C A M B R ID G E Professional English

Cambridge English for

Colm D o wnes
Cambridge English for

Colm D o wnes
Series Editor: Jere m y D a y

Ca m b r id g e
U N IV E R S IT Y PRESS
C A MBRI D GE U N IVERSITY PRESS

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© Cambridge University Press 2008

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First published 2008

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ISBN 978 - 0 - 521 - 72215 - 5 Student's Book with Audio CD

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Intro d uction
T h e ai m of C a m brid g e En glish fo r Jo b - h u ntin g is to d e v e lo p t h e En glish la n g u a g e a n d co m m u n ica tio n
skills you n e e d to g e t t h e jo b you w a n t. Sp e cific a lly d esig n e d for b o t h w o r k in g p ro f essio n als a n d t h ose
n ew to t h e w o rld of work, t h e b o o k co m p ris es si x sta n d - alo n e u nits which co v e r all of t h e followin g
a r e a s a n d m ore:

• Re s e a rc h i n g t h e m a r k e t
• Pr e p a ri n g a CV
• Writi n g a co v e r le t t e r
• A n sw e ri n g in t e rvie w q u estio ns
• A n sw e ri n g c o m p e t e n cy b ase d in t e rvie w q u estio ns
• T urnin g n e g a tiv e s into p ositives
• T ele p h o n e in t e rvie ws
• N e g o tia ti n g t e r m s a n d co n d itio n s of se rvice

In t h e b o o k we h ave use d a u t h e n tic m a t e ria ls such as g e n u in e CVs a n d co v e r le tt ers, which you can
use as useful m o d els w h e n writin g y o u r own CV a n d c o v e r letter. O n t h e a u d io you will h e a r a lot of
in t e rvie w e x tracts, fro m b oth str o n g c a n d i d a t e s givin g m o d el r e sp o n se s to in t e rvie w q u estio ns, as well
as w e a k e r c a n d i d a t e s m a k in g co m m o n mista k es. T h e b o o k will g u id e you t hro u g h t h ese e x a m p les a n d
hig hlig h t successful t e c h n iq u es f or d e a li n g wit h difficult q u estio ns, as well as p ro vidin g you wit h lots of
o p p o rt u n iti e s to practise.

In t h e classro o m C a m brid g e En glish fo r Jo b - h u ntin g p rovid es b e t w e e n 4 0 a n d 6 0 h o urs of study. T his

can be e x t e n d e d usin g t h e t e a c h e rs ’ n o t e s a n d e x t e nsio n a ctivitie s online.

How to use C a m bridge En g lish f o r Jo b - h u n t i n g for self - study

If you a r e w o r k in g on y o u r own, you ca n d o t h e u nits in a ny o r d e r you like. C h o ose t h e u nit t h a t
m a tc h es t h e st a g e y o u ’re a t in t h e jo b a p p lica tio n p ro cess a n d w or k t hro u g h t h e e x ercises, ch eckin g
y o u r a n sw e rs in t h e a n s w e r key. N o t e d ow n a n y m ist a k es you m a k e, t h e n go b ac k a n d listen o r re a d
a g ain to se e w h a t t h e p r o b le m was. It ’s a g o o d id e a to listen to t h e a u d io m ore t h a n o nce a n d to re a d
t h e a u d io scri p t a f t e r w a r d s to ch eck t h a t y o u ’ve u n d erst o o d .

F or t h e s p e a k in g activities, t hin k a b o u t w h a t you w o uld say in t h e sit u a tio n. You co uld also t r y t al k in g
a b o u t t h e discussio n p oin ts with y o u r frie n d s a n d colle a g u es, as a l m o st e v e ry o n e h as e x p e rie n ce in
jo b - h u ntin g a n d st o ries to share.

A u d io scri p ts a n d a co m p r e h e n siv e a n s w e r k ey (inclu din g su g g est e d a n sw e rs for discussio n tasks)

a r e a t t h e b ac k of t h e b o o k. In a d d itio n , you can fin d e x tr a m a t e ria l o nlin e a t
w w w.ca m b rid g e .or g / elt / e n g lish f orjo b h u n ti n g.

I v e r y much h o p e you e n j oy using t h e co urse a n d wish yo u e v e ry success in y o u r own jo b h unt. If you

h ave a n y c o m m e n ts on C a m brid g e En glish fo r Jo b - h u ntin g, I’d love to h e a r fro m you. You ca n e m ail me
a t e n g lis h f o rj o b h u n ti n g @c a m b ri d g e . o r g .

Colm Downes is a freelance English language teacher / trainer and ESP consultant. He began teaching English as a
volunteer in Sri Lanka in 1998 and has since worked in a number of countries around the world, including Spain,
Egypt and Poland, and spent two years helping the British Council establish a teaching centre in Brussels. Whilst in
Belgium Colm wrote and piloted a number of successful ESP courses, including courses for The European Commission,
The European Patent Office and Jo b Applications Skills. He completed an MA in ELT and Applied Linguistics at King’s
College London, developing his interest in World Englishes and the use of English as a Lingua Franca.
In tro d uctio n 3
 Identifying the stages in the job Strengths and weaknesses Listening
U NIT 1 ■' application process Personal characteristics 1.1 Getting started
Researching yourself Qualifications 1.2 Identifying strengths arid weaknesses
Research
Highlighting your skills arid Transferable skills 1.3 Identifying transferable skills
and
experience Professional behaviour 1.4 Different job-hunting methods
p re p aratio n
Researching the market Demonstrating skills 1.5 Cold calling: two examples
page 6
Jo b advertisement jargon Rea din g
Describing knowledge and
Stages in the job application process
experience
Jo b advertisements

Structuring your CV Sections of a CV Listening

U NIT 2 Avoiding common CV mistakes Common CV verbs 2.1 Structuring a CV
W ritin g an Creating a strong first Section headings 2.2 Common CV mistakes
impression Spelling 2.3 Selling yourself effectively
i m p re ssiv e
Identifying your key skills Personal statements 2.4 The interests section of your CV
CV
Highlighting your work Skills- based headings 2.5 Selecting referees
page 19 experience Transferable skills Rea din g
Detailing your education and Action verbs
qualifications Model CVs: chronological and skills-based
International qualifications
Demonstrating your interests Jo b advertisement
Noun phrases
Providing references Ar ticle: The education section of your CV

i. % il i •; -a $ jj.
Identifying features of cover Phrases for opening a cover letter Listening
U NIT 3 letters Talking about the job you’re 3.1 b 3.2 The dos and don’ts of cover
Beginning a cover letter applying for letters
Ef f e c tiv e
cover Writing the main body of the Demonstrating skills and 3.3 How to begin a cover letter
letter experience 3.4 Ending a cover letter
le tt e rs
Writing an effective final Matching skills and experience to
page 3 4 paragraph the job Rea din g
Using appropriate language Closing expressions Model cover letter 1 b 2
Writing a cover letter Formal expressions Jo b advertisement
Bad cover letter

Preparing for the interview Small talk Listening

i.U
Ts INIT
f ? ? |4
t? v:I Making a positive first Common interview questions 4.1 Before you arrive
Su cc e ssf u l
impression Demonstrating interest and 4.2 Interviews: openings
Dealing effectively with motivation 4.3 Body language
in t e rvie w s
interview questions Interview answer templates 4.4 Interviews: poor responses
page 47 Talking about yourself Positive adjectives 4.5 Interviews: improved responses
Avoiding common mistakes Giving details of your skills and 4.6 Interviews: an effective answer
Proving you’ve done your experience 4.7 Interviews: poor responses
research Structuring your responses 4.8 Talking about yourself
Demonstrating you’ve got what
4.9 Interviews: improved responses
it takes
4 . 10 Making the most of common
questions
4 . 11 Interviews: good and bad models
4 . 12 Interviews: saying why you want to
work for a company
4.1 3 Interviewers discussing candidate’s
performance
4.14 Interviews: talking about relevanL
skills and experience
4.15 Interviews: matching your skills and
experience to the position

4 Contents

Handling competency - based
U NIT 5 questions
Demonstrating your skills
Talking about your weaknesses
Asking questions of your own
Dealing with telephone
interviews
Language
Phrasal verbs
Competencies
Structuring a response using the
STAR model
Introducing surprising information
Softening negatives
Emphasising positives
Positive expressions
Polite questions
Asking for clarification
Texts
Listening
5.1 b 5.2 Interviews: anecdotes
5.3 Dealing with competency - based
questions
5.4 b 5.5 Interviews: talking about your
education (good and bad models)
5.6 b 5.7 Interviews: using the STAR
model
5.8 Turning negatives into positives
5.9 Interviews: talking about your
weaknesses
5.10 Interviews: emphasising positive
information
5.11 Interviews: an impressive positive
response
5.12 Interviews: rearranging a telephone
interview
5 . 13 (St 5.14 Interviews: clarifying
information
Rea din g
Article: Questions to ask in an interview
Article: Tackling telephone interviews

Keeping in touch Phrases for follow-up letters: Listening

U NIT 6 Handling rejection • Requesting feedback 6.1 b 6.2 What to do after the interview
Dealing with job offers • Accepting the job 6.3 Learning from failure
Follo w up • Withdrawing from consideration 6.4 A job offer
Negotiating terms and
page 72 • Declining an offer 6.5 Handling a job offer
conditions
Formal language 6.6 Writing an acceptance letter
6.7 Withdrawing from consideration
6.8 Declining a job offer
6.9 Pay negotiation extracts
6.10 Successful arid unsuccessful salary
negotiations
Rea din g
Feedback letter
m mm
A u d io scrip t Sfei
*£-x-xx::r: s&re&tforiSi M
page 8 4

A nsw er k ey page 96

A p p e n dix 1: U s e f u l la n g u a g e page 10 5

A p p e n dix 2: Com mon i n t e rv ie w q u estio n s pa ge 1 1 0

A p p e n d ix 3: Mo d el cover le t t e r p ag e 111

A c k n o wle d g m e n ts pa ge 11 2

Contents 5
 U NIT 1
• Id e ntifyin g the stages in the
jo b a p plication process
• Researching yourself
• Highlighting your skills and
ex perience
• Researching t h e market

Id e n tif yin g t h e stages in t he jo b

a p plica tio n process
M o s t of us sp e n d b e t w e e n 6 0 - 8 0 % o f o u r w a k i n g h o urs workin g,
so it ’s i m p o rt a n t to fin d a jo b t h a t b rin gs tr u e sa tisfactio n. If you
h a v e n ’t fo u n d it yet, th e n d o n ’t give up. K e e p lo o k in g until yo u fin d
a jo b t h a t you love doin g.

3 T eresa F e rn a n d e z , a r e c e n t g ra d u a t e , is a p p lyin g f o r a jo b in m ark e tin g .

M a tc h t h e e x tra c ts fro m d ocu m e n ts a n d c o n v e rsa tio n s (a - h) t o t h e sta g e s
in t h e jo b a p p lic a tio n p ro ce ss ( 1 - 8 ).
1 Se n d i n g a c o v e r l e t t e r 4 Re s p o n d in g to in t e rvie w q u estio n s 7 Re s e a rc h i n g t h e m a r k e t
2 Se n d i n g a C V / resu m e 5 M a k i n g i n t e rvie w s m all t a l k 8 Re s e a rc h i n g y o u rself
3 Se n d i n g a follow - up le t t e r 6 Re a d i n g a jo b a d v e r tis e m e n t

MARKETING ASSISTANT, Bristol

circa £25K pa
W e a r e a l e a d e r in t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l l o g is t ic s
b u si n e ss , w i t h o p e r a t i o n s i n o v e r 20
c o u n t r i e s . W e a r e s e e k i n g a y o u n g , d y n a m ic
p ro fessio n al to join o u r m a r k e tin g tea m . Yo u
w i l l h a v e a g o o d f irs t d e g r e e i n m a r k e t i n g o r a
re la te d su b ject, a n d id e a lly so m e e x p e rie n ce
o f w o r k i n g in t h e m a r k e t i n g d e p a r t m e n t o f a
l a r g e c o m p a n y . A b o v e a ll, y o u m u s t h a v e a
p o s i t iv e a t t i t u d e , s t r o n g c r e a t i v e s k ills, a n d a n
a b i l i t y t o w o r k w e l l in a t e a m . F u ll t r a i n i n g w ill
b e p r o v i d e d . T h e r e a r e e x c e ll e n t o p p o r t u n i t i e s
for p ro m o tio n w it h in th e d e p art m e n t,
‘T e r e s a?’
‘Yes. H ello.’
‘G o o d a ft e rn o o n . M y n a m e ’s A la n Cassidy. So r r y to
k ee p you waitin g.’
T h a t ’s all rig ht. I’ve b e e n e njoyin g y o u r c o m p a n y
b roch ure. It all lo o ks v e r y i m pressive. It ’s nice to
m e e t you a t last.’
T h a n k s. H a v e you tr a v e lle d far to us t o d a y?’
‘Q u it e far. I’m c u rr e n tly b ase d in Lo n d o n, so I
c a m e on t h e tr ain t h is m ornin g.’

