XII. Write your own CV (resume)

XIII. Interview a) interviewingA skillful interviewer avoids asking questions like these: Have you written many reports and letters in English? (yes/no) Are you an aggressive person? (yes/no) but instead asks questions like these: Can you tell me about your experience in writing English? What kind of person would you say you were?

If a candidate has more chance to speak, the interviewer has more time to listen to what he or she says and can form a better impression. If you want a questions to sound more friendly and less aggressive – or if you want to play for time while you think of another good question to ask – you can use expressions like these: could you tell me…; I wonder if you could tell me…; would you mind telling me…; I’d also like to know…; I’d like to know…; do you happen to now…

b) being interviewed:

Remember that successful job interviews are like a good theatrical performance. If you convincingly act confident, enthusiastic, and prepared for those tricky questions, there’s a good chance you’ll be called back for an encore! Imagine being prepared for just about every possible question a job interviewer could throw at you! Not only would you be more relaxed and confident in the interview, but you’d have a chance to prepare dynamic and well thought-out answers to those job interview questions.

You can give yourself a little time to think before you answer a difficult questions by using these expressions: let me see…; that’s a very good question; I’m not sure about that; oh, let me think…; I’ve no idea, I’m afraid; I’m afraid I don’t know.

XIV.Work in small groups. Here is some advice that might be given to an inexperienced interviewer. Which of the points do you agree with entirely or party? Give your reasons.

ü Make sure you are not interrupted or phoned during the interview.

ü Read the candidate’s CV and application before the interview begins.

ü Ask the candidate to explain why he or she keeps changing jobs.

ü Make sure you have a clear picture of the scope of job.

ü Ask each candidate the same questions.

ü Decide on a maximum of four key qualities required for the job.

ü Make sure the candidate has an uncomfortable, low chair.

ü Ask the candidate about his political and religious beliefs.

ü Trust only a candidate who looks straight in the face.

ü Trust your first impressions.

ü Never let the candidate feel relaxed.

ü Avoid talking too much yourself.

ü Avoid open questions that can be answered with «Yes» or «No».

ü Find out the candidates opinions on a variety of topics.

ü Encourage the candidate to ask you about fringe benefits, the pension scheme and promotion prospects.

ü Tell the candidate about the status of the job and its terms and conditions.

ü Interview groups of candidates, rather than one by one.

ü Tell the candidate when he or she may expect to hear your decision.

XV. Imagine that a young friend of yours is about to attend an interview. Note down at least ten pieces of advice that you would give to him or her. Here are a few suggestions:

ü Wear smart, formal clothes.

ü Don’t smoke.

ü Sit up straight.

ü Arrive on time.

XVI. Choose one of the jobs you like most and work in groups of three. You will be taking part in three interviews – as an interviewer, as an interviewee and as an observer. The observer’s role is to make notes and give advice to the other two on their performance in the interview.

If you are the observer: as you listen to the interview, make notes on these points:

ü What impression did each person give?

ü If they were nervous, how did this affect their performance?

ü Were there too many “Yes/No” questions?

ü Which questions did they answer badly?

ü Which questions did they answer well?

ü What advice would you give them for their next real interview?

Position: ___________________________________________________