advertisement.
— I haven't counted the exact number of replies, but I would say that at least fifty persons
answered. Naturally, many who wrote don’t have the qualifications we require — but we have
picked out the ten or twelve best replies and plan to interview these applicants. Your letter was
among the ten or twelve we picked out.
— I am very glad to know that my letter was acceptable. It is sometimes very difficult to answer
a newspaper advertisement well.
— As to your letter, [2] Mr. Sloan, I would say that it was one of the best we received. I am
always amazed at the poor letters most people write when applying for a position. [3] They use
any old kind of writing paper that seems to be handy. They write illegibly and include personal
factors which are not important. At the same time they fail to state simply and clearly [4] their
qualifications for a job. Incidentally you mentioned in your letter that you had already done
considerable work in selling.
— I was Field Representative for five years of one of commercial schools. I enrolled new
students [5] for the school.
— What did your work consist of exactly?
— The school supplied me with leads, which were generally simply the names of prospective
students who had telephoned or written to the school requesting information. I had to visit such
students in their homes, talk with their parents, etc. The job also involved some pubic relations
work, since I had to visit high schools and talk with student groups about the advantages of
commercial training.
— This job for which we are interviewing applicants is somewhat similar [6] — except, of
course, you would be selling typewriters rather than commercial courses. We pay a straight
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commission of ten percent on all sales, with a drawing account of fifty dollars a week to start.
Your school experience would be very useful, since in this job you would also call upon schools
[7] and colleges. You would visit typewriting classes, demonstrate new machines, and talk with
officials and commercial teachers in an effort to interest them in buying [8] our typewriters. The
job occasionally involves traveling. [9]
— I'm prepared to travel if necessary. As I started in my letter, [10] I have my own car.
— That is important. We give you an allowance for all automobile and traveling expenses. [11]
— I am sure that I could do the work well. I also feel that I have the necessary qualifications.
— Frankly, Mr. Sloan, I was very favorably impressed by you [12]. Since talking with you I feel
even more strongly that you are perhaps the right man for the Job. [13] However, we naturally
interview the remainder of the applicants before we make any final decision.
— I included the names of several references in my letter. I can also send you copies of personal
recommendations from my last two employers. [14]
— Incidentally, in that connection, the young man whom I interviewed just before you sent along
two letters of reference with his application. One was from the minister of his church and the
other from his Sunday School teacher. I told him that the two references proved that he was a
good person on Sundays but I was interested in his conduct on week-days. He laughed and
thought it was a good joke. If we decided to hire you, Mr. Sloan, when could you start working?
[15]
— I could start almost immediately. I would like to give my present employer a week or ten
days’ notice, but otherwise I would be free to begin any time.
- That’s fine. (Rising to indicate end of the interview). You’ll no doubt hear from us, [16] Mr.
Sloan, within the next few days. As soon as we have interviewed the remainder of the applicants
we will make our final decision. We can telephone you or send you a telegram. Thank you very
much for coming to see us. It has been a real pleasure to talk with you.
- Thank you, Sir! Then I’ll wait to hear from you.
[1] in answer to our advertisement - в ответ на наше объявление
[2] As to your letter – что касается вашего письма
[3]at the poor letters most people write when applying for a position – на плохие письма,
которые пишет большинство людей, когда обращаются с просьбой о работе
[4] they fail to state simply and clearly – им не удается изложить просто и ясно
[5] I enrolled new students — вербовал новых студентов
[6] somewhat similar — как то, похожа
[7] call upon schools — (обращаться) заходить в школы
[8] in an effort to interest them in buying — стараясь заинтересовать их покупкой
[9] The job occasionally involves some traveling. — Работа иногда включает поездки.
[10] As I started in my letter— Как я написал в письме
[11] We give you аn allowance for all automobile and traveling expenses. — Мы оплачиваем
расходы на автомобиль и поездки [12] I was very favorably impressed by your letter. — Ваше
письмо произвело на меня очень благоприятное впечатление [13] the right man for the job
— подходящий человек для работы [14] from my last two employers — от моих последних
двух работодателей
[15] If we decided to hire you, Mr. Sloan, when could уou start working? — Если бы мы
решили нанять Бас, когда бы Вы смогли проступить к работе?
[16] You’ll no doubt hear from us — Без сомнения Вы получите наш ответ
ALONG SCIENTIFIC LINES
Mr. Booster, a noted businessman in London, wanted a new private secretary. Being that sort of
a man, he wished to make his choice along scientific lines…
An advertisement was published in the local press and a psychologist from Cambridge was
asked to come and help in securing the right choice.
It was a good job and about 50 girls applied for it and were interviewed.
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As a result of the preliminary tests the number of candidates was reduced to 2. These were asked
to take their seats in the first row of benches in the lecture hall and the psychologist took a piece
of chalk and wrote on the blackboard: 2+2=5.
The first candidate sprang to her feet, crossed out 5, wrote in 4 and said: "5 is wrong. The right
answer is 4".
The other sat still and it was not until a little while later that she said:
"To the best of my belief 5 is wrong, but you never can tell what the future may bring…"
Next the businessman and the psychologist adjourned for a drink. They entered the
businessman's study, the psychologist made himself quite comfortable in a big chair and said:
"To my thinking there are only two candidates worth speaking of, I mean the ones I examined
last. You will have noticed the answers they gave me?"
"Er, well, yes I did."
"Well, in my estimation the first one is very pedantic; she will never make any mistakes. To my
mind there is nothing more attractive than a secretary like that... However," went on the
psychologist, "the other girl has got a very inquisitive mind. If you wish to introduce some new
working methods into your factory, I daresay she will prove priceless.
"Well, Mr Booster," said the psychologist as he watched the businessman fill the glasses,
"what's your final choice?"
Mr Booster drank his whisky, wiped his moustache, and said:
"My choice is the tall blonde with the blue eyes and long legs."
And there was not the slightest note of hesitation to be heard in his voice...
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