The
Search for Work
My aim is to learn as much Italian in a shorter space of time as possible. With this in mind I decided I should register with some employment agencies in Bari to find some work (its incredibly difficult to find work in Trani). Not only should this help me to ingratiate myself into the community, but also allow me to apply for Italian Residency (which is another story in itself!) so I have the same privileges as the Italians themselves.
On a sunny March morning Felice and I took the train to Bari. We had previously scanned the internet and made a note of agency names and addresses and planned our route. We were making great progress and managed to visit three agencies in the space of just over an hour. Some agencies wanted me to register with them, others said I could just leave a copy of my CV (which I had translated into Italian with the help of a couple of Felice's friends).
I was doing quite well at understanding what was being said and was even complemented on my knowledge of Italian at an agency where the consultant was dressed in bright pink trousers and an equally loud printed T-shirt! However, there was one agency in particular that I remember because I had to try not to laugh. As we entered what looked from the outside to be a shabby office (but the inside was actually quite pleasant) we were greeted by a consultant who appeared to be alone in the office. I handed her a copy of my CV and mentioned that I'm English. She then asked if it stated on my CV that I have a good knowledge of English!! I looked at her strangely and pointed out where on my CV it states my nationality. However this didn't appear to be clear enough. She went onto explain that I would need to email my CV as they don't keep paper copies. On the emailed copy I would need to emphasise that I have a good grasp of English! Is it not obvious, I thought, that being English naturally gives me a head start in being fluent in the language!! Never the less, I have done as she asked if nothing else but to create a good impression!