Lesson 3

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Lesson 3, Job description
Goals:
Make a professional appointment;
make and/or cancel a professional appointment
Before learning how to talk about your job and interacting in job issues, it’s necessary to state the difference between job and work. Let’s see it. 
Firstly, on a grammatical level, work is both a verb and a noun, whereas job is only a noun.
Let’s look at their meanings now.
Work or job;
Before learning how to talk about your job and interacting in job issues, it’s necessary to state the difference between job and word. Let’s see it.
Firstly, on a grammatical level, work is both a verb and a noun, whereas job
is only a noun. Let’s look at their meanings now.
Work is an activity in which you use effort or energy, normally to achieve a particular aim or task, rather than for fun or enjoyment. It is essentially the opposite of play, and to work means to do such an activity. Generally, we work in order to earn money, and this is often how we use the verb; to describe what we do to earn money. For example:
I work for the BBC. David works in a café.
In these examples, we do not know exactly what the person’s duties or responsibilities are. David works in a café, but we do not know if he cleans the tables or cooks the food.
So, in this sense, work has a very general meaning, whereas job is much more specific, and its most common meaning is the name for the work that you do to earn money.
For example, David has now got a new job. He is a cook in a small restaurant.
In this example, we now know exactly what David does because we know what his job is. To summarize, we can say that the word job refers to a particular employment role or position, such as cook, teacher or banker, whereas work refers in a more general way to activities that you do.
Interestingly, all jobs involve work but doing work isn’t always part of a job. For example, someone can spend the weekend working in their garden, perhaps cutting the grass or planting new flowers.
However, this is a free time activity, and so it is not his or her job.
As a verb, work does have other meanings, such as, if you describe how a machine works, you explain how it functions, or operates.
For example: Can someone show me how the photocopier works? I don’t know how to use it.
Similarly, you can use it to say if the machine is functioning correctly. For example,
Don’t try to use that computer. It doesn’t work. We are waiting for the engineer to fix it.
Finally, although your job is the name for what you do to earn money, it can also refer to a specific task that you have to do; a task that requires work and a task that you can specifically identify.
For example, I have a few jobs to do at home this weekend. I need to paint my bedroom, fix a broken door and cut the grass.
Let’s practice a little bit and check your understanding, ok? Fill in the blanks with WORK(S) or JOB:
Nowadays it is difficult to find a ______job______________.
A woman's _______work_____________ is never done. (proverb)
If a ________job_________ is worth doing, it's worth doing well. (proverb)
I often have to take ______work________________ home with me.
5. Almost all the____works_____________ of F. Chopin are written for pianoforte solo.
Betty is very pleased, she has got a new _______job___________.
Bob says he will change __________jobs________, he has no opportunity of advancement in his company.
Henry loves Science Fiction ___works_______________, his favorite writers are H.G.Wells, George Orwell and Ray Bradbury.
It took me an hour to get home from______work____________ yesterday.
Choose a _____job_____________ you love and you will never have to work a day in your life. (Confucius)
KEY: 1. job – 2.work – 3.job. – 4. work – 5. works – 6.job – 7.jobs – 8.works – 9.work -10.job.
Now, let’s move on and analyze some situations regarding how to talk about your job/work.
HOW TO TALK ABOUT YOUR JOB
When someone asks you ‘What do you do?’, they're asking 'What's your job?'.
You, for example, might answer 'I work for an insurance company.'
Let's see some ways of asking and answering this question: What do you work as?
You can give more information using the following expressions.
I’m an underwriter.[1: a person or company that provides insurance]
I work as…/ at…/ in…
Basically, I sell insurance policies. 
I mainly handle claims.
I am responsible for customer accounts.
I usually answer customers' questions.
I take care of corporate accounts.
How to talk about your job
Asking about a job
What do you do?
Where do you work?
What's your job like?
Do you like your job?
Talking about a job
I'm a/ an (job).
I work in (place).
It's (adjective).
Yeah, it's not bad. /Not really.
Now, people may extend the conversation and ask more questions about your job.
Who do you work for? / Which company do you work for? / Where do you work? / What kind of company do you work for?
What kind of job do you have? / What do you do? / What are your responsibilities? / What else does your job involve? / What do you do for a living? (informal)
Who is the CEO? / Who is the chairman? / Who is your direct boss?
What does the company do? / What kind of business does the company do? / Which business is the company in? What are you responsible for? / What type of products does the company sell / manufacture / produce? / What type of services does the company provide / offer?
Where is the company based? / Where is your company located? / Where are your headquarters? /Where do you have branches? / Do you have any offices abroad?
How many people do you employ? / How many people does X employ? / How many people does X have on staff? / How many employees are there at X? / How many people are on staff in that branch? / How many people do you employ in (City)?
What's your annual revenue? / What's your turnover? / What type of revenue do you do? / What's your net profit? / What are (were) your quarterly earnings? / What type of a margin do you have?[2: the income that a government or company receives regularly = receita][3: how much money a business earns in a period of time = faturamento, volume de vendas][4: the money made by a company or part of a company for a particular period after all costs, taxes, etc. have been paid]
Is your company public? / Are you a publicly traded company? / Are you on the stock market?
Is your company privately held?
Where are your products manufactured? / Where are your goods produced? / Where do you manufacture / produce your merchandise? / What are its main / most famous products / services?
Dialogue situation
Business Reporter: Thank you for taking the time to meet me today. 
Manager: It's my pleasure.
Business Reporter: Who do you work for? 
Manager: I work for Springco. 
Business Reporter: What does Springco do? 
Manager: Springco distributes health products throughout the United States. 
Business Reporter: Where is the company based? 
Manager: Springco is located in Vermont. 
Business Reporter: How many people do you employ? 
Manager: Currently, we have 450 people on staff. 
Business Reporter: What's your annual revenue? 
Manager: Our gross revenue is about $5.5. million this year. [5: Gross revenue is the total amount of sales recognized for a reporting period, prior to any deductions.]
Business Reporter: What type of distribution services do you provide? 
Manager: We distribute to both wholesale and retail outlets. 
Business Reporter: What sort of internet presence do you have? 
Manager: We have a storefront, as well as an online forum. 
Business Reporter: Is your company public? 
Manager: No, we are a privately held company. 
Business Reporter: What type of logistical structure do you have? 
Manager: We ship from four regional warehouses. 
Business Reporter: Where are your products manufactured? 
Manager: Most of our products are manufactured abroad, but a number are also produced here in the United States. 
When talkingabout your work, pay attention to the preposition. Let’s see some examples:
In: Our HQ is in the city center.[6: /ˌeɪtʃˈkjuː/ abbreviation for headquarters]
For: I work for a food wholesaler.
From: We import meat from China.
At: I meet my clients at their offices.
As: I work as a sales rep. 
Than: We have more than 20,000 employees. 
By: We deliver our products by ship and air freight. [7: /freɪt/ the money paid for transporting goods = frete; goods, but not passengers, that are carried from one place to another, by ship, aircraft, train, or truck, or the system of transporting these goods = mercadoria]
On: I hardly ever work on Sundays. 
With: I have a good relationship with my boss.
Of: I manage a team of 5 people.
To: I report to the Head of Sales.
Between: I work between 10 and 12 hours a day.
Preposition
When talking about your work, pay attention to the preposition. Let’s see some examples:
	IN
	1. Our HQ is in the city center.
	6. I hope I will be promoted in two or three years.
	2. Our factory is in the suburbs.
	7. I have lots of meetings in the morning.
	3. I’m in charge of the sales team.
	8. We work in the fashion business.
	4.I work in a large, comfortable office.