6 U n it 1 Research and prep aration

 I a m a rece n t p syc h o lo g y g r a d u a t e with first - hand e x p e ri e n ce of mark etin g,
c u st w rie r servtoe a n d s J e s . I w o uld like to a p p ly for t h e posit.on of Mark et, n g
Assista nt, as a d vertise d in The Guardian.
I find t h e p r os p e ct of wor kin g for yo ur c o m p a n y ve ry attractive b e c a u s e it will
e n a b le m e to put my d e e p t h e oretical k n o w le d g e of h u m a n nature ,nto a ve ry
practical co nte x t in a s u cc essf u l international firm.
. . . I

<*r -W
yvr'iirf*'
I am w riting to thank you for giving me the opportunity o f an interview
d
today, Everyone in your office was friendly and m ade m e feel very welcome.

As we discussed during the interview, I believe my skills and experience

would enable me to m ake a very useful contribution to your team. On my
jo u rn ey hom e I gave m ore thought to your question about pricing. I checked
your prices against how much your com petitors are charging for equivalent
services, and calculated that with your strong reputation for quality, you
could ju stify charges o f ...
J h \ v ... _v

< i k . ..........
'$ **». iffif

f
'MC* u'e " wifk people
‘W h a t w o uld you say are yo ur main
w e a k n e s s e s?’
^^ -UuOvkih ‘Well, I d i d n ’t use to b e v e ry well - org a nise d.
b if ikAoo^y N o t h in g v e ry serio us, b ut for e x a m p le I use d
to f org e t my frie n d s’ b irt h d a ys o r t r y to rush
MV WE/lkN E s s E s u n iv e rsity assi g n m e n ts to g e t t h e m d o n e a t
t h e last min ute. B u t in t h e last few y e a rs I’ve
w d l ^ HiseiJ T w n , i* ! l e a r n t so m e nice tric k s to h elp m e or g a nise
W\inUth3 my life - si m ple t hin gs like writi n g d own all
research
fKe v\ef my t a s k s for t h e d a y a n d not r ela x i n g until
f0 I’ve d o n e e v e ry t h in g I n e e d to do.’
pvoble^ -solvi^
^ecisiovis

20 04-20 07 Kingston U n iversity

• BSc (H o ns) Psyc h o lo g y (2.1)

2008 Custo mer service assista n t, Pack a gin g Palace

‘G o o d a ft e rn o o n . F a st e r F o rw ar d in g
• Resolve d cust o m er co m plaints
Lo gistics. H o w ca n I h elp y o u ?’
• Cre ate d cust o m er loyalty progra m m e
‘H ello. M y n a m e ’s T eresa F ern a n d e z .
• Liaise d with m a n a g e m e n t on pricing strat e gy
C o uld I s p e a k to M r C assid y in
M a r k e ti n g , p l e a s e ?’
‘I’m afraid h e ’s in a m e etin g. Can I t a k e a m e s s a g e?’
‘I’m n ot sure. I w as callin g to se e if t h e r e a r e a n y v a ca n cie s in y o u r m a r k e tin g d e p a r t m e n t. I’m a rece n t
p sych olo g y g ra d u a t e , a n d I’m v e ry k een to w or k for a co m p a n y like yours, b e c a u s e of y o u r e x celle n t
re p u t a tio n .’
‘Act u ally, I t h in k t h e r e is a vaca ncy. T h e r e w as an a d v e r t in The G u ardio n last we e k. H a v e you se e n i t ? ’
‘N o, I m ust h ave m isse d t h a t. D o you h ave a co p y of t h e a d v e r t t h a t you co uld se n d m e ?’
‘O f co urse, b ut y o u ’ll h ave to b e q uick: t h e closin g d a t e is t o m orrow.’

b Pu t t h e st a g e s (1 - 8 ) in E x ercise 1a in to t h e m ost lo gical se q u e nce.

U n it 1 Rese arch and p re p ara tio n 7
 C R e a d t h e e x tra c ts a g ain . W h ic h e x tr a c ts m e n tio n:
1 d e t ails of T er esa ’s w o r k e x p e ri e n c e? _£_____
2 d e t ails of T eresa ’s st u d ies a n d q u a li f ic a t i o n s?___________
3 t h e jo b s a l a r y ?___
4 T e resa ’s w e a k n e s s e s?_______
5 evi d e n ce of T er esa ’s skill wit h n u m b e r s?___________
6 w h e r e t h e v a c a n cy is a d v e r t i s e d ?_______
7 e vi d e n c e of T e r esa ’s re se arc h s k i l l s ?___
8 t e a m w o r k ?___________
9 a c o m p li m e n t fro m T eresa a b o u t t h e c o m p a n y ?_______________
10 e vi d e n c e of T e r esa ’s re se arc h into t h e c o m p a n y ?___

d Do yo u t h in k T eresa h as a g o o d ch a nce o f g e t tin g t h e j o b ? W h y (n o t)?

Researching y o urself
Be f o r e yo u loo k f or t h e p e rf e ct job, w rit e a CV o r a p p ly for a job, you n e e d to do
so m e re se arch . Re s e a rc h i n g y o u rself is t h e k ey to fin din g t h e jo b t h a t is rig h t
for you.

2 a ^1.1 Silvia C a r n ali is a p p ro a c h in g t h e e n d o f h e r d e g re e co u rse a t

u niversity. Sh e h as d e cid e d t o s t a r t lo o k in g f o r a jo b, b u t is n o t su re w h ere
t o b e gin. Silvia as k s h e r frie n d So p h ie , w h o w o r k s in t h e u n iv e rsity c a r e e rs
office, f o r so m e a dvice. Liste n to t h e ir c o n v e rsa tio n a n d , in p airs, d iscuss
t h e fo llo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t is t h e first t hin g So p h ie su g g ests Silvia d o e s?
2 H o w d o es So p h ie id e n tify h er tr a n sf e r a b l e s k ills?
3 D o es So p h i e t hin k p e rs o n ality t e sts a r e v e ry i m p o r t a n t?
4 W h a t is t h e fin al pie ce o f a d vic e So p h i e gives Sil v i a ?

b H a v e you t rie d a n y o f So p h ie ’s s u g g e stio n s? D id t h e y w o r k f o r y o u?

Your strengths and weaknesses

T h e first t h in g yo u n e e d to d o w h e n st a rtin g t h e jo b - h u ntin g p rocess is a self -
a ss e ss m e n t of y o u r own str e n g t h s a n d w e a k n esses. T his p rocess will help
you id e n tify t h e skills, q u alifica tio n s, e x p erie nce, k n o wle d g e a n d p erso n al
c h a r a c t e ristics t h a t e m p lo y e rs a re lo o kin g for.

3 a A f t e r t al k in g t o So p h ie , Silvia p ro d u ce d a ‘min d m a p ’ to hig hlig h t h e r

stre n g t h s a n d w e a k n esses. C o m p le te t h e s e n t e n c e s (a - j) in Silv i a ’s mind
m a p on t h e follo w in g p a g e usin g t h e p re p o sitio n s in, to o r at.

b C o m p le te t h e h e a d in g s (1 - 6 ) on t h e m in d m a p usin g t h e w o rd s in t h e bo x.
Achievements Experience Knowledge
Languages Personal characteristics Skitts

8 U n it 1 Research and preparation

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C ^ 1.2 Liste n to tw o frie n d s, F e d e ric o a n d Ja c k , t a l k in g a b o u t F e d e ric o ’s

stre n g t h s a n d w e a k n esses, in p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t h as F e d e ric o re ce n tly d e cid e d to d o?
2 W h y has he m a d e t his d e cisio n?
3 W h a t d o es F e d eric o clai m to b e g o o d a t ?
4 W h a t w o uld F e d e ric o re ally like to b e a b le to d o ?
5 W h a t is F e d e ric o d oin g in o r d e r t o ac h ie v e t his a i m ?

d ^ 1.2 Liste n a g ain a n d u n d e rlin e t h e p e rs o n al c h a r a c t e ris tics in t h e bo x t h a t

b e st d e scrib e F e d e rico . In p airs, d iscuss y o u r a n sw e rs usin g e vid e n ce fro m
t h e c o n v e rsa tio n to s u p p o rt y o u r o pinio n.
creative disorganised flexible
impatient reliable successful

e M a tc h t h e p e rs o n a l c h a r a c t e ris tics (1 - 6 ) to t h e q u e stio n s (a - f).

1 creative —
- a Do you always do what you say you'll do?
2 decisive \ b Are you good at getting other people to agree with you?
3 flexible \ c Are you good at making your mind up quickly?
4 organised Are you able to plan ahead successfully?
5 persuasive
\ d
Are you able to cope with last - minute changes?
\V e
f Are you good at coming up with imaginative solutions?
6 reliable

f M a k e t h e p e rso n al c h a r a c t e ris tics in E x ercise 3 e n e g a tive by a d d in g a

p re fi x [dis-, in- o r un-).
] u ^ cvg ^ H ve 3 5__ __
2 _____________ 4 6 ___

g In p airs, t a k e t u r n s t o ask a n d a n sw e r t h e q u e stio n s in E x e rcise 3e. D iscuss

y o u r in d ivid u al stre n g t h s a n d w e a k n esses, givin g sp ecific evid e nce.
A : ‘Do yo u a lw a ys do w h at yo u s a y yo u w ill d o ?’
B: ‘ Yes, I ’m ve ry relia b le. I ’m a lw a ys on tim e to work, classes a n d m eetings,
a n d when I c a n ’t m ak e it, I le t p e o p le know a h e a d o f tim e.’
U n it 1 Research and preparation 9
 h D ra w a min d m a p si m ila r t o Silv ia ’s, sh o win g y o u r stre n g t h s a n d
w e a k n esses. A d d as m a n y b u b b les a s yo u like. Try t o use t h e follo win g
p hrases.

Stren gths Weak nesses Positive N egative

I'm excellent a t ...
I'm able t o . . .
I'm interested in ...
1 recently managed to ...
I'm not very good a t ...
I could be better a t ...
I'm reasonably good a t ...
I would like to be able to ...
ch aracteristics ch aracteristics
I am ... I can sometimes be ...
I try t o . . . Occasionally I am ...
I can be a little b i t ...

i In p airs, d iscuss y o u r min d m a ps. D o yo u s h a re a n y co m m o n stre n g t h s o r

w e a k n e ss e s?

Your q u alificatio ns
A t all st a g es d urin g t h e jo b a p p lica tio n p ro cess you will n e e d to b e a b le to
d e scrib e y o u r a c a d e m ic q u alifica ti o n s clearly.

4 a C o m p le te t h e s e n t e n c e s usin g t h e c o rr e c t fo r m o f t h e v e r b s in t h e bo x. You
will n e e d t o use so m e v e r b s m ore t h a n once.

award complete graduate hold obtain read

1 I <ytc\A.\ \c\ \ -e.A wit h a B A in So cio l o g y fro m t h e

U n iv e rsity of C alif o rn ia in Los A n g e le s in 2 0 0 7 .
2 I Ec o n o m ics a t t h e Lo n d o n Sc h o ol of
Eco n o m ics a n d Po litical Scie n c e (LSE). I t h e n _______
a M a s t e r ’s in Se c u rit y St u d i e s a t t h e U n iv e rsity of
Bir m i n g h a m , which inclu d e d a s e m e st e r a t N e w York
U n iv e rsity a t t h e C e n tr e o f Eu r o p e a n St u d ies.
3 I wit h a B A in H o t el & C a t e ri n g M a n a g e m e n t
fro m H o n g Ko n g Po ly t e c h n ic U niversity. I a l s o ______
an M B A in M a r k e ti n g , which I last year.
4 A fter fro m t h e Sch o ol of O ri e n t a l La n g u a g e s a n d C o m m u nica tio n
wit h a B A (H o ns) in M a n d a ri n C h in ese a n d En glish in M a a s t r ic h t (T he
N e t h e rla n d s), I w a s a sc h o la rs h ip t o In t e r n a tio n a l Re la tio n s
a t t h e C olle g e of Euro p e , Warsa w.

b C o m p le te t h e s e n t e n c e s usin g t h e p r e p o sitio n s at, from, in o r with.

