Schreiben
- First read the tasks carefully.
- Then read the text Job Interview.
- Then do the tasks. Make sure to write about all the aspects presented in each task.
Present what you learn about the job at Motive and why Brynn has decided to apply.
Analyse how Brynn’s behaviour changes during the interview.
Focus on how
- Carly’s behaviour influences Brynn,
- Brynn’s behaviour is presented through narrative techniques.
During the interview, Carly states, “You do realise we’re not The Times, though, right? True-crime reporting is a very specific niche, and if you aren’t passionate about it …” (ll. 23 – 25).
Comment on the importance of passion for a job.Include the following aspects:
- Brynn’s decision to apply
- if passion is more important than success or money
- if passion for a job leads to happiness
or
As Carly shows interest in her work, Brynn presents a story about a mysterious theft at a big company in her hometown.
Write a continuation of the text.Include the following aspects:
- Brynn’s short description of the theft
- Brynn’s doubts while presenting her story
- Carly’s reaction to Brynn’s presentation
Job Interview
Extract from Karen McManus’s novel Nothing More To Tell (2022)
17-year-old Brynn has applied for a job at a TV show called Motive, which is about local crime cases. She goes to see Carly, the producer, for her interview.
McManus, Karen M. (2022). Nothing More To Tell. Penguin. (Slightly adapted)
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monatlich kündbarSchulLV-PLUS-Vorteile im ÜberblickDu hast bereits einen Account?The job at Motive is an internship at a TV show that focuses on local crime stories. It’s a competitive position, as Carly, the producer, says they received almost five hundred résumés, mostly from local college students. This shows that many people want this opportunity and that it is taken seriously. The work involves true-crime reporting, which Carly describes as a very specific niche. It seems like the intern would need to do tasks such as social media work, copyediting, fact-checking, and possibly even coming up with story ideas.
Brynn has decided to apply because she has always wanted to be a journalist. She says she has been working towards that goal since middle school and that journalism is the only thing she has ever been good at. She also believes that stories can make a real difference and help people who don’t have a voice. Brynn explains that Motive is the kind of opportunity she needs: not just something to put on her college application, but something real and meaningful. She even brings her own story idea about an unsolved case from her hometown, showing how passionate and prepared she is.At the beginning of the interview, Brynn seems nervous and unsure of herself. For example, she thinks carefully about whether to take a drink because she’s afraid of spilling it. This shows she is anxious and wants to make a good impression. She also answers Carly’s first questions very politely and carefully, giving what she believes is a “safe” answer. However, Carly’s polite but slightly bored reaction makes Brynn feel that she didn’t do well. This causes her to reflect and realize that Carly wants someone more bold and passionate, not just careful.
Carly’s behaviour pushes Brynn to become more confident. When Carly questions if Brynn is really passionate about true crime, Brynn decides to interrupt her, even though she knows it’s a risk. She strongly says, “I am, though,” (line 26) and then explains why this job is so important to her. This is a big change from how quiet and careful she was at the beginning. Carly’s direct and challenging style forces Brynn to show her true self. The author uses narrative techniques like inner thoughts and self-reflection to show how Brynn’s behaviour changes. We read Brynn’s thoughts, for example “Because it’s the only thing I’ve ever been good at” (line 18), and how she notices Carly’s reactions, for example “she looks a little bored and I flush” (lines 21-22). These details help us understand how Brynn is feeling in the moment and why she decides to take a more active role in the interview. The dialogue also shows her becoming more confident, especially when she offers a story idea and stands her ground. In the end, Brynn goes from being nervous and careful to bold and passionate. Carly’s challenging attitude pushes her to stop playing it safe and to take a risk by pitching a story. This shows real growth in her behaviour during the interview.Passion plays an important role when it comes to choosing the right job. In the interview, Carly says, “You do realise we’re not The Times, though, right? True-crime reporting is a very specific niche, and if you aren’t passionate about it …” (lines 23-25). This shows that for her, passion is more important than just doing the job. She wants to make sure Brynn is not only interested in journalism but truly excited about the topic.
Brynn’s decision to apply for the internship at Motive shows her passion clearly. Even though she knows that many college students have also applied, she still takes the risk. She says, “It’s the only thing I ever wanted to be” (line 16), which shows that she is not applying just to get into college but because she loves journalism. In my opinion, passion is more important than success or money. If you only work for money, you might get bored or unhappy. But when you are passionate, work becomes more interesting and meaningful. Brynn is not the most experienced candidate, but her passion gives her the courage to speak up, interrupt Carly, and even pitch a story during the interview. Finally, passion often leads to happiness in a job. Brynn says that being a journalist is the only thing she’s ever been good at. When people do what they love, they feel more confident and fulfilled. Even though she feels nervous during the interview, her passion gives her the strength to continue. In conclusion, Brynn’s passion is what makes her special, and Carly notices that. This shows that passion is often more valuable than experience or success and can even lead to greater happiness in the long term.I look at my notes and start. "So, in short, my story is about a mysterious theft at one of the biggest tech companies in my hometown. A few months ago, some important files disappeared from their servers which included information about a new product they were developing. The strange part is that there was no sign of a break-in, no online breach, and no one has taken responsibility.”
I pause for a second, suddenly unsure. What if this sounds too simple? What if Carly thinks it’s just another boring corporate case? I clear my throat and go on, “There were three employees who had access to the files, but all of them deny taking anything. The company tried to keep it quiet, but I know someone who works there and gave me a few details. There’s even a rumour that it could have been an inside job, or maybe even someone trying to expose the company.” I glance at Carly, trying to read her face. She’s hard to read, her expression doesn’t change, and I feel a wave of doubt. Maybe I shouldn’t have brought this up at all. But then, she leans forward slightly, a small smile on her face. “Interesting,” she says slowly. “Corporate theft isn’t usually what we do, but if you can show the personal side of the story, like who got hurt and who’s hiding something, then it might just work. You’ve definitely got my attention.” I let out a quiet breath I didn’t know I was holding. Maybe taking the risk was the right decision after all.