Vocabulary · Free lesson
TOEIC job notices: when and how to apply
A notice can contain an application deadline, an interview date and a job start date. Only one of those answers when the application is due.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
In “Apply through our careers portal by 4 p.m. on November 12,” through our careers portal tells you how; by 4 p.m. on November 12 tells you the latest time. You need both details.
Match the action to its deadline and channel.
Look for the action apply or submit. A time phrase with by gives a latest time: at that time or earlier. A channel phrase such as through the careers portal gives the method. By can also introduce a method, as in by email, so read what follows it. Do not borrow the date from an unrelated sentence about interviews or starting work.
Compare the examples
Apply through our careers portal by 4 p.m. on November 12.
Interviews will take place on November 20.
Send the form by email by noon on Friday.
A timely email does not meet a notice that says applications must go through the portal. Meeting the deadline alone is not enough.
Build the meaning step by step
Action
Apply
Channel
through our careers portal
Latest time
by 4 p.m. on November 12
Try it now
Match the right details
Read all answers and explanations
“Apply through our careers portal by 4 p.m. on November 12. Interviews are on November 20.” When is the application due?
4 p.m. on November 12By attaches the deadline to apply. November 20 belongs to interviews.
“Applications must be submitted through our careers portal. Email applications are not accepted.” Which method is required?
The careers portalMust and not accepted make the portal requirement explicit.
“Send the form by email by noon on Friday.” What does by email tell you?
The submission methodEmail is the method. Noon on Friday is the deadline.
Put it into practice
Repair the application reminder
Notice: “Submit your application through the careers portal by 4 p.m. on November 12. Email applications are not accepted. Interviews take place on November 20.” Preserve the deadline and method.
Email your application by November 20.
See a model answer
Submit your application through the careers portal by 4 p.m. on November 12.
Check the pair together. One correct detail cannot repair another incorrect one.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Does by 4 p.m. mean exactly at 4 p.m.?
No. It means no later than 4 p.m.; earlier is included.
Submit it by 4 p.m.
Can I infer email if the notice gives no method?
No. A missing method is missing information. In a reading question, choose only what the text supports.
Applications are due on November 12.
Take it into your day
The correct date and the correct channel must belong to the same action.
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The English Grammar and English Speaking Master Course develops broader grammar, sentence-building, and communication foundations. Prepositions and sentence meaning help you separate time from method. The dedicated exam course is coming soon; the available main course is not a complete exam-preparation program.
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