1 I st a r t e d my c a r e e r Jo h n s t o n G ro u p a f t e r g r a d u a t i n g H anyan g
U n iv e rsity a BA and M A C h e m ical En g i n e e rin g .
2 I gra d u ate d 2008 an M Sc in C ri m in olo g y a n d C ri m in al J u s t i c e __
Tokyo U niversity.
3 I also o b t a i n e d a B S c C o m p uter Scie n c e M o sc o w St a t e U n iv e rsit y
2005.
4 I re a d M o d e r n L a n g u a g e s T h e N a tio n a l U n iv e rsity of Sin g a p o re .

C In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t q u alifica ti o n s d o you h a v e?
2 W h e r e did you go to u n iv e rsit y?
3 W h e n did you g r a d u a t e?
4 W h a t ty p e s o f c a r e e r a r e co m m o n for p e o pl e with yo ur q u a lific a tio n s?
5 Wh ic h of y o u r q u alifica ti o n s is m ost lik ely to i m p r ess a f u t u re e m p l o y e r?

10 U n it 1 Research and preparation

Highlighting your sk ills and ex perience
E m p lo y e rs will as k f or tr a n sf e r a b l e skills o r c o m p e t e n cie s - t h e skills,
k n o wle d g e a n d b e h a vio u r t h e y c o n si d e r n e c e ss a ry for a p a r tic u l a r jo b.
Re vie win g y o u r p re vio us e x p e rie n ce will h elp you to id e n tify y o u r t r a n sf e r a b l e
skills a n d reco g nise jo b s t h a t you a re q u alifie d for.

In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t g e n e ra l skills a n d k n o wle d g e d o m ost e m p lo y e rs loo k for in jo b
a p p lic a n ts?
2 A p a r t fro m sp ecific q u alifica tio n s a n d t ech nical e x p ertise , w h a t skills a n d
k n o wle d g e h ave you g o t t h a t m a k e you e m p l o y a b l e?

M a tc h t h e t r a n s f e r a b le s k ills (1 - 8 ) to t h e e x a m p les o f p ro fe ssio n al

b e h a vio u r (a - h).

1 analytical skills a I have a justified belief in my ability to do the job.

\ I am able to express my opinion or provide advice when necessary.
I am good at making decisions.
2 creativity b I actively seek feedback on my performance and carefully consider feedback.
I demonstrate an interest in and understanding of my own and other cultures.
I understand my own strengths and limitations.
3 self -confidence c I am good at getting a good deal.
I am good at developing and managing relationships with others.
I am able to persuade, convince and gain support from others.
4 communication d I am able to formulate new ideas to solve problems.
skills I am able to think ahead to spot or create opportunities.
I set aside thinking time to come up with alternative ways of getting things done more
efficiently.
5 independence e I can work with sustained energy and determination on my own.
I can find ways to overcome obstacles to set myself achievable goals.
I strive towards my own targets and refuse to settle for second best.
6 interpersonal Vf I am good at data analysis.
skills I am excellent at interpreting data to see cause and effect and am able to use this information
to make effective decisions.
g I am able to express myself effectively.
7 negotiation I am able to make my opinions totally clear and am rarely misunderstood.
skills I produce clear, well -written reports that can be easily understood.

h I am good at working cooperatively.

I am good at working and communicating within a team to achieve shared goals.
8 self -awareness
I am a good listener.

W r it e y o u r own e x a m ples o f b e h a vio u r f o r t h e follo w in g t r a n s f e r a b le skills.

C o m p a re y o u r a n sw e rs with t h e su g g estio ns in t h e a n sw e r key.
1 fle x i b ility I HOf vigils Ivy iw\y ^ppy-Qg’vcU f o WOvV._________________________
2 le a d e rs h i p s k i l l s - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3 o r g a n is a ti o n a l s k il ls - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
4 t e a m w o r k i n g s k il ls ------

Id e n tify t h r e e k ey t r a n s f e r a b le s k ills o f y o u r own, which you h ave use d

a t w o r k o r u niversity. In p airs, t e ll e ach o t h e r a b o u t y o u r skills, givin g
e x a m p les o f y o u r b e h avio ur.

U n it 1 Research and prep aration 11

 e ^ 1.3 A f t e r cr e a tin g h e r min d m a p, Silvia t a l k s to So p h ie a b o u t h er
u n iv e rsity a n d w o r k e x p erie n ce. Liste n t o t h e co n v e rsa tio n a n d a n sw e r t h e
follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h e n did Silvia a p p ly for h er M A c o u rs e?
2 W h a t w as Silvia d oin g in A f ric a?
3 W h a t jo b did Silvia h ave a t u n iv e rsit y?

f ^ 1.3 C o m p le te t h e e x tr a c ts fro m t h e co n v e rsa tio n usin g t h e c o rr e c t for m o f

t h e v e r b s in t h e bo x. Liste n a g ain a n d ch eck y o u r a nsw ers.

appty convince deal give plan talk understand work

1 7 <*pplieA fo r my M A co urse w hile I w as working in A frica, a n d even

m a n a g e d to s ta rt d oin g so m e rese arch fo r the co urse b efore I ca m e b ac k to
En gla n d .’
‘So y o u ’re cle a rly q uite g oo d a t _______ '
2 I fo r an N G O as p a rt o f a la rg e tea m with p e o p le from a ll o ve r the
world. We a ll live d to g e th er a n d sh are d a b athroo m . The work w as q uite
va rie d a n d I w a s d iffere n t tasks to co m plete e ach week.
3 ... o u r m ain aim was to e d u ca te lo c a l p e o p le a b o u t the nee d fo r
reforestatio n. We trie d p u ttin g up p osters, b u t this d id n ’t h ave m uch o f an
effect. We n ee d e d to fin d a b e tte r w ay to co m m u nicate this m essage. La te r
on I to resp ecte d m e m bers o f the co m m u nity, a n d them to
talk to o th er p e o p le in the villag e. This a p p ro ach w as fa r m ore effective.
4 When I was a t u n ive rsity / w as the co m m u nicatio ns o ffice r o f th e stu d e n t
union a n d I w as resp o nsib le f o r with su p pliers. I h a d to o rd er food
an d drin k fo r u n ive rsity co ncerts a n d so on. It was alw a ys p ossib le to g e t
a b e tte r d e a l if yo u w ere g o o d on the phone. It w asn ’t ju s t a q u estio n o f
b ein g p e rsu asive though, it w as re a lly a case o f b ein g cle a r a n d e x pressin g
y o u rse lf well, m akin g su re th a t e v e ry b o d y w h at I was sayin g .

g In p airs, d iscuss which t r a n s f e r a b le s k ills in E x e rcises 5 b a n d 5c a r e

d e m o n stra t e d in e ach e x tr a c t (1 - 4 ).

12 U n it 1 Research and prep aration

 C o m p le te t h e p h ra s e s f o r d e m o n stra tin g t r a n s f e r a b le s k ills usin g t h e
c o rr e c t v e r b s in b rac k e ts.
1 a n a ly tic a l skills [a n a lyse / co n d uct / Id e n tify)
a i^ e n H - Py a m ist a k e h data c ,. a surv ey
2 cr e a tivit y [inve n t / so lve / su g g est)
a a m ac hin e b ... an a lt e r n a tiv e c . a p ro ble m
3 co m m u n ic a ti o n skills [e x plain / g ive / w rite)
a a r e p o rt b . an id e a c a p r e se n t a ti o n
4 in t e r p e rs o n al skills [liste n / reso lve / work)
a a d is p u t e b t o a p o in t o f view c wit h ‘difficult’ p e o p le
5 le a d e rs h i p skills [ch a ir / d ele g a te / m o tivate)
a a m e e tin g b a tea m c t as k s
6 o r g a n is a tio n a l skills [d e cid e / im p le m e n t / m eet)
a d e a d li n es b on p rio ritie s c a plan
7 t e a m w o r k i n g skills [co n trib u te / d iscuss / su p p ort)
a an issue b to a m e e tin g c a co lle a g u e
8 n e g o tia tio n skills [ch an g e / co nvince / n e g o tiate)
a s o m e o n e ’s min d b . . . . with so m e o n e c s o m e o n e to do so m e t hi n g

i In p airs, t h in k o f so m e m ore sp ecific a ctio n s o r t a s k s which d e m o n stra t e

t r a n s f e r a b le skills.

j Id e n tify t h r e e o f y o u r t r a n s f e r a b le skills. M a k e n o tes a b o u t t h e th in g s you

h ave d o n e in t h e p a st t h a t d e m o n str a t e t h e s e skills. Use t h e p h ra s e s in
E x e rcises 5h a n d 5i.

k In p airs, t a k e t u r n s to t e ll e ach o t h e r s h o rt s t o rie s a b o u t t h e t h in g s yo u

h ave d o n e t h a t d e m o n str a t e y o u r t r a n s f e r a b le skills, usin g y o u r n o te s fro m
E x ercise 5j. Try to g u ess which t r a n s f e r a b le s k ills y o u r p a r t n e r ’s st o rie s
d e m o n stra t e .

I T hin k o f t h r e e d iff e r e n t jo b s a n d list tw o t r a n s f e r a b le sk ills t h a t a r e

e ss e n tia l to e ach job.
J o b 1 _____________ J o b 2 _____________ J o b 3 _____________
Sk ill 1 _____________ Sk ill 1 _____________ Skill 1 _____________
Sk ill 2 _____________ Sk ill 2 _____________ Skill 2 _____________

Researching t he market
Finding a jo b
O n c e yo u k n ow yo urself, it ’s ti m e to s t a r t re se a rc h i n g t h e m a r k e t - fin din g o u t
m ore a b o u t t h e ty p e of jo b you w a n t a n d t h e c o m p a n ie s a n d o r g a n is a ti o n s t h a t
h ave si m il ar p osts. D oin g t his will help you m a k e a s h o rt list of t h e places w h e r e
y o u ’d like to work .

6 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h e r e wo uld yo u s t a r t lo o k in g f or a j o b ?
2 W h ic h of t h e se m e t h o d s w o uld you co n si d e r u si n g?
• jo b a g e n cie s / h e a d h u n t e rs • t h e In t e r n e t
• n e ws p a p e rs a n d m a g a z in es • cold callin g / m ailin g
• n e t w or k i n g

U n it 1 Research and preparation 13

 b 1.4 Liste n to five p e o p le d iscussin g jo b - h u ntin g. W h ic h jo b - h u ntin g m e th o d
in E x ercise 6 a d o es e ach s p e a k e r re co m m e n d?
Sp e a k e r 1 _____________ Sp e a k e r 4 ______________
Sp e a k e r 2 _____________ S p e a k e r 5 ______________
S p e a k e r 3 _____________

C ^ 1.4 Liste n a g ain a n d , in p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 D o yo u a g r e e with t h e a d vic e t h e s p e a k e rs g iv e?
2 H a v e yo u use d t h e se m e t h o d s in t h e p a s t? Wo u l d you t r y a n y of t h ese
m e t h o d s?
3 W h a t a r e t h e a d v a n t a g e s a n d d is a d v a n t a g e s of e ach m e t h o d?
4 Can you t hin k o f a n y o t h e r jo b - h u ntin g m e t h o d s?

Cold callin g
C old callin g m e a n s p h o nin g a c o m p a n y to e n q u ir e a b o u t jo b
o p p o rt u n iti e s which h ave n o t b e e n a d v e rtis e d . T h e p h o n e
co n v e rsa tio n is use d to g e n e r a t e in t e r e st in you as a p o t e n tial
e m ploye e. T h e ai m o f t h e call is to g e t a n in vit a tio n to se n d
y o u r CV.

