Match the expressions on the left with the correct meaning on the right.

1. position desired	A. place you last worked
2. surname	B. abilities, things you can do
3. maiden name	C. not applicable, doesn’t apply in this situation
4. bondable	D. money earned per hour
5. valid	E. late night work period
6. previous employer	F. last name or family name
7. legally entitled to work	G. money earned per month or year
8. duties	H. no criminal record; employer can get insurance on the employee
9. skills	I. person applying for a job
10. qualifications	J. effective, current, legal
11. salary	K. woman’s name before marriage
12. wages	L. allowed by law to work
13. graveyard shift	M. job wanted or applied for
14. references	N. skills, experience, education needed for a job
15. applicant	O. move to a different place
16. job title	P. responsibilities, things employee must do at work
17. relocate	Q. name of the work position
18. N/A	R. names of people who can give positive opinions about the applicant

 

9. PRACTICE

Employers use job applications to gather information about your qualifications, and to compare you to other applicants. Remember that you only get one chance to make a first impression so it’s crucial to convey a good one. When they read your application, the company is ‘interviewing’ you, forming impressions and making decisions about whether you fit in to their business.

PUse the correct colour ink (usually black)

PUse your own handwriting (unless specified otherwise)

P Be honest

P Complete the form fully

PMake a copy of the completed form to take to the interview or refresh your memory beforehand

Lesson 56.

 

DISCUSSION

Discuss the answers to these questions.

1. Who do you think is more likely to lie?

a politician	a journalist	a religious leader
a salesperson	the president of a company

 

2. Do you think most people …

— usually tell the truth?

— lie when it’s convenient?

— lie only if they think they have to?

— usually lie only about unimportant things?

— only lie about important things?

2. READING

Read the article.

RESUMES: FACT OR FICTION?

Exaggeration Is Common, But Risky

People are sometimes “creative” when they are writing their resumes. That doesn’t surprise Edward C. Andler. “Cheating on resumes is very common,” says Andler. He is a resume detective and the author of The Complete Reference Checking Handbook. “Many people are getting away with it, so more people are trying to do it.”

Andler’s surveys show that about one-third of all resume writers exaggerate their background and accomplishments. Approximately 10 per cent of job seekers “seriously misrepresent” their work histories. In some fields, such as sales, the numbers are even higher.

Typical lies include fictional degrees, false job titles, exaggerated responsibilities, and the changing of dates of previous employment to hide times of unemployment. Some resume lies, such as fake degrees, are easy to discover. Other lies, particularly exaggerations, are harder to check. “Most companies will only give you dates of employment, and that’s it, no details,” Andler says.

However, Andler uses other techniques to discover lies on resumes. For example, when he checks references, he asks the name of another work colleague. A call to that person helps him find untruths. “A person who gives a reference is supposed to say good things. They are prepared and they don’t want to be negative. However, when you call another colleague, you often get more truthful answers.” Still, many applicants get away with their lies. And that is why so many people continue to do it. “Our message to people who cheat is just don’t do it,” says Andler. “We may not catch you now, but sooner or later, somebody will.”

2. READING COMPREHENSION

Write true (T) or false (F). Correct the statements that are false.

___ 1. People are often untruthful on their resumes.

___ 2. People never lie about college degrees.

___ 3. A lie is more difficult to check than an exaggeration.

___ 4. People who write references are usually truthful.

___ 5. It can be dangerous to lie on your resume.