A

Why would a (trade) union you are a member of call for a nationwide strike?

A trade union may call for a nationwide strike if they feel that their members’ rights are not being respected, or if they are not receiving fair wages and working conditions

What do you think about the company policy of not allowing the use of phones for personal calls during working hours?

I think that the company policy of not allowing the use of phones for personal calls during working hours is reasonable, as it helps to ensure that employees remain focused on their work.

How does the rise in the cost of petrol affect loads of small businesses around here?

The rise in the cost of petrol affects loads of small businesses around here by increasing their operating costs, which can make it difficult for them to remain profitable.

Why do you have to retire when you are 60 in some professions and later in others?

People have to retire when they are 60 in some professions and later in others because different professions have different requirements and expectations regarding retirement age.

Do you know anyone who gets a good pension from the company they used to work for?

Yes, I know someone who gets a good pension from the company they used to work for. They worked there for many years and were able to build up a substantial pension fund over time.

How would you feel if you not only had to work overtime at the weekend, but you also didn´t get paid for it on top of that?

I would feel very frustrated if I had to work overtime at the weekend without getting paid for it on top of that. It would be unfair and could lead to financial hardship.

If you applied for a job, how long afterwards would you expect to get some news about it?

If you applied for a job, you could expect to get some news about it within a few weeks or months depending on the company’s recruitment process.

What is the starting salary in your profession?

The starting salary in my profession varies depending on experience and qualifications, but generally speaking, it is around 25,000 Euros per year.

What is the weekly wage before deductions a plumber could expect to get compared to a chef?

A plumber could expect to get a weekly wage before deductions of around 400-500 Euros compared to a chef who could expect around 250-350 Euros per week before deductions.

What kinds of things can help a temporary part-time employee become a full-time member of staff with a permanent contract?

Things that can help a temporary part-time employee become a full-time member of staff with a permanent contract include demonstrating commitment and reliability, having good communication skills, and showing an eagerness to learn new skills or take on additional responsibilities.

B

Would this statement describe you: No sooner had I won the lottery than I decided to quit my job?

No, No sooner had I won the lottery than I decided to quit my job does not describe me.

How long would it take you to commute to work every day if you worked at the airport?

It would take me approximately 30 minutes to commute to work every day if I worked at the airport.

How much does a state school teacher earn each year?

The amount a state school teacher earns each year varies depending on the region and the teacher’s experience, but typically it is between 30,000 and 50,000 Euros.

Why are workers made redundant?

Workers are made redundant when their job is no longer needed or when their employer needs to reduce costs.

What kind of behaviour can get a worker sacked?

Behaviour that can get a worker sacked includes theft, violence, harassment, and not following company policies or procedures.

Does your local supermarket deliver the shopping?

Yes, my local supermarket does deliver the shopping.

When would the following statement refer to in your life: Rarely have I gained so much experience in such a short space of time as then?

This statement would refer to a time in my life when I had gained a lot of experience in a short period of time, such as completing an internship or taking on a new role at work.

C

What skills would you need to stand in for your manager while she was on maternity leave?

To stand in for your manager while she was on maternity leave, you would need strong leadership skills, the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively, and the ability to manage a team. You would also need to be familiar with the company’s policies and procedures.

What changes occur when a company is taken over?

When a company is taken over, there can be changes in management, ownership structure, operations, and even the products or services offered. There may also be changes in the company’s financial situation or its overall strategy.

Who would see your business through the hard times it was facing?

The people who would see your business through hard times are those who have invested in it financially or emotionally. This could include shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Is backing out of your agreements different as an individual from you as a company?

Backing out of agreements as an individual is different from backing out of agreements as a company because companies have more legal obligations than individuals do. Companies must abide by laws and regulations that individuals do not have to follow.

Why do businesses close down?

Businesses close down for a variety of reasons including lack of demand for their products or services, competition from other businesses, financial difficulties, or changes in technology or consumer preferences.

What kinds of employment offers would you turn down?

