ESL Podcast 552 – Reviewing Job Applications

Missy: Okay, let’s sort this stack of applications into three piles: good candidates, those worth a second look, and definite “no’s.”

Jonathan: Well, that didn’t take long. With this poor economy, I thought we’d get an embarrassment¹ of riches, but these applications are pretty pathetic. I only see two of these people as employee material.

Missy: Yeah, well, it might have something to do with the salary we’re offering. Not everybody is willing to work for peanuts.

Jonathan: Isn’t that the truth! Some of these applicants² have never held down a job before and don’t have a single reference. These others don’t seem to be able to hold on to a job, job-hopping every few months.

Missy: Well, at least we have these two standouts. They both have the right educational background and level of experience. Should we call them in for interviews?

Jonathan: Yeah, and I hope they haven’t already been snatched up by another company.

Missy: You and me, both.


Script by Dr. Lucy Tse

1 embarrassment   

n.尴尬；使人为难的人(事物)；障碍；窘迫

参考例句：

• She could have died away with embarrassment.她窘迫得要死。
• Coughing at a concert can be a real embarrassment.在音乐会上咳嗽真会使人难堪。

2 applicants   

申请人，求职人( applicant的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• There were over 500 applicants for the job. 有500多人申请这份工作。
• He was impressed by the high calibre of applicants for the job. 求职人员出色的能力给他留下了深刻印象。