7 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.

1 H a v e yo u e v e r trie d cold - calling a c o m p a n y? W a s it
su cc essf u l?
2 W h a t a d vic e w o uld yo u give s o m e b o d y cold - calling a
c o m p a n y in y o u r c o u n t ry?

b 1.5 Ery k a n d Pa tric k a r e lo o kin g f o r w o r k in t h e h o tel

in d u stry in Lo n d o n. T h e y b oth h ave e x p e rie n c e w ork in g
in h o t e ls in t h e ir own co u n tries. T h e y d ecid e to cold - call
a n u m b er o f h o t e ls in Lo n d o n to t r y a n d fin d a s u it a b le
jo b. Liste n t o t h e ir calls a n d d ecid e w h o h as t h e m ore
successful cold ca llin g tech niq u e.

C ^ 1.5 C o m p le te t h e e x tr a c ts fro m Ery k ’s call (1 - 5 ) usin g t h e s e n t e n c e s (a - e).

Liste n a g ain a n d ch ec k y o u r a nsw ers.
a I h ave w ork ed fo r a n u m b er o f big h o tels in Polan d.
b / would lik e to sp eo k to Ja n e t Ro binson.
c W h a t b ack g ro u n d e x p erie nce a re yo u lo o kin g fo r?
d A re yo u loo kin g fo r so m eone with e x p erie nce such as th is?
e A re yo u loo kin g fo r e m ployees with in te rn a tio n al e x p erie n ce?
1 G ood m orning. I ’m Ery k P a w la k . Is sh e th e re?
2 I h ave co n sid era b le p ro fessio n al e x p erie nce in the h o tel in d u s try .___
3 M y m oth er tongue is Polish, b u t I ca n also sp e a k Sp a nish, h avin g w ork ed
fo r a big h o tel in S p a in . ___
4 To b egin with I m ain ly w ork ed m an a gin g a tea m o f cle a n ers a n d p orters.
However, m y Sp a n ish im proved q u ick ly a n d I was m oved to rece p tio n, where
I d e a lt with custo m ers both face to face a n d on the p h o n e .___
5 ‘Do yo u h ave a d e g re e?’
‘Yes, I h ave a d e g ree in to u ris m . ’

14 U n it 1 Research and prep aration

 d M a tc h t h e e x tra cts (1 - 5 ) in E x e rcise 7c t o t h e follo win g cold callin g
te c h n iq u es (a - e).
a Giv e j u s t e n o u g h in f or m a tio n a b o u t y o u rself to g e n e r a t e in t e r e st in yo urself
as a p o t e n tial e m ploye e. JL -
b Res p o n d to q u estio n s with y o u r own q u estio n s to fin d o u t m ore a b o u t t h e
c o m p a n y .___
c Use p ositive q u esti o n s t h a t invit e a ‘y e s’ r e s p o n s e________
d M e n ti o n o n e o r t wo co ncise ac h ie v e m e n ts, usin g facts a n d fig ures w h e r e
p o ssi b le________
e A s k to s p e a k to t h e d ecisio n m a k er b y n a m e____

Jo b advertise m ents
A g o o d jo b a d v e r tis e m e n t is d esig n e d to a t t r a c t t h e m ost s u it a b ly q u alifie d
a p p lica n ts. It ’s n o t j u st a p p lic a n ts t h a t a r e co m p e ti n g wit h e ach o t h e r f or jo bs;
e m p lo y e rs a r e also co m p e ti n g wit h e ach o t h e r to a t t r a c t t h e b e st c a n d i d a t e s for
t h e ir vaca n cies.

8 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t infor m atio n would you e x p ect to find in a well - written jo b a d v e r tis e m e n t?
2 W h a t m a k es a g oo d jo b a d v e r t is e m e n t?

b E m p lo y e rs u su ally t r y to sq u e e z e a s much in f o r m a tio n in to t h e ir jo b

a d v e rtis e m e n ts as p ossible. H o w ever, b eca u se a d v e rtisin g is e x p e n sive a n d
s p a c e lim ite d , t h e y t e n d t o use a b b r e via tio n s t o d e scrib e ro le s in a s fe w
w o rd s as p ossible. W rit e t h e full m e a n in g s o f t h e follo win g a b b r e via tio n s
usin g t h e w o r d s in t h e box.
agency annum d ean current curriculum driving
earnings experience licence of on per per
point sale target vitae week

1 rrn i c u vv e n V c)e<?\n <stviv'm<^ l i c e n c e 5 O TF

9 CV 6 PA
^ F XP 7 PW
4 A GY .......... 8 POS

C W h ic h a b b r e via tio n w o uld you e x p ect to se e in a jo b a d v e rtis e m e n t:

1 if you n e e d r e le v a n t p ro f essio n al e x p e rie n c e for t h e p o s i t i o n ?___
2 if t h e s a l a ry m e n tio n e d w as f or t h e w h ole y e a r ? ___
3 if a jo b a g e n cy is a d v e rtisi n g t h e j o b ? ___
4 if t h e p ositio n re q u ires e x p e rie n ce o f sellin g p ro d ucts to c u s t o m e r s?___
5 if t h e ta k e - h o m e p ay will b e p a rt b asic s a la ry a n d p a r t p erf or m a nce - r ela t e d
p a y? —

d Jo b a d v e rtis e m e n ts t e n d t o use a lo t o f
ja r g o n , lik e proactive team player. Lo o k a t t h e
e x tr a c t fro m a jo b a d v e rtis e m e n t. In p airs,
Great graduate job opportunity
d iscu ss w h a t t h e t e r m s in b old a c t u a lly m e a n A r e y o u a team player? A r e y o u flexible,
in sp ecific, p ra ctic a l t er m s. W h y a r e t h e y dynamic & results-focused?
i m p o rt a n t s k ills in t h e w o r k p la c e? D o y o u h a v e good organisational skills?
T h e n w e a r e l o o k i n g f or y o u ...
.....nmim, -----

U n it 1 Research and preparation 15

 M a tc h t h e ja r g o n in E x e rcise 8 d t o t h e follo win g q u estio ns. In p airs, t a k e
t u r n s to as k a n d a n sw e r t h e q u estio ns.
1 D o yo u h ave a p e rso n ality t h a t will fit in with t h e rest o f t h e t e a m ? A r e you
willin g to h elp with t as k s o u tsid e y o u r jo b role w h e n r e q u ir e d?
2 A r e you so m e o n e w h o w a n ts to w or k , is p r e p a r e d to do w h a t it t a k e s to fulfil
y o u r jo b f u nction a n d m a k e m o n ey for t h e c o m p a n y? Will you b e a w a r e of how
y o u r a ctio n s aff ect t h e c o m p a n y as a w h o l e?
3 A r e you in n o va tiv e a n d c r e a t iv e? A r e you t h e ty p e of p erso n w h o t hin k s
in t e lli g e n tly a n d ca n g e n e r a t e id e as to i m p r ov e t h i n g s?
4 A r e you p r e p a r e d to w or k to m e e t t h e d e m a n d s of t h e b usin ess, w hich mig ht
involve r e loca tin g to a n o t h e r office o r w o r k in g e x tr a h o urs - eve n w e e k e n d s?
5 D o you m e e t d e a d li n es, w or k well wit h o t h e rs a n d g e t t hin gs d o n e? Can
you p ro d uc e re lia b le w or k u n d er p ressu re a n d b e tr u st e d wit h m ultiple
r e s p o n si b iliti e s?

R e a d t h e tw o jo b a d v e rtis e m e n ts a n d a n sw e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

U n d e rlin e t h e p a r ts o f t h e a d v e rtis e m e n ts t h a t s u p p o rt y o u r a nsw ers.
1 F o r w hich jo b is a u n iv e rsit y d e g r e e e ss e n t i a l?
2 Wh ic h jo b p lace s m ore e m p h a sis on b ei n g fle x i b le a n d a d a p t a b l e?
3 Wh ic h jo b offers a h ig h e r s a l a r y?
4 W h a t sh o uld you d o if you wish to a p p ly for t h e M e d i a A ssis t a n t p o sitio n?
5 H o w will yo u k n o w if M e d i a X is in t e r e st e d
in y o u r a p p lic a t i o n?

Media Assistant. Media X

T rain e e Fin a n c e Recru it m e n t C o n su lta n t -
E3 0 - E3 5 K O T E. Q u e e n C a re e rs
Your Profile: Are you a graduate or of graduate calibre
with a track record of s u cc e ss? You will have a minimum
of two y e a rs’ solid sales e x perience and the hunger to
succe e d! For a trainee finance recruitment consultant no
two d ays are the sa me, and you must be a great multi
tasker with the ability to push yourself further and further
all the time. T h e right can didate will be target - driven,
articulate, determined and overall 100% focuse d on a
career in recruitment.
The Role: The role of a trainee recruitment consultant
is varied from d ay to day. O ne d ay you could be
sourcing and screening can did ates for your current
roles, and the next everything from cold - calling new
clients to negotiating contracts. You will be working
on the secretarial and support team liaising with high
flying can didates and well - established co m p a nies in the
invest ment banking sector, so your presentation skills
should be second - to - none.
The Company: Very well - established and situated in a
fantastic central London location, this is an opportunity
to work for a market - leading worldwide specialist in
investment banking and financial recruitment consultancy.
Professional and consultative in a p proach, they offer
second - to - none training from ground level upwards with
bonuses, incentives and fun along the way.
If this so u n ds like the care er for you ple ase email
Eli z a b e t h@ Q u e e ncare e rs.co m or call 0870 12341234.
Closin g date: 15th May
....
Q uote Ref: 007584 MX
An excellent o p p o rtu n ity to w ork for a leading
international ed u catio n group in a sm all but lively m edia
d ep artm en t.
We are looking for a well-organised and m otivated
g rad u ate to becom e p a rt of an in tern atio n al m arketing/
m edia team . The key objective of th is role is to su p p o rt
th e team in producing a range of print and online
m aterials for w orldw ide m arketing and sales team s. Tasks
will in clu d e rep o rtin g to th e m edia m anager, m anaging
fact files, a c c u ra te proof reading and editing, inputting
co n te n t into o u r w ebsite CMS, co ordinating and gathering
inform ation, w areh o u se and sto ck m anagem ent and
collating and w riting n ew sletters.
We are looking for a g rad u ate w ith excellent
com m unication skills, a c c u ra te w ritten English, good
atte n tio n to detail and so m e exp erien ce of w orking in a
m arketing environm ent.
Proficiency in MS Office an d excellent com m and of
English language are essential; additional languages
w ould be a plus.
Training will be provided for A dobe Creative Suite and
Tridion, although any w orking know ledge of either
softw are package would be advantageous.
Qualification Level: U ndergraduate degree essential.
Salary: circa &28K pro rata
Email your CV an d cover letter to colm@MediaX.com by
May 23rd.
Please note th a t due to th e large volum e of resp o n ses
expected, only successful can d id ates will be contacted.
I f B ''
// i.

16 U nit 1 Research and preparation

g R e a d t h e jo b a d v e rtis e m e n ts a g ain a n d fin d e x p ressio n s to m atch t h e
follo win g d e fin itio n s.
1 A La tin t e r m m e a ni n g a p p ro x im ately use d to t al k a b o u t salaries. T his t er m
infor ms you t h a t t h e s a l a ry is n o t fi x e d b u t m ay b e a r o u n d 1 0% h ig h e r o r
lo w er d e p e n d in g on y o u r r e le v a n t e x p e rie n c e a n d q u alifica tio n s___________
2 A t e r m use d to infor m yo u of t h e d a t e by which t h e e m p lo y e r m ust h ave
receive d y o u r a p p lica ti o n . A ls o s o m e ti m es calle d a d e a d li n e___________
3 A n a b b r e via ti o n m e a nin g th o u sa n d .__________
4 A t e r m use d to infor m you t h a t you m ust q u o t e t h e re f ere nce n u m b e r w h e n
you a p p ly for t h e p ositio n. T his n u m b e r sh o uld b e cle a rly m a r k e d on y o u r
e n v e lo p e (if yo u a p p ly by post) o r t h e su b je ct line o f y o u r e m ail, as well as a t
t h e t o p of y o u r co v e r l e t t e r .__________
5 A La tin t e r m m e a nin g t h a t y o u r s a l a ry is c a lc u la t e d acco r d in g to w h a t
p r o p o rtio n of a full - time jo b y o u r h o urs m a k e up. So, if t h e s a l a ry is q u o t e d
a t £ 1 8 , 0 0 0 b ase d on a full - time w e e k of 4 0 h o urs a n d you a r e w or k in g 3 0
h o urs p e r w e e k , you will b e p aid a n a n n u al s a la ry o f £1 3 , 5 0 0 ___________

h In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t a r e t h e m ain t r a n sf e r a b l e skills re q u ire d for e ach j o b ?
2 In which jo b w o uld you e x p e ct to w or k u n d e r m ore p r e ss u r e?
3 Wh ic h jo b w o uld you p re f e r to do a n d w h y?

i M a n y jo b a d v e rtis e m e n ts re q u e st f a m ilia rity with c e rt a in to ols, s k ills o r

la n g u a g es t h a t a r e re le v a n t to t h e jo b. In p airs, p u t t h e e x p ressio n s in b old
in o r d e r o f k n o wle d g e a n d e x p e rie n ce re q u ire d .

