English Refresher

B1 Reading · Unit 9 · Work & Careers

Job Advertisements & Career Profiles

Read two real-style job advertisements and two career profiles. Then test your comprehension with self-grading questions and study the key vocabulary.

Level B1 ~600 words 8 questions Instant feedback

Before You Read

Think about these questions. Talk with a partner if you can.

  • What job do you want to do in the future? Why?
  • What qualifications or skills does that job require?
  • Do you know anyone who works in the careers below?
A candidate being interviewed for a job across a desk
Every job advertisement is a list of what somebody needs.

Every day, thousands of people read job advertisements looking for their next opportunity. But what do employers really want? And what does it take to build a career? Read the two job advertisements and two career profiles below to find out.

Job Advertisement 1: Marketing Coordinator

Position Remote-friendly Entry-level welcome

Marketing Coordinator

BrightPath Solutions  ·  Chicago, IL  ·  Full-time

BrightPath Solutions is looking for a creative and organized Marketing Coordinator to join our growing team. You will support our marketing campaigns, manage social media accounts, and help produce content for our website and newsletters.

Responsibilities

  • Create and schedule social media posts across multiple platforms.
  • Write blog articles and email newsletters.
  • Analyze campaign performance and prepare monthly reports.
  • Coordinate with the design team to produce marketing materials.

Requirements

  • Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
  • You should have strong writing skills and attention to detail.
  • You don't need to have five years' experience — one or two years is fine.
  • You must be able to work independently and meet deadlines.

Benefits

Competitive salary  ·  Health insurance  ·  Flexible working hours  ·  Professional development budget

Job Advertisement 2: Software Developer

Position Fully Remote

Software Developer

Tech Innovators Inc.  ·  Remote  ·  Full-time

Tech Innovators Inc. is looking for a talented Software Developer to join our dynamic team. You will be responsible for designing, coding, and improving our company's software programs. Your role will involve collaborating with other developers and product managers to create high-quality solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and maintain software applications.
  • Test and debug programs to ensure functionality.
  • Collaborate with team members to determine software requirements.
  • Write and maintain technical documentation.
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest software development trends and technologies.

Requirements

  • Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.
  • Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and excellent communication abilities.
  • Experience with software development frameworks.

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance bonuses  ·  Health insurance and retirement plan  ·  Professional development and training opportunities
"A career is built one skill at a time. The question is: which skills will you choose to develop?"

Career Profile 1: Registered Nurse

Career Profile · Healthcare

Registered Nurse

Registered Nurses (RNs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system. They provide patient care, educate patients and families about health conditions, and offer emotional support during difficult times.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assess and record patients' medical histories and symptoms.
  • Administer medications and treatments as directed by doctors.
  • Perform diagnostic tests and analyze results.
  • Educate patients on managing illnesses or injuries after treatment.
  • Provide emotional support and advice to patients and their families.

Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN) or Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN).
  • Applicants must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN).
  • State licensure and ongoing continuing education are required.

Skills Needed

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities.
  • Physical stamina and emotional resilience.
  • Compassion and patience.

Work Environment

Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools. Nurses often have to do shift work, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Career Profile 2: Civil Engineer

Career Profile · Engineering & Construction

Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, buildings, and water supply systems. They play a vital role in ensuring the safety and functionality of our built environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and plan infrastructure projects from concept to completion.
  • Oversee construction and maintenance operations on site.
  • Analyze survey reports, maps, and environmental data.
  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations and building codes.
  • Manage project budgets and coordinate teams of workers.

Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
  • A Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred for senior roles.
  • Continuing education to stay current with technological advancements.

Skills Needed

  • Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
  • Project management and organizational abilities.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
  • Creativity and innovation in problem-solving.

Work Environment

Offices, construction sites, and fieldwork. Civil engineers may need to travel to different project locations. Outdoor work is common in all weather conditions.
A nurse and a civil engineer at work, shown side by side
Two very different careers, built on two very different sets of requirements.

Key Vocabulary

salary —
the fixed money you earn each month or year for your job.
qualifications —
certificates or degrees that show you have studied something officially.
responsibilities —
the duties and tasks that are part of your job.
proficiency —
a high level of skill or ability in something.
licensure —
official permission from the government to do a specific job.
infrastructure —
the basic systems a society needs, like roads, bridges, and water supplies.
compliance —
following rules, laws, and official requirements.
stamina —
the ability to keep going even when something is physically or mentally hard.

Discuss with a Partner

  • Which of the four careers above would you most like to do? Why?
  • Which job has the most challenging requirements? Which has the best benefits?
  • Do you think a university degree is always necessary for a successful career?
  • What modal verbs can you find in the texts above? (Look for: must, have to, should, need to)
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Comprehension Check

Test Your Understanding

Answer the questions about the texts above. Tap Check Answers after each section to see how you did.

A
Comprehension

Job Advertisements

What to do: Read the job advertisements above and answer the questions. Tap Check Answers when you finish.
1. What is the name of the company advertising the Marketing Coordinator position?
2. How much experience do you need to apply for the Marketing Coordinator job?
3. What is one of the responsibilities of the Software Developer at Tech Innovators Inc.?
4. Name one benefit offered to the Software Developer at Tech Innovators Inc.
B
Comprehension

Career Profiles

What to do: Read the career profiles above and answer the questions. Tap Check Answers when you finish.
5. What examination must Registered Nurses pass?
6. Which of these describes the work environment for a Registered Nurse?
7. What degree does a Civil Engineer need?
8. What is one skill needed by a Civil Engineer?
3
Obligation / No Obligation

Sort the Modals

What to do: Does each phrase mean something is necessary, or that there is no obligation? Tap a card to move it into a box, then tap Check Answers.
It is necessary
There is no obligation
4
Talk About It

Discussion

What to do: Discuss with a partner or write your own answers. There is no score — share your real opinions.

Questions

  • Which of the four careers would you most like to do? Why?
  • Describe a job using must, have to and don't have to.
  • Is a university degree always necessary for a good career?
  • What would you put in a job advertisement for your own dream job?
5
Vocabulary

Flashcards

What to do: Tap a card to reveal the meaning and an example. These are the key words for this unit.
a salarynountap to reveal
the fixed money you earn each month or year for your job"The salary is paid at the end of the month."
qualificationsnountap to reveal
certificates or degrees that show you have studied something officially"You need qualifications for this role."
responsibilitiesnountap to reveal
the duties and tasks that are part of your job"Her main responsibility is the budget."
proficiencynountap to reveal
a high level of skill or ability in something"The job requires proficiency in English."
licensurenountap to reveal
official permission from the government to do a specific job"Nurses must complete licensure first."
infrastructurenountap to reveal
the basic systems a society needs, like roads, bridges and water supplies"Civil engineers design infrastructure."
compliancenountap to reveal
following rules, laws and official requirements"Safety compliance is checked every week."
staminanountap to reveal
the ability to keep going even when something is hard"A twelve-hour shift takes stamina."
to apply forverbtap to reveal
to formally ask for a job or a place"I applied for three jobs last week."
experiencenountap to reveal
the time you have already spent doing a kind of work"Two years' experience is required."

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