Government Job

Rahul's friend Anita prepares for and secures a government job through a state-level competitive exam.

Meanings in Anita, Exam coordinator, Office colleagues

Key words and phrases

government joba job working for the state or central governmentShe always dreamed of a government job.

vacancyan open position available for hiringThere were fifty vacancies for the post.

application forma form filled out to apply for somethingShe submitted her application form online.

written examan exam answered by writingThe written exam had two hundred questions.

interview rounda stage of selection involving a personal interviewShe cleared the written exam and reached the interview round.

job securitythe assurance of keeping a job for a long timeGovernment jobs are known for job security.

postingthe location or department where an employee is assignedShe received her first posting in Pune.

appointment letteran official letter confirming a job appointmentShe received her appointment letter last week.

civil servanta person employed in government administrationShe is proud to be a civil servant.

public servicework done to serve and help the general publicShe finds meaning in public service.

probationa trial period before a permanent appointmentShe is currently on probation for six months.

pensionmoney paid regularly to a retired employeeGovernment jobs often come with a good pension.

promotionadvancement to a higher positionShe hopes to get a promotion after two years.

transfermoving an employee to a different location or departmentHer transfer to the head office came as a surprise.

eligibility criteriathe conditions a candidate must meet to applyShe checked the eligibility criteria before applying.

admit carda document allowing entry to an examShe printed her admit card two days before the exam.

cutoff marksthe minimum score needed to qualifyThe cutoff marks were higher this year.

syllabusthe topics covered in an exam or courseShe studied the entire syllabus carefully.

allowancesextra money given in addition to salaryHer salary includes travel allowances.

senioritythe status gained from length of servicePromotions are often based on seniority.

Useful sentences

Ask Which government exam are you preparing for?
Answer I'm preparing for the state civil services exam.
Ask How many vacancies are there for this post?
Answer There are about fifty vacancies this year.
Ask Have you cleared the written exam?
Answer Yes, I'm preparing for the interview round now.
Ask Where is your posting going to be?
Answer I'll be posted in the district office.
Ask When did you receive your appointment letter?
Answer I received it just last week.
Ask Did you check the eligibility criteria before applying?
Answer Yes, I met all the requirements easily.
Ask Have you downloaded your admit card yet?
Answer Yes, I printed it two days ago.
Ask Were the cutoff marks high this year?
Answer Yes, much higher than last year.
Ask How long is your probation period?
Answer It's six months before I get confirmed.
Ask Does the job come with a pension after retirement?
Answer Yes, that's one of its biggest benefits.

Dialogue

Exam coordinatorCongratulations, Anita. You've cleared the written exam.

AnitaThank you so much! When is the interview round?

Exam coordinatorIt's scheduled for next month. Please prepare well.

AnitaI will. I've wanted a government job for years.

Exam coordinatorIt offers great job security and a chance for public service.

AnitaThat's exactly why I want this so much.

Exam coordinatorOnce you join, you'll be on probation for six months.

AnitaI understand. Will there be chances for promotion later?

Exam coordinatorYes, promotions are based on performance and seniority.

AnitaThat sounds fair. I'm ready to work hard for it.

Common mistakes

Saying "I am government employee" instead of "I am a government employee" (don't drop the article "a").
Saying "I cleared exam" instead of "I cleared the exam" (don't drop the article "the").
Saying "My posting is come in Pune" instead of "My posting is in Pune" or "I have been posted in Pune."
Saying "I am in probation" instead of "I am on probation."
Saying "I got promote" instead of "I got promoted" or "I received a promotion."
Saying "my transfer happen to Pune" instead of "I was transferred to Pune."

Quick quiz

1. What word means an official letter confirming a job appointment?

2. Complete: "Government jobs are known for job ___."

3. What word describes a person employed in government administration?

4. What is a "probation period"?

5. Complete: "She printed her ___ two days before the exam."

6. What is money paid regularly to a retired employee called?

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