In pairs, take turns summarizing the advice offered in the previous exercise. Use expressions from the box
| You have to … It is advisable to… You shouldn’t … We advise you to… Your resume should be… Make sure you… You should … You do not have to … |
Reading
Read this extract from an advertisement for a job at a large banking organisation. Then read through the two resumes and decide which applicant is better suited for the job.
| Responsibilities: Work as a part of a team to ta Ø ke ownership of all HR functions within a bank including staff development, training and all issues concerning staff welfare. Ø Maintain all staff documents including contracts, leave and sick benefits. Participate in internal and external recruitment procedures. |
| Applicant 1 Qualifications: 1982-1984 Community College Diploma in business On-the-job short courses in various aspects of HR and computer programmes Experience: 1996-2006 Rights General trading Human Resource manager Ø Responsibility for all HR staff management Ø Recruitment supervisor Ø Adviser on all staff development issues 1984-96 RFC Food Co. Human Resources Support Assistant Ø Recruitment Ø Employee contracts Ø Organisation of staff PD | Applicant 2 Qualifications: 2003-05 University of Birmingham M.A. in Human Resources Management 2000-03 University of Cincinnati B.A. Business Administration – special focus on finance Experience: 2005-06 More Mortgages Co. Assistant in HR Department (temporary) Ø Preparing documents and maintaining files on all applicants Ø Sending letters of invitation to interview to short-listed applicants 2003-05 Library Support Ø Afternoon duties at circulation desk Ø Organising books on shelves |
From In Company Intermediate
Listening
I. Listen to two people from the Human Recourse Department discussing the two applicants. Check ü the positive points for each applicant.
| Applicant 1 | Applicant 2 | |
| overall qualifications | ||
| specific courses | ||
| years of experience | ||
| range of responsibilities | ||
| experience related to finance | ||
| flexibility | ||
| team player |
Writing
Now, using the ideas and advice contained in this lesson write your own resume. Use the given form as an example.
| Name | Crystal Danziger |
| Address | 1245 Dahia Road Sumner, Washington WA147 |
| Telephone | (554) 854-5217 |
| danz @ hotjob.com | |
| Objective | A clerk position in a high quality library, where my customer service and organization skills will be utilized and appreciated. |
| Education 1996 – 2000 1996 - 1994 1993 - 1994 | University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Bachelor (Library Science). Evergreen State College, Olympia, WA. Highline Community College, Des Moines, WA. |
| Highlights of Qualifications Organization Skills Clerical Skills | Demonstrated experience shelving books, straightening shelves and keeping the collection in order. Strong skills for data entry, assigning bar codes, preparing mailing and labelling new material. |
| Experience 2001- present | Library Clerk, National Air and Space Museum, Washington, WA. - Entered data on PC computer - Bar-coded books - Prepared mailing |
| 2000 - 2001 | Library Clerk, Skyway Library, Seattle, WA. - Shelved books - Bar-coded books - Stamped and labelled new material |
| Languages | German (fluent) |
| Computer Skills | MS Office (Word, Excel), E-mail, Internet |
| References | Available upon request |
Lesson 4. Winning an Interview
Warm-up
I.. Discuss the quotation:You will never get a second chance to make a first impression.
II. In pairs, discuss the questions.
· When was the last time you attended an interview? What was it for?
· How did you feel before, during and after the interview?
· How well or otherwise did the interview go? Why?
Listening
I. Listen to some advice about interviews and check ü the appropriate boxes.
| Do | Don’t | |
| · Observe the proper dress code · Wear bright and loud clothes · Show what you know about the company · Relax and just be yourself · Give a casual informal greeting · Say negative things about past employers · Maintain good eye contact · Reply with short yes or no answers | q q q q q q q q | q q q q q q q q |
II. Discuss your answers with your partner.
Reading
When you apply for a job, you often have to go for an interview. What is the best way to get the job? Read the advice below and be prepared to discuss it. Pay attention to the words in italics.
Everybody is nervous at interviews so don’t worry about it. If it becomes a real problem, then go for a walk just before the interview and watch other people living their daily life-try to realise that if you fall the interview is not the end of the world. There are other more important things in life.
It is obvious that you are expected to arrive on time, but a surprising number of people still manage to arrive late and this clearly makes a very bad impression, however good the excuse is. If you do arrive early, you can always spend time looking around the premises. Decide if you would like to work there.
Even in this day and age it is still worth taking some trouble with your appearance, especially if you are going to an interview at a big multinational company or bank or insurance company. Put on your best clothes and make sure they are ironed. It is probably not a good idea to smoke during the interview -smoking has had such a bad press recently that is not worth taking the risk.
Be polite but do not say necessarily accept everything they say - be prepared to challenge some of their ideas. Employers are always happy to have people who have clear ideas and express their opinions with some force.
Do find out as much as you can about the company or institution before you go. Find out exactly what they do and find out as much as you can about the job you are applying for. If you can’t find out certain things then make a note and ask them at the interview. Employers are always impressed when they find someone who has done their homework and someone with an enquiring mind - but plan your questions before you go. It is even worth writing them down on a piece of paper and looking at them again just before you go in. Finally find out the name of the person who is going to interview you.
Try to predict what questions they might ask you. It’s much easier to shine at an interview if you can answer questions quickly and efficiently.
Above all, show confidence. Tell them you are sure you can do the job and would enjoy the challenge and stimulation of working there.
From English for Business
Reading comprehension