Personal appearance at work

Read the two case studies below and answer these questions.

1 What job did the men do?

2 Why were their employers upset?

3 Who apologized? Who accepted the change?

4 Who intends to sue his employer? Why?

John Humphries, aged 62, is a lorry driver who is proud of being well-dressed for work. However, his employer told him that he must not come to work in a collar and tie to drive his 17-tonne lorry. If he did so, he faced the sack. When working, Mr. Humphries, an ex-Royal Airforce man, wore dark blue trousers, a light blue shirt, and a red and grey striped tie. He felt he looked smart and impressed the customers. 'If you present yourself properly, you look good and get respect,' he said. . Humphries' employers were not impressed when he refused to give up his collar and tie. They wanted him to conform to the company's new image of casual clothing such as T-shirts or sweat shirts. They even threatened to dismiss him if he didn't accept their new dress code. Union officials advised him to accept the change and follow the company's policy. He agreed.

Yoshiaki Nishiura, a 25-year-old lorry driver from western Japan, was sacked because he dyed his hair brown. (This is a popular fashion with a growing number of young Japanese.) Although he apologized and dyed it black again, he was still fired. His employer, Mr. Yamago, believed that behavior like Mr. Nishiura's undermined company discipline and corrupted morale. He blamed it on American influence. 'We need drivers to maintain a professional appearance to make a good impression,' he said. A Japanese journalist said, 'Japanese firms expect all employees to look the same and think the same. When you enter a company, you sign away your human rights.' Mr. Nishiura is going to sue his employer for unfair dismissal.

Practical Exercise

Translate from Russian into English using a dictionary.

Read the following recruitment advertisements.

General information.

When a company needs to recruit or employ new people, it may decide to advertise the job or position in the appointments page of a newspaper. People who are interested can then apply for the job by sending in a letter of application and curriculum vitae containing details of their education and experience. The company will then draw up a shortlist of candidates, who are invited to attend an interview.

MEDICAL DESK EDITOR

Science graduate required to work on medical journal. Editorial experience is desirable but not essential as full training is given. Apply in writing to Jonathan Shepherd,

Editorial Director,

Williams & Faulkner Ltd.,

18 Marry Rd.

London SW19.

We are a leading firm of Chartered Accountants and are presently seeking a

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

The successful candidate will be educated to degree level with IPM qualifications and a minimum of 3 years' experience, Responsibilities will include: «developing policies and procedures”:

- advising on aspects of employment law

- co-ordinating training programs

- recruitment selection

In return we offer a competitive salary and generous benefits including a non-contributory pension, 25 days' holiday, private health insurance, and relocation assistance where appropriate.
Apply with CV and covering letter to: Sally Fraser, Director of Human Resources, Brooks Thornton & Co., Norfolk House, 153 Aldwych, London WC2B 4JY.

Employment correspondence.

Writing a resume/CV/solicited/unsolicited letters.

General recommendations

1. First, take notes on your work experience - both paid and unpaid, full time and part time. Write down your responsibilities, job title and company information. Include everything!

2. Take notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives.

3. Take notes on other accomplishments. Include membership in organizations, military service and any other special accomplishments.

4. From the notes, choose which skills are transferable (skills that are similar) to the job you are applying for - these are the most important points for your resume.

5. Begin resume by writing your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top of the resume.

6. Write an objective. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.

7. Begin work experience with your most recent job. Include the company specifics and your responsibilities - focus on the skills you have identified as transferable.

8. Continue to list all of your work experience job by job progressing backwards in time. Remember to focus on skills that are transferable.

9. Summarize your education, including important facts (degree type, specific courses studied) that are applicable to the job you are applying for.

10. Include other relevant information such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional Skills

11. Finish with the phrase: REFERENCES Available upon request

12. Your entire resume should ideally not be any longer than one page. If you have had a number of years of experience specific to the job you are applying for, two pages are also acceptable.

13. Spacing: ADDRESS (center of page in bold) OBJECTIVE double space EXPERIENCE double space EDUCATION double space ADDITIONAL SKILLS double space REFERENCES. Left align everything except name/address.

14. Use dynamic action verbs such as: accomplished, collaborated, encouraged, established, facilitated, founded, managed, etc.

What You Need:

-Paper

- Computer

-Dictionary

-Thesaurus

-Past Employer Addresses

A curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, is a longer (two or more pages), more detailed synopsis than a resume. It includes a summary of your educational and academic background, as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations, and other details. Also, review this advice on how to write a curriculum vitae. Your CV should be clear, concise, complete, and up-to-date with current employment and educational information.

When to Use a Curriculum Vitae

When should job seekers use a curriculum vitae, commonly referred to as CV, rather than a resume? In the United States, a curriculum vitae is used primarily when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. It is also applicable when applying for fellowships or grants.

When asking for a job in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, or Asia, expect to submit a CV rather than a resume. Keep in mind that overseas employers often expect to read the type of personal information on a curriculum vitae that would never be included on an American resume, such as date of birth, nationality and place of birth. United States law on what information job applicants can be asked to provide does not apply outside the country.

The Differences between a Resume and a CV

There are several differences between a curriculum vitae and a resume. A curriculum vitae is a longer (up to two or more pages), more detailed synopsis of your background and skills. A CV includes a summary of your educational and academic backgrounds as well as teaching and research experience, publications, presentations, awards, honors, affiliations and other details. As with a resume, you may need different versions of a CV for different types of positions.

Like a resume, a curriculum vitae should include your name, contact information, education, skills and experience. In addition to the basics, a CV includes research and teaching experience, publications, grants and fellowships, professional associations and licenses, awards and other information relevant to the position you are applying for. Start by making a list of all your background information, then organize it into categories. Make sure you include dates on all the publications you include.

Curriculum Vitae Format

Your Contact Information Name

Address

Telephone

Cell Phone

Personal Information

Date of Birth

Place of Birth

Citizenship

Visa Status

Gender

Optional Personal Information