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–Having completed this project with R & B, Inc., I am now seeking a permanent position as … with … .

–(Consequently,) I have made a career decision to enter the job market (to put my experience and skills to better use).

–I have begun to market myself as … on full-time or contract basis to firms in … .

–These factors have contributed to my decision to look for other opportunities in my career.

–I am excited about a career change in which I will be able to utilize my managerial skills and, at the same time, experience new challenges and opportunities.

–I feel that it would be appropriate to make you aware of my career change.

–I wanted to make you aware of my decision to leave my current position as … with R & B, Inc.

33.Choose from the phrases above to speak of your decision to make a career change in your own letter.

34.The phrases below will help you GIVE REASONS for the job change:

–I resigned my position with R & B, Inc. to accept a position as … with B & C, Inc. in their San Francisco office.

–I’ve decided that I need more responsibility, so I’m seeking to move out of … business into … business.

–I’m seeking to move to … where I could utilize my … skills and experience new challenges and opportunities.

–As I find my present job both intellectually and financially inadequate, I’m looking to move to … where my experience and skills could be put to better use (where my energy and skills can be best utilized).

–I’m looking for the opportunity that will make adequate use of my skills.

–I am anxious to find opportunity where my energy and skills can be utilized to produce active results.

–The company has been merged with another one to form an organization a few times the size of R & B, Inc. The position I held at R & B, Inc. has been eliminated as a result of reorganization (restructuring / downsizing / merger).

–The company is currently going through a major restructuring process, which requires my relocation to another facility (another office in Chicago). It prevents me from continuing my 15 year career with them.

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–As you’ve heard, R & B, Inc. is moving to Boston, and because it is now imperative that I remain in the metropolitan area, I am available for a new position.

–I feel I have outgrown my present company and need more responsibility.

–Dorothy’s health is not good and we feel we must leave New York to find a warmer climate.

35.Choose from the phrases above to give reasons for job change in your own letter.

36.Look through the phrases to REQUEST THE READER’S ASSISTANCE:

a)Informally:

–I am looking for some advice and assistance (counsel from my friends / from people I know and trust). Please think about a way to use my talents and give me a call.

–I am writing to you as I am presently seeking a new position and realize that you may be able to help. Please take a few minutes to think about possible needs among your associates and friends for a man of my talents.

–Would you mind reviewing my resume and letters and giving me some honest opinion?

–Do you know of any upcoming openings in the California area?

–If you know of any potential openings (of someone that might be looking, now or in the future, for someone with my background), please contact me at … (phone number or address).

–If you have any ideas as to where I should direct my search, please let me know.

b)Formally:

–I would appreciate it very much if you could make me aware of any interesting situation that come to your attention (if you permit me to consider you part of my network).

–I would appreciate hearing your thoughts about where you think someone with my skills and abilities might be needed.

–If you were aware of challenging positions within companies, I would appreciate the opportunity to share my achievements, experience and ideas directly with them.

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–If you know or become aware of any business associates, friends, or acquaintances who may be in the market for someone with my abilities, please give them a copy of my resume or give me their names so I can contact them personally.

–Should you be aware of any of your business associates or friends who may be considering the need for a … (position), I would appreciate your giving me their names to contact personally.

–I am interested in entering … field, but unfortunately, my network of friends and acquaintances is limited. I believe you may help me connect with my next job. I would appreciate any assistance you might be able to offer.

–Please feel free to share this information with any employer who may be interested in the skills and experience I can provide.

37.Choose from the phrases above to ask for your friend’s assistance in your own letter.

38.The phrases below will help you make a REQUEST FOR supplying you with INFORMATION:

–My purpose is not to look for a job, but to gain more information. I respect your insight and experience, and believe your suggestions would be applicable.

–I do not expect you to have or know of any openings at this time. Rather, I am seeking expertise and guidance in becoming acquainted with one or more firms seeking an experienced professional.

–I would welcome your ideas on how to contact these firms (people).

–I am not writing to you seeking an employment from R & B, Inc., as it is my understanding that you are not currently hiring. Actually, I am seeking any information which you might have regarding my job search.

–I am writing to you hoping to obtain some information pertaining to … You are ideally situated to help me gain some insight into … business.

–Because you are a leader in the … business community, your advice and ideas are valuable to me.

39.Choose from the phrases above to ask for information in your own letter.

