Role play: Work in pairs or small groups. Practice asking and answering different interview questions in one-on-one / panel interviews.

Task: Imagine that a friend of yours is about to attend an interview. Note down at least ten pieces of advice that you would give to them.

 

I've been working in

To start with I worked as

The job involves

I'm usually good at

I've worked on various projects where

I take pride in my ability to

I think this post would give me the chance to

I know I have a tendency to

get carried away sometimes.

meet tight schedules and deadlines.

a volunteer at a local radio station.

develop my skills in this area.

the communications sector since I left university.

attending conferences and giving talks.

I had to coordinate the work of small groups

of volunteer workers.

setting priorities.

 

Use the expressions above to write five sentences about yourself, your past experience and your strengths and weaknesses.

Work in pairs. Show your sentences to your partner. Ask him/her to advise you on what kind of job would be best for you.

5. SAYING 'NO'

It is very important to avoid using 'No' on its own unless you are annoyed. On its own it usually sounds aggressive and unhelpful. There are many other ways of giving a negative response. Match these remarks and responses.

1. Did your Head Office agree?

2. Coffee?

3. What's the code for Birmingham?

4. Have they confirmed the order yet?

5. Do you mind if I arrive a bit late?

6. Is 25% all right?

b. I'm afraid I've no idea.

c. I'd rather you didn't.

a. No, not yet.

d. Not at the moment, thank you.

e. I'm afraid not.

F. Well, I really need a bit more than that.

1	2	3	4	5	6

Collect more ways of saying 'No' naturally. Check by covering the English and recalling the natural English expressions.

YOUR LANGUAGE ENGLISH

6. SAYING 'YES'

There are lots of expressions which are more natural and polite than using the single word 'Yes'. Match these remarks and responses. Notice that the natural expressions are quite different from simple, one-word answers.

Will delivery by the end of the month be all right?

2. Could I have another cup of coffee?

3. Is it OK to park here?

4. Would you like me to copy it for you?

5. Can I count on your support?

6. Is next Thursday suitable for our next meeting? a. Yes, I think so.

b. Yes, please.

c. Of course; help yourself.

d. Yes, that'll be fine.

e. As far as I m concerned.

f. Yes. I'm in complete agreement.

Write your answers here:

1	2	3	4	5	6

In English you do not usually reply with the single word 'Yes'. One - word replies can sound aggressive or rude. It is natural to answer with a short phrase or sentence. Collect more ways of saying 'Yes' and list them below. Check that you know the natural expressions by covering the English and recalling them.

YOUR LANGUAGE ENGLISH

 

 

ACTIVE LISTENING

Different countries have different customs but in many places people who are speaking expect their listener to show interest and involvement. If you listen in complete silence, people may think you are difficult to talk to! Make a list of sounds or expressions which you can use to show you are listening.

Mmm. I see.

Make a list of expressions you can use to show you do not understand, or need something repeated or explained.

I don’t quite follow.

 

Sorry. What exactly do you mean?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Curriculum Vitae (GB) / Resume (USA)

 

A CV should contain your personal details, and information about your qualifications and work experience. You may also include information about any additional skills and personal interests, and the names and addresses of anyone who would be willing to act as a referee. Try to keep your CV to one page, or a maximum of two pages. Future employers want a concise summary of your details.

 

USEFUL PHRASES

Give personal information: permanent address - temporary address - home telephone number - mobile telephone number - fax number - email address - nationality - visa status - DoB (Date of Birth)- Marital Status (Single or Married).

 

NB In some countries, particularly the United States, you are not expected to give information about age or marital status on your CV. It is not considered acceptable to use these as criteria in selecting people.

 

Give information about your qualifications: High School Diploma; University Degree - BSc or BA; Masters Degree; PhD; Post graduate diploma.

 

Say what you specialized in: Civil Engineering; Management Accounts

 

Give information about your final project: My final thesis was on sports injuries and alternative therapies. | My final project was to design a Braille keyboard.

 

Give information about your responsibilities at work: I was responsible for checking the monthly accounts. | I managed a small team of 3 people.

 

Mention any special achievements: I succeeded in reducing costs by 20%. | I achieved the highest level of sales while I was working there. | I was promoted to the position of supervisor.

 

Mention any additional skills: I am computer literate. | I have a working knowledge of German. | I am fluent in English. | I am a member of the professional institute of accountants in my country.

 

Give the details of two referees: The following people will be happy to provide a reference. | The following people will be happy to testify to my suitability to this post. | References available on request (if you do not want to list the names).

 

Information can be given in the form or full sentences or, increasingly, as bullet points. If you use bullet points, you do not have to use complete sentences. This can make a CV clearer and easier for possible employers to read:

 

Work Experience

Jun - Sep 2004: Fort Lord Camp, USA

camp leader with children aged 12-14

supervised group of 6 children

led sailing courses

basic first aid responsibilities

 

Other skills

Fluent Spanish

Working knowledge of English and French

Driving license

Computer Literate (Word, Excel)

POINT OF GRAMMAR

The second conditional

FORM

if + past simple	would/could/might + infinitive
If T lived by the sea, If they asked me to work for them.	I would do a lot of swimming. I might accept.
or would/could/might + infinitive	if + past simple
I would do a lot of swimming i might accept	if I lived by the sea. if they asked me to work for them.

Notes

• The 'past' here is actually the subjunctive, which is the same as the past simple except for

two forms - I and he/she + were:

If I were you, I'd change my job.

If John were here, he wouldn't be very happy.

• In conventional English, these two forms can be replaced by the past:

If I was you, I'd change my job.

If John was here, he wouldn't be very happy.

• would is often shortened to 'd.

 

USE

 

• The second conditional refers to the present or future.

The if-event is cither

a] hypothetical;

If I worked in that factory, I'd soon change things, (but I don't work in

that factory)

If I spoke French, my job would be a lot easier, (but I don't speak French)

b) unlikely:

If she left her husband, she might be happier, (but T don't think she's

going to leave her husband)