• Training will b e p ro vid e d for A d o b e

Pr o ficie n cy in M S O ffice a n d e x celle n t
co m m a n d o f En glish la n g u a g e are
plus
C r e a tiv e Su it e a n d Tridion, alt h o u g h
w o r k in g k n o wle d g e o f e it h e r so ft w are
p ac k a g e w o uld b e a d va n t a g e o u s.

j W r it e s e n t e n c e s a b o u t y o u r own k n o wle d g e a n d e x p e rie n ce usin g t h e

follo win g e x p ressio ns.
• I a m p r o ficie n t in ...
• I h ave an e x celle n t c o m m a n d o f ...
• I h ave a g o o d w or k in g k n o wle d g e o f ...

k S o r t t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x into tw o gro u ps.

ideally you will have ... ... is essential ... is necessary ... is preferred ... is vital
the successful candidate will b e ............ would be a plus ... would be advantageous
... would be desirable ... would be welcome you must b e ... you will have ...

1 Sk ills which c a n d i d a t e s m ust have

... is e s s e n H ^ ) _________________ _________________

2 Sk ills which t h e e m p lo y e r h o p es for (t h ey m ay still co n si d e r t h e c a n d i d a t e if

t h e y d o n ’t h ave all of t h e m)

I W h ic h o f t h e p h ra s e s in E x ercise 8 k a r e use d in t h e tw o jo b a d v e rtis e m e n ts

on p a g e 1 6 ?

U n it 1 Research and preparation

 ITT R e a d t h e follo win g jo b a d v e rtis e m e n t. Fin d w o r d s t h a t m e a n so m e o n e wh o
is:
1 g o o d a t fin din g solu tio ns to p r o b le m s__________________
2 a b le to sp e a k a la n g u a g e w it h o u t a n y n o tic e a b le m ist a k es o r effort.

3 fle x i b le a n d a b le to w o r k on d iff e re n t p ro jects a t t h e sa m e time.

4 g oo d wit h co m p u t ers.
5 g o o d a t m a t h s a n d d e a li n g with n u m b ers.

-///'/ '//

J u n io r C o n su lta n t
futerra
sustainability
com mun i ca i ioii s
O rg a n isa t i o n : F U T ERRA
S h ortlist this job
Location: Central London L - J Email this job to a friend
C l Jo b contact details
Salary: £ 1 8,0 0 0 - ^ 2 0,0 0 0 Q View ali jobs from this employer

Are you a great communicator? Want to make a difference? Talk to Futerra!

Futerra is a communications agency that specialises in the environment and social
change. We work with government, businesses and NGOs and have an exciting
opportunity for a new junior team member. You’ll need to be resourceful and have
fantastic research skills, common sense - and, of course, fluent English. You must
be adaptable: there will be lots of desk-based research, but you may also find
yourself hitting the phones or helping at events. You’ll also have to be computer
literate and numerate. You’ll have a degree in a relevant discipline and a keen interest
in communications, and be able to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability,
whether through previous roles, internships or student activities. You’ll find us bright,
passionate, committed and all-round fun people.

' "?TI p p f "• : "! :;j: ":":r ppf : ' IIPPPM Pf fPPPIW f ^

n W h a t sk ills a n d e x p e rie n c e w o uld yo u n e e d t o st a n d a g o o d ch a nce o f

b ein g in t e rvie w e d f o r t h e p o sitio n? D o yo u h ave t h e t r a n s f e r a b le sk ills a n d
e x p e rie n ce re q u ire d f o r t h e p ositio n a t F u t e r r a?

O Re s e a rc h t h e m a r k e t a n d fin d a n u m b er o f jo b a d v e rtis e m e n ts fo r
v a c a n cie s t h a t m atch y o u r c rit e ria f o r w ork . A n a lys e t h e a d v e rtis e m e n ts
a n d id e n tify w h e t h e r yo u h ave t h e t r a n s f e r a b le s k ills a n d e x p e rie n ce
re q u ire d f o r t h e p ositio n .

18 U n it 1 Research and preparation

 Structuring your CV
Avoiding common CV mistakes
Creating a strong first
impression
Id e ntifyin g your key skills
Highlighting your work
experience
Detailing your education and
qualifications
Demonstrating your interests
Providing references

h<***'

Yo u’ve r e se a rc h e d y o u rs e lf a n d id e n tifie d y o u r d re a m job.

Yo u’ve re s e a rc h e d t h e m a r k e t a n d fo u n d a vaca ncy. So how do
you p ut t o g e t h e r a CV t h a t will g u a r a n t e e you a n i n t e rvi e w?

1 a In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t d o es CV st a n d f o r?
2 W h a t is a CV c o m m o n ly calle d in A m e ric a n En g lis h?
3 W h a t is t h e m ain p u r p ose o f a C V?
4 W h a t a r e t h e k ey q u alitie s of a successful C V?
5 H o w m a n y sectio ns a r e t h e r e in a ty p ic al C V? W h a t
a re t h e y?
6 W h a t is t h e b e st w a y to str u ct u r e t h e c o n t e n ts of y o u r C V?

2.1 Liste n t o Silvia a n d h er frie n d , So p h ie , d iscussin g CVs. In p airs, d iscuss

t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t a r e t h e tw o m ost p o p u la r w ays of str u ct u rin g a C V?
2 W h a t a re t h e k ey diff ere nces b e t w e e n t h e t w o m ost p o p u la r w ays of
str u ct u rin g C V s?
3 D o es a n y of So p h i e ’s a d vic e s u r p ris e y o u?

^2.1 Liste n a g ain a n d c o m p le te t h e follo win g CV stru ct u res.

C h ro n olo gical CV Sk ills - b ase d CV
\ Youv in larg e le tt e rs 9 ________________ in larg e le tt e rs
2 d e t ails 10
3 ( ) 11 / C a r e e r profile
4 / A c a d e m ic q u alifica ti o n s 12 Key
5 13 d e t ails
6 A ctivitie s a n d 14 / Pr o f e ssio n al q u alifica tio n s
7 A d d itio n al 15
8 16

U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV 19
 d Lo o k a t t h e tw o v e rsio n s o f h er CV t h a t Silvia p re p a re d . W h ic h a p p ro a c h
h as sh e follo w e d f o r e ach v e rsio n? W h ic h CV d o you p r e f e r?

e C o m p le te t h e follo w in g CV usin g a p a s t for m o f t h e v e r b s in t h e box.

achieve complete coordinate develop hold
organise persuade represent research work

Silvia Carnali
Home address: 42 Hampstead Rd Date of Birth: 14 February 1986
London NW3 Nationality: Italian
Telephone: 44 (0) 207 862 4567
Email: s carnali@hotrnail.com
Education
2008-present The School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS)
• MSc (Hons) Development Studies (2.1 expected)
• 7000-word dissertation on reforestation in Kenya
2004-2007 University College London (UCL)
• BA (Hons) Geography (2.1)
2004 Diploma Maturita Scientifica (58/60) - Liceo A.Tosi, Milano
Professional Experience
2008 Project Volunteer: Sustainable Solutions (NGO), Kenya (6 m onths)
• i WovV-gA as Df an international team to increase awareness of sustainability in Kenya
• 2 __________communication strategies to ensure that our message was delivered effectively
• Established, managed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders
• 3 __________local community leaders to increase the level of reforestation in Kenya
2006-2007 Communications Officer: University College London (1 year)
• Organised and managed catering for more than 10 separate UCL events for up to 300 students
• Liaised with student council board members, catering suppliers, venues and performers
• 4 _________ University College London at a series of event conferences
• 5 _________ two-week event management training course
2005 Activity Leader: Concord College Summer School, Shropshire, UK (2 months)
• Led sports and dram a activities for 200 international students
• 6 _________ weekend adventure trip in Wales, including leading a walking expedition for twenty students
• 7 __________daily meetings with other members of the activity team. Provided training and support for
less experienced members of the team

Activities and Interests

2007 Sept Mountain Trekking in South America (1 month)
• 8 __________and planned group mountain expedition in the Andes, Argentina
• As sole Spanish speaker I acted as spokesperson for the group. Reacting to unforeseen events required
frequent revision of plans, responding to group members, tour operator and airlines.
• 9 _________ aims of crossing the rem ote central part of the Southern Patagonian ice cap in Los Glaciares
National Park, improved Spanish language skills, stayed within budget
2003-present Greenpeace Active Member (5 years)
• 10__________ a campaign against nuclear power. Persuaded 1000 people to write to their local MP
demanding the Government to reconsider renewable energy resources as a viable alternative to
nuclear power.

Languages Italian (m other tongue), English (fluent), Spanish (upper intermediate)

Com puter Skills Full command of Microsoft Office Suite
Driving Full current driving licence
References References available upon request

20 U nit 2 Writin g an im pressive CV

f C o m p le te t h e follo win g CV usin g t h e s k ills h e a d in g s in t h e box.
A d a p ta b ility and resourcefulness Co m m unication and teamwork
Energy and m otivatio n Research and co m puter skills

Silv ia C arn ali 42 H a m p s t e a d R d , L o n d o n N W 3

T el: 4 4 (0) 207 862 4567
E m a il: s_c a r n a li@ h o t m a il.c o m

Well - org anise d, h ig h ly m o tiv a te d co m m u n ica tio n s stra te g y a dviser. G e o g ra p h y g ra d u a te w ith re c e n t

p ro fe ssio n a l e x p e rie n ce d evelo p in g co m m u n ica tio n s tra te g y fo r p o sitiv e ch a n g e. C u rre n tly co m p le tin g M a s t e r's
in D e v e lo p m e n t St u d ie s w ith s p e cific fo cu s on sustain a b ility. F lu e n t sp o k e n a n d w ritte n En g lish . Self - m o tivate d ,
re s o u rc e fu l a n d a b le to m o tiva te o th ers, w ith e x c e lle n t co m m u n ica tio n a n d in te rp e rso n a l skills.

