49. Exam preparation: jobs and careers

clock off

She clocks off at 5.15.

It’s time to clock off and go home.

​to record the time at which you leave work, especially by putting a card into a machine

credentials [krəˈdenʃlz]

She has impeccable credentials as a researcher.

He has all the credentials for the job.

the qualities, training or experience that make you suitable to do something

quotient [ˈkwəʊʃnt]

IQ - ​intelligence quotient - a measurement of a person’s intelligence that is calculated from the results of special tests

EQ - emotional quotient - the capacity to be aware of, control, and express one's emotions, and to handle interpersonal relationships

​a number which is the result when one number is divided by another 

constrain [kənˈstreɪn]

The evidence was so compelling that he felt constrained to accept it.

The company said that it was constrained to raise prices.

Research has been constrained by a lack of funds.

She felt constrained from continuing by the threat of losing her job.

​[usually passive] to force somebody to do something or behave in a particular way

​[often passive] to limit somebody/something

conscientiousness [ˌkɒnʃiˈenʃəsnəs]

They were impressed by the professionalism and conscientiousness of the staff.

the quality of doing things carefully and correctly

have a command of something [kəˈmɑːnd]

Applicants will be expected to have (a) good command of English.

She has an excellent command of French.

your knowledge of something; your ability to do or use something, especially a language

purport [pəˈpɔːt]

The book does not purport to be a complete history of the period.

He purports to be a poet

to claim to be something or to have done something, when this may not be true

take on board

I told her what I thought, but she didn't take my advice on board.

to accept and understand an idea or a suggestion

hallmark [ˈhɔːlmɑːk]

Police said the explosion bore all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.

The regime adopted the style which was to become its hallmark in the 1960s.

a feature or quality that is typical of somebody/something

conform [kənˈfɔːm]

He refused to conform to the local customs.

There is considerable pressure on teenagers to conform.

The building does not conform with safety regulations.

to behave and think in the same way as most other people in a group or society

to obey a rule, law, etc.; comply