40.Here are the phrases to summarize your QUALIFICATIONS:

–I believe my 14 years of experience as a professional executive has uniquely prepared me to manage state-of-the-art in … business (company).

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–I am good at managing people and other resources to attain good results.

–Most of my experience with R & B, Inc. was related to … , but included also … .

–My experience with R & B, Inc. has given me exposure to a wide range of problems in … business.

–My expertise would best fit … industry, although I also have considerable background in … .

–During my working years I have acquired considerable knowledge and experience in … .

–I have gained this kind of experience through performance of significant duties in R & B, Inc.

–I was affiliated with R & B, Inc. for almost 4 years and have participated in a number of major projects in different areas.

–This, coupled with strong organizational skills and leadership abilities, makes me a candidate for consideration in a wide variety of positions.

41.Choose from the phrases above to summarize qualifications in your own letter.

42.Look through the phrases that may help you give JOB PREFERENCE characteristics:

a)Geographic preference:

–I would prefer to remain in the Chicago metro area or relocate to the Pacific Northwest.

–I am not restricted geographically.

–Geographic location is not a major consideration.

–I am willing to relocate to other parts of the country.

–Although we enjoy living in California, my wife and I would gladly relocate.

–Although I do not have preference as to … (industry), I do prefer a company based in California.

–Relocation is not a problem as my wife and I find the prospect of moving exciting.

b)Company or field preference:

–I am looking for a kind of organization where I could find a good fit and fully utilize my abilities.

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–I am looking forward to becoming an integral part of a professional team and participating in the long-term results of the team effort.

–I like being a part of a dynamic organization that … .

–I am open to a broad range of opportunities (to any opportunity that has growth potential).

–I have some preference to stay in … business, but I am not limiting my search to this area.

–Please note that my skills are not restricted to … .

–…. are also of interest to me.

–I would like to continue my … career.

43.Choose from the phrases above to speak of job preferences in your own letter.

44.The phrases below are used to mention your RESUME:

–I have enclosed (attached) two copies of my current resume. As I am currently employed, I would appreciate this to be kept in confidence.

–I am including (enclosing) my resume, current up until March 20XX, which will give you an idea of what I have been doing recently. As I have not yet given notice, I would appreciate your discretion in this matter.

–Enclosed is an outline of my current resume. Since I’ve already given notice, feel free to circulate it as you see fit.

–As my enclosed resume outlines, I have had considerable experience in …

–My qualification summary (summary of my accomplishments) is enclosed.

–I would really appreciate your reviewing the enclosed resume.

45.Choose from the phrases above to mention your resume in your own letter.

46.Here are the phrases to CLOSE the letter by:

a)Expressing thanks:

–I would appreciate your help (any assistance you can provide) and look forward to talking with you.

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–I would really appreciate any suggestions you might have that could be helpful in finding a job.

–Thank you for your attention. I am aware that you must be very busy, and I appreciate your consideration.

–Thank you for your continuing help and support (now and in the past).

–I’d like to thank you for your help and cooperation.

–I regret imposing upon you for help – I know you are busy.

–I welcome any assistance or advice you can give me.

–Any assistance or advice you can give me would be greatly appreciated (welcomed).

–Be assured that any effort you make to help me will be appreciated (welcomed).

b)Speaking of future contacts:

–I am planning to follow this letter with a phone call to you in a few days to hear your thoughts and suggestions.

–I am anxious to talk with you and will call in the next week.

–… but regardless of whether you are aware of anything, I’d like to get a note from you to hear how you are.

–Regardless of whether you have any leads, give me a call and let me know what you’ve been up to.

–Should you know of any potential openings, please feel free to telephone (contact) me at … (tel. or address).

–Should you be free in the near future, Mary and I would like to have you come to dinner.

–Please do not hesitate to telephone should you have any questions or require additional information.

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47.Choose from the phrases above to close your own letter.

48.Combining phrases from different parts, make up a draft of a networking letter to your personal friend, a business associate, or a former fellow employee. Tailor the letter to make it sound personal. Practice writing letters to your friends or acquaintances involving them in your job search.

49.In your job campaign, you will have to speak about the above things not only in writing, in your job letters, but orally as well, either face-to-face with people that you approach for help or over the phone. To feel confident that you can do this, practice making oral statements about it.

a)Working in pairs, make short dialogs about the decision to change the current job, the reasons for it, your qualifications, job preference characteristics, your availability for contacts, etc.:

Model:

1)St. 1: What’s your problem?

