What to wear to get that job?
You get the job (or don’t) within six seconds of walking into the interview. Lucy O’Brien asks four bosses, two men and two women, how they’d react to these outfits.
THE EDITOR Fine. I will probably give her a job. She looks efficient and keen. I would be quite impressed with her. THE HEADTEACHER High heels don’t make much sense in a school and a short skirt with tights is asking for trouble, quite frankly. THE DESIGNER Fine. A lot of designers look like that, quite minimalist. Black and grey are very popular. THE BANKER She’s smart, she’s fashionable, I’d employ her.
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THE EDITOR I’d question whether she’d be adventurous enough, or bold enough as a reporter. He looks too conservative. THE HEADTEACHER Overdressed for an interview, let alone the classroom. She looks as if she’s going to a board meeting. It’s executive clothing, something industrial companies would no doubt love. Extremely bright and colorful, but too smart for here. THE DESIGNER She looks like a seventies air hostess. I’m not sure what her design would look like – probably not very exciting. THE BANKER What a smart, elegant young woman! She’s clearly going places. You can’t fault her outfit at all: neat hair, co-ordinated jewellery. And red! A good assertive colour. She’d do very well. |
THE EDITOR Someone with no dress sense at all. I wouldn’t worry too much because journalists have no dress sense. THE HEADTEACHER Perfect. She’d taken a lot of trouble with her hair, she looks comfortable, the shoes are flat, and the skirt is not provokingly short. I’d give her the job. THE DESIGNER She looks very comfortable, which is a plus. I wouldn’t say no, but she would have to wear something smarter for a client meeting. THE BANKER She looks very unassertive. I’d worry ере she isn’t projecting herself as a dynamic young executive of the future if she’s dressing in this girlie way.
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Ex 5. In groups. What clothes do you think are suitable to wear for a job interview as: part-time shop assistant? waiter at a café? secretary?
Ex 6. Look at the following ads and underline the skills and qualifications needed for each job.
1 Secretary/Receptionist required for Accountant firm in city center. Proficiency in MS Office, good interpersonal skills, and good telephone manners essential. Candidate should hold a diploma from a recognized business school. Experience an advantage though not a necessity. Apply with resume, copy of diploma and three references to… |
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2 Accounts Manager Prestigious language school requires an Internal Accounts manager to take responsibility for a number of key existing accounts together with the development of new business. Candidates, preferably graduates, with proven ability will report to the Director. Remuneration negotiable and based on qualifications and experience. |
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3 Sales representative (rep) required for a small but dynamic automobile company. The selected candidate must enjoy all aspects of sales and be willing to research the latest car models. Ability to work in a team and a strong interest in the client are essential. No experience necessary as on-the-job training is provided. Basic salary and commission on car sales. Apply to…
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Ex 7. Read the ads and answer the questions:
1. What qualifications are essential for the Secretary/Receptionist position?
2. What responsibilities are listed for the Accounts Manager?
3. From the new graduate’s point of view, what advantages are offered by jobs a 1 and 3?
4. Is it essential that the Accounts Manager have a university qualification? 5. What features of the sales representative job might be a motivating factor?
Ex 8. Complete the following sentences with a suitable word used in any of the three ads above.
1. Though we have stated that we are willing to pay a suitable candidate, the salary is in fact …………………….. .
2. Experience and qualifications are …………………………… for this job and the candidate should have worked for at least three years with a reputable company.
3. One great ………………………….. to this job is that there is an opportunity for on-the-job training.
4. No previous experience is ………………………… for the job of secretary as training is provided.
Ex 9. Work in small groups. Read through two resumes and decide which applicant is better suited for the job. Give your reasons.
A job at a large banking organization
Responsibilities:
Work as a part of a team to take ownership of all HR functions within the bank including staff development, training, and issues concerning staff welfare.
Maintain all staff documents including contracts, leave, and sick benefits.
Participate in internal and external recruitment procedures.
Applicant 1 Qualifications 1982-84 Community College Diploma in Business On-the-job short courses in various aspects of HR and computer programs
Experience 1996-2006 Rights General Trading Human Resources Manager
1984-96 RFC Food Co.
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Applicant 2 Qualifications 2003-05 University of Birmingham M.A. in Human Resources Management 2000-03 University of Cincinnati B.A. Business Administration – special focus on Finance
Experience 2005-2006 More Mortgages Co. Assistant in HR Department (temporary)
2003-2005 Library Support
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Ex 10. Write your own resume for the position of secretary in a large prospective advertising company.
Lesson 1.2.3. Staying safe
Ex 1. What disasters are shown in pictures? What other natural disasters can you think of?
Ex 2. Look at the headlines. Which disasters are mentioned here? Which are natural and which are man-made?
1. Massive earthquake leaves thousands homeless in India |
2. Village flooded as river breaks banks |
3. Malawi declares famine emergency |
4. Arsonists blamed for forest fires |
5. Evacuation underway as Mount Etna erupts again |
6. Gas explosion kills family of four |
Ex 3. Listen to the people’s comments and match them with the pictures.
Ex 4. a) Read the following news report and think of a suitable headline for it.
Disaster struck in the town of Redbrooke late last night when the recently built Palmer Court apartment block caught fire and was completely destroyed.
It was just after 2.00 am when many of the residents in the building were woken by the smell of smoke. The Fire Brigade was alerted and arrived promptly to evacuate the building and extinguish the fire.
The fire spread rapidly through the building and the rescue operation had to be carried out quickly in order to save the forty-three residents inside. Twenty-nine people were taken to Redbrooke General Hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns, but it is expected that they will be discharged later today. The remaining fourteen people were evacuated safely with no injuries. The Fire Brigade battled with the fire until 7 o’clock this morning but were unable to save the building. The residents will be provided with temporary accommodation.
An investigation is being carried out to determine the cause of the fire. At present it is suspected that it was caused by malfunction in the electrical wiring system, which would explain why so many flats were affected at the same time.
b) Read the text again and answer the following questions:
1. What was the cause of fire? 2. How many people were injured or died?
3. What measures were taken to save people?
Ex 5. Fill in the correct words from the list below. Use the words only once.
wiring, smoke, minor, spread, rescue, extinguish
1. ………….. inhalation
2. …………..operation
3. ………….. system
4. ………….. burns
5. ………….. rapidly
6. ………….. fire
Ex 6. Match the list of things which can cause accidents with the accidents in the list.
1. a plastic bag 2. excessive consumption of alcohol 3. a gas leak 4. faulty wiring 5. boiling water |
a. a car crash b. a scald c. an electric shock d. suffocation e. an explosion |
Ex 7. Match the incidents with the survival techniques mentioned. Then discuss in pairs as in the example.
SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES: try not to move, cover nose and mouth with a damp cloth, stay close to the floor, go to the highest level of the building, use a whistle to signal your position, turn off electricity to prevent electrocution.
fire |
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trapped in debris |
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flood |
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e.g. A: What can you do if you get trapped in a fire?
B: I can cover my nose and mouth with a damp cloth.
Ex 8. a) Read the instructions below and explain the meanings of the words in bold.