	9. I work in Tokyo.
	5. Our head office is in Norway.
	FOR
	10. I work for a food wholesaler.
	13. I’m responsible for finding new markets for the company.
	11. I work about 11 hours a day.
	14. I have been working here for 15 years.
	12. I work for Microsoft.
	
	FROM
	15. We import meat products
from China.
	17. Our HQ is about 25 Km from the airport.
	16. I wok from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
	AT
	18. I meet my clients at their offices.
	20. I’m rarely at my desk.
	19. I usually start work at 9 a.m..
	
	AS
	21. I work as a sales rep.
	BY
	22. We deliver our products by ship and air freight.
	ON
	23. I hardly ever work on Sundays.
	25. I am working on a project to produce a new product for next year.
	24. I work on the 23rd floor.
	26. I work on my computer for most of the working day.
	25. I often speak to clients on the phone.
	WITH
	27. I have a good relationship with my boss.
	29. I work with people from the HR and R&D departments.
	28. I have to negotiate with suppliers.
	OF
	30. I manage a team of 5 people.
	31. We are the biggest manufacturer of sausages of the world.
	TO
	32. I report to the Head of Sales.
	33. We export farm produce to South East Asia.
	BETWEEN
	34. I work between 10 and 12 hours a day.
	THAN
	
	35. We have more than 20,000 employees.
Now, let’s practice. Match the answers above to the questions below. More than one answer is possible.
(3) What’s your job? / What do you do? I’m in charge of the sales team.
(25) What are you working on at the moment? I am working on a project to produce a new product for next year.
(9) Where do you work? I work in Tokyo.
(4) What is your workplace like? I work in a large, comfortable office.
(15) What does your company do? We import meat products from China.
(12) Who do you work for? I work for Microsoft. 
(10) What kind of company do you work for? I work for a food wholesaler.
(5) Where is your head office? Our head office is in Norway.
(16) What is your usual weekly schedule? I wok from Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(28) What are your main duties/ responsibilities? I have to negotiate with suppliers.
(14) How long have you been working for your company? 14. I have been working here for 15 years.
(6) What are your plans for the future? I hope I will be promoted in two or three years.
How to talk about your job
DIALOGUE SITUATION: TALKING ABOUT YOUR JOB
Pay special attention to the words in bold in order to increase your vocabulary. In this interview I ask Kyle some questions about his job.
Interviewer: What do you do for a living, Kyle?
Kyle: I’m an IT consultant.
Interviewer: How long have you been doing this job?
Kyle: I’ve been working at my company for two years now.
Interviewer: What are your main responsibilities?
Kyle: Well, I’m responsible for (I’m in charge of…, I’m in control of…) managing a number of client accounts at our company.
Interviewer: Can you tell me a bit about your day to day activities?
Kyle: I mostly deal with (I’m concerned with…, I handle/ manage…) client queries (questions; inquiries) on a daily basis, but also provide training.
Interviewer: What do you like most about your job?
Kyle: I quite enjoy tackling (to engage or deal with) challenging queries – I find that very stimulating (inspiring new ideas or enthusiasm).
Interviewer: And what do you dislike about your job?
Kyle: At times the job can become quite repetitive, and then I feel it gets too mundane (everyday, ordinary, and therefore not very interesting).
Now, let’s see a guide to talk about your work experience:
	Use these guidelines
	Use these words and expressions
	1. INTRODUCE...
	yourself (studies, future plans, ...) the company (type of activity, location, assets, problems)
	A work placement / a training period / a training session / a work experience
	2. EXPLAIN...
	how you prepared your work experience.
how you chose / found the company.
what you expected from this experience.
	I started applying for this position in October.
I had to call a large number of firms.
They were impressed by my CV.
	3. DESCRIBE...
	your activities. (Did you analyze a problem? Did you create / improve something? What tools did you use? What were your working hours? Did you work on your own or in a team?)
the difficulties you had to face. (They could be technical problems, or human relationships problems.)
	I worked with my tutor / supervisor in the R&D [Research & Development] department.
I sometimes worked on my own.
I was in charge of the supply chain.
I had to reorganize the warehouse.
My job consisted in reorganising the warehouse.
I was asked to reorganise the warehouse.
I carried out a study of the supply chain.
I had no difficulty mastering the new software they used.
The staff were very friendly.
	4. ANALYSE...
	the results.
for the company. (Will they use what you created? Did you change their way of working?)
for yourself.
in terms of professional skills. (What did you learn / improve on/upon?)
in terms of personality: what qualities did you develop (self-reliance, patience, team-work, creativity, ...)
what you liked and didn't like.
Has it changed your attitude? your vision of working life? your choice of a career?
by deciding if it was a positive / negative experience.
	They are still using the forms I created.
They have accepted my suggestions.
It gave me first-hand knowledge of life in a factory.
It forced me to master new skills.
It showed me how important it is to speak English.
I think it was a great experience.
It was not quite as positive as I expected.
	CONCLUDE...
	
	
To read a text about work experience go to http://www.blurtit.com/q227434.html. 
DIALOGUE SITUATION: INTERVIEW WITH JODY, HAIR STYLIST AND MAKEUP ARTIST
Pay special attention to the words in bold in order to increase your vocabulary. Interviewer: So, What’s your name?
Jody: Jody Kinney.
Interviewer: And what’s your job title?
Jody: I’m a hair stylist and makeup artist.
Interviewer: How long have you been working in this job?
Jody: For about eight years.
Interviewer: What experience did you have before that helps you in this job?
Jody: Probably just experience with people. I like people and I’ve always done people’s makeup and stuff, so…
Interviewer: What training or education did you have that helps in this job?
Jody: Well, I went to beauty school, and then I did assisting in a salon, so I was someone’s assistant, and then learned from then until I was confident to go out on my own.
Interviewer: How long is beauty school?
Jody: If you do it full time, it’s about eleven months, give or take a few days here and there.
Interviewer:And then, after that, how long did it take you to feel confident to go out on your own?
Jody: About three months. 
Interviewer: That’s pretty good. 
Jody: Yeah
Interviewer: What classes, or training would you suggest for someone interested in this job?
Jody: Well, they’d have to go to beauty school, and then, it’s always encouraged to continue education, to keep going to classes and learning different things. Learning new things, yeah. because you’re never finished learning.
Interviewer: What kind of person would be good for this job?
Jody: Someone who can handle people – all different personalities, a people pleaser basically, yeah.
Interviewer: What is the most fun part of your work?
Jody: I get to talk all day about whatever I want. I can dress however I want. Instant gratification. Someone comes in looking bad, and they leave looking good. And they have a big smile on their face, and I have lots of freedom, and, yeah, it’s and you make people look pretty. It’s great.
Interviewer: What is the most challenging or difficult part of your work?
Jody: Challenging is ….
Interviewer: Is it all easy?
Jody: No. Depending on the client. Clients can be very challenging. Really picky people that are never happy. So, there’s lots of those, but generally, it’s not a big challenge – finding the right place to work, you know, the right amount of business, you know. Paper work is always fun. Doing your taxes – that’s challenging.
Interviewer: What is your busy period at work, is it part of the year, part of the month?
Jody: Busiest is probably fall and winter, like Christmas area – around Christmas and also spring.
Interviewer: What is special or unique about your job?
Jody: Just that every single person is different, even though it’s all hair, you know. It’s never monotonous. It’s always – Every single person is different, so it doesn’t get boring, and, yeah, it’s great – you make people happy. That’s the best part.
