VIII. Speak about applying for a job using these prompts.

– employment agency

– job opportunity

– firm reputation

– free command of the language

– appropriate position

– job interview

– to write an effective resume

– educational and professional background

– the research on the company

– to send an application

– to stress your qualification for the vacancy

– to gain experience

– to stress your flexibility and readiness to learn.

Text b applying for a job

Time flies, and one day you will have to seek for the job. In this unit you will learn how to write a letter of job application, curriculum vitae (CV) – resume (American version), a short written account of your education and past employment.

Besides you'll be given some hints (advice) on how to behave during an interview.

How to write a job application

The job-winning tips given by some professionals:

1. Writing in black ink on white unlined paper looks professional. Put your address, telephone number and date in the top right-hand corner and the name of the person you are applying to on the left, level with the date. Write the company name and address below.

You can possibly type your letter but employers do prefer to see your handwriting. Leave a line between paragraphs.

2. First paragraph – a polite one-sentence opening explanation why you are writing.

3. Tell them you know they are busy people but stress that your CV proves you are worth time too.

4. Describe yourself like a product on sale. List your skills and personal qualities like high motivation, enthusiasm and adaptability.

5. If you have qualifications, list them briefly.

6. Flattery is important, so explain why it's the only firm you want to work for.

7. Ask for an interview. Say you are happy to come in for a chat at any time, even if there are no jobs available now. Thank the reader for their time and remind them you are waiting for a reply. Use «Yours sincerely» if you're writing to a named person and «Faithfully» if you started «Dear Sir/Madam». Sign your letter at the bottom left and print your name clearly below.

Cv (curriculum vitае)

Always type it on unlined white paper, preferably a single sheet.

Write your name, address and telephone number.

Put your health record, date of birth and marital status.

In the next section, note down your education. Put any qualifications on the next line.

Next, detail your work history, starting with your most recent job. Give dates and describe your duties.

List hobbies and interests and put extra information in a separate section.

End by saying that two referees are available on request – not naming them leaves you free to choose the best ones for particular jobs. Remember the longer an application, the less chance it has of being read.

Never send a photo-copied letter – it looks like you don't care.

Always be positive and never apologies for being You.

Text С

CV

Preparing for a job: CVs

Your CV should be

word-processed laser printed on good quality paper no longer than two pages of A4 paper

You should include:

1. Personal details

The employer wants to know «who you are and how to contact you (essential informal only).

2. Education

3. Work experience Don't just describe the job – stress what you achieved and what you learnt.

4. Positions of responsibility

If you do not have a lot of work experience, this section will show employers your potential.

5. Skills Be positive about your ability – never undersell your experience.

6. Interests Stress any significant achievements related to your interests.

7. Referees

Current students and recent graduates should choose an academic referee and a personal one (this could be an employer).

Get your referees permission first and tell them what you are applying for and what you would like them to stress in a reference.

Read the advice and look at Helen Brown's CV. Following the guidelines, prepare your own CV.

Curriculum vitae

Personal Details
Put your most recent studies first	Helen Brown Date of birth 3.11.1978		Address 99 Newlands Park London SE30 8UJ Tel: 0171 25650
Education
Don't go too far back in time or leave any gaps	1997-present Degree in French and Film Studies, University of London Degree performance to date: 2.1 Specialist subjects: British Cinema. 1992 -1997 Royal Latin School, Aylesbury 4 A Levels: French (B), German (C), English (B), Film studies (A) 7 GCSEs: French (A), German (A), English (A), History (B), Art (A), Maths (B), Economics (B)
Work experience
Put your most recent experience first	1999 Information Officer, Futuroscope, France Responsible for dealing with enquiries in a busy office, responding, to 2.000 enquiries a week. This demonstrated my ability to retain a professional approach and a sense of humour while working under pressure.
Give more detail about more relevant experience	1998 Customer Services Assistant Provided support for customer enquiries. Dealing with customers' complaints demonstrated my ability to remain calm under pressure. Explaining complex issues simply and clearly helped me to develop my communication skills.
Positions of responsibility
Miss this section out if you haven't had a position of responsibility	In my final year at school, I helped organize a careers fair for all final year students.
Don't just list your interests - add a few details	Skills	Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel Spreadsheets Working knowledge of French and Italian Current clean driving licence
	Interests	Travel: I have travelled extensively and independently in Europe. Music: I play the guitar in a semi-professional band and have done a number of 'gigs' for school and student clubs.
Give two referees	Referees	Hamish Roberts (Tutor at University of London) 17 Woodland Avenue Oxford OX117GGR		Richard Gayle (Customer Services Manager/DAT) 31 Pleasant Street London SE18 3LSR