St. 2: I’ve decided to make a career change to put my experience to better use.

2)St. 1: Why have you decided to change your career?

St. 2: I feel I have outgrown my present position and need a promotion.

3)St. 1: How can I contact you?

St. 2: I can be reached at 369-9290 beginning Monday, February 11th.

b)Working with the class as a whole, make requests for providing you assistance in your job search or supplying you with information.

Model:

St. 1: Do you know of someone who can be useful for my job search?

St. 2: If you know of someone who can be useful for my job search, please let me know.

St. 3: I would appreciate it if you could let me know of any interesting situation that comes to your attention.

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c) Express gratitude for cooperation. Work together as a group.

Model:

St. 1: I’d like to thank you for your help and cooperation.

St. 2: I appreciate your consideration very much.

St. 3: Thanks for your assistance and advice.

50.Using the text of your letter as the basis, make an oral statement including 1) your intention to change your job, 2) giving reasons for it, 3) summarizing your qualifications for the job, and 4) speaking of job preference characteristics.

LISTENING AND SPEAKING

Dialog

51.Listen to your teacher reading the dialog. Has David received the letter yet?

52.Listen to the dialog once again and repeat after each speaker. Follow the script if necessary.

I’M ON THE JOB MARKET RIGHT NOW

Ted: Hi, David. This is Ted calling you from New York.

David: Hi, Ted. How are things?

Ted: Fine, thanks. I sent you a letter last week and just wanted to find out if you’ve received it.

David: Not yet. I’ve been on business this week and haven’t seen the mail yet. What’s it about?

Ted: I’m on the job market now and just wanted to make you aware of it. You’ve got lots of contacts in the electronic industry, so I thought you might let me know if you hear of something. I would greatly appreciate any help.

David: Sure. Shall we speak right now?

Ted: Not now. I’d rather you saw the letter first. It has all the information in it. I’ll give you a call a few days after you’ve received it. Is it OK?

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David: Absolutely. My love to Doris. Sally is looking forward to having both of you come to us next week.

Ted: Thanks a lot. Warm regards to Sally. I’ll get in touch soon. Bye till then.

David: Bye.

53.Role play the dialog. Trade roles.

54.Look back at the dialog and note what phrase is used to express preference.

55.Study some more phrases you may need when speaking about preferences:

a)To ask about preferences:

–Do you prefer … / to do … ?

–Would you prefer … or … ?

–Would you rather (do …)?

–Would you rather I did … ( I did … or …?)

–Which would you prefer / like better?

–Which do you prefer … or … ?

–Which seems better / the best?

–Do you like … better?

–What would you like, … or … ?

b)To express preferences:

–I’d prefer (something) / to do something (rather than something else).

–I’d rather (do something).

–I’d rather you / he / she, etc. (did something).

–I’d like … better.

–I’d like … more / better than / rather than … .

56.When telling your friends what kind of job you need, you will have to speak about preferences (job preference, geographic preference, etc.). For this, you can use WOULD RATHER to say what you would prefer to do. It is followed by infinitive without TO.

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Study the model and practice speaking about your preferences using the choices suggested.

Model:

A:(Shall we talk right now? Do you want to talk …? What about talking …? I think we should talk … Would you like to talk …?)

B:I’d rather think about it for a while.

C:I’d rather not speak of it at all.

D:I’d rather not.

1)Go to the party / stay home; 2) wait a little / not to be kept waiting; 3) travel by car / travel by plane; 4) live in a country / live in a city; 5) stay in California / move to the Southeast;

6)work in a team / be on your own; 7) look for administrative position / managerial position;

8)limit your search to the New York area / not limit your search geographically; 9) look outside your present business / be open to any opportunity.

57. WOULD RATHER can be used to say that one person would prefer another person to do something. Study the models.

a) In this case, a PAST tense is generally used with a PRESENT or FUTURE meaning:

Model:

–(Shall we discuss it right away?)

–I’d rather you gave me a call when you hear of something.

–I’d rather we didn’t.

b)a PAST PERFECT tense is used to talk about PAST actions:

Model:

–My wife’d rather we had moved to California.

–I’d rather you had not told my boss about it.

58.Assume you are secretary to an important boss. He is going on business to Los Angeles, which is quite unexpected, and there are lots of things to be settled. You are interested to know whether your boss is planning to do these things himself or delegate them to

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