Interviewer: Thank you.
Jody: You’re welcome.
DIALOGUE SITUATION: TALKING ABOUT YOUR JOB
Now let’s take a look at a more advanced level dialogue. People use now business jargon (special vocabulary concerned to business). You’ll first read the dialogue with the jargons and then the “translated” version.
Tim: Hey, can I get a little facetime?
Randall: Sure, let's dialogue.
Tim: Great. I tried to ping you earlier, but you weren't in. 
Randall: Yeah, I had to handle some pushback on my proposal. 
Tim: Really, why was that?
Randall: Well, I've come up with a number of synergies in the value chain. My value proposition was to seamlessly integrate our customer service reps.
Tim: Sounds like a win-win. How long is the ramp-up?
Randall: That's the problem. I projected a roll-out in two months. C-level people want to dial-in the project in two weeks.
Tim: ...but you're proposing an end-to-end solution!
Randall: Yeah, I know. I had the time-frame mapped out for all the deliverables, too. 
Tim: Sometimes you have to wonder about high-level management's capabilities to leverage people like you!
Randall: You're much too kind! Anyway, what was it you wanted to talk to me about? 
Tim: Nothing much, I just wanted to give you a heads-up on some performance management issues I've been having with Pete.
Randall: No room to breathe?
Tim: You've got it ....
TRANSLATION INTO EASY (WELL, EASIER) ENGLISH
Tim: Hey, do you have some time for me?
Randall: Sure, let's talk.
Tim: Great. I tried to contact you earlier, but you weren't in.
Randall: Yeah, I had to manage some complaints about my idea for the company.
Tim: Really, why was that?
Randall: Well, I thought of a number of tasks that can complement each other in how we provide our service. My improvement idea was to include our customer service representatives in our processes.
Tim: That sounds like a good idea for everybody. How long will it take to put your plan into action?
Randall: That's the problem. I think it will take two months to put into place. The directors want to put the project into action in two weeks.
Tim: ...but you've suggested a complete solution to the problem!
Randall: Yes, I know. I had developed a schedule for all of the improvements, too. 
Tim: Sometimes it's difficult to understand why upper management can't take advantage of people like you!
Randall: You're much too kind! Anyway, what was it you wanted to talk to me about? 
Tim: Nothing much. I just wanted to tell you ahead of time about some problems I'm having with Pete trying to control everything I do.
Randall: No room for your own efforts?
Tim: That's right.
KEY VOCABULARY
facetime (noun)- time together to dialogue (verb) - to speak
to ping (verb) - to contact someone
pushback (noun) - to object to, complain about
synergies (noun) - combinations in efforts that improve something
value chain (noun) - the group of processes that provide something positive 
value proposition (noun) - the improvement idea
seamlessly (adverb) - flowing smoothly
to integrate (verb) - to include in a process
win-win (noun, also used as an adjective) - successful outcome for everyone involved 
ramp-up (noun, also used as a verb) - time it takes to do something
roll-out (noun, also used as a verb) - time it takes to do something 
C-level (adjective) - upper management, directors
to dial-in (verb) - (informal) to direct all your effort and attention on to what you are trying to achieve, so you perform as well as you can
end-to-end (adjective) - complete
time-frame (noun) - the length of time that is used or available for something
map out (verb) - to plan
deliverables (noun) - specific improvements or products to be made 
to leverage (verb) - to take advantage of something
heads-up (noun) - notice of something
performance management (noun) - way of managing someone
Now, in order to listen to more examples, go to:
Talking about your job - http://www.businessenglishpod.com/2010/05/02/bep-159- int-talking-about-your-job/
Talking about your company - http://www.businessenglishpod.com/2010/05/09/bep-
160-int-talking-about-your-company/
WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE YOUR CURRENT JOB?
These people are not satisfied with their jobs and they want to quit it. Read the following three answers by different people to the question 'Why do you want to leave your current job?'. Focus on the words / phrases in BOLD.
First of all, I would like to say that I don't have any problems with my current employer. I have worked there for over 7 years and have enjoyed my time there. They have provided me with an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally. And from starting as an analyst, I am now a manager of my own team. I am very grateful for the confidence they have shown in me and also the experience that I have gained.'
But during these 7 years, I know what I excel in and what I want to specialize in. And due to the nature and size of the company, my opportunities to pursue this area there are limited. So, in order to move my career to the next stage, I have to move on. It's a shame, because I have a very good working relationship with my manager and my team. So, it's not a decision that I have taken lightly. But, I feel that the position that is available here will provide me with the opportunity to focus on an area in which I both excel and love.
'To be honest, I wasn't job hunting. One of my ex-colleagues forwarded me the advert for the position. I am very happy in my current job. I have achieved all of my goals and I am now in a position where I make a difference for the company. The only reason I would leave my current position is for something significantly better and having read the roles and responsibilities for the job, this position offers it. This role has more responsibility, plus working in a different environment provides a new challenge, which I sure I can meet. In addition, it would be foolish to turn down the possibility of doing this role in a company with such a strong reputation as yours. I think this role providesan excellent opportunity for the progression of my career.'
'I've spent 4 happy years with my current employer, but due to the current financial crisis, they are currently downsizing their operations. As a result, it's made a lot of people redundant and although I have been informed that my job is safe, there's a lot of uncertainty. So, I feel now is the time to move on and look for a more secure position.
	Specialise in
(verb)
	This is very common when talking about an area of work/business in which you have a lot of experience in. When used with 'I would like to', it means an area of work/business you desire to focus more on in the future,
e.g. 'I would like to specialise in company law'. It is a good reason for wanting to change jobs.
	New challenge
(noun)
	This is a common reason people give for wanting to change jobs. Be careful if you use it because some interviewers may think you become easily bored. It is fine
to use it if you've been in the same company for over 5 years.
	Redundant
(adjective)
	This is used with the verb 'to make'. An informal way to say the same is 'to lay off'. This occurs when a company has financial problems and needs to reduce the number of its workers to lower costs. A company 'makes workers redundant'. For a worker or member of staff it is used in
the passive, e.g. 'I was made redundant'.
	Move on (phrasal verb)
	In this context it means to change/leave a company for a new job. 'To move on' sounds less strong than both 'change' or 'leave'. It is intransitive (it doesn't have an object), e.g. 'After the project finished, it was the right
time to move on'.
	Meet (verb)
	In this context we use the verb 'to meet' with 'challenge' to mean to successfully do/perform a challenge, like climbing a mountain or having to run a difficult project,
e.g. 'I have met every challenge I have been given'.
	It's not a decision that I have taken lightly (phrase)
	This is used in this context to mean that the decision to leave your current company has been a difficult one to make. It is a good phrase to use because it suggests that you're a loyal type of person and don't change your mind a
lot.
	I don't have any problems (phrase)
	In English you can never use two negatives in a sentence. So, that is the reason why when the verb is negative (don't have), we use any. It is followed by 'with' when you refer to the person or thing, e.g. 'I don't have any problems
with them'.
	Secure
(adjective)
	It is used with the nouns 'situation' or 'position'. And it has the same meaning as 'job security', e.g. 'I'm looking for more job security'. A good reason to give for changing companies if there is uncertainty about what will happen
with your current job/position.
	Next stage
(noun)
	This is used with the verb 'to move' and the noun 'career'. It means you want to progress to a higher level at work with more responsibility etc..., e.g. 'I want to move my career to the next stage'. This should be used if the job
you are applying for is a higher position than your current one.
	Job hunting
(noun)
	It is a commonly used expression to use for looking for a job.
