Job Interviews – B1 English Listening Exercise
Listening 1
Listen to a conversation between a customer and a copy shop employee. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What specific request does Tom make for his resumes?
(A) He needs exactly twenty black-and-white copies.
(B) He wants them printed in color on heavy, high-quality paper.
(C) He asks to print them on standard, inexpensive paper.
2 How does Maria suggest preparing the 20-page portfolio?
(A) By placing it inside a regular paper envelope.
(B) By using a metal clip to attach the pages to his resume.
(C) By securing the edges and adding a see-through cover.
3 How long does Tom have to wait to get his printed documents?
(A) Less than half an hour.
(B) Exactly twelve hours and a half.
(C) Until the copy shop opens tomorrow morning.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) He wants them printed in color on heavy, high-quality paper.
- Explanation: Tom says he wants his resumes in “full color” and asks the clerk to use “thicker, premium paper.” Paraphrasing: thicker, premium = heavy, high-quality.
- Trap: Option A is a trap. The number “20” is mentioned in the audio, but it refers to the number of pages in his portfolio, not the number of resume copies (he only needs 5 resumes). Option C is the opposite of his request.
2 (C) By securing the edges and adding a see-through cover.
- Explanation: Maria suggests “spiral binding” (punching holes in the side and using a coil to hold it together) and adding a “clear plastic cover.” Paraphrasing: hold it together / punch holes in the side = securing the edges; clear plastic cover = see-through cover.
- Trap: Options A and B are distractor methods of holding papers together that are not mentioned in the audio.
3 (A) Less than half an hour.
- Explanation: Maria tells him, “It will only take about fifteen minutes to finish.” Paraphrasing: fifteen minutes = less than half an hour.
- Trap: Option B is a classic number trap. The audio mentions “twelve dollars and fifty cents” ($1250), which is the cost, not the waiting time. Option C is a trap because the word “tomorrow” is used when Tom says he has an interview tomorrow, but he is getting the printing done today.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Tom: Hi there. I have a job interview tomorrow, and I need to print some documents. I have my resume and my design portfolio on this USB drive.
Maria: Sure, I can help with that. Let’s start with the resume. How many copies do you need?
Tom: I need five copies, please. And I want them in full color, not black and white. Also, could you use thicker, premium paper? I want the document to look highly professional.
Maria: Absolutely. We have a special matte paper that is perfect for that. Now, what about the portfolio?
Tom: It’s a 20-page document. I need it printed and then put together nicely so the pages don’t fall out when the manager turns them.
Maria: I highly recommend spiral binding for that. We punch holes in the side and use a plastic coil to hold it together. We can also add a clear plastic cover on the front to protect it.
Tom: That sounds exactly like what I need. How much will all of this cost, and when will it be ready?
Maria: Let’s see… five color resumes and one bound portfolio. The total comes to twelve dollars and fifty cents. It will only take about fifteen minutes to finish.
Tom: Great, here is my credit card.
Listening 2
Listen to a conversation between a candidate and a receptionist at a company lobby. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What is the main reason Daniel is talking to the receptionist?
(A) To apply for a position as a security guard.
(B) To check in for his scheduled meeting.
(C) To hand in a printed copy of his resume.
2 What does the receptionist ask Daniel to show her?
(A) An official document proving who he is.
(B) The invitation email from the HR manager.
(C) A list of references from his previous job.
3 Where exactly is the Human Resources office located?
(A) Inside the glass meeting room on the first floor.
(B) On the left side immediately after stepping out of the elevator.
(C) At the end of the corridor on level five.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) To check in for his scheduled meeting.
- Explanation: Daniel states he has an “appointment for a job interview at 9:00 AM.” Paraphrasing: appointment for a job interview = scheduled meeting; reporting to the receptionist = checking in.
- Trap: Option A is a distractor because procedures like verifying identity might make students think of “security.” Option C is a common action before an interview, but Daniel does not mention handing in his resume here.
2 (A) An official document proving who he is.
- Explanation: The receptionist needs to “verify your identity” and asks for a “driver’s license or passport.” Daniel gives his “ID card.” Paraphrasing: verify identity / driver’s license / ID card = official document proving who he is.
- Trap: Options B and C are plausible things an applicant might bring to an interview, but the receptionist does not ask for them.
3 (C) At the end of the corridor on level five.
- Explanation: The receptionist tells him to go to the “fifth floor” and that the office is at the “very end of the hallway.” Paraphrasing: fifth floor = level five; hallway = corridor.
- Trap: Option A is a trap because the “glass meeting room” is mentioned, but he needs to “walk past” it, and it’s on the 5th floor, not the 1st. Option B is a trap because he takes the elevators on his “left,” but he must turn “right” when he steps out.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Receptionist: Good morning, welcome to Apex Innovations. How can I assist you today?