You would turn down employment offers that do not match your skill set or experience level; offers that do not provide adequate compensation; offers that require you to work long hours; and offers that are not aligned with your career goals.

What is the upside and downside of setting up your own business?

The upside of setting up your own business is having control over your own destiny and being able to pursue your passions without having to answer to anyone else. The downside is that it can be difficult to get started and there is always the risk of failure.

What kinds of things would you have to see to if you set up a business and didn´t yet have any employees? What do you have to see to in your company?

If you set up a business without any employees yet you would need to take care of all aspects of running the business such as accounting, marketing, customer service, product development, etc. You would also need to ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Talk about someone who set to their business with dedication and made a success of it.

Someone who set up their business with dedication and made a success of it could be someone like Steve Jobs who founded Apple Inc., which has become one of the most successful companies in history due to his vision and commitment to excellence.

What would you look for in a person when you have to decide to take them on?

When deciding whether or not to take someone on you should look for qualities such as enthusiasm for the job role; relevant experience; good communication skills; problem-solving abilities; team-working skills; reliability; honesty; creativity; adaptability; and commitment.

What kinds of things do you have to keep in mind when you set out to be successful?

When setting out to be successful you should keep in mind things such as setting realistic goals; staying focused on what matters most; being open-minded about new ideas; taking risks when necessary but being aware of potential pitfalls; learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on them; networking with other professionals in your field; staying organized and efficient with time management techniques etc. 

What are the latest products IT companies are bringing out?

IT companies are bringing out products such as cloud computing solutions, artificial intelligence applications, virtual reality systems, etc.. 

How can factories speed up their production process?

Factories can speed up their production process by automating certain tasks using robots or machines instead of manual labour where possible; streamlining processes by eliminating unnecessary steps or redundancies where possible; investing in new technologies such as 3D printing etc.. 

What kinds of things can slow a professional down in their work?

Things that can slow a professional down in their work include procrastination due to lack of motivation or interest in the task at hand; distractions such as emails or phone calls during working hours which can lead to loss of focus on important tasks etc.

D

How much effort do you put into doing your work?

I put a lot of effort into doing my work. I make sure to take the time to do it properly and to the best of my ability.

What helps the directors of a company make their decision about who´s going to get promoted?

Directors of a company typically make their decision about who gets promoted based on performance, experience, and qualifications. They may also consider other factors such as loyalty and dedication to the company.

What kinds of things are not in your interest to accept at work?

It is not in my interest to accept any kind of unethical or illegal activities at work. I also would not accept any kind of discrimination or harassment from colleagues or superiors.

How long would you allow someone important to keep you on hold before hanging up?

I would allow someone important to keep me on hold for up to five minutes before hanging up.

What kinds of positions/jobs could you apply for in a company if you were out of work?

If I were out of work, I could apply for positions such as customer service representative, administrative assistant, sales associate, or any other entry-level job in the company.

What are the harms of implementing things at work if everyone isn´t in agreement on them?

If everyone isn’t in agreement on implementing things at work, it can lead to confusion and conflict among employees which can be detrimental to productivity and morale.

What is the longest you could bear to be out of work?

The longest I could bear to be out of work would be six months. After that period of time, I would start looking for new opportunities elsewhere.

What should a shop do to attract more customers if it hasn´t been in business for long?

A shop that hasn’t been in business for long should focus on marketing and advertising its products and services in order to attract more customers. They should also offer competitive prices and discounts as well as good customer service in order to retain customers.

What kind of things can help employees take more interest in their work?

Things that can help employees take more interest in their work include having meaningful tasks that are challenging yet achievable, providing recognition for good performance, offering incentives such as bonuses or promotions, and creating a positive working environment with supportive colleagues and supervisors.

Are there any cons of living fairly near your place of work?

One con of living fairly near your place of work is that you may not have enough time for leisure activities due to the commute time involved in getting there each day. Additionally, you may become too comfortable with your job if you are always close by which can lead to complacency over time.

E

Talk about an incident during shopping where you really wanted to write a letter of complaint.

