• You will hear a conversation between a head of department and an employee.• F

A: Come in Sharon end take a seat.
B: Thanks.
A: so, where do we start? Should we begin with a look at last year and then go on from there?
B: Fine.
A: So, how do you feel you’ve done in your first full year with the company?
B: Overall, I think I’ve done quite well. I feel quite confident now about what I do.
A: And are you happy with your duties?
B: Well, the job is exactly as it was advertised in the paper, so there have been no surprises. I like dealing with customers and I don’t mind answering the phone and preparing invoices. Sometimes it’s a bit boring typing long price lists, but then everyone has to do it.
A: That’s true. Does anything make your job difficult?
B: The computer. To begin with, I was slow because I didn’t know the program, but now I get annoyed when the computer just stops working for no reason. I often sit looking at the monitor for minutes, not sure whether it is still working or not. I think the network is too old for our soft ware end we need some new machines.
A: But apart from the computer, is there anything else you would like to change?
B: Erm, let me see. I’d like the authority to issue credit notes without having to ask you first. You’re often away on business end sometimes customers ring up with a complaint. And if we can’t contact you, then we can’t deal with the complaint properly. It’s a bit embarrassing at times.
A: Yes, but some of our customers always find something wrong end try end get a credit note with every order. You can’t believe everything they say, you know. What about your objectives for the future?
B: Well, I need to get to know the customers a bit better and maybe try to make fewer mistakes. But I think the most important thing is to increase my product knowledge, so I don’t get embarrassed when customers make enquiries.
A: Don’t worry, you’ll learn all that in time. What I’d like to ask you about now is...