4. Interviewing a Potential Roommate

A: Hello, this is Albert.

B: Hi. I'm Jack. You called about the room for rent. Are you still interested?

A: Yes, I am.

B: I was wondering if I could ask you a couple of questions.

A: Shoot.

B: I just want to be sure that we get along.

A: I agree with you 100 percent--we must get along.

B: Are you a party animal?

A: Oh, no. I'm a very quiet person.

B: Great! Next: Are you neat or are you a slob?

A: I'm a pretty neat person.

B: Are you a night owl or a day person?

A: Early to bed, early to rise.

B: Finally, do you smoke?

A: Actually, I quit smoking four years ago.

B: Excellent answers. Do you have any questions for me?

A: Just one: Is there a parking lot?

B: Unfortunately, you have to park in the street.

A: Well, I'm desperate. I'll take it anyway.

B: Great! Let me know when you're ready to move in.

A: I think it will be tomorrow if that's okay.

B: No problem. I'll be here all day tomorrow.

A: Hello. You've reached Albert.

B: I'm Jack. Are you still interested in renting a room?

A: Yes, very much so.

B: Would it be all right if I asked you some questions?

A: Fire away.

B: I just want to make sure that we are compatible.

A: That's a good idea. We need to get along.

B: Do you like to party?

A: I don't party, and I don't like people who do.

B: Great! Now, are you a neat person, or do you leave trash all over?

A: One of my mottoes is to clean as you go.

B: Do you sleep in or rise early?

A: I go to bed early, and I get up early.

B: And last, are you a smoker?

A: I can't stand cigarette smoke.

B: Excellent. Now, do you have any questions for me?

A: Only one. Where can I park my car?

B: I hate to tell you, but it's street parking.

A: I don't like it, but I need an apartment now, so I'll take it.

B: Great! Give me a call, and I'll help you move your stuff in.

A: Will tomorrow be okay with you?

B: That sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow.

A: Hi, this is Albert.

B: Hi, my name is Jack. You called about a room for rent. Are you still interested?

A: Yes, more than you know.

B: I don't mean to pry, but could I ask you a couple of questions?

A: Ask away.

B: I don't want us to be roommates who don't get along.

A: Yes, we must get along if we are going to be roommates.

B: Is partying one of your priorities?

A: I'm a student. I don't have time to party.

B: Very good. Now, do you clean up after yourself?

A: I clean up my own mess, and I expect others to do so, too.

B: What time do you usually hit the sack?

A: Occasionally, I stay up late if there's a big test the next day.

B: What about smoking?

A: If I ever get elected President, I will ban smoking nationwide.

B: Very good. Now, would you like to ask me anything?

A: Yes, I have one question. Do I have to park in the street?

B: I'm sorry. Yes, you have to park your car in the street.

A: I hate street parking, but I need the apartment now.

B: Very good. Just call me when you're ready to move your stuff over here.

A: How about if I come over tomorrow afternoon?

B: Just ring the doorbell. I'll be here all day.