NARRATOR:
You will hear a telephone conversation between an employment agency advisor and a woman about an office vacancy.
NARRATOR:
First, you have some time to look at questions one to five.
NARRATOR:
Now listen carefully and answer questions one to five.
GREG:
Hi, am I speaking to Julie Davison?
GREG:
It's Greg Preston calling from the employment agency.
GREG:
You came in last week to ask us about office-based positions.
JULIE:
Oh yes, I remember.
GREG:
We've just received information about a vacancy that I think could suit you.
GREG:
It's for a receptionist.
GREG:
If I remember correctly, you've worked in that kind of role before, haven't you?
JULIE:
Before I got married and had my children, I spent two years working at a sports centre.
GREG:
The post is in Fordham, so it isn't too far from where you live, and it's based at the town's medical centre.
JULIE:
Whereabouts is the centre?
GREG:
It's close to the railway station on Chasten's Road.
JULIE:
Could you repeat that?
GREG:
It's spelt C-H-A-S-T-O-N-S.
JULIE:
What sort of tasks would I have?
JULIE:
Would I be answering patients' questions?
GREG:
You'd also arrange appointments, both at the desk and over the phone, and move them to another time when required.
JULIE:
That sounds straightforward enough.
GREG:
You'd also need to keep the centre's database current.
GREG:
There'd be some general office administration too, but those are the principal duties.
NARRATOR:
Before you hear the rest of the conversation, you have some time to look at questions 6 to 10.
NARRATOR:
Now listen and answer questions 6 to 10.
GREG:
As soon as the information arrived, I thought of you.
GREG:
They say previous experience is essential, and you told us about the work you did at the sports centre.
JULIE:
Yes, I actually liked that position.
JULIE:
Are there any other qualities they need?
GREG:
It's a very busy workplace, and patients may be anxious, so they need someone who stays calm under pressure while also being confident when dealing with members of the public.
JULIE:
Well, I've managed three children who are all younger than five, so I think I can handle that.
GREG:
They also specify that applicants need solid IT skills.
GREG:
Would you like to take the application further then?
JULIE:
When is the person expected to begin?
GREG:
At the start of next month.
GREG:
But you should know the position isn't permanent.
GREG:
It's temporary, with the contract running only until the end of September.
GREG:
They have mentioned that other opportunities might come up afterwards.
JULIE:
What are the working hours?
GREG:
They need someone who can begin at 7.45 in the morning.
GREG:
Would that be possible for you?
JULIE:
My husband would get the children ready and take them to my mother's.
JULIE:
She'll be caring for them while I'm working.
JULIE:
And what time does the shift end?
GREG:
At 1.15. That would be fine.
JULIE:
I could collect the children on the way back and spend the rest of the day with them.
JULIE:
By the way, can staff park at the centre?
GREG:
There's parking on the premises.
GREG:
And a bus also stops nearby.
JULIE:
I'll probably drive, but that's useful to know.
JULIE:
So what should I do next?
GREG:
If you'd like me to proceed, I'll send the centre your CV and references.
GREG:
After that, you should probably call them so they can set up an interview.
NARRATOR:
That is the end of part one.
NARRATOR:
You now have one minute to check your answers to part one.
