6 E. Complete Alejandro’s improved answers using the correct form of the verbs in the box.

Apply communicate develop gain get (x2) lead make meet motivate put work

Interviewer: Can you tell us something about yourself?

Alejandro: Well, I’m motivated and I ¹ a lot of effort into everything I do, whether I’m studying at university, at work or even when I’m playing sport. During my last year at university I was captain of the basketball team. I had to organize matches and ² the players. As captain it was essential that I was able to ³ effectively and get along with everybody in the team and for the first time in years our team managed to reach the regional final. We didn’t unfortunately, but ⁴ the team to the final was a big achievement for me.

Interviewer: What did you learn during your time at university?

Alejandro: Oh, lots of things. My Economics degree was very practical, and there were many elements of the degree that could be ⁵ to the business world. I had a number of challenging assignments, which often had to be completed within a short period of time. This helped me to ⁶ my prioritizing skills and ability to ⁷ to tight deadlines.

Interviewer: What kinds of things do you worry about?

Alejandro: I worry about normal things, the same as everybody else, I think. I worry about ⁸ deadlines and ⁹ everything done on time. I used to worry data on my computer quite a bit. Now I back up all my data on an external hard drive, so that everything is protected. This way I’ve got one less thing to worry about.

Interviewer: Would you say you are an ambitious person?

Alejandro: Yes, I would say that I’m ambitious. I’m very keen to ¹⁰ a job with a company such as yours where I can ¹¹ full use of my degree and professional experience. I am a dedicated worker and would hope to ¹² internal promotion based on my performance at work.

7A. Underline useful phrases from Alejandro’s answers in Exercise 6e which you could use to answer the same questions. For example, I put a lot of effort into everything I do.

SPEAKING 7b. In pairs, ask and answer the questions.

Avoiding common mistakes

Whatever job you’re applying for, there are some questions that you will nearly always get asked. Preparing for these questions will help you to use them to demonstrate effectively why you are the best candidate for the position.

L ISTENING 8a. Listen to part of Lauren’s interview. In what order does the interviewer ask about these things?

e xperience in sales

q ualifications in catering strengths and weaknesses

languages

c omputer skills

d riving licence