Q: Ive been out of the (paid) workforce1 for a few years, for medical reasons, although I did some volunteer work in my community during that time. I also started a small business based on a hobby of mine. Now Im ready to go back to work full time, and Ive got appointments for two job interviews. What should I say when asked what Ive been doing since my last real job
A: An interviewer who asks you what youve been doing lately is really asking, What skills have you acquired recently that we might be able to use here In other words, where you were is less important than what you learned. Your volunteer work probably gave you some experience and insights that you didnt have before, and starting a business (even a small home-based one) is nothing if not educational. So sit down and analyze2 what you got out of those two activities--whether it was organizing a fundraising drive, learning how to market a product and deal with difficult customers, or whatever you think might be relevant to the positions youre now seeking. You may be surprised at just how much you did learn during your time away from full-time3 work, and many skills these days are far more portable than most people think.
Q: Which do you think is better, working for only one manager or reporting to several different people I work for a PR agency and have been reporting to a different manager for each of three accounts. Now our managing director wants each of us junior people to work with only one manager (to build loyalty4, he says). Im just starting my career, and Id like to get exposure to many different management styles, rather than knowing how only one person approaches different situations and problems. Do you agree
A: I do, as it happens, although I doubt your managing director is overly interested in my opinion. Not only early in a career, but all the way through, it can be extremely valuable to have lots of role models to draw upon (including really bad bosses, who can teach you a thing or two about how not to manage). However, if youre now to be limited to one boss, you might consider seeking out exposure to lots of different styles and methods by getting involved in a trade association or professional group.
扩展：外企生存十大英语关键词
想在外企有所建树快来看看外企生存的十大英语关键词吧，知己知彼，才能百战不殆。
1. Performance (n.) 人业绩、表现
His performance this month has been less than satisfactory.
他这个月的业绩不是很令人满意。
2. Performance Evaluation1 定期的员工个人评定
The performance evaluation test is a way of seeing how efficient a workers performance is.
定期的员工个人评定是一种考察员工的工作有多高效的手段。
3. Challenge (v.) 在外企的英文中它不当挑战讲而是谴责、批评、指责
His poor performance gave rise to a challenge from his boss.
他差劲的表现遭到了老板的批评。
4. Presentation (n.) 做介绍(一般指打投影仪的那种汇报)
His presentation on the Earth Summit proves that we really need to pay more attention to the global environment.
他在地球峰会上的报告证实了我们的确要更加关注全球的环境。
5. Quota2 (n.) 员工的(一年或半年的)任务量
Have you reached your predicted quota for this quarter
你达到了本季度预期的任务量了吗
6. Solid (n.) 可靠的、稳妥的
Their partnership3 is solid as a rock.
他们的伙伴关系像岩石一样坚不可摧。
7. Complicated (adj.) 复杂的
English grammar is very complicated.
英语语法非常复杂。
8/9. Vacation = Leave 休假 (n.)
It is my vacation soon, I think Ill go to Huang Shan to relax.
我马上就要休假了。我想我会去黄山放松一下。
10. Follow up 把某件事情继续负责追究到底
Have you been following up on the news recently
你有跟踪调查最近的新闻吗
