Focus: Interview preparations. Compiling a CV and a Letter of Application

Skills: Interviewing skills

1. Read the text below and do the exercises.

The person seeking work faces two major problems. The first is actually getting an interview, and the second is making sure they perform well at the interview itself. And I'd like, if I may, to give a few handy tips – some "Do's and Don'ts" as it were.

Firstly, you must make sure that you have a CV and an application letter that is up-to-date. Emphasize the positive aspects of your career history and outline the range of skills you possess which could be useful to an employer. Further details on CV preparation are available in the free leaflet from your local Job Centre. Anyway, once you've got a CV, the next thing is to get it into the hands of possible employers. There are several ways to do this.

First you should check the newspapers on a regular basis for vacancies. Think what kind of jobs you could actually do. Also make sure you ask your family and friends about work, as up to fifty per cent of job vacancies never get advertised in the newspapers at all. Another thing you can always do is to make a list of organizations which need your kind of skills and just send them a copy of your CV. An employer may have a vacancy, or they often put your CV in their files and contact you later when a vacancy arises. What should you do to make a good impression at an interview?

Well, many of the things are just common sense really. For instance, make sure you get enough sleep the night before. That way you will look and feel your best on the day itself. Secondly, make sure you wear the right clothes for the job. If it's an office job you must wear formal clothes but for a factory or shop job it is often OK to wear something more casual. But you should always look clean and tidy. And always make sure you arrive, say, ten min­utes early. That way you can sit down and relax for a couple of minutes before the interview. Another good tip is to be extra nice to the receptionist, as in many organizations she or he often has a surprisingly large say in who gets the job. And when you meet the interviewer smile pleasantly, shake his or her hand but don't sit down until invited to. I think I hardly need to add that you shouldn't smoke or chew gum. Towards the end of the interview, the interviewer may ask you if you have any questions, so try to think of one or two intelligent ones before the interview. This is easier if you have found out something about the organization – done some research, so to speak. And finally, when the interview is over, never ask if you have got the job. If the interviewer wants to tell you then and there that you have the job, then he or she will.

 

Vocabulary:

1. To seek work – искать работу

2. To face a problem – столкнуться с проблемой

3. Up-to-date – самый последний, новейший

4. To possess skills – владеть навыками(уметь делать)

5. A leaflet – листовка

6. Restrict yourself – ограничивать себя

7. Casual(clothes for casual wear) – простая, повседневная одежда

8. Get advertised – рекламировать

9. To make a good impression – произвести хорошее впечатление

10. Common sense – здравый смысл

2. Match the verbs on the left with the words on the right:

1. get    a) tips

2. seek b) an interview

3. give c) work

4. outline d) the range of skills

5. check e) newspapers

6. make f) a list of organizations

7. have g) a vacancy

8. wear h) the right clothes

9. think i) questions

 

3. Answer the questions.

1. What problems does a person seeking work face?

2. What must he do first?

3. What aspects should he/ she emphasize in his/her CV?

4. Where can he/she find a information on vacancies?

5. How to be successful at the interview?

Notes. 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 information 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.

Skills Be positive about your ability – never undersell your experience

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

6. Referees

· Current students and recent graduates should choose an academic referee.

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

 

4. Look at the Curriculum Vitae and following the guidelines write your own CV.

1. Personal Details Put your most recent studies –first

Melanie Henderson 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, The Narrative Technique 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. 1998 Customer Services Assistant Provided support for customer enquiries. Dealing with customers' complaints demonstrated the ability to remain calm under pressure. Explaining complex issues simply and clearly helped colleagues to develop their communication skill.

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 career’s fair for all final year student

 

Skills

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel Spreadsheets. Working knowledge of French and Italian. Current clean driving licence.

Interests

Don’t just list your interests – add a few details

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.

