Lesson 8.3.2. Writing Effective letters

Lead-in

Ex 1. Speculate on following ideas

Resume is important in the application process. Both the reader and the writer benefit from the resume.

Reading

Ex 2. Read the text, find key words.

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 intervie wing 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?

Job interview

Interviews are usually the deciding factor in the application process. During the Interview, you’ll have to effective market your skills and give a highly polished presentation of yourself. It is also a chance for the employer to see how you handle yourself – the way you look, act and react.

There are two basic kinds of interviews: one is a screening interview, where numerous applicants are invited so that a company can narrow down the candidates.

The second kind of interview is known as a line interview. Here the employer invites only a few select applicants to the company’s office. Interview may last half of an hour or extend over two days. You may meet with one interviewer, a group, or several groups in succession. You may be interviewed alone or with several candidates at once. Take as many interviews as you can if you’re interested in the position.

There are several points you should think about when getting ready for a job interview. Preparation is everything. You can prepare for an interview by doing some investigation about the type of job you’ll be doing: learn about the job’s duties, and review the technical skills most relevant for the job. Find out background information on the company from trade literature, industrial indexes and annual reports. Learn its history, products, services, organizational structure, branch locations, competitors, contributions to the field or the community.

Pay special attention to your appearance because it is the first thing the interviewer will notice. It should be favorable and professional because the dress code is an important part of an organization’s culture. When in doubt, don’t hesitate, to ask. “Should I wear a business suit?” when you arrange the interview on the phone is easy and quite appropriate. Usually, men should wear a business suit and a conservative tie, and women should wear a daytime dress or business coordinates (skirt and a blouse with a matching jacket).

During the interview you can expect questions about your education, job experience, and personal style. An interviewer will want to discover your good points as well as your bad ones.

Since you will be asked to speak at length, prepare a brief review of your qualifications. Your interviewer will have a copy on the desk, so you can be sure that its content will be the subject of many questions. Any extra details or information that brings you resume up to date will be appreciated.

Be on time! Being late for an interview makes a very poor impression. Leave yourself enough time to allow for traffic and other delays. If you are running late, make every effort to call, apologize, and tell them to expect you late.

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

1. What are the types of interviews and how they differ?

2. Why is it good to take as many interviews as possible?

3. What are the sources of your investigation?

4. What does it mean to dress appropriately for a certain position?

5. What are the most likely questions the applicant will be asked?

6. What regulations should be observed when coming for an interview?

7. Do you think the points above are equally important for a successful interview?

Ex 4. Listen to the dialogue repeating after the speaker. Pay attention to intonation and pronunciation.

Ann: Hey, Jane, I have a job offer and I think I’m going to go for it. It’s my first experience with this, and I’m really excited.

Jane: Yeah. You’re going to have rough times. I know this for sure because I learned it the hard way. I recently missed a job interview.

Ann: I’m sure to hear that. But you get better with each interview. I’d say, you learn a lot from your experience.

Jane: Right. Next time I’ll prepare more.

Ann: What do you mean?

Jane: Well, I’ll call the company and ask for a copy of their annual report, or whatever it is, so I could be better prepare. I mean I’d do a lot seem smart and competent.

Ann: Come on, Jane, you’re going to practice those interview questions, are you?

You are going to take it seriously this time?

Jane: Sure. And I’ll also do a dry run the day before so I’ll not get lost there.

Last time I missed my interview by showing up late. All I’m saying is that I’ve ruined my best chance to be hired. But next time I’m not going to miss it.

Speaking

Ex 5. Prepare dialogue between employer and applicant.

Writing project

Ex 6. Discuss steps of your future interview in pairs and write them down.