Resume as it is

A resume is a document which summarizes your qualifications for the job. Though a resume is a compilation of facts- a record of dates, important courses, names, places, addresses, job responsibilities, it is neither your autobiography, a college transcript, nor a company’s application form. Actually, it focuses the reader’s attention on those aspects of your background which are most relevant for the job you seek and provides factual information to support your application letter.

Employers generally spend less than a minute to scan a resume. The resume should be short enough to be read in a moment but long enough to include all pertinent information. An entry- level applicant should condense it to one page, but if you are an experienced professional, your resume can run to two pages which is also appropriate.

There are eight basic sections in the resume:

1. Identifying information.

Here you put your full legal name. the address with the zip code and your phone number with proper area code. Capitalize all the letters of your name to make it stand out.

2. Summary or resume capsule.

This includes information that summarizes your qualification for the position sought. Here is your opportunity to highlight those aspects of your background that have been acquired over a period of many years in a number of different positions or in an early job.

3. Job and career objectives.

The objective briefly describes the type of work desired, the type of place where you want to work, and may contain a phrase about specific interests area, short- or long- term professional goals.

4. Education.

As you compose this section of your resume, carefully emphasize what in your background meets the requirements for the particular job. Obligatory information includes your degree, Institution, its location, the dates of attendance and graduation listed in reverse chronological order.

5. Employment (or Work Experience).

This is the most important category for many employers. It shows that you are responsible and knowledgeable about the obligations of being an employee. Under this heading, list all jobs held full- or part time or summer work, including company’s name and location, and position you held. Don’t mention why you left a job. Briefly describe your duties for and responsibilities each job.

6. Hobbies, Activities, Sports, Awards, Minors, Skills, Membership, Publications, Patterns. This section are optional, and if included, should be listed either separately or grouped together, e.g Honors and Awards, Interests and Hobbies, Activities and Membership.

7. Personal Information (or personal data).

You will have to determine whether listing such personal details as height, weight, health, marital status, religion, national origin, etc., However, most resumes today include none of the items because such personal information is considered irrelevant to a person’s ability.

8. References.

Careful choice of references is as important as careful writing of the resume. Solicit references only from people who know your work best and for whom you have done the best work.

Employers are impressed with a resume that: a) looks good (conservative, tasteful, balanced, on quality paper); b) reads easily and quickly (distinctive headings and subheadings; clear layout, sharp, unbroken letters; on one side of the paper only); c) is completely free of error (grammar, usage, spelling)

d) provides information the employer need for making an interviewing decision or discarding the one that does not meet these requirements.

Ex 3. Study the text and try to find answers to the following questions:

1. In which situations do you need a resume?

2. What functions does the resume fulfill?

3. How long should a resume be and why?

4. What are its parts?

5. Which aspects of your background do you present on the resume?

6. Which sections are obligatory and which are optional?

7. What is more important on a resume – its content or its visual design?

Ex 4. Listen to the dialogue find out phrases that express preferences and train their intonation.

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 is it about?

Ted: I’m on job market now and just wanted to make you aware of it. You’ve got lots of contacts in 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?

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.

Ex 5. Study some more phrases you may need when speaking about preferences make your own dialogue.

To ask about preferences: To express preferences:

Do you prefer …/ to do…? I’d prefer to do smth

Would you prefer … or…? I’d rather (do smth)

Would you rather (do…)? I’d rather you /he/she,etc

Which would you prefer? I’d like… more/ better than

Writing project

Ex 6. Write introductory and concluding paragraphs to your resume.Share your ideas with your group mates.

Lesson 8.3.3. Job interview

Lead-in

Ex 1. Select the best response for each of the questions bellow.

1.Can you give me some references?

-You can talk to the manager at Bright Cleaners or my teachers.

• You may contact Miss Sarah Wilkins, my high school English teacher, and Mr. Ron Brian, the manager at Bright Cleaners, where I worked in summer.

2.Will you have any difficulty getting to work?

• I caught a ride with a friend this morning.

• Thought it’s difficult to get ride this far regularly, I can make arrangement to get to work on time every day.

3.Why do you think you are best suited for the job?

-I’ve held a lot of positions like this one and that experience will help me here.

- You need someone who can produce the results and my background and experience are proofs of my ability.

4.What are you looking for in this position?

• I’m looking for an organization that will appreciate my contributions and reward my efforts.

• I’m looking for an opportunity to apply my skills and contribute to the growth of the company while helping create some advancement opportunities for myself.

5. Why haven’t you taken a job yet?

• I’ve come across some attractive opportunities but, so far, I haven’t found a position that pays what I feel I am worth.

• This decision is very important to me. I have been offered position but, to date, I haven’t been able to find a position that meets my criteria and this is important as match must be good for me and the company.

6. Why did you leave your last job?

• I was one of 300 people laid off when the sales fell.

• I couldn’t get along with my boss as he always looked over my shoulder.

• I want to move on to a company that will not stunt my growth.

• I have a solid plan for my career. Within that plan I’m looking for additional responsibility and more room for growth.

Reading

Ex 2. Read the text. Why do you think the interview is so important for the employer? Is it of the same importance to the applicant?