I once went shopping for a new dress and was very disappointed with the quality of the item I purchased. I wanted to write a letter of complaint to the store, but unfortunately, I was unable to find their contact information.

What are some common reasons why people take a day off?

Common reasons why people take a day off include illness, vacation, personal errands, or just needing a break from work.

What kinds of things are you expected to do as a police officer when you come on duty?

As a police officer when you come on duty, you are expected to patrol assigned areas, respond to calls for service, investigate crimes and traffic accidents, make arrests when necessary, and provide assistance to citizens in need.

What kinds of things should you never talk about and do at work?

At work, you should never talk about politics or religion as these topics can be divisive and lead to arguments. You should also avoid gossiping about colleagues or discussing personal matters that could be seen as inappropriate.

Why should you tell your prospective employer that you are available to attend their interview at their convenience?

You should tell your prospective employer that you are available to attend their interview at their convenience in order to show them that you are flexible and willing to accommodate their schedule. This will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the job opportunity.

How do people feel when they have been in the same job/position for over thirty years without many promotions?

People who have been in the same job/position for over thirty years without many promotions may feel frustrated or unfulfilled due to a lack of career progression. They may also feel undervalued or taken for granted by their employer.

Who does your country/company do a lot of business with?

My country/company does a lot of business with countries in Europe, Asia, and North America.

What kinds of arrangements do retailers make with wholesalers?

Retailers typically make arrangements with wholesalers by agreeing on prices for goods and services as well as delivery times and payment terms.

What kinds of jobs are available for people who have got several years´ experience in/of dealing with customers?

Jobs available for people who have got several years´ experience in/of dealing with customers include customer service representative, sales associate, account manager, customer success manager, customer support specialist, etc.

F

Who is normally responsible for dealing with complaints in a company?

The customer service department is usually responsible for dealing with complaints in a company.

What would you begin by doing if you wanted to do some advertising for your business?

If you wanted to do some advertising for your business, you should begin by researching the different types of advertising available and deciding which would be most effective for your business.

Why should we attach a cover letter to our CV?

We should attach a cover letter to our CV because it gives us an opportunity to explain why we are suitable for the job and why we are interested in the position.

What are the advantages of applying for a job in writing?

The advantages of applying for a job in writing include being able to clearly articulate your skills and qualifications, as well as demonstrating your attention to detail and professionalism.

What kinds of things do you have to deal with at work when you have been absent for a while?

When you have been absent from work for a while, you may have to deal with catching up on any tasks that were missed during your absence, as well as any changes that may have occurred while you were away.

Does success depend a lot on luck?

Success does depend on luck to some extent, but it also requires hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

G

How good are you at typing?

I am quite good at typing; I can type at a speed of around 60 words per minute.

How long does it take to qualify as a doctor?

It usually takes around 11 years to qualify as a doctor, including undergraduate studies, medical school, and residency.

What do you have to be good at to work as an interpreter?

To work as an interpreter, you need to be proficient in two or more languages and have excellent communication skills.

Why is it good for young people to get some work experience during the summer holidays?

It is good for young people to get some work experience during the summer holidays because it helps them to develop important skills such as communication, teamwork and problem-solving that will be useful in their future careers.

Why do you have to be experienced in dealing with difficult workers if you want to be a good manager?

You have to be experienced in dealing with difficult workers if you want to be a good manager because it is important to be able to handle difficult situations calmly and professionally.

What kinds of products does your country specialise in manufacturing?

My country specialises in manufacturing electronics, automotive parts, and textiles.

After qualifying as a doctor, how much could you expect to earn?

After qualifying as a doctor, you could expect to earn an average salary of around 80,000 Euros per year.

What would be required of you if you worked in advertising?

If you worked in advertising, you would be required to create campaigns that are effective and engaging for the target audience.

What would you have to do if you were training to become a police officer?

If you were training to become a police officer, you would need to complete physical training courses as well as academic courses on law enforcement topics such as criminal justice and investigation techniques.

H

What are the pros and cons of a company manufacturing all its heavy machinery on-site?