 

7. Referee s

Give two referees

1. Hamish Roberts            

(Tutor at University of London) 17 Woodland Avenue 

Oxford

OX11 7GGR

2. Richard Gayle

(Customer Services Manager/DAT)

31 Pleasant Street

London

SE18 3L

5. Mark each statement True or False

a) Melanie Henderson studied in France.

b) She worked as Information Officer in France.

c) She was not responsible for dealing with enquiries in a busy office.

d) She didn’t demonstrate the ability to remain calm under pressure.

e) She is interested in travelling.

f) She didn’t help her colleagues to develop their communication skills.

6. Reading. A HR (Human Resources) manager has received an interesting CV. She telephones the candidate, Kate Rankin, to arrange an interview. Put the dialogue in the correct order 1-16.

1. Yes, I did. That’s why I’m calling. Could you come to Paris one day next week?

2. We’re interviewing on Wednesday and Thursday. Are you available on Wednesday afternoon?

3. Yes, it’s on the CV.

4. Thanks for calling. Bye.

5. This is Claire Pailies. I’m calling from Sanofi.

6. I’ll send you an e-mail with directions. It’s very simple.

7. Lovely. What time is good for you? Shall we say three o’clock?

8. Hello? Could I speak to Kate Rankin?

9. I think so. What day did you have in mind?

10. Yes, of course it is. OK then, I’ll see you next Wednesday.

11. Oh hello. You got my CV, then?

12. Wait a second. I’ll just check. Yes, that’s fine. Wednesday 11^th.

13. That’s fine with me. How do I get to you?

14. Have you got my e-mail address?

15. Speaking.

16. I’m looking forward to it. Bye for now.

 

7. Notes. Read the rules – How to write the Letter of Application and complete it.

The letter of application can be as important as the CV in that it often provides the first direct contact between a candidate and an employer. If this letter is not well written and presented, it will make a poor impression. The letter of application normally contains four paragraphs in which you should:

· Confirm that you wish to apply and say where you learned about
the job

· Say why you are interested in the position and relate your interest to those of the company

· Show that you can contribute to the job by highlighting your most relevant skills and experience

· Indicate your willingness to attend an interview(and possibly say when you would be free to attend)

 

8. Below you’ll find details from Fionna Scott’s letter of application. Look at the outline of the letter on the left and indicate where the information below should go.

 

a) Although I am presently employed by a non-profit making organization, it has always been my intention to work in a commercial environment. 1 would particularly welcome the chance to work for your company as I have long admired both the quality of the products that it provides and its position as a defender of environmental causes. As you will notice on my enclosed CV, the job you are offering suits both my personal and professional interests.

b) Dear Ms Baudoni

c) I would be pleased to discuss my curriculum vitae with you in more detail at an interview. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you require further information. I look forward to hearing from you.

d) 8^th January 2000/

e) I am writing to apply for the position which was advertised last month in The Independent.

f) 52 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 5LM UK

g) Nathalie Baudoin

Patagonia Gmb

Reitmorstrasse 50

8000 Munich 22

Germany

h) My work experience has familiarized me with many of the challenges involved in public relations today. I am sure that this, together with my understanding of the needs and expectations of sport and nature enthusiasts, would be extremely relevant to the position. Moreover, as my mother is German, I am fluent in this language and would definitely enjoy working in a German-speaking environment

i) Fiona Scott

j) Yours sincerely

9. This draft letter of application is not suitable. Rewrite it using some of the expressions from the useful language, making other necessary changes.

Hello I saw your ad in our local paper last week, so I want to apply for the job of Communications Assistant. I know I am the person you’re looking for. I just got various A-levels from school. And all my friends say they love chatting with me. So write soon, and tell me when you want me to come for an interview. Regards

 

Useful language

Dear Sir or Madam,

With reference to your advertisement in …

I would like to apply for the position of …

 

I feel I am well qualified for the position because …

I would be happy to give you more details and can be contacted at any time.

I would be happy to come for an interview at any time convenient
to you.

 

I enclose a copy of my CV.

A full CV is attached.

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully

 

 

UNIT 4. Text “ SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST”