Useful language
• To begin letters: I am writing to apply for the post/position of …advertised in…
I am writing in connection with/with regard to the vacancy in your Sales Department, as advertised in The Times on/of 14th October.
• Experience /Qualifications:
I am currently /At present I am employed /working as…
I was employed as (position) by (company) from (date) to (date)…
During this time, I held the position of … /was responsible for … /my duties included…
I have received training in … /completed an apprenticeship, etc…
My qualifications include … /I am presently studying /attending a course…
I am due to take my final examinations in June…
I was awarded a degree /certificate /diploma in …
I have successfully completed a course in (subject) at (place)
• To end letters:
I enclose/ Please find enclosed my CV/ references from…
I would appreciate a reply at your earliest convenience /as soon as possible.
I would be available for an interview at any time/ until the end of June/ etc.
I would be pleased /happy to supply you with any further information /details…
Please contact me should you have any further questions.
2) You have seen an advertisement in the newspaper for the position of Hotel Manager at a popular ski resort. Write a letter of application giving information about yourself, your qualifications and previous experience, as well as explaining why you would be suitable for the job in about 200 words.
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VII. Interview
Have you ever been to a job interview? What was it like?
What tips would you give to someone who's coming to an interview?
1. Read Christopher Jones's article concerning preparation, underline the main writes he talks about.
How to get prepared for a job interview
Everyone loves to get this phone call: "This is Jane Doe. I'm calling to see if you would like to come in for a job interview."
Your pulse races: A job interview!
It isn't until the night before the interview that your stomach drops, a feeling of slight dread sets in and you ask yourself, "What am I gonna wear?" "What am I gonna say?"
You've got a case of the pre-interview jitters: A good sign that you haven't spent enough time preparing.
Getting ready for an interview should begin at least three days before the interview is scheduled to take place. This week, we'll run down the top things you should do before the big day arrives.
The Clothes Make the Job Seeker
Make sure your interview clothes are clean and pressed a few days beforehand.
The last thing you want to worry about the night before an interview is pleading with your drycleaner or getting burned by a hot iron.
Also, make sure you have a neutral colored umbrella on-hand in case of rain.
Don't Forget Your Resumes!
Make good-quality copies of your resume on a nice grade of paper. Take more copies than you will possibly need - just in case. Store the copies in a folder where they will stay clean and unwrinkled.
Organize your portfolio, tear sheets, professional reference lists or any other papers you think your prospective employer would like to see.
Make sure your purse or briefcase is stocked with everything else you'll need: A working pen (no pencils!), a notebook, breath mints, a comb, the umbrella I mentioned and some tissues.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like most things, people get better at interviewing with a little practice.
Dedicate one night prior to the interview to a mock Q and A. You can set this up with a friend or conduct the interview yourself with a list of frequently-asked interview questions and a mirror.
Don't panic if, during the actual interview, you are not asked any of the questions you practiced. The point of practicing is to "warm up" to the process of answering questions on the fly.
Do Your Homework
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Spend at least two days before the interview researching the company. Take notes. Memorize important facts.
A little preparation goes a long way. A couple of hours researching the company and practicing answers to interview questions can give you that extra bit of confidence you need to ace the interview.
2. Work with a partner.
1) Think of the most common questions on a job interview?
2) Look at the following questions and decide how you would answer them.
• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
• What are your salary requirements?
• Why should we hire you?
• Why did you leave your last job?
• If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?
3) What questions would you ask a potential manager?
3. Listening.
You will hear David Smyth, the Personnel Manager of a major European insurance company, answering questions about the way he interviews and selects candidates.
1 In the first extract he talks about the four points listed below. Listen and number them in the order in which he mentions them.
a the mistakes a candidate can make in an interview
b the qualities a candidate must have
c his advice to interviewees
d the kinds of things a candidate is expected to know
Listen again and make notes on each point.
2 In the second extract, David Smyth talks about the stages of an interview. Listen to what he says and complete the following chart.
1
Interviewer is informed that the candidate has arrived |
2
|
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3
Candidate is asked what he or she knows about the job and the company |
4
|
5
Interviewer gives candidate his views on the job and the company |
6
|
7
|
3 Look at the questions that David Smythe uses during an interview. In which section of the interview would each question appear?
a Have you ever been in a situation in which you lost your temper?
b What sorts of projects did you work on during your time with them?
c What do you know about our recent acquisitions in Latin America?
d Did you have any trouble finding our building?
e How do you deal with difficult people?
f Which of the options that you took at university was the most interesting?
g How ambitious are you?
h Are there any questions that you'd like to ask me?
4. In group discuss the questions which in your opinion are illegal to be asked.
What questions wouldn't you feel comfortable to answer?
In the USA the following issues are considered to be illegal to ask at the interview. What about your country?
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Race
Color
Sex
Marital status
Religion
National origin
Age
Disability
4. Work in pairs. Act out a job interview.