The pros of a company manufacturing all its heavy machinery on-site include the ability to control quality, reduce costs, and increase efficiency. The cons include the need for a large amount of space, the need for specialized equipment and personnel, and the potential for delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

What does the job description of the manager of the local water works include?

The job description of the manager of the local water works includes overseeing operations, ensuring compliance with regulations, managing personnel, budgeting, and financial planning, and developing strategies to improve efficiency.

What kinds of things do industrial disputes threaten?

Industrial disputes threaten disruption to production schedules, increased costs due to delays or overtime pay, damage to relationships between employers and employees, and potential legal action.

What are the pros and cons of working under close supervision?

The pros of working under close supervision include having access to guidance from experienced colleagues or supervisors and having clear expectations set out in advance. The cons include feeling micromanaged or restricted in terms of creativity or initiative.

What kind of life do farm workers have in your country?

Farm workers in my country typically have a hard life with long hours and low pay. They often work in difficult conditions with limited access to healthcare or other benefits.

Do the local supermarkets ask for additional charges for having your shopping delivered?

Most local supermarkets do not charge additional fees for having your shopping delivered; however some may charge a small fee depending on the size of your order or delivery location.

Why haven´t supersonic planes been a commercial success? What do you think of all these low-cost airlines?

Supersonic planes have not been a commercial success due to their high cost of operation compared to traditional aircraft as well as environmental concerns related to their sonic booms. Low-cost airlines have been successful because they offer competitive prices while still providing good service.

Can companies succeed without the dedication and expertise of the entire workforce?

Companies can succeed without the dedication and expertise of the entire workforce if they are able to make up for any gaps in knowledge or experience through outsourcing or other means. However, it is generally more efficient and cost-effective when everyone is working together towards a common goal.

What would happen to someone who tried to push ahead despite their plan being completely unworkable?

Someone who tried to push ahead despite their plan being completely unworkable would likely face failure as well as criticism from colleagues or supervisors who recognize that their plan is not feasible.

I

Why is a certain percentage of graduates still found unemployed six months after leaving university?

There are a variety of reasons why a certain percentage of graduates remain unemployed six months after leaving university. These include a lack of job opportunities, an inability to find suitable employment, and a lack of experience or qualifications.

What kind of employment do most recent graduates end up with?

Most recent graduates end up with entry-level positions in their chosen field, such as administrative roles or customer service jobs.

What kinds of benefit packages come with management roles?

Management roles often come with benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and bonuses.

What are some effective ways for undergraduates to find out what kinds of jobs they might be interested in?

Undergraduates can find out what kinds of jobs they might be interested in by researching job postings online, attending career fairs, and networking with professionals in their field.

Why should you dress professionally at work?

It is important to dress professionally at work in order to make a good impression on colleagues and clients. Professional attire also shows respect for the workplace environment.

What kind of behaviour can make you look irresponsible at work?

Behaviour that can make you look irresponsible at work includes arriving late to meetings or not completing tasks on time. Moreover, not following instructions or not taking initiative can also be seen as irresponsible behaviour.

What are the right and wrong things to do during your first meeting with a potential client?

During your first meeting with a potential client, it is important to be polite and professional while also being prepared to answer any Questions they may have about your services or products. It is also important to listen carefully and take notes if necessary.

How should you act during your interview with a potential employer?

During an interview with a potential employer it is important to maintain eye contact, speak clearly and confidently about your qualifications and experience, and ask relevant Questions about the role you are applying for.

When was the last time you filled out/in an application form for a job?

The last time I filled out an application form for a job was two months ago when I applied for an administrative position at my local library.

What kind of stuff is helpful to take along with you to a job interview?

It is helpful to take along copies of your resume, references from previous employers or teachers, any certificates or awards you have received related to the job you are applying for, and any other documents that may be relevant to the role you are interviewing for. 

What qualifications do you have? What qualifications are you working towards?

I have a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the University of London and I am currently working towards my Master’s degree in Education from Cambridge University.