Ed u ca tio n
2008 - 2 00 9 T h e Sch o o l of O rie n tal and A frica n St u d ie s, U n iv e rsity of Lo n d o n, M S c (H o ns) D e velo p m e n t
St u d ie s (2.1 e x p ecte d)
2004 - 2007 U n iv e rsity C olle g e Lo n d o n, B A (H o ns) G e o g ra p h y (2.1)
1 ______________
• A frica n N G O ‘Su stain a b le So lu tio n s': Six - m onth vo lu n te e r p roject to e d u ca t e K e nya n p e o ple a b o ut th e
im p orta nce of re forestatio n . M y role w a s to a ssis t t h e project te a m in d evisin g and im ple m e n tin g stra te g ies
to co m m u n ica t e this m e ss a g e to local resid e n ts in d iffe re n t re gio ns in K e nya. To do this e ff e ctiv e ly, I had to
re m ain calm , p olite and p e rsu asive w h e n talkin g to co m m u n ity lea d ers. (2008)
• A s co m m u n ica tio n s o ffice r at U C L I re p re se n te d th e u niversity at c o n f e re n c e s and org a nise d st u d e n t union
e v e n ts. A s p art of th e st u d e n t union t e a m I w a s resp o nsib le for d ealin g w it h su p pliers, ban ds, e tc. and I also
w o r k e d in colla b oratio n w it h t h e m ark etin g t e a m a d vertisin g and tick etin g e v e n ts. I a ssist e d in org anisin g and
m a n a gin g 12 s u cc e ssf u l e v e n ts, all of w h ic h m a d e a profit. (200 6 - 2 007)
2 _______________
• In Se p t 2007 I s u cc e ssf u lly co m p le te d an eight - person e x p e ditio n to A ustral A n d e s in A rg e n tin a, in th e so u t h
w e s t of Sa n ta Cru z on th e b ord er w it h C hile. T h re e m o n ths of training an d fu n draisin g pre p aratio n resulte d in
t h e s u cc e ssf u l crossin g of t h e re m o te ce n tral part of th e So u th e rn Pata g o nia n ice ca p in Lo s G laciares N atio nal
Park. A s th e so le Sp a nish s p e a k e r I act e d as sp o k esp erso n for our grou p, org anisin g b o o kin gs and n e g otiatin g
th e e x p e ditio n itinerary. (2007)
• I org a nise d and led sp orts and dra m a activities for 200 intern atio n al st u d e n ts at a s u m m e r sch o ol in
Sh re w s b u ry. M y role inclu d e d m otivatin g and su p p ortin g th e less e x p erie n ce d m e m b e rs of th e activitie s te a m .
I d e vise d a n u m b er of sp ortin g to u rn a m e n ts for th e s u m m e r sch o ol st u d e n ts and m o tivate d t h e childre n and
sta ff to g et fully involve d, culm in atin g in an intern atio n al volley b all co m p e titio n. (2005)
3 i____
• I w o r k e d w ith a larg e internatio nal te a m in Ke nya. T h e n ature of th e p roject m e a n t th at I had to travel re g ularly
thro u g h o u t th e co u n try at sh ort n otice, and sh are b asic living co n ditio ns. (2008)
• I ha n dle d a w id e va rie ty of tas k s and p rojects thro u g h o u t th e six - month project, e ach re q uirin g d iffere n t skills
an d a p p ro ach es in ord er for targ e ts to b e ac h ie v e d and o b sta cle s to b e o v e rc o m e . I s u g g e st e d an altern a tive
co m m u nica tio n stra te g y of m e e tin g w it h local co m m u n ity le a d ers to d isc u ss sustain a bility. I co n vin ce d
co m m u n ity le a d ers to im p le m e n t alt e rn a tive far m in g m e th o d s. T h e s u cc e ssf u l a p pro ach w a s a d o p te d by th e
e n tire t e a m acro ss th e co u ntry. (2008)
4 _______________
• I rese arch e d to p intern atio n al u niversities fo r m y d e g re e co u rse. I a m cu rre n tly co m p le tin g in - depth rese arch
on refo resta tio n t e c h n iq u es for t h e A frica n su b co n tin e n t for m y M a s t e r ’s d e g re e dissertatio n . Re s e a rc h for m y
dissertatio n inclu d es su bsta n tial u se of th e In te rn e t and p ro fessio n al jo urn als, and in te rvie w in g e x p erts in th e
field. I h ave an e x c e lle n t co m m a n d of M icro s o ft O ffice Suite.
• I u p d ate d an d m o difie d th e w e b sit e for Su stain a b le Solutio ns, resultin g in a 4 0 % incre ase in w e b sit e traffic. (2008)
E m p lo y m e n t H ist o ry
Su stain a b le So lu tio n s (N G O ) 2008 Pro je ct Volu nteer, b ase d Ke nya
C o ncord C olle g e s u m m e r sch o ol 2005 A ctivity Lea d er, b ase d Shro p shire, UK
La n g u a g es
Italian, En glish, Sp a nish
R e f e r e n c e s availa ble upon re q u est

U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV 21
 g In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h y a r e skills - b ase d CVs p a rtic u la rly p o p u la r with c a r e e r ch a n g ers a n d
re ce n t g r a d u a t e s?
2 Wh ic h a p p r o a c h is m ore co m m o n in t h e c o u n try you a r e a p p lyin g for w or k
i n?

Avoiding common CV m ist a k es

2 a In p airs, t h in k o f fiv e m ista k es t h a t p e o p le co m m o nly m a k e w h e n w ritin g
a CV.

b ^2.2 A G e r m a n st u d e n t, A le x M e n c k e n , h as re c e n tly d ecid e d t o a p p ly f o r

tw o a d m in is tr a tiv e a ssis t a n t jo b s a t Lo n d o n t h e a tr e s. H e is in t h e p rocess
o f w ritin g his CV. Liste n to A le x d iscussin g co m m o n m ista k es p e o p le m a k e
with CVs with his frie n d Ella , an H R officer, a n d a n sw e r t h e follo win g
q u estio ns.
1 H o w m a n y o f y o u r id e as in E x ercise 2 a d o es Ella m e n ti o n?
2 D o es Ella t a l k a b o u t a n yt h in g t h a t yo u h a d n ’t t h o u g h t o f?

C ^ 2.2 Liste n a g ain a n d a n s w e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 A cco r d in g to Ella, w h a t w or ds a r e c o m m o n ly m issp e lt in C V s?
2 W h y d o e s sh e b elieve sh o rt, co ncise CVs a r e p r e f e r a b l e?
3 W h y s h o u ld n ’t you lie in a C V?
4 A cco r d in g to Ella, sh o uld you use t h e sa m e CV for all y o u r a p p lic a ti o n s?
p r a c t ice

d Ella m e n tio n s t h e i m p o rt a n c e o f c o rr e c t sp ellin g. Lo o k a t t h e follo win g p r a c t i c e n o u n |C| ©See a t practise <-.in, practise wohk.
action 1 ."pra-k.tis: n u u n [UJ a c tio n rati
th a n th o u g h t o r ideas: It seemed lik e a g o o d id ea bet
e x tra cts fro m CVs. Id e n tify a n d c o rr e c t t h e s p e llin g m ista k es (t h e n u m b er we starte d , b u t In practice, it u x l s a d isaster, o O fficio
R o b e rt's in ch arg e. b u t i n p ra ctic e H a n n a h ru n s
office. 1 c u n 'l see how yv ttr p la n is g o in g to w o rk
o f m ista k es is given in b ra c k e ts). Use a d ic tio n a ry t o h elp you. p ractice, c How. do yo u in te n d to p u r these p ro p o sals ii
p ractice. M o h a m a d?
IreglL ar activity! "pnek.iiv' n ou n |C or
so m e th in g th a t is u su a lly o r re g u la rly done, often a
1 In my p re vo us jo b I w a s r e s p o n sa b le for d e a llin g wit h my b o sse s’ h a b it, tr a d itio n o r c u sto m : W h a t ca n Eu ro p t
co m p a nies le a r n fro m Ja p a n e s e b usin ess p r a ctic e s? c.
co m m o n practice, in the Stat.es to tip the h a ird re si
c o rr e s p o n d a n ce , p assin g on t h e ir t e le p h o n e m assa g es, a n d o T h is ts a cru e l p ra ctic e w h ic h sh o u ld be ham
im m e d iately. • > W h a t is s t a n d a r d p ra ctic e (= W hat
u su a lly d one) in a situ a tio n lik e t h is? o N ewsp a.
a rr a n g e i n g a p o i n t m e n ts wit h visitors. (7) e d ito rs h a v e a g re e d u new co d e o f p ra ctic e on (h e in
ttlon o f p riv a cy .
* m a k e a p ra ctic e of sth rtt ot.n w .w w w /i to do som eth
re g u la rly : /VI do y o u r w ash in g f o r yo u t h is tim e, hut
'/// w w/ v, w. "'A
not g o in g to m a k e a p ra ctic e oj it.
p r a c t is e u k , vs p r a c t ic e "pni-k.iis/ verb [TJ to do soi

A p a r t for m t h e a c a d e m ic b e n e ffits, t h e e x p e ria n c e off st u din g tiling re g u la rly , o ften a c c o rd in g to a c u sto m , re lig io n
set of ru le s , o r a s a h a b it. T h e n ew g o vern m e n t i
pro m ise d a t! c it h e n s the. right, to p ra ctise t h e ir re lie f

a b r a o d e n a b le d m e t o p ractice my f orie g n la n g u a g e skills a n d o P r a c tis in g sa fe sex is a n im p o rta n t w a y o f a vo id

H i V in jectio n . T h e co m p any d e nies t h a t it h a s p r a c t i
d isc rim in a tio n a g a in s t a n y o f its em ployees.

d e v e lo p e m y str e n g h ts in n o n - aca d e m ic are as. ( 10) • p ra ctis e w h a t yo u p re ach ro d o t h e T h in g s t h a t 5

a d v is e o t h e r p e o p le to do: H e ’s su ch a h y p o crite! H e ne
p ra ctis e s w h a t h e preaches.
p r a c t is in g UK. os p r a c t ic in g "prcck.ti.sio/ <*4/ Ibefore nt
'/A 'A “A W "/// “ft a ctiv ely in v o lv e d u i u re lig io n : a p r a c tisin g M u sh
.Je w / C h ristia n
Iik a in p k . r;s • "pr. - ek.tiv verb |i a
D u rin g my ti m e as a n a ssist e n t in t h e p e rso n al d e p a r t m e n t, my to do o r p lay s o m e th in g re g u la rly o r re p e a te d ly in on
to becom e sk ille d a t it. I ’m q u ite g o o d ut te n n is b ut i n
to p r a c tis e m y serve, a Sh e p ra ctise s th e v io lin eve ry a
m ain a c h e iv e m e n t w a s w h e n I le a d a p r o je ct witch f ocuse d on 0 f i v im;} H is w ritte n F re n c h is v e ry g oo d b ut h e need:
p ra ctise sp e a k in g it.

i m p r ovein g st a rt e g ic b uisn ess pla nin g. (9) / ‘prack.tisv n o u n lc or uJ w h e n y o u do soi

tilin g re g u la rly o r re p e a te d ly to im p ro v e y o u r skill
d o in g ir: J need to pet. some m ore p ra ctice before I ta k e
d riv in g test, c A r e y o u co m in g to crtck e t practice, t
m w& v/m. m w 'M W/yy// '//. .w n irA ' a t ho m e because, ^ h e sp en ds a lL
•!,. 1 S.. .ITr-C Mim "
' y/*/ y/ yy/ "// w: " * :: •

e W h ic h o f t h e s e m ista k es d o you re g u la rly m a k e? A r e t h e r e a n y o t h e r w o rd s

t h a t yo u o ft e n sp ell in c o rr e c tly?

22 U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV
 Creating a strong first i m pressio n
Writin g a personal state m ent
A p erso n al s t a t e m e n t is a b rie f st a t e m e n t of t h e ty p e of p erso n you are, y o u r
skills a n d y o u r ac h ie ve m e n ts. It alw a ys co m es n e a r t h e t o p of t h e CV, b ef ore
t h e m ain body, a n d p r e s e n ts t h e facts in t h e m o st p ositive way. A well - writte n
p erso n al s t a t e m e n t will i m m e d ia t e ly c a p t u r e t h e a t t e n tio n of t h e e m p lo y e r a n d
m a k e t h e m w a n t to fin d o u t m ore a b o u t you.

3 3 R e a d Silv ia ’s p e rs o n al s t a t e m e n t fro m h e r skills - b ase d CV a n d fin d w o rd s

a n d p h ra s e s which d e m o n str a t e t h e fo llo w in g p oin ts.
1 e d u ca tio n 3 k n o wle d g e 5 success
2 ch aracter 4 e x p e ri e n ce
m ** ? f*. > • ' i is.... 5’ • •• *!’ • • •• ••; “• &5" 3 ’ £ %&'9 x-'yR 'i & 2'is it *£ 2
. ' • • - •|

Well - org anise d, h ig h ly m o tiv a te d co m m u n ica tio n s stra te g y a dviser. G e o g ra p h y g ra d u a te w ith re c e n t

p ro fe ssio n a l e x p e rie n ce d evelo p in g co m m u n ica tio n stra te g y fo r p o sitiv e ch a n g e. C u rre n tly co m p le tin g M a s t e r's
in D e v e lo p m e n t Stu d ie s w ith s p e cific fo cu s on sustain a b ility. Flu e n t sp o k e n a n d w ritte n En g lish . Self - m o tivate d ,
re s o u rc e fu l a n d a b le to m o tiva te o th ers, w ith e x c e lle n t co m m u n ica tio n a n d in te rp e rso n al skills.

