(Interviewing a volunteer for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games)

Interviewer: First, would you like to explain why you are interested in this job?

Interviewee: Well, I think it’s very meaningful to participate in something as special as this; you know, to be able to welcome overseas friends and to make them feel at home, what a privilege!

Interviewer: Nice, and what will you do when an overseas guest asks for help?

Interviewee: That’s easy. I’ll just try my best to help them! If they ask for directions, I’ll make sure they know where they are on the map and then point them in the right direction. If they need suggestions for entertainment, I’ll show them around. If they are short of money, I’ll… give them money!

Interviewer: Give them money? Are you sure? Why not give me some?

Interviewee: Hehe … sorry, that’s a mistake. I meant I’ll try my best to help them.

Interviewer: You’ve got the right idea, and have a very good attitude indeed. And by the way, what will you do if you encounter some unfriendly guests that have some unreasonable requests?

Interviewee: Well, in that case, I’ll stay calm and politely explain the reason why I can’t be of more assistance. Trust me. I’ll be able to find the balance between being a good host to foreigners and maintaining the dignity, virtue and honor of our Chinese traditions.

Interviewer: I understand it’s quite a delicate balance. And I’m very happy to see that you understand this too - you are hired!

Interviewee: Really? Hoo-ray!

Interviewer: Behave yourself!

Interviewee: Oh, yes sir!(Written by Tina; Level: Middle) 欢迎您2008年光临北京

(招聘2008年北京奥运会志愿者的一次面试)

面试官：首先，请解释一下你为什么会对这一工作感兴趣？

应聘者：嗯，我认为能亲身参与像北京奥运会这样特殊的历史事件是非常有意义的。你知道，能有机会欢迎来自五湖四海的国际友人，使他们宾至如归是件多么荣幸的事啊！

面试官：很好！那么当一位外国客人向你寻求帮助时，你会怎么办？

应聘者：很简单呀，我会尽力帮助他们！如果他们是问路，我保证让他们清楚他们当前在地图上的确切位置，再告诉他们应该怎么走；如果他们需要一些娱乐建议，我就带他们到处走走看看；如果他们缺钱，我就……给他们钱！

面试官：给他们钱？你确定？为什么不先给我点呢？

应聘者：嘿嘿……对不起，我说错了。我的意思是说我会尽最大努力帮助他们。

面试官：你的想法很正确，态度也非常好。对了，如果遇到一些不太友好的客人提出一些不尽合理的要求，你会怎么处理？

应聘者：嗯，碰到这种情况，我会保持冷静，礼貌地向他解释我不能提供这类帮助的原因。请相信我，我能在既当好外国客人的称职东道主，又能维护我们中华民族的尊严、美德与名誉间找到一种平衡。

面试官：我知道这是一种十分微妙的平衡，很高兴你已经明白了这一点，你被录取了！

应聘者：真的？万岁！

面试官：放规矩点！

应聘者：哦，是！

explain v. 解释

meaningful adj. 意味深长的

participate v. 参与

privilege n. 荣誉；特权

overseas adj. 外国的

unreasonable adj. 不合理的

maintain vt. 维持

dignity n. 尊严

delicate adj. 微妙的