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Finding a job after school
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For those who decide to seek
employment after leaving school at
seventeen, the world of work can be an
exciting yet challenging place.
But with the right attitude and hard
work, finding a job that gives you an
income and a level of independence you
never had before is entirely within
reach. Take some time to think about
the kind of work you want to do.
Do you aim to start in an entry level position and work your way up? Or do you simply
want to start earning, and perhaps decide on another career later?
Job Seeking
Searching for a job can take many forms. From checking your job centre to browsing job
websites, from viewing shop notice boards to reading job sections of newspapers. Ask any
contacts or friends you have if they know of any vacancies.
You can also ask in shops and restaurants themselves, remembering to take a copy of
your CV with you.
If you do carry out such visits, ensure you are smartly dressed; a great first impression
can really help land a job. The kinds of jobs you might apply for include
waitering/waitressing, office assistant, data inputting, manufacturing and cleaning.
You may find that some jobs are out of bounds to you until you reach eighteen – for
example working in a bar – but there are many other opportunities for finding work at
seventeen. Being a school leaver seeking their first full time job can be a challenging
experience. You may not get a job straight away. But be prepared to treat job seeking as a
job in itself, and you will give yourself the very best chance of finding work.
https://www.studential.com/further-education/finding-a-job-after-school
(adaptedandaccessedinDecember 2017)
Name ________________________________________________ No. _______ Class _________ Date __________________
The world of work
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I
READING
A Say if the following sentences are TRUE or FALSE. Choose a sentence from the text to justify
your answer.
1. It is not possible to be independent just after you leave school.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
2. The best way to find a job is going to a job centre.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
3. The way you dress can determine whether you get the job or not.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
4. Finding your first job is not an easy task.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
B Choose the best explanation for the underlined expressions.
1. “… a level of independence you never had before is entirely within reach.”
a. is probably easy to get
b. is not impossible to achieve
c. is out of reach
2. “Do you aim to start in an entry level position and work your way up?”
a. make progress
b. work hard
c. go on working
3. “You may find that some jobs are out of bounds to you…”
a. perfect for you
b. more difficult to get
c. not allowed to you
C Match the words from the text with their definitions. Two do not apply.
a. moneyreceivedfromworkorinvestments
1. seek (line 1) b. unoccupiedpositionsorjobs
2. income (line 7) c. attemptto find
3. vacancies (line 16) d. testingone’sabilities
4. challenging (line24) e.holidays
f.an emptyspace
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II
WRITING THROUGH READING
1. Write a short exposition (around 120 words) in which you state your opinion on the
importance of having a job before going to university.
III
LANGUAGE USE
A. Complete the sentenceswitha modal verb from the box.
1. Most teenagers __________________make up their minds about a future career.
2. I __________________succeed in getting the job if I prepare for the interview.
3. You __________________make a first good impression! It is vital to get a job.
4. You __________________wear eccentric clothes to a job interview.
5. If you want, you __________________send your CV by email.
B Choose the correct option in the following sentences.
1. My sister doesn’t speak any languages. She can’t / mustn’t be thinking about being an
interpreter.
2. She has finally got the job of her dreams. She must / can be very happy.
3. It can’t / mustn’t have beenMary whogot the promotion.She was absent most of the time.
4. Martha is very pessimistic. She doesn’t believe she must / may have been hired.
C Fill in the gaps with the present perfect, the past perfect or the past perfect continuous.
1. My sister ___________________________(be) in the same company for ten years.
2. She ___________________________(finally / work) her way up and is now a managing director.
3. I was surprised at her promotion because she __________________________ (do) that job
for just a few months.
4. Mrs Gibbs __________________________(try) to get a promotionforageswhenshe finally got it.
5. I ___________________________ (wait) for my friend for hours when I realised
she ___________________________(already / leave).
must cannot shouldn’t may can
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I. READING (80 p)
A. (4X8 p)
1. False. “… findinga jobthat gives you anincome and a level
of independence you never had before is entirely within
reach.”
2. False. “Searching for a job can take many forms.”
3. True. “…a great first impressioncanreallyhelpland a job.”
4. True. “Beinga school leaver seekingtheir first full time job
can be a challenging experience.”
B. (3X8 p)
1. b; 2. a; 3. c.
C. (4X6 p)
1. c; 2. a; 3. b; 4. d;
II. WRITING THROUGH READING (40 p)
Open answers.
III. LANGUAGE USE (80 p)
A. (5X6 p)
1. cannot; 2. may; 3. must; 4. shouldn’t; 5. can.
B. (4X5 p)
1. can’t; 2. must; 3. can’t; 4. may.
C. (5X6 p)
1. has been
2. has finally worked
3. had been doing
4. had been trying
5. had been waiting… had already left
Answer key