Each s e n t e n c e in Silv i a ’s p e rs o n a l s t a t e m e n t h as a d iff e r e n t m ain fu nctio n .

W r it e t h e s e n t e n c e s n e x t to t h e q u e stio n s t h a t t h e y a n sw e r (a - e).
a W h a t s o rt of p erso n a m I? v-esouv-ce£u1 exvA f o_____
y*\oHv<?d-e o f k e y s, w l f U e * c e l ) e v \ f i H fe y p e yso n g’O s k ills.
b W h a t is my a r e a of p ro f essio n al e x p e r t i s e ?_________________________________

c W h a t is my m ost i m p o rt a n t q u a li f ic a t i o n ?__________________________________

d W h a t is my m ost r e le va n t skill for t h e j o b ?

e W h a t a m I d oin g a t t h e m o m e n t?

C C o m p le te t h e follo win g p e rs o n al s t a t e m e n ts usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x.

co nfid e n tly and e ff e ctiv e ly e x perience in
full - tim e professional proven a b ility well - organised

1 Pr o f e s s i o n a l,__________________in d ivid u al. C o m m u n ic a t e s_________________

a t all levels; d e m o n str a t e s in itia tiv e a n d c o n fid e n tia lity b o t h i n d e p e n d e n tly
a n d wit hin a t e a m e n vir o n m e n t.

2 En t h u sia stic PA wit h t h r e e y e a rs ’ _________________ e x p erie nce. E x c e lle n t

w rit t e n a n d oral co m m u n ica tio n skills h ave e n a b le d me to est a b lis h a stro n g
n e t w o r k of p ro f essio n al c o n t a cts in y o u r a r e a ___________________ to m e e t
d e a d li n e s a n d p rio ritise w hilst m ain t ain in g c o n sist e n tly high st a n d ar d s.
S u b s t a n t i a l__________________o r g a nisi n g m e e ti n g s a n d co n f e r e n ce s g ain e d
w h ilst p r ovidin g PA a n d se cr e t a ria l se rvic e to m ain b o ar d director.

In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 H o w d o t h e s e st a t e m e n ts c o m p a r e wit h Silv i a ’s?
2 W h ic h of t h e q u estio n s in E x ercise 3 b d o e s e ach st a t e m e n t a n s w e r?

U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV 23
 O ur client is looking fo r someone who
T h e p e rs o n a l s t a t e m e n ts in E x ercise 3c w e re ta k e n can f ill the shoes o f a busy PA fo r 9 to 12
fro m CVs w rit t e n in re s p o n se to t h e follo w in g jo b months.
a d v e rtis e m e n t. R e a d t h e a d v e rtis e m e n t a n d d ecid e In addition to the usual diary management,
organising of travel and coordinating of
which p e rs o n al s t a t e m e n t yo u t h in k is m ore a p p r o p ria t e . interviews and meeting rooms, you will
be expected to facilitate new starters in
Fin d a n a d v e rtis e m e n t f o r a jo b you w o uld lik e t o a p p ly the department, issue contracts, write up
for. M a k e a list o f t h e k ey p oin ts t h a t t h e e m p lo y e r is commission schemes and job descriptions
lo o k in g for. Pla n y o u r p e rso n al s t a t e m e n t w it h t h o s e key and coordinate the company's subscription
p o in ts in min d. T hin k a b o u t t h e follo w in g q u estio ns. library.
The ideal candidate will be highly
• H o w lo n g will y o u r p e rso n al st a t e m e n t b e?
organised and able to multitask. Your
H ow m a n y s e n t e n c e s do you w a n t to i n cl u d e? written English must be of the highest
W h a t k ey q u estio n s will you a d d r e ss wit h e ach s e n t e n c e? standard, and as you will be liaising with
W h a t a d d itio n a l in f or m a tio n will you i n cl u d e? executives at all levels, you must have
In w h a t o r d e r will you p u t y o u r s e n t e n c e s? e xcellent interpersonal skills. Previous
ex perience essential.
You can c r e a t e i m p re ssiv e s e n t e n c e s f o r y o u r p e rs o n al
st a t e m e n t b y ch o osin g a w o rd o r p h ra s e fro m e ach colu m n
in t h e follo win g t a b le . F o r e x a m ple, Highly experienced accounts m anager
with excellent communication skills. C o m p le te t h e t a b le usin g t h e w o rd s in
t h e box. In p airs, t r y a n d a d d m ore w o r d s a n d p h ra s e s t o e ach colu m n.
a b ility to broad co nsiste n tly high e n th usiastic
in terest in m otivator professional tea m leader

Modifier A d jective 1 Sort of person A djective 2 Ex p erie nce / skills

cre ative accounts manager
custo mer - oriented English speaker co m m unication skills
deep e x perience in ...
Extremely
e x perienced recent graduate with e x celle nt
Hig hly
sales professional e x tensive knowledge of ...
resourceful self - starter proven range o f transfera ble skills
results - focused recent skills in ...

h Use t h e t a b le t o w rit e fiv e tr u e s e n t e n c e s a b o u t yo u.

i Use y o u r a n sw e rs in E x e rcises 3 f a n d 3h to w rit e y o u r p e rs o n al s t a t e m e n t.

Writin g eye - catching headings

4 a Im a gin e yo u o n ly h a d 2 0 seco n d s to lo o k a t Silv i a ’s CV on p a g e 2 1. W h a t
w o uld yo u lo o k a t? W h a t w o uld y o u r im p ressio n o f Silvia b e?

b In h e r sk ills - b ase d CV, Silvia use d p e rs o n al stre n g t h s a n d c o m p e te n cies as

sectio n h e a din gs. Lo o k a t t h e follo win g sectio n h e a d in g s a n d t r y to a d d
m ore to e ach gro u p.

Areas of professio nal Business s k ills Personal stren gths and

e x perience co m p etencies
Marketing Dealing with custo mers In n o va tio n and cre a tivity
Presentatio ns and p u blicatio ns Fin ancial manage ment Leadership
Sales Managing people Stra te gic thin kin g

C In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h ic h title s w o uld you use for y o u r skills - b ase d C V?
2 Wo u l d you use t h e sa m e c a t e g o ri e s for e v e ry jo b you a p p ly f o r?
3 Wo u ld you use t h e r e q u ir e m e n ts st a t e d in e ach jo b a d v e r t as t i t l e s?

24 U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV
 Id e n tif yin g your key sk ills
K ey skills m ay for m t h e b o d y of y o u r CV (in a skills - base d CV] o r t h e y m ay be
d e m o n str a t e d t h r o u g h o u t (in a co n v e n tio n al chr o n olo gical CV).

5 a Lo o k a t t h e follo w in g list o f t r a n s f e r a b le skills. In p airs, discuss how yo u co uld

d e m o n stra t e t h e s e sk ills in y o u r CV. Use e x a m p les fro m yo u r w o r k e x p erie n ce,
y o u r st u d ie s a n d y o u r h o b b ies a n d in t e re sts.
• C o m m u n ic a ti o n skills (writt e n a n d oral)
• Foreig n la n g u a g e skills
• In t e lle ct u al skills (e.g. critical, a n a ly tic a l a n d pro ble m - solvin g skills)
In t e r p e rs o n a l skills (e.g. w o r k in g wit h o r m o tiva tin g o th ers, fle x ib ility)
IT skills
N u m e r a cy skills (e.g. st a tistic al skills, d a t a h a n dlin g]
O r g a n is a ti o n a l skills (e.g. w or k in g in d e p e n d e n tly, m e e tin g d e a d li n es)
Re se a rc h skills

b T h e follo win g s e n t e n c e s a r e ta k e n fro m Silv i a ’s skills - b ase d CV. C ross o u t t h e

t r a n s f e r a b le skill which is n o t d e m o n str a t e d in e ach se n te nce.

1
M y role w a s to a ssist th e project t e a m in d evisin g and im ple m e n tin g stra te g ies to
co m m u n ica te this m e ssa g e to local resid e n ts in d iffe re n t re gio ns in Ke nya.

(co m m u n ica tio n / t e a m w o r k / cr e a tivit y / o r g a n is a t ion)

2
In Se p t 2C07 I s u cc e ssf u lly co m p le te d an eight - person e x p e ditio n to A ustral A n d es in A rg e n tin a.

(m o tiv a tio n / t e a m w o r k / a c h ie v e m e n t / cr e a tivity)

^ A s t h e so le Sp a nish s p e a k er I act e d as sp o k esp e rso n for o ur group, org a nisin g b oo kin gs and
n e g o tiatin g th e e x p e ditio n itinerary.

(i n t e r p e rso n a l skills / c o m m u n ica tio n / a n a lysis / n e g o tia tio n)

4
I org a nise d and le d sp orts and dra m a activitie s for 200 intern atio n al st u d e n ts at a su m m e r
sch o ol in Sh re w s b u ry.

(o rg a n isa tio n / le a d e rs h i p / m o tiva tio n / writin g)

5 T h e n ature of t h e project m e a n t th at I had to travel re g ularly thro u g h o u t th e co u n try at sh ort
n otice, a n d sh are b asic living co n ditio ns.

(fle x ibility / t e a m w o r k / rese arch / in t e r p e rso n al skills)

I a m cu rre n tly co m p le tin g in - depth rese arch on refo resta tio n te c h n iq u e s for t h e A frica n
su b co n tin e n t for m y M a s t e r's d e g re e dissertatio n.

(i n d e p e n d e n c e / a n alysis / rese arch / t e a m w o r k)

C In p airs, t e ll e ach o t h e r which o f t h e t r a n s f e r a b le s k ills in E x e rcise 5 a you

h ave d e v e lo p e d a t u n iv e rsity o r a t w ork . Pr o vid e e x a m p les t h a t d e m o n stra t e
t h e d e v e lo p m e n t o f t h e s e skills.

d C o m p le te t h e follo win g s e n t e n c es so t h e y a r e tr u e f o r you.

1 M y role w a s t o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2 A s t h e ______________________ I a ct e d as
5 T h e n a t u r e of m e a n t t h a t I h a d to
4 Wit h i n t his role I w as r e sp o n si b le for
5 To d o t his effectively, I h a d t o _______
U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV 25
 e Lo o k a t t h e follo win g e x tr a c ts fro m Silv ia ’s skills - b ase d CV. W h a t kin ds o f
w o rd a r e m issin g?
1 I assist e d in o rg a nisi n g a n d m a n a g in g 1 2 e ve n ts ...
2 In Se p t 2 0 0 7 I co m p le t e d an eig ht - p erso n e x p e d itio n to A u stral A n d e s
in A r g e n ti n a ...
3 T hr e e m o n t hs of tr a i n i n g a n d f u n d raisin g p r e p a r a ti o n r esu lt e d in t h e _______
crossin g o f t h e r e m o t e ce n tral p a r t of t h e So u t h e r n Pa t a g o n ia n ice ca p ...
4 I d evise d a n u m b e r o f sp o rti n g t o u r n a m e n ts f or t h e s u m m e r sch ool st u d e n ts
a n d m o tiv a t e d t h e child re n a n d st a ff to g e t involve d, cu l m in a ti n g in an
v olle y b all c o m p e titio n.
5 I h a n d le d a v a ri e t y of t a s k s a n d p ro jects t h r o u g h o u t t h e si x - month
p r o j e c t ...
6 The a p p r o a c h w as a d o p t e d by t h e t e a m acro ss t h e co u ntry.
7 I r e s e a r c h e d _______ in t e r n a tio n a l u nive rsities f or my d e g r e e courses.
8 I a m c u rr e n tly c o m p l e t i n g r ese arc h on re f or est a tio n t e c h n iq u es ...
9 Re s e a rc h for my d iss e rt a tio n i n c l u d e s use of t h e I n t e r n e t ...
10 I h ave a n c o m m a n d of M icr o s o f t O ffic e Suit e.

f C o m p le te t h e s e n te n c es in E x ercise 5 e usin g t h e w o rd s in t h e box.

entire e x celle n t fu lly in - depth in te rn a tio n al
su b sta n tial successful (x 3) successfully top wide

9 C h o ose five o f t h e k ey s k ills in E x e rcise 5 a. F o r e ach skill, w rit e o n e o r tw o

s e n te n c es to hig hlig h t t h a t skill, usin g e x a m p les fro m y o u r w o rk , st u d ie s a n d
p riv a t e life. Re m e m b e r t o m e n tio n y o u r role, usin g s e n t e n c e s fro m E x e rcise
5 d , a n d a d d p o sitiv e a d je c tiv e s a n d a d v e r b s t o m a k e y o u r s e n t e n c e s m ore
i m p ressive.

