ESL Podcast ESL Podcast 408 – Calling Someone

Candace: Hello.

Mehdi: Hello, may I speak to Candace Cho, please?

Candace: Speaking.

Mehdi: Oh, hello Ms. Cho. My name is Mehdi and I'm interested in applying for the job as assistant manager. Your name was listed as the contact person. Am I calling at a bad time?

Candace: No, not at all. I'm the administrative¹ assistant and I'm fielding calls for the person doing the hiring. What can I do for you?

Mehdi: Well, I read the job description and I think I would be a good fit, but I was wondering if there are any special qualifications not mentioned in the description.

Candace: Well, requirements are spelled out in the description, and I don't have much to add, really. But I do know that the person doing the hiring is looking for someone to start immediately. Can you do that?

Mehdi: Sure, that's no problem. I'll be sure to mention that in my cover letter. Thanks.

Candace: If you've had experience managing a large staff, be sure to emphasize³ that in your résumé. Any other questions?

Mehdi: No, no other questions. Thank you very much for your time. You've been very helpful.

Candace: Your questions show a lot of initiative⁴. I'm sure you'll do fine.

Mehdi: Thanks, I really appreciate the vote of confidence.


Script² by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 administrative   

adj.行政的，管理的

参考例句：

• The administrative burden must be lifted from local government.必须解除地方政府的行政负担。
• He regarded all these administrative details as beneath his notice.他认为行政管理上的这些琐事都不值一顾。

2 script   

n.剧本，广播稿；文字体系；笔迹，手迹

参考例句：

• It's easy to identify his script.他的笔迹容易辨认。
• The script is massaged into final form.这篇稿子经过修改已定稿。

3 emphasize   

vt.加强…的语气，强调，着重

参考例句：

• I must emphasize the fact that she is only a little girl. 我必须强调这样一个事实，这就是她只不过是个小女孩。
• I must emphasize the fact that they are only children. 我必须强调这一事实,即他们只不过是孩子。

4 initiative   

n.主动性，首创精神，主动权（的行动），倡议

参考例句：

• He went to see the headmaster on his own initiative.他主动去看望校长。
• His employer had described him as lacking in initiative and drive.雇主说他缺乏进取心和干劲。