Candidate: Good morning. My name is Daniel Smith. I have an appointment for a job interview at 9:00 AM with the Human Resources team.
Receptionist: Excellent. I just need to verify your identity before letting you go upstairs. Could I please see your driver’s license or passport?
Candidate: Sure, here is my ID card.
Receptionist: Thank you, Daniel. Everything looks good. Please take this visitor badge and make sure to wear it at all times while you are in the building.
Candidate: Okay, got it. Could you tell me how to get to the HR department? I really don’t want to be late.
Receptionist: No problem. Take the elevators on your left to the fifth floor. When you step out, turn right and walk past the glass meeting room. You’ll see the HR office at the very end of the hallway.
Candidate: Elevators on the left, fifth floor, turn right past the meeting room, end of the hallway. Thank you very much!
Receptionist: You’re welcome. Best of luck with your interview!
Listening 3
Listen to a conversation between a customer and a shop assistant. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why does the customer want to buy a new bag?
(A) His current backpack is damaged and cannot carry his laptop.
(B) He needs an appropriate accessory for a meeting with an employer.
(C) He wants a heavy-duty case to travel for his tech company.
2 Why does the man reject the first bag suggested by the assistant?
(A) He feels it looks too old-fashioned and weighs too much.
(B) It does not have enough pockets for his documents.
(C) It is much more expensive than his current budget.
3 What color bag does the customer finally decide to purchase?
(A) A standard black one.
(B) A dark brown one.
(C) A dark blue one.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) He needs an appropriate accessory for a meeting with an employer.
- Explanation: The customer says he has a “job interview” and needs a “professional bag” because his backpack looks “too casual to wear with a suit.” Paraphrasing: job interview = meeting with an employer; professional bag = appropriate accessory.
- Trap: Option A is a trap; his backpack is mentioned, but it isn’t “damaged,” it’s just too casual. Option C is a distractor; he is applying at a tech company, not traveling for them.
2 (A) He feels it looks too old-fashioned and weighs too much.
- Explanation: When shown the traditional hard leather briefcase, he says it looks “a bit too heavy and formal” and he wants something “more modern.” Paraphrasing: formal / not modern = old-fashioned; heavy = weighs too much.
- Trap: Option B is a trap. The second bag has “plenty of flat pockets for your papers,” but a lack of pockets wasn’t the reason he rejected the first bag. Option C is not mentioned (price is not discussed).
3 (C) A dark blue one.
- Explanation: The customer agrees to take the “navy blue” bag because it’s a nice change from black but still looks sharp. Paraphrasing: navy blue = dark blue.
- Trap: Option A is the trap of intention. He asked for black, but the assistant says they are “sold out of black.” Option B is a distractor; “dark brown” is offered as an alternative, but he doesn’t choose it.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Assistant: Welcome to Modern Goods. Are you looking for anything specific today?
Customer: Hi, yes. I have a job interview at a tech company next week, and I need a professional bag. My old backpack just looks way too casual to wear with a suit.
Assistant: I completely agree, a backpack doesn’t give the best first impression. What exactly do you need to carry to the interview?
Customer: Just my 15-inch laptop, a few printed resumes, and a small notebook. I really want something slim and lightweight.
Assistant: Well, we have this traditional hard leather briefcase right here. It’s very classic and offers great protection.
Customer: Oh, that looks a bit too heavy and formal for me. I want something a bit more modern.
Assistant: In that case, I highly recommend this messenger-style briefcase. It’s made of soft canvas, has a special padded section to keep your computer safe, and plenty of flat pockets for your papers.
Customer: That’s perfect. It’s exactly the modern style I had in mind. Do you happen to have it in black?
Assistant: We are currently sold out of black, unfortunately. But we do have it in dark brown and navy blue. The navy blue is actually our best-seller this season.
Customer: Navy blue sounds great. It’s a nice change from the standard black but still looks very sharp. I’ll take it.
Listening 4
Listen to a conversation between a passenger and a taxi driver. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 Why is the passenger in such a hurry?
(A) She is running late for her daily work shift at Horizon Tower.
(B) She has an important meeting with a potential employer.
(C) She needs to catch a flight at ten o’clock in the morning.
2 What is the current problem on the main road?
(A) Building work is causing a severe traffic jam.
(B) A major car accident has completely blocked the street.
(C) There are too many taxis waiting in line at the traffic lights.
3 How does the driver plan to solve the problem?
(A) By speeding up and driving aggressively on the highway.
(B) By dropping the passenger off at a nearby train station.
(C) By driving through local neighborhoods instead.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) She has an important meeting with a potential employer.