	Turn down
(phrasal verb)
	A very common phrasal verb. In this context it means 'to say no to' or 'to reject' something. It is transitive (it has an
object) and can be separable, e.g. 'They couldn't turn the offer down'.
	I am very
grateful for
(phrase)
	This is a very good phrase to use in a job interview when talking about a current or former employer. It shows that you appreciate what the company did for your experience and career, e.g. 'I'm very grateful for the confidence they
showed in me'.
	Downsizing
(verb)
	The infinitive is 'to downsize'. This is a common business term to describe the action of reducing costs by closing down certain activities and operations, and of course reducing its number of staff, e.g. 'The company is downsizing its banking operations by closing ten of its
offices in Europe'.
	Pursue (verb)
	This is used to talk about what you want to do with your career in the future, e.g. 'I want to purse a career in service management'. It has a similar meaning to 'I would like to specialize in'. It is a good reason for wanting to
change jobs.
	Roles and responsibilities (phrase)
	These are the fundamental things that you will have to do in a job, e.g. 'generate a monthly performance report, manage a team of 20 people etc...' You will be provided with a list of these on the job advertisement, the job
application or in the interview.
	
Why Do You Want To Leave Your Current (Job Quiz)
Below is a definition/description of each of the words/phrases in bold from the text “Why do you want to leave your current job?” Now choose the word/phrase from the selection box which you believe answers each question. Only use one word/phrase once.
A different way to say 'to focus/concentrate on', is ___________________________.
When you are bored with your job and want to test your skills/ability, you want a ___________________________.
When a company reduces the number of staff because of economic reasons, is ___________________________.
A phrasal verb that means to change companies, is ___________________________.
A verb that is used with challenge, to mean you are successful with it, is
 .
When you've had to think a lot before making a decision, you say
 .
Another way to say “everything is good”, is ___________________________.
When your job is safe and there's no fear of losing it, your situation is
 .
When you want to advance your career, you want to move it to the
 .
When you are looking for work, you are ___________________________.
When you say “no” to an offer or opportunity, you ___________________________.
A different way to say “I am very thankful for”, is ___________________________.
When a company reduces its operations and number of employees, it is
 .
A different way to say “to become involved in” or “to perform” types of professional activities, is .
The duties and tasks that you have to do in a job, are called
 .
Choose from: Downsizing – I don't have any problems – I’m very grateful for
- it's not a decision that I have taken lightly – job hunting – meet – move on – new challenge – next stage – pursue – redundant – roles and responsibilities – secure – specialize in – turn down
KEY: 1. Specialize in – 2.new challenge – 3.redundant – 4.move on – 5.meet – 6.it's not a decision that I have taken lightly – 7.I don't have any problems – 8.secure – 9.next stage – 10.job hunting – 11. turn down – 12. I’m very grateful for – 13.downsizing – 14.pursue – 15.roles and responsibilities.
Now, we will learn some proverbs related to job/work. Can you guess their meaning. Match.
	1. A woman's work is never done.
	( ) A reply to someone who wants you to do a task for which you lack the equipment. something that you say which means if a system or method works well there is no reason
to change it.
	2.All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
	( ) If everyone helps with a
large task, it will get done easily and quickly.
	3. Business before pleasure.
	( ) The need to act or take responsibility, that other people pass on to still other people, ultimately ends up
here.
	4. Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.
	( ) If you have an opportunity to do something, do it before the opportunity
expires.
	5. If you can't stand/take the heat, get out of the kitchen.
	( ) Housework and raising children are jobs that have no end. (Typically said by a woman to indicate how busy
she is.)
	6. Make hay while the sun shines.
	( ) It is not healthy for someone to work all the time
and never play. (Often used to exhort someone to stop
	
	working, or to justify why you have stopped working.You can substitute the name of
the person you are addressing for.
	7. Many hands make light work.
	( ) If the pressures of some situation are too much for you, you should leave that situation. (Somewhat insulting; implies that the person addressed cannot
tolerate pressure.)
	8. Where there's a will, there's a way.
	( ) Something that you say which means people who have no work or activity are more likely to do things they should not do, such as commit
crimes.
	9. Practice makes perfect.
	( ) You should finish your work before starting to relax
and enjoy yourself.
	10. If a thing is worth doing, it's worth doing well.
	( ) Something that you say which means you cannot do something correctly without
the necessary materials.
	11. The buck (=The adult male of some animals, such as the deer, antelope, or rabbit) stops there.
	( ) Cliché If you truly want to do something, you will find a way to do it, in spite of
obstacles.
	12. The devil finds work for idle hands.
	( ) Something that you say which means you must continue an activity although
you might like to stop.
	13. You pays your money and you takes your
chance(s). (The grammatical errors are intentional.)
	( ) If you decide to do
something, do it as well as you possibly can.
	14. Nothing ventured (venture = A business enterprise involving some risk in expectation of gain), nothing gained.
	( ) You should not do something you have hired someone else to do.
	15. There's no peace/rest for the wicked
(=Evil by nature and in practice:)!
	( ) Things will not wait for
you when you are late.
	16. Time and tide wait for no man.
	( ) Cliché Doing something over and over again is the only
way to learn to do it well.
	17. Why keep a dog and bark yourself?
	( ) If you do not take risks,
you will never accomplish anything.
	18. You can't make bricks without straw.
	( )You must resign yourself
to taking risks. Everything costs something, but paying for something does not
 guarantee that you will get it. 
KEY: 4 – 7 – 11 – 6 – 1 – 2 – 5 - 12 – 3 – 18 – 8 – 15 – 10 – 17 – 16 – 9 – 14 – 13.
Now, in order to listen to more examples, go to:
Talking about your job - http://www.businessenglishpod.com/2010/05/02/bep-159-int-talking-about-your-job/ 
Talking about your company - http://www.businessenglishpod.com/2010/05/09/bep-160-int-talking-about-your-company/ 
Here is an additional vocabulary on employment. Can you think of situations in which you would use them? Try to put these words in a sentence:
1 bonus n. additional pay given to employee as incentive or reward
2 curriculum vitae (UK) n. short account of one’s education, career etc; CV (UK); résumé (US); resume (US).
3 dismiss v. to remove or discharge from employment; to sack [colloq.]; to fire (US).
4 employer n. person or firm who employs people - employee n. person employed.
5 fire (US) v. [colloq.] to dismiss.
6 interview n. an oral examination of an applicant for a job - also v.
7 make redundant (UK) v. [made, made] to dismiss because of not being needed – redundancy (UK).
8 maternity leave n. period of absence from work (for a woman) when having a baby.
9 notice n. advance warning of intention to resign - to give or tender one’s notice v.
10 perk abbr. perquisite; something additional to regular salary [eg: free meals; a car].
11 personnel n. the people who work for a firm.
12 personnel officer n. manager responsible for recruitment, training and welfare of personnel.
13 promotion n. advancement in rank or position - to promote v.
14 prospects n. opportunity for success, promotion etc.
15 recruit n. to look for and employ personnel - recruitment n.
16 resign v. to give up a job - letter of resignation n.
17 retire v. to leave employment, esp. because of age - retirement n.
18 salary n. a fixed, regular payment, usually monthly, made by employer to employee.
19 staff n. the people who work for a firm or a particular department; employees.
20 take on v. [took, taken] to employ; to hire.
