16.The first day was particularly useful because there were some interesting speakers, mainly from big multinationals, talking on such as I'm interested in, like the international aspects of industrial relations and employment law. Then in the evening I had some extremely interesting conversations with ??? speakers. I hope there'll useful contacts in the future. But other delegates thought it wasn't very well attended, because the organizers ad decided against having an exhibition area so fewer people came.
17. We revealed the month's work and discussed next month's targets. We decided that we definitely need some extra help with the personnel selection because there's just too much for one person. Generally I think we're a pretty good team. Of course there're a few problems now and again, but we always discuss them in a very calm and sensible way and come up with solutions that work, so far, anyway.
18. All I can say is that I'd stood out as the best applicant straight away or they took an instant dislike to me. I'd expected it to last at least 45 minutes, and possibly to involve 2 sessions. But I left I managed to go for a swim and do some shopping before I got back to the office for lunch.
19. I've been over all the obvious things I knew they would ask me with a colleague and I practiced all my answers over and over again. I felt sure I could deal with anything they'd put to me. Well, they started asking me what I though my weaknesses were. I just hadn't prepared for that, but because I had done so much preparation for other questions I managed to come up with a really good answer.
20. Well, I got there and I thought I am really well prepared for this. I was wearing my best suit. I arrived on time and so did the other three applicants. But they kept us waiting for an hour and a half while they tried to sort themselves out. By the time I went I was so patient with the company I didn't want the job any more.
21. It's fine, isn't it. I can do it now. I knew what they were going to ask me. But when you are under all that pressure and all those questions are coming at you, something let you down. And whatever you say, you know you haven't got the message across right and they haven't understood what you really meant. If only could get a second chance.
22. I got home late from the meeting than I before (???) and I was really tired, but I lay awake all night. I guess I should have thought more carefully about wearing the right sort of things. But I was a bit disorganized and rushed out of the flat as if it was just an ordinary day and then felt like an odd one out when I got there and saw everyone else in suits. I was so embarrassed.
Part III
F: With me today is Peter Williams from Kingston University. Welcome! Peter.
M: Thank you.
F: Peter, you recently a large research study on training in small businesses. What made youfocus on small businesses? After all, most of your experience has been with the huge multinational Cleantex. And in fact you eventually you ran their training department, didn't you? |
