I. Pre-Listening Exercises [Top]

Suppose you are applying to work for a computer software company. What qualifications and skills would be needed in different positions within a company? What kinds of questions do you think you would be asked in a job interview for such positions?

HELPFUL TIP: If you are looking for a computer-related job, be sure you have the proper skills. Taking computer classes and/or educating yourself by reading up on the newest technologies will help you prepare.

II. Listening Exercises [Top]

1. Listen to the conversation by pressing the “Play Audio” button and answer the questions. Press the “Final Score” button to check your quiz.

1. What is the main topic of this conversation?

A. computer sales negotiations

B. a preliminary interview

C. an Internet seminar meeting
2. From the discussion, what did Mr. Taylor probably do for his previous company?

A. He managed the sales department.

B. He gave seminars on the Internet.

C. He worked as a custodian.

3. Mr. Taylor thinks that Java is:

A. a Web page authoring program.

B. a kind of beverage.

C. a computer game software.

4. What does the man mean when he says, “We’ll be in touch” at the end of the conversation?

A. He will call Mr. Taylor in the next few days.

B. He talk over their discussion with others.

C. He will not contact him for further consideration.

5. Choose the best word(s) to describe Mr. Taylor:

A. on the ball

B. high achiever

C. uninformed

Score =
Correct answers:

Man: Okay, Mr. Taylor, let’s go ahead and begin. First of all, tell me about your last job.
Mr. Taylor: Well, as stated on my resume, I worked for five years at Hi Tech Computers.

Man: Okay. Hi Tech. And what do you know about computer networks and operating systems including DOS, Windows, Macintosh OS, and UNIX?

Mr. Taylor: Umm . . . well . . . I did come in contact with computers every night at my last job.

Man: Hum! . . . And how about web site authoring skills? [Oh]. We are looking for someone to create and manage our company’s web site which would include the development, configuration, and use of DOS, Windows, Macintosh OS, and CGI scripts.

Mr. Taylor: Umm . . . uh, web page, web page. Huh . . . I don’t think I’ve read that book, and I’m afraid I’ve never used those CGI things.

Man: Huh?! And what about experience with Java or JavaScript?

Mr. Taylor: Well . . . I think I’ve tried Java at a foreign coffee shop one time, if that’s what you mean.

Man: Okay, Mr. Taylor, I think I have ALL the information I need!

Mr. Taylor: Oh, and I really like computer games. I play them everyday.

Man: Right, right. Thanks Mr. Taylor. We’ll be in touch.

Key Vocabulary [Top]
  • DOS (noun): Disk Operating System
    – Fortunately, most computer users don’t need to remember DOS commands to run today’s computers.
  • UNIX (noun): a powerful operating system used, for example, in business or at universities
    This Website runs on UNIX server.
  • CGI (noun): Common Gateway Interface, a computer language commonly used for the Web
    – I use a CGI script to handle my online forums on my Website.
  • Java (noun): a computer language used to write programs for the Internet
    – Many webmasters use JAVA to design programs for use on their Websites.

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