To see more of business idioms and vocabulary, take a look at:
http://www.aprendendoingles.com.br/businessenglish.shtml 
To see more of business idioms and vocabulary, take a look at:
http://www.learn-english-today.com/idioms/idiom-categories/employment-jobs.htm 
English Idioms & Idiomatic Expressions
Employment - Jobs
(idioms, page 1 :   at all costs  → golden handcuffs)
	above and beyond the call of duty
	If a person does something which is above and beyond the call of duty, they show a greater degree of courage or effort than is usually required or expected in their job.
The fire-fighter received a medal for his action which went above and beyond the call of duty.
	back-room boys
	This term refers to people who do important work but have no contact with the public.
Back-room boys don't always receive the credit they deserve for their work.
	brain drain
	The departure of highly qualified people (scientists, engineers, etc.) for other countries, where they have better opportunities and usually better pay, is called the brain drain.
	busman's holiday
	A busman's holiday is when you spend your spare time or your holidays doing the same sort of activity as you do in your job.
My husband is a chef, so for him time off with the family is often a busman's holiday!
	cream of the crop
	This expression refers to the best people or things in a particular group.
As usual, the cream of the crop of this year's graduates were offered the best jobs.
	dead wood
	The term dead wood refers to people or things which are no longer considered useful or necessary.
The new manager wants to reduce costs by cutting out the dead wood.
	on the dole
	A person who receives financial assistance from the government when they are unemployed is on the dole.
Their father is on the dole so the family is living on a tight budget.
	dream ticket
	If you refer to two people as a dream ticket, you think they would work well together and be successful.
Two world champions teaming up for the children's fund-raising project would be a dream ticket.
	duty bound
	If you are duty bound to do something, you are required to do it
as part of your obligations.
Teachers are duty bound to report a pupil's absence from school.
	earn while you learn
	This expression refers to the possibility of earning a salary while in training.
Become an apprentice and get paid while in training.  Earn while you learn!
	firing line
	Someone who is in the firing line is in a position to be criticized because of their responsibilities or the position they hold.
The managing director of the bank is in the firing line since the fraud was discovered.
	get the axe
	If someone gets the axe, they lose their job.
When a company is restructured, the senior staff are often the first to get the axe.
	golden handcuffs
	The term golden handcuffs refers to a large sum of money or a generous financial arrangement granted to an executive as an incentive to stay in their job, or to ensure long-term cooperation after their departure.
	golden handshake
	A golden handshake is a generous sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire (sometimes given to encourage early retirement).
	golden parachute
	A golden parachute is a clause in an executive's employment contract stating that the executive will receive certain large benefits if their employment is terminated.
	glass ceiling
	This term refers to a discriminatory barrier perceived by women and minorities that prevents them from rising to positions of power or responsibility.
Claire knew she would never break the glass ceiling and rise to a senior management position.
	hang up one's boots
	When a sports player hangs up their boots, they stop playing and retire. (This expression is often used to refer to retirement in general.)
Dad says he's going to hang up his boots at the end of the year.
	number cruncher
	This is a humorous way of referringto someone who is an accountant or who is very good at working with numbers and calculations.
She's a number cruncher who perfectly understands the organisation's financial situation.
	learn the ropes
	If you learn the ropes, you learn how to do a particular job correctly.
He's bright.  It won't take him long to learn the ropes.
	paid peanuts
	If you are paid peanuts, you have a very low salary.
Jenny has a very interesting job, but she's paid peanuts. 
	play second fiddle
	If you play second fiddle to another person, you accept to be second in importance to that person, or have a lower position.
John resented having to play second fiddle to the sales manager when the company was restructured.
	plum job
	A desirable position which is well-paid and considered relatively easy is called a plum job.
Ideally he'd like to find himself a plum job in New York.
	pound the pavement
	Someone who pounds the pavement walks the streets or goes from company to company, usually in search of employment.
(You can also pound the pavement in an effort to raise funds or gain support for a cause.)
Charlie is out there pounding the pavement since he lost his job.
	put out to pasture
	To say that someone has been put out to pasture means that they have been forced to retire or give up their responsibilities.
He's in good health and he feels it's too early to be put out to pasture.
	be sacked/get the sack
	If someone is sacked or gets the sack, they lose their job, usually because they have done something wrong.
Charlie got the sack when his boss caught him stealing.
	separate sheep from goats
	If you separate the sheep from the goats, you examine a group of people and decide which are suitable and which are not.
Examining job applications is the first stage in separating the sheep from the goats.
	shape up or ship out
	This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve, they will have to leave their job.
When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out.
	show someone the ropes
	If you show someone the ropes, you teach or explain to them how to do a particular job.
The manager is busy showing the ropes to two new trainees.
	another string to your bow
	If you have another string to your bow, you have another skill or possible course of action if everything else fails.
As well as her excellent qualifications, she's got another string to her bow to help her find a job.  She speaks fluent Chinese.
	tricks of the trade
	This term refers to a clever or expert way of doing things, especially in a job.
He's a tough negotiator;  he knows all the tricks of the trade.
	waiting in the wings
	If someone is waiting in the wings, they are waiting for an opportunity to take action, especially to replace someone else in their job or position.
There are many young actors waiting in the wings ready to show their talent.
	walking papers
	If you are given your walking papers, your contract or a relationship has ended.
After causing a diplomatic incident, Carter got his walking papers.
	work to rule
	During a conflict, when employees decide to do only the minimum amount of work required by company rules, and refuse any overtime, etc., they work to rule.
In protest against the new measures, the employees decided to work to rule.
	worth one's salt
	Someone who deserves respect because they do their job well is
a person who is worth their salt. 
Any inspector worth their salt would have checked the papers carefully.
	xerox subsidy
	This term refers to the habit of using the photocopier at work for personal use.
A certain percentage of photocopies are in fact xerox subsidies.
http://www.learn-english-today.com/idioms/idiom-categories/business-work.htm 
Business - Work
(Idioms, page 1 :  ace up your sleeve  → bricks and mortar )
	ace up your sleeve
	If you have an ace up your sleeve, you have something in reserve with which you can gain an advantage.
Our new product is an ace up our sleeve.
	hold all the aces
	A person who holds all the aces is in a very strong position because they have more advantages than anyone else.
Given the high unemployment rates today, employers hold all the aces.
	ambulance chaser
	A lawyer who finds work by persuading people injured in accidents to claim money from the person who caused the accident is called an 'ambulance chaser'.
Peterson and Scott are well-known ambulance chasers - that's how they make their money!
	back to the salt mines
	Saying that you have to go back to the sale mines is a humorous way of talking about returning to work, usually with some reluctance.
We get two days off at Christmas and then it's back to the salt mines!
	bait and switch
	This term refers to a deceptive commercial practice of advertising
a low-priced item to attract customers, then telling them that the product is out of stock and persuading them to buy a more expensive article.
This store is famous for its bait and switch tactics. 
	in the black
	To say that a person or organisation is in the black means that they are financially sound, have a positive balance on their account and that they owe no money.
	black market
	The black market refers to the illegal buying and selling of goods or currencies.
Be careful of what you buy on the black market - it's not always good quality.
	blamestorming
	A discussion among a group of people who try to determine who
or what is to blame for a particular mistake, failure or wrongdoing, is called 'blamestorming'.
A blamestorming session took place following the unfavourable reviews in the press.
	blank cheque
	If you give someone a blank cheque, you authorize them to do what they think is best in a difficult situation.
Tom was given a blank cheque and told to negotiate the best deal possible.
	blue chip company
	This term refers to a company with a solid reputation for the quality of its products and the stability of its growth and earnings.
It's usually safe to invest in a blue chip company.
	above board
	If a situation or business is described as above board, it is open, honest and legal.