- Explanation: The passenger says, “I have a job interview at 10:00 AM” and cannot afford to be late. Paraphrasing: job interview = important meeting with a potential employer.
- Trap: Option A is a distractor because she is going to a building, but it is for an interview, not her regular “daily work shift.” Option C is not mentioned.
2 (A) Building work is causing a severe traffic jam.
- Explanation: The driver mentions that the main highway is “completely jammed right now because of some road construction.” Paraphrasing: road construction = building work; completely jammed = causing a severe traffic jam.
- Trap: Option B is a plausible real-world traffic problem, but there is no mention of a “car accident” in the audio. Option C is a distractor.
3 (C) By driving through local neighborhoods instead.
- Explanation: The driver suggests taking a “shortcut through the residential area” and the passenger agrees to take the “back roads.” Paraphrasing: residential area / back roads = local neighborhoods.
- Trap: Option A is a trap; the driver tells her to “hold on tight,” but he is avoiding the highway, not speeding on it. Option B is a distractor and not mentioned.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Passenger: Excuse me, are you available? Please take me to the Horizon Tower on 5th Avenue as quickly as possible!
Driver: Horizon Tower, got it. Please buckle your seatbelt, Miss.
Passenger: I have a job interview at 10:00 AM, and it’s already 9:30. I really cannot afford to be late. Is there any way we can get there faster?
Driver: Well, looking at the GPS, the main highway is completely jammed right now because of some road construction. We would be stuck there for at least an hour.
Passenger: Oh no, are you serious? What should we do? If I miss this, I lose the opportunity!
Driver: Don’t panic just yet. I know a clever shortcut through the residential area. The streets are a bit narrow and bumpy, but we will avoid all the heavy traffic. We should be able to make it in about twenty minutes.
Passenger: That sounds absolutely perfect. Please take the back roads, then. I will gladly give you an extra tip if we arrive on time!
Driver: Leave it to me. Hold on tight, we are taking the next right turn!
Listening 5
Listen to a conversation between a recent graduate and a company representative at a job fair. Choose the best answer (A, B, or C) for each question.
1 What kind of qualifications does the company require for the intern program?
(A) Many years of professional management experience.
(B) The ability to interact well and basic knowledge of data.
(C) A master’s degree in a technology-related field.
2 How does Sarah instruct Alex to submit his application at the fair?
(A) By sending a digital copy of his resume to her email address.
(B) By completing a long paper registration form at the booth.
(C) By giving her his printed document and using a digital code.
3 When will the company reach out to the candidates who pass the first round?
(A) Later this afternoon at the event.
(B) Sometime during the upcoming weekend.
(C) On the following Tuesday.
ANSWER KEY & EXPLANATIONS
1 (B) The ability to interact well and basic knowledge of data.
- Explanation: Sarah states that candidates must have “excellent communication skills” and a “basic understanding of data analysis.” Paraphrasing: communication skills = ability to interact well; understanding = knowledge.
- Trap: Option A is the exact opposite; Sarah explicitly says “You don’t need a lot of previous work experience.” Option C is not mentioned in the audio.
2 (C) By giving her his printed document and using a digital code.
- Explanation: Sarah tells Alex to hand her his “physical copies” (printed document) and then “scan this barcode” (digital code) to fill out his details.
- Trap: Option A is a distractor because she specifically says they prefer physical copies over applying online. Option B is a trap because the form filling is done digitally via the barcode, not on a “long paper registration form.”
3 (C) On the following Tuesday.
- Explanation: Sarah mentions that if his profile is a good match, they will “call you next Tuesday” to schedule the interview.
- Trap: Option A is what Alex asks about (“interviews happening here this afternoon?”), but Sarah says “Not today.” Option B is a distractor; the “weekend” is when the HR team will review the applications, not when they will call the candidates.
AUDIO SCRIPT
Alex: Hello! My name is Alex. I just finished my final year at university. I’m very interested in your Potential Intern program. Could you tell me what the main requirements are?
Sarah: Hi Alex, welcome to the Global Tech booth! We are always looking for highly motivated individuals. You don’t need a lot of previous work experience, but you must have excellent communication skills and a basic understanding of data analysis.
Alex: That sounds great. I took several data courses in college. Do you accept paper resumes here today, or do I need to apply on your website?
Sarah: We actually prefer physical copies today. You can hand your document directly to me. After that, please scan this barcode on the table to quickly fill out your contact details in our system.
Alex: Perfect. Here is my resume. Will there be any quick interviews happening here this afternoon?
Sarah: Not today. Our HR team is going to review all the collected applications this weekend. If your profile is a good match, we will call you next Tuesday to schedule an online interview.
Alex: Understood. Thank you so much for your time and the information!