Having a Hard Time Finding a Job

Mark: Hi Peter! How are you doing these days?

Peter: Oh, Hi Mark. I’m not doing very well, actually.

Mark: I’m sorry to hear that. What seems to be the problem?

Peter:... you know I’ve been looking for work. I can’t seem to find a job.

Mark: That’s too bad. Why did you leave your last job?

Peter: Well, my boss treated me badly, and I didn’t like my chances of advancing in the company.

Mark: That makes sense. A job without opportunities and a difficult boss isn’t very attractive.

Peter: Exactly! So, anyway, I decided to quit and find a new job. I sent out my resume to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, I’ve only had two interviews so far.

Mark: Have you tried looking online for a job?

Peter: Yes, but so many of the jobs require moving to another city. I don’t want to do that.

Mark: I can understand that. How about going to some of those networking groups?

Peter: I haven’t tried those. What are they?

Mark: They’re groups of people who are also looking for work. They help each other discover new opportunities.

Peter: That sounds great. I’ll definitely try some of those.

Mark: I’m glad to hear that. So, what are you doing here?

Peter: Oh, I’m shopping for a new suit. I want to make the best impression possible at my job interviews!

Mark: There you go. That’s the spirit. I’m sure things will look up for you soon.

Peter: Yes, you’re probably right. I hope so!

1. Why is Peter unhappy?

a) He’s not feeling very well because he has a touch of the flu.

b) He’s quit his job.

c) He’s lost his job.

2. What has he been doing lately?

a) He’s been working at a job he doesn’t like.

b) He’s been looking for a new job.

c) He’s been studying at a new work group.

3. What does Susan think about his quitting?

a) That it was a good idea.

b) That it wasn’t very wise.

c) That he made a great choice.

4. What reason did Peter not state for leaving the job?

a) His boss was treating him badly.

b) There was little chance for advancement.

c) The pay was too low.

5. Why doesn’t Peter like the jobs he’s found online?

a) Because they pay poorly.

b) Because they don’t exist.

c) Because they often involve moving to another city.

6. How many jobs has he interviewed for?

a) For twenty

b) For two

c) For none

7. Which suggestion does Mark make?

a) Visiting other friends at their jobs

b) Looking for work in another city

c) Going to networking groups

8. What step is Peter taking today to getting a new job?

a) He’s interviewing with Mark.

b) He’s shopping for a new suit.

c) He’s writing up his resume.

9. What has Peter not yet done to help him find a job?

a) Sending his resume

b) Taking job interviews

c) Visiting networking groups

10. Why does Peter need a new suit?

a) To cheer him up

b) To make a good impression at job interviews

c) To impress his girlfriend Susan