NARRATOR:
You will hear Amber asking William for information about a recruitment agency.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions one to five.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions one to five.
AMBER:
Hi William, it's Amber.
AMBER:
You said I should ring if I wanted a few more details about the employment agency you mentioned.
AMBER:
Is this a convenient time?
WILLIAM:
Yes, that's fine.
WILLIAM:
The agency is called Bankside, and it's in Docklands.
WILLIAM:
I can give you the address now.
AMBER:
Is there a particular person I ought to contact?
WILLIAM:
I normally deal with an agent called Becky Jamison.
AMBER:
I'll note that down.
WILLIAM:
That's J-A-M-I-E-S-O-N.
AMBER:
Have you got her direct telephone number?
WILLIAM:
Yes, it's saved on my phone.
WILLIAM:
O-7-8-6-5-1-0-3-3.
WILLIAM:
I'd wait until the afternoon before calling.
WILLIAM:
She spends most mornings dealing with vacancies that need to be filled immediately.
WILLIAM:
She's very approachable though, so an informal conversation with her should be worthwhile.
AMBER:
The agency mainly handles clerical and administrative work, doesn't it?
WILLIAM:
I know your long-term aim is a permanent media job, but Becky mostly finds temporary staff for firms in finance.
WILLIAM:
That experience would strengthen your CV, and the pay is usually better as well.
AMBER:
I'm slightly concerned because I haven't done much office work.
WILLIAM:
I don't think that will be a problem.
WILLIAM:
You might begin a reception.
WILLIAM:
For that sort of role, detailed business knowledge and experience of lots of computer systems matter less than good communication.
WILLIAM:
You're already strong in that area, and you'll learn the practical office routines quickly.
AMBER:
That's reassuring.
AMBER:
How long are temporary workers usually needed?
AMBER:
I'd really like something that continued for a month or more.
WILLIAM:
You may get that eventually, but the first placement is more likely to last a week and then be extended.
WILLIAM:
Being sent somewhere for only one or two days is quite rare.
AMBER:
I've been told the money is reasonable.
AMBER:
Certainly better than shop or restaurant work?
WILLIAM:
The normal hourly rate is around 10 pounds, although occasionally you might get 11 pounds.
AMBER:
That's better than I expected.
AMBER:
I thought it would be only eight or nine pounds an hour.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions six to ten.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions six to ten.
WILLIAM:
Shall I explain how registration works?
AMBER:
I understand there is an interview.
WILLIAM:
It generally lasts about an hour, and you should book it roughly a week beforehand.
AMBER:
As the work is office-based, I suppose I should look smart.
AMBER:
I could probably borrow a suit from my mother.
WILLIAM:
That would be sensible.
WILLIAM:
Looking slightly too formal is preferable to appearing too casual.
AMBER:
Do I need to take copies of my examination certificates?
WILLIAM:
No, I'm fairly sure they don't ask for those.
AMBER:
How about my passport?
WILLIAM:
Yes, they'll definitely need to see that.
WILLIAM:
Try not to worry about the interview.
WILLIAM:
Its purpose is to help them get to know you so they can match you with work you'll enjoy.
WILLIAM:
They always ask candidates some straightforward questions about personality.
WILLIAM:
They're unlikely to ask anything difficult, such as your long-term plans.
AMBER:
I hope you're right.
WILLIAM:
There are several advantages to using an agency.
WILLIAM:
For one thing, the interviewer gives you feedback on how you performed, which can help you do better in later interviews.
AMBER:
And the agency knows about vacancies that never get advertised.
WILLIAM:
Most short-term positions aren't advertised publicly.
AMBER:
I imagine it also takes much less time than contacting individual employers one by one.
WILLIAM:
Well, I think that is the end of part one.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part one.