There are not secret negotiations.  Our dealings have always been above board.
	boil the ocean
	To “boil the ocean” means to waste time on a task or project that is unnecessary, not worth doing or impossible to achieve.
“I expect you to do the job well but don’t try to boil the ocean!”
	get down to brasstacks
	When people get down to brass tacks, they start to discuss the essential aspects of a problem or situation.
The situation was so serious that after a few polite exchanges they quickly got down to brass tacks.
	break your back
	If you work extremely hard, or put a lot of effort into achieving something, you break your back to do it.
If you want the job done well, you should accept to pay more.  He's not going to break his back for such a low price!
	bricks and mortar / bricks and clicks
	An established trading company (office/shop) is referred to as a 'brick-and-mortar' business.
'Click companies' refer to internet-based operations.
Companies which do both are called 'bricks and clicks'.
Click businesses are usually more flexible than brick-and-mortar operations.
	business as usual
	After an unpleasant or unexpected event, this expression means that everything is continuing in a normal way, in spite of the difficulties.
It was business as usual at the supermarket the day after the hold-up.
	business before pleasure
	This expression means that it is considered preferable to finish one's work before going to relax and enjoy oneself.
I'd love to have lunch with you  but I've got a report to finish - business before pleasure I'm afraid!
	business is business
	This is a way of saying that in financial and commercial matters, friendship or personal feelings should not be allowed to have any influence.
I'll hire your brother only if he is the best candidate. I'm sorry butbusiness is business!
	can't stand the pace
	If you can't stand the pace, you are unable to do things well when there is a lot of pressure.
She once worked for a famous fashion designer but she couldn't stand the pace.
	carve out a niche
	A person or company who carves out a niche concentrates on a particular segment of the market, to which they supply a product or service, and develop their expertise in that area.
In today's competitive market it is better to carve out a niche and try to become the best in that area.
	cash cow
	A product or service which is a regular source of income for a company is called a cash cow.
His latest invention turned out to be a real cash cow.
	cash in your chips
	If you cash in your chips, you sell something, especially shares, either because you need the money or because you think the value is going to fall.
Andy cashed in his chips as soon as business started to slow down.
	too many chiefs, not enough Indians
	This expression refers to a situation where there are too many people giving instructions and not enough people doing the work.
The business wasn't successful.  There were too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
	clinch a deal
	In a business relationship, if you clinch a deal, you reach agreement on a proposal or offer.
Paul's final argument enabled us to clinch the deal.
	cog in the machine
	If you say that someone is a cog in the machine, you mean that, while they are necessary, they only play a small part in an organisation or plan.
The police quickly realized that the suspect was just a cog in the machine.
	make cold calls
	If you make cold calls, you telephone potential customers from a list of people you do not know.
In my first job I had to make cold calls using the telephone directory.
	copper-bottomed
	To describe something such as a plan, a contract or a financial arrangement as copper-bottomed means that it is completely safe or reliable.
He signed a copper-bottomed agreement with a distributor.
	corner the market
	If a company dominates an area of business, and leaves no room for competition, it is said to have cornered the market.
By importing large quantities and selling at low prices, they have cornered the market.
	creative accounting
	This term refers to the presentation of a company's results in a way that, although generally legal, glosses over the problems and makes the results appear better than they are.
It was suggested that some creative accounting might help to attract investors.
	cut and dried
	If you refer to a situation, problem or solution as cut and dried, you mean that it is clear and straightforward with no likely complications.
When the new manager arrived, he didn't find the situation as cut and dried as he had expected.
	cutting edge
	This expression refers to the newest, most advanced stage in the development of something.
The company is at the cutting edge of aeronautics.
	dead wood
	The term dead wood refers to people or things which are no longer considered useful or necessary.
The new manager wants to reduce costs by cutting out the dead wood.
	do the spadework
	Someone who does the spadework does the preparatory work or the preliminary research.
Although I did all the spadework, my name was never mentioned.
	dog eat dog
	This expression refers to intense competition and rivalry in pursuit of one's own interests, with no concern for morality.
The business world is tough today. There's a general dog-eat-dog attitude.
	in the doldrums
	To say that a person, a business or the economy in general is in the doldrums means that the situation is gloomy and that nothing new is happening.
Despite the recent measures, the economy is in the doldrums.
	a done deal
	This expression is used to refer to an agreement or decision which has been reached on a certain matter.
We're still considering several proposals, so it's not a done deal yet.
	done and dusted
	When a project, task or activity is done and dusted, it is completely finished or ready.
I've nearly finished preparing the presentation.  When it's all done and dusted I'll be able to relax.
	donkey work
	This expression is used to describe the unpleasant, repetitive or boring parts of a job.
I do the donkey work - my boss gets the credit!
	doom and gloom
	A general atmosphere of pessimism, and a feeling that the situation is not going to improve, is referred to as doom and gloom.
Fortunately it's not doom and gloom for all businesses, in spite of the economic situation.
	down the drain
	To say that money, time or energy has gone down the drain means that it has been wasted or lost.
His years of research went down the drain when the company went bankrupt.
	drastic times call for drastic measures
	When faced with a difficult situation, it is sometimes necessary to take actions which in normal circumstances would appear extreme
After Johnny's third accident, his father confiscated his car.
Drastic times call for drastic measures!
	dream ticket
	If you refer to two people as a dream ticket, you think they would work well together and be successful.
Clinton and Obama teaming up for the elections would be a dream ticket 
for many Democrats.
	dry /dummy run
	If you organise a rehearsal, a trial exercise or a practice session
of something, in realistic conditions, to see how well it will work before it is launched, you do a dry run.
Let's do a dry run of the ceremony to make sure everything goes smoothly.
	above the call of duty
	If a person does something which is over and above the call of duty, they show a greater degree of courage or effort than is usually required or expected in their job.
The fire-fighter received a medal for his action which went above and beyond the call of duty.
	eager beaver
	The term eager beaver refers to a person who is hardworking and enthusiastic, sometimes considered overzealous.
The new accountant works all the time -  first to arrive and last to leave. He's a real eager beaver!
	elbow grease
	If you use elbow grease, you need energy and strength to do physical work such as cleaning or polishing.
It took a considerable amount of elbow grease to renovate the old house.
	farm something out
	If something, such as work, is farmed out, it is sent out to be done by others.
We farmed out the packaging to another company.
	finger in every pie
	If someone has a finger in every pie, they are involved in many activities.
For information about the activities in this town, you should talk to John Brown.  He's got a finger in every pie.
	work your fingers to the bone
	A person who works their fingers to the bone is extremely hardworking.
He deserves his success; he worked his fingers to the bone when he started the business.
	foot in the door
	To say that someone has a foot in the door means that they have a small but successful start in something and will possibly do well in the future.
With today's unemployment, it is difficult to get a foot in the door in any profession.
	get a foothold
	If you get a foothold somewhere, you secure a position for yourself in a business, profession or organisation.
The contract got the firm a foothold in the local administration.
	free hand
	If you have a free hand, you have permission to make your own decisions, especially in a job.
My boss gave me a free hand in the choice of supplier.
	funny business
	A business which is conducted in a deceitful, dishonest or unethical manner is called funny business.
I've got suspicions about that association.  I think they're up to some funny business.
	get your hands dirty
	If you get your hands dirty in your job, you become involved in all aspects of it, including work that is physical, unpleasant or less interesting.
His willingness to get his hands dirty won the respect and approval of the whole team.
	get something off the ground
	If you get something off the ground, you put it into operation after havingorganised it.
