Sharing Immediate Next Steps
One peer shares their more immediate, concrete plans for the near future, such as applying for a specific job, pursuing further education, or starting a particular project. The other peer asks clarifying questions and offers initial feedback.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
wrapping up
This phrase means finishing or completing something, like a project. Use it in conversations about ending tasks, e.g., 'We're wrapping up the meeting.'
shifted gears
An idiom meaning to change direction or plans suddenly, like shifting gears in a car. It's useful for talking about career changes, e.g., 'I've shifted gears to a new job.'
perfect fit
Means something that matches exactly, like a job that suits your skills. Common in job discussions, e.g., 'This role is a perfect fit for me.'
cutting-edge
Describes the most advanced or innovative technology or ideas. Use it to show excitement about modern work, e.g., 'Their research is cutting-edge.'
tweaking
Making small changes or adjustments to improve something. Practical for resumes or documents, e.g., 'I'm tweaking my essay.'
reach out
Means to contact or get in touch with someone. Informal and useful for networking, e.g., 'I'll reach out to my old colleague.'
insights
Valuable information or advice from experience. Use in professional talks, e.g., 'She shared great insights on the market.'
insider's perspective
A view or opinion from someone who works inside a company. Helpful for job advice, e.g., 'Get an insider's perspective before applying.'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
So, John, what are your immediate plans now that we're wrapping up this project?
This is a casual way to ask about someone's next steps after finishing something. 'Now that' introduces a reason or time. Use it to start career talks with friends; it's polite and engaging for intermediate learners.
Actually, I've shifted gears a bit.
Use 'actually' to correct or introduce new information gently. The sentence shows changing plans. It's useful in informal chats to explain decisions, helping learners express shifts in ideas smoothly.
It's a perfect fit for my experience.
This explains why a job suits you, using 'fit for' to mean matching. Simple structure: subject + be + adjective + for + noun. Great for job interviews or discussions to highlight personal strengths.
What makes that role a 'perfect fit' for you, specifically?
A question asking for details, with 'what makes' meaning 'why' or 'how.' 'Specifically' adds focus. Use it to clarify in conversations; it shows interest and encourages deeper responses.
That sounds fantastic, John.
An enthusiastic positive response using 'sounds' for opinions on ideas. Add a name for personalization. Ideal for supportive talks; it's simple and builds rapport in peer discussions.
Have you started working on your resume and cover letter for it yet?
A yes/no question with present perfect 'have you started' for recent actions. 'Yet' asks if something is done. Useful for checking progress in job prep; teaches question formation for advice-giving.
I'm also planning to reach out to Sarah in HR next week.
Uses present continuous 'planning to' for future intentions. 'Also' adds extra info. Practical for sharing plans; it demonstrates how to talk about proactive steps in career networking.
That's a smart move.
A short compliment meaning 'good decision.' 'That's' contracts 'that is.' Use it to give positive feedback quickly; common in informal advice, helping learners sound encouraging.