Highlighting your work

ex perience
T his is t h e sectio n in t h e CV w h e r e you
hig hlig h t y o u r p ro f essio n al a c h ie v e m e n ts
which a re d ir e ctly r e le v a n t to t h e p ositio n
you a r e a p p lyin g for. A s well as hig hlig h tin g
p erio d s o f full - a n d p art - ti m e e m p lo y m e n t,
t h e w o r k e x p e rie n c e sectio n m ay also inclu d e
p ro f essio n al train in g, v o l u n t a ry w ork , a n d a n y
e x t e n d e d p e rio d s in which yo ur life f ocuse d on
a p a rtic u l a r a c tivit y (e.g. tra v ellin g a b r o a d).

6 a T hin k a b o u t a jo b o r p o sitio n o f
re s p o n sib ility yo u h ave h eld . In p airs, t e ll
e ach o t h e r a b o u t t h e p ositio n .
* irm .
• W h a t w e r e y o u r d u t i e s?
• W h a t did you d o ?
• H o w did you do i t?
• W h a t w e r e t h e p ositive results of t h e
actio n yo u t o o k ?

26 U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV
b M a tc h t h e CV a p p r o a c h e s ( 1- 2) t o t h e e ff e c t (a - b ) t h e y will h ave on t h e
la y o u t o f t h e w o r k e x p e rie n ce sectio n o f a CV.
1 chr o n olo gical CV
2 skills - b ase d CV
a Wit h t his a p p r o a c h y o u r r e le v a n t a c h ie v e m e n ts a r e liste d s e p a r a t e ly u n d er
skills h e a d in gs a t t h e t o p o f yo u r CV. T h e n a m es, d a t e s a n d lo ca tio n s of y o u r
w o r k e x p e ri e n c e a r e liste d t o w ar d s t h e b o tt o m of y o u r CV.
b Wit h t his a p p r o a c h y o u r w o r k e x p e ri e n c e is liste d in chro n olo gical order,
st a rtin g with y o u r m ost r e c e n t job. Yo ur m ain a c h ie v e m e n ts a n d skills are tie d
to a sp e cifie d job, a t a s p ecifie d ti m e, in a sp ecifie d place.

C W h e n you give in f o r m a tio n a b o u t p a s t w o r k e x p e rie n ce a n d a c h ie v e m e n ts in a

CV, use v e r b s in t h e p a st sim p le w it h o u t a p e rso n al pro n o u n: Chaired weekly
meetings (n o t I chaired weekly team meetings). Lo o k a t t h e fo llo w in g t a b le o f
actio n v e r b s co m m o nly a ss o cia t e d with p ro f e ssio n a l e x p erie n ce. Se le c t five
v e r b s a n d w rit e s e n te n c es s u it a b le f o r y o u r CV t h a t a r e tr u e f o r yo u.

achieved co mpiled edited im proved operated researched

a n ticip ate d consulted esta blished increased organised resolved
approved convinced evaluate d interprete d persuaded scheduled
arranged coordinated examined investig a te d planned supervised
budgeted created facilita te d led presented ta u g h t
calculate d delegate d formulated listene d recommended train e d
chaired de monstrated id e ntifie d m otivate d repaired tra nslate d
clarified designed im ple m ented ne g otiate d represented wrote
colla b orate d developed

d In p airs, t e ll e ach o t h e r a b o u t y o u r p r o f e ssio n a l e x p e rie n ce usin g t h e v e r b s in

E x ercise 6 c.

e Lo o k a t Silv ia ’s ch ro n olo g ical CV on p a g e 2 0 . W h ic h v e r b s in E x e rcise 6 c did

sh e u s e? W h ic h o t h e r v e r b s did sh e u s e?

f R e w rit e t h e follo win g s e n t e n c es usin g t h e v e r b s in b rac k e ts. Le a v e o u t a ny

in f o r m a tio n t h a t is im p lie d by t h e v e r b its e lf o r is si m p ly irr e le v a n t.
1 T h e r e w e r e five e m p lo y e e s in my t e a m . I w a s t h e ir b oss a n d it w as my jo b to
k e e p a n eye on t h e m a n d help t h e m w h e n t h e y n e e d e d my s u p p o rt, (m a n a g e d)
<*. fe<7u*\ o-P -five employees.__________________________________

2 I e n r olle d on a n d successfully finish e d a fin a ncial m a n a g e m e n t co u rse in o r d e r

t o i m p rove my k n o wle d g e in t his a re a , (co m ple t e d)

3 W h e n I a rriv e d , t h e c o m p a n y w e b sit e w as o nly in Polish. A s well as Polish, my

m o t h e r to n g u e, I also s p e a k En glish, G e r m a n a n d Fr e n ch, a n d so 1 d ecid e d to
w rit e t h e w e b sit e in f or m a tio n in En glish, G e r m a n a n d Fre nch, (tr a n sla t e d)

4 T h e c o m p a n y ’s d a t a b a s e syste m h a d a p r o ble m , which I foun d. A f t e r w a r d s I

t al k e d to my b oss a b o u t a d iff e re n t w ay of d oin g thin gs, which w o uld solve t h e
p ro ble m , (id e n tifie d / reco m m e n d e d)

5 W h il e I w as w o r k in g a t t h e hotel I n o tice d t h a t t h e r e w e r e so m e w ays in which

t h e c u st o m e r f e e d b a c k syst e m w a s n ’t w or k in g eff ectively. T h e r e f o r e I d e ve lo p e d
a n ew syste m a n d p ut t his in place. A re s u lt of t his w as t h a t c u st o m e r
sa tisfactio n levels incr e ase d by 2 0 % . (d esig n e d / i m ple m e n t e d)

U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV 27
R e w rit e t h e follo win g s e n t e n c es usin g t h e v e r b s in E x e rcise 6 c so t h a t t h e y
a r e m ore co ncise a n d im p ressive.
1 I m a d e r e c o m m e n d a tio n s r e g a r d in g t h e m ost e ff ective all o ca ti o n of reso urces.
lAevyH - fieA vaosF e -P-PecHve <gv))oo*HoK o-P vesouv - ces.______________________
2 I w as t h e front - office staff r e p r e s e n t a tiv e on t h e i m p le m e n t a tio n t e a m for
o u r n ew ICT strat e gy.

3 I w as re sp o n si b le for co m in g up wit h t h e tr a i n i n g plan.

4 I lo o k e d a f t e r t h e b u d g e t f or ru n nin g t h e office.

5 I lo o k e d f or n ew s u p p lie rs________________________________
6 I g ave a p re se n t a tio n of o u r clie n t f e e d b a c k q u estio n n aire .

7 I lo o k e d into w a ys to re d uce w a s t e__________________________________________

8 I w as in c h a rg e of t h e d esig n t e a m __________________________________________

2.3 Liste n t o a discussio n b e tw e e n K la u d ia , w h o is lo o kin g f o r h e r seco n d

s e rio u s jo b, a n d Tom, w h o h as ju st p r o o fr e a d h e r CV, a n d a n sw e r t h e follo win g
q u estio ns.
1 What a r e K l a u d i a ’s r e s p o n sib ilities as a s e c r e t a r y?
2 What skills d o es Tom r e la t e to t h e se r e s p o n si b iliti e s?
3 What o t h e r jo b s h as K la u d ia d o n e?
4 What skills d o es Tom r e la t e to t h e se j o b s?

W r it e t h e w o r k e x p e rie n ce sectio n o f K la u d ia ’s CV. T h e n co m p a re y o u r a n sw e r

with t h e su g g estio n in t h e a n sw e r key.

T hin k o f a jo b yo u w o uld lik e to a p p ly f o r a n d w rit e t h e w o r k e x p e rie n ce

sectio n o f y o u r CV. Use w o r d s a n d p h ra s e s fro m t h is sectio n t o h elp yo u.
D e m o n stra t e o n ly t h e s k ills a n d e x p e rie n ce re q u ire d f o r t h e p ositio n .

D etailin g your education and q ualifica tio ns

If yo ur e d u c a tio n a n d q u alifica ti o n s a r e y o u r str o n g e st sellin g p oint, t h e n y o u ’ll
w a n t to p u t t his in f or m a tio n close to t h e to p o f yo u r CV. T his is es p e cia lly tr u e if
you a r e a r e ce n t g r a d u a t e , o b t a in e d e x ce lle n t a c a d e m ic results o r h ave g ain e d a
p ro f essio n al q u alifica tio n w hich is a p r e r e q u isit e for t h e jo b y o u ’re a p p lyin g for.

In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.

1 W h e r e sh o uld you p u t t h e e d u ca tio n sectio n of y o u r C V?
2 W h a t q u alifica ti o n s sh o uld you i n cl u d e?

Re a d t h e a rticle a b o u t how t o w rit e a b o u t y o u r e d u ca tio n in y o u r CV a n d

a n sw e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h y sh o uld r e c e n t g r a d u a t e s p ut t h e e d u ca tio n sectio n n e a r t h e to p of
t h e ir C V?
2 W h a t t e r m d o es t h e a u t h o r use to m e a n ju s t the m ain p ieces o f inform atio n,
nothin g m ore ?
3 U n d e r w h a t t w o circ u m st a n c es w o uld you inclu d e y o u r A - level results in a C V?
4 W h a t q u a lifica tio n s sh o uld you m e ntio n firs t?
5 W h a t sh o uld you d o if y o u ’re se a rc h in g for e m p lo y m e n t in t h e IT fi e l d ?

U nit 2 Writin g an im pressive CV

 ? Should your education be proudly
at the top o f the CV or am ong the
optional sections at the end? It all
dep en d s on w ho you are an d w hat
job you are trying to get. If you have
just left school, college or university,
your education experience is going
to be m ore im m ediately relevant
an d should therefore be p rom inently
displayed early on. Your potential
em ployer m ay be keen to hire
recen t graduates an d will w ish to
see exactly w hat your educational
attain m ents are. T h is m ean s you
can give plenty o f detail o f curricula,
theses an d grades. H ow ever, if you
have been in th e w orld o f work for
20 years, your education is o f little
interest to an em ployer and should
go in skeletal form n ear the b o tto m
o f the CV. W hat you have achieved
since leaving full-tim e education is
obviously m ore indicative o f your
value.
A nother thing to b ear in m in d is th at
higher qualifications im ply lower
ones. If you have only got G C S E s,
fine. If, how ever, you have a b ach elo r’s
degree, it is unnecessary to m en tio n
your G C S E s, or even your A-levels,
unless they are spectacularly good.
A recru iter will sim ply assum e they
were taken at th e usual tim e and
is unlikely to be interested in how
m any there w ere and w hat grades
they were. T h e sam e applies to a
M aster’s degree or PhD . T h e higher
qualification m akes the m en tio n of
any low er ones re d u n d a n t.
If you feel you need to m en tio n m ore
in the way o f academ ic attain m en t,
for exam ple as a recen t graduate
or as som eone w ith professional
qualifications or o th er postgraduate
training, the section should be
organised in reverse chronological
o rd er, like your w ork experience
section.
Finally, the education section can be
the place to m en tio n the all-im portant
co m p u ter skills th at continue to
d om in ate w orking life. D ifferent jobs
an d professions will require you to
have an u n d erstan d in g o f different
c o m p u ter packages, an d if you have
good w orking know ledge o f these it
is w o rth m entioning th a t you know
they exist, or have been train ed to
use them . If you are applying for a
job m ore closely related to IT , your
technical proficiencies should have a
relevant section o f their own (entitled
‘co m p u ter efficiency’ or ‘co m p u ter
skills’ or ‘technical expertise’) m uch
higher u p the priority list.
- .. X ;i V ... " • ' •: y .,
* Ik *& If i:> :’ra* I f f :. , %
4 - V. « '* *» ~ % *
••• <\ ^