After a lot of hard work, we finally got the campaign off the ground.
	get the show on the road
	If you manage to put a plan or idea into action, you get the show on the road.
OK, we've got all we need, so let's get the show on the road.
	give someone a run a run for their money
	If you give someone a run for their money, you present strong competition in circumstances where the other person expects to win easily.
We didn't get the contract but we gave our competitors a run for their money!
	go belly up
	If a business or project goes belly up, it is unsuccessful or goes bankrupt.
The restaurant went belly up before the end of the first year.
	go for a song
	If something goes for a song, it is sold at an unexpectedly low price.
I was able to buy the car simply because it was going for a song.
	go out of business
	If a shop, firm or enterprise goes out of business, it closes down or goes bankrupt.
If the new road bypasses the town, a lot of shops will go out of business.
	going concern
	A business or activity that is dynamic and successful is agoing concern.
They opened a coffee shop that is a going concern today.
	golden handcuffs
	The term golden handcuffs refers to a large sum of money or a generous financial arrangement granted to an executive as an incentive to stay in their job, or to ensure long-term cooperation after their departure.
	golden handshake
	A golden handshake is a generous sum of money given to a person when they leave a company or retire (sometimes given to encourage early retirement).
	golden opportunity
	A golden opportunity is a favourable time or an excellent occasion which should not be missed.
An internship in that company would be a golden opportunity for you - it might lead to a permanent job later.
	golden parachute
	A golden parachute is a clause in an executive's employment contract stating that the executive will receive certain large benefits if their employment is terminated.
	grease someone's palm
	If you accuse someone of greasing somebody's palm, you are accusing them of giving money to someone in order to gain an unfair advantage or to obtain something they want.
In some countries, it is common practice to grease government officials' palms.
	one hand washes the other(together they wash the face)
	This expression means that when people cooperate and work well together, there is a better chance of a achieving results.
	upper hand
	If a person or organisation gains or gets the upper hand, especially in a fight or competition, they take control over something.
We increased our market share and gained the upper hand over our competitors.
	all hands on deck
	When there is a need for all hands on deck, everyone must help, especially if there's a lot of work to be done in a short amount of time.
As the opening day approached, it was all hands on deck to have everything ready in time.
	have one's hands tied
	If a person has their hands tied, something such as an agreement or a rule is preventing them from doing what they would like to do.
Mark deserves to earn more, but the manager's hands are tied by the recent salary agreement.
	hive of activity / beehive
	A place where there are lots of things happening, and everyone is very busy, is called a hive of activity.
When I went to offer help, the kitchen was already a hive of activity.
	hold the fort
	When you hold the fort, you look after a place or a business in the absence of the person who is normally in charge.
Rosie, could you hold the fort please while I go to the post office?
	household name/word
	When the name of something becomes very familiar because it is so often used, it is called a household name or word.
The product was so successful that its name became a household word in no time.
	irons in the fire
	If you have a few, or many, irons in the fire, you are involved in several projects at the same time.
The travel agency is not his only venture - he's got more than one iron in the fire.
	hit the ground running
	If someone hits the ground running, they are ready and eager to start immediately on a new activity.
He intends to hit the ground running when he starts his new job.
	jump on the bandwagon
	If a person or organisation jumps on the bandwagon, they decide to do something when it is already successful or fashionable.
When organic food became popular, certain stores were quick to jump on the bandwagon and promote it.
	keep head above water
	To keep one's head above water means to try to survive by staying out of debt, for example a small business.
Business has been slow, but we've managed to keep our head above water.
	knuckle down
	If someone knuckles down to something, they start to work on it seriously.
If you want to succeed, you'll have to knuckle down to some serious work.
	lame duck
	A person or organisation in difficulty and unable to manage without help is called a lame duck.
Some banks have become lame ducks recently.
	left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing
	To say that 'the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing' means that within a group or organisation, communication is so bad that one person doesn't know what another person is doing.
	licence to print money
	This expression refers to an officially authorized activity which enables people to make a lot of money without much effort.
The contract to supply computers to schools was a licence to print money!
	make hay while the sun shines
	This expression is used as an encouragement to take advantage of a good situation which may not last.
Successful athletes are advised to make hay while the sun shines.
	mix business with pleasure
	When people mix business with pleasure, they combine work and leisure or social activities.
Seminars or training sessions that include leisure activities are a good way of mixing business and pleasure.
	money spinner
	If an activity is a money spinner, it is a very successful way of making money.
Washing cars was quite a money spinner when I was a student.
	monkey business
	An activity which is organised in a deceitful or dishonest way is called monkey business.
The results announced seem suspicious - I think there's some monkey business going on.
	move the goalposts
	During a course of action, if someone moves the goalposts they change the rules or conditions.
Our objectives have been set for next year.  Let's hope the boss doesn't move the goalposts halfway through.
	movers and shakers
	The term movers and shakers refers to people in power who take an active part in making things happen.
Mover and shakers  are assembling in Brussels for the summit.
	nitty-gritty
	When people get down to the nitty-gritty, they begin to discuss the most important points or the practical details.
I was interested in the project, but we didn't get down to the nitty-gritty until his partner arrived.
	nuts and bolts
	The nuts and bolts of something are the detailed facts and the practical aspects.
We need to discuss the nuts and bolts of the proposal before going any further.
	opposite number
	A person who holds the same position as oneself in another company or organisation is called one's opposite number.
I spoke to my opposite number in several local companies and we all agreed to join the anti-pollution campaign.
	ostrich strategy/policy
	Someone who adopts an ostrich strategy or policy chooses to ignore or evade an obvious problem in the hope that it will resolve itself or disappear.
Adopting an ostrich strategy will only make matters worse - we've got to find a solution.
	overplay your hand
	If you overplay your hand, you are overconfident and spoil your chances of success by trying to obtain too much.
Sam is hoping for a bonus for his good results, but he may be overplaying his hand if he asks for a promotion.
	pass the buck
	If you say that someone is passing the buck, you are accusing them of not taking responsibilityfor a problem and letting others deal with it instead.
Whenever a customer comes to complain, she always finds a way of looking busy - a great way of passing the buck!
	pass muster
	If someone or something passes muster, they are considered to be satisfactory or acceptable.
The interview went well.  I hope I'll pass muster.
	pick up steam
	If a project or process picks up steam, it starts to develop or become more active.
The campaign started slowly but picked up steam after Christmas.
	piece of the action
	When someone wants a piece of the action, they want to participate in what other people are doing and benefit from it.
The songwriter thought the show would be a success so he wanted a piece of the action.
	in the pipeline
	If something is in the pipeline, it is currently in progress or being organised.
A new version is in the pipeline at the moment.
	play the market
	If you play the market, you buy stocks and shares in the hope of making a profit when you sell them.
It's always tempting to play the market, but it's more risky at the present time.
	pull your weight
	To say that somebody pulls their weight means that they do their fair share of the work.
It's great working with Sandra. She always pulls her weight.
	put your shoulder to the wheel
	If you put your shoulder to the wheel, you start putting a lot of effort into a difficult task.
We'll have to put our shoulders to the wheel to deliver the goods on time.
	red tape
	The term red tape refers to official rules and bureaucratic paperwork that prevent things from being done quickly.
If there wasn't so much red tape, the company would be up and running already.
	roaring trade
	If you do a roaring trade, your business is very successful.
Cosmetic surgeons are doing a roaring trade these days.
	roll up your sleeves
	When you roll up your sleeves, you get ready for hard work.
The house was in a mess after the party so we had to roll up our sleeves and start cleaning.
	learn the ropes
	If you learn the ropes, you learn how to do a particular job correctly.
He's a smart kid.  It won't take him long to learn the ropes.
	seal of approval
	If a project or contract receives a seal of approval, it receives formal support or approval from higher authorities.
We can't conclude the deal without the director's seal of approval.
	second a motion
	During a meeting, if you second a motion, you formally agree with a proposal.
She seconded the motion to introduce flexible working hours.
	sell ice to Eskimos
	This expression is used to describe a person who has the ability
to persuade someone to accept something totally unnecessary or useless. 
It's not surprising he was named 'salesman of the year'. He could sell
ice to Eskimos!
	send up a trial balloon
	If you test something such as an idea, a project or a product, to see how people respond to it, you send up a trial balloon.
The idea seemed excellent but when they sent up a trial balloon the reaction was very negative.
	separate the sheep from the goats
	If you separate the sheep from the goats, you examine a group of people and decide which are suitable and which are not.
Examining job applications is the first stage in separating the sheep from the goats.
	set the stage for
	If you set the stage for an event or a development, you create conditions that allow it to happen.
The agreement set the stage for their future working relationship.
	shape up or ship out
	This expression is used to warn someone that if they do not improve, they will have to leave their job.
When Tom started neglecting the customers, he was told to shape up or ship out.
	shotgun approach
	If you use a shotgun approach, you cover a wide range in a non-selective, haphazard and inefficient manner.
Identifying a specific segment of the market as our target will be more effective than a shotgun approach.
	sign on dotted line
	If you sign on the dotted line, you formally give your consent to something by signing an official document.
I consulted a lawyer before signing on the dotted line.
	signed, sealed, and delivered
	When an agreement, contract or treaty is signed, sealed and delivered, all the legal documents are in order.
It is hoped that the agreement will be signed, sealed and delivered before the end of the week.
	skeleton staff / crew
	If a business or organisation works with a skeleton staff, it is run with the smallest number of people necessary.
The office is closed the week after Christmas but there will be a skeleton staff to handle essential operations.
	sleeping/silent partner
	This term refers to a person who invests in a business without taking an active part in its management, and whose association with the enterprise is not public knowledge.
He works alone but his business is partly financed by a sleeping partner.
	slice/share of the cake
	When people feel entitled to a share of the profits or benefits, they want a (larger) slice of the cake (or pie).
Since profits are higher this year, the workers feel they deserve a bigger slice of the cake.
	smokestack industries
	Industries involved in heavy manufacturing such as the production of iron and steel, especially if they cause a lot of pollution, are calledsmokestack industries.
Smokestack industries are no longer authorized  in residential areas.
	smooth waters
	A business or operation that is in smooth waters is making regular and easy progress.
The company seems to be in smooth waters these days.
	speed networking
	This term refers to a relatively new urban trend which consists in making a potential business contact by briefly talking to a series of people at an organised event and exchanging contact details.
	square deal
	A transaction that is fair and honest, or an equitable arrangement, is called a square deal.
We've used the same supplier for years and we always get a square deal.
	start the ball rolling
	If you start the ball rolling, you begin an activity in which other people will join.
Let's start the ball rolling by calling on our first speaker. 
	steal a march
	If you steal a march on someone, you do something in an unexpected or secret way that enables you to gain an advantage over them.
We were able to steal a march on other retailers by immediately offering a 10% reduction on orders received the first day.
	step into the breach
	If you step into the breach, you do work that someone else is unexpectedly unable to do.
Steve stepped into the breach when his colleague had a car accident.
	step into someone's shoes
	If you step into someone's shoes, you take over a job or position held by someone else before you.
William has been trained to step into his father's shoes when he retires.
	strictly business
	An appointment or event that is entirely devoted to business, with no leisure or relaxation, is called strictly business.
Yes we had lunch together but it was strictly business.
	sweat of your brow
	If you earn or achieve something by the sweat of your brow, you do it through hard work and no help.
I got a comfortable lifestyle by the sweat of my brow - I owe it to nobody but myself!
	sweetheart deal
	The term sweetheart deal is used to refer to an abnormally lucrative arrangement between two parties.
Opponents say the contract was awarded to the builder as part of a sweetheart deal, and is therefore illegal.
	take the floor
	When someone takes the floor, they rise to make a speech or presentation.
'When I take the floor, my speech will be short.' he said.
	take a nosedive
	If something takes a nosedive, it drops or decreases in value very rapidly.
The stock market took a nosedive when the property market began to weaken.
	take offline
	If you suggest that a subject be taken offline (during a meeting for example), you consider that it is a separate issue and should be discussed at another time.
Peter, you're confusing things, so let's take that offline shall we?
	talkshop
	If you talk shop, you talk about your work or business in a social situation with someone you work with, and make the conversation boring for the others present.
I never go out with my colleagues because we inevitably end up talking shop.
	there for the taking
	If something is there for the taking, it is easy to obtain.
When our main competitor went out of business, the market segment was there for the taking.
	things are looking up
	To say that things are looking up means that the situation is improving and you feel more positive about the future.
Andy has got two job interviews next week so things are looking up.
	throw over the wall
	If someone throws something over the wall, they deal with part of a problem or project, then pass the responsibility to another person or department without any communication or coordination.
You can't just manufacture a product then throw it over the wall to the sales department!
	too many chiefs, not enough Indians
	This expression refers to a situation where there are too many people giving instructions and not enough people doing the work.
The business wasn't successful.  There were too many chiefs and not enough Indians.
	too much like hard work
	An activity or task that requires too much effort is too much like hard work.
It's so hot today, there's no way I'm going to do any cooking.  That's too much like hard work!
	trade secret
	This term refers to the secrecy of a company's production methods but is often used teasingly.
"Can you give me the recipe for your lemon meringue pie?"  " No way - that's a trade secret!"
	tricks of the trade
	This term refers to a clever or expert way of doing things, especially in a job.
He's a tough negotiator;  he knows all the tricks of the trade.
	up and running
	If a business or a project is up and running, it has started and is fully operational.
In some countries you can have a company up and running in a very short time.
	nothing ventured, nothing gained
	You cannot expect to achieve anything is you risk nothing.
He's going to ask his boss for a promotion even though he has little chance of obtaining satisfaction.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
	walking papers
	If you are given your walking papers, your contract or a relationship has ended.
After causing a diplomatic incident, Carter got his walking papers.
	wear many hats
	Someone who wears many hats has to do many different types of tasks or play a variety of roles.
Our company is small so the employees need to be flexible and accept to wear many hats.
	wheeling and dealing
	Someone accused of wheeling and dealing is though to be involved in complicated, if not dishonest, deals in business or politics.
Since the beginning of the election campaign, there's been a lot of wheeling and dealing going on.
	win-win
	The term win-win refers to a situation or proposition where both or all parties benefit from the outcome.
There were smiles all round when the contract was signed - it was a win-win situation.
	have your work cut out
	If you have to face a difficult task or a challenging situation, you have your work cut out for you.
I've got a month to reorganise the accounts department.  I have my work cut out for me!
Referências Bibliográficas
MALIKOVA, Dagmar. Practical English Handbook for Bachelor Students. Brno University of Technology. Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication. Department of Languages. 
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/2010/05/02/bep-159-int-talking-about-your-job/ 
Na próxima aula:
Describe his/her job (Descrever seu trabalho);
interact in job issues (Interagir sobre assuntos de trabalho).
Nessa aula você:
Learn how to describe your job (Aprendeu como descrever seu trabalho);
see ways to interact in job issues (Viu modos de interagir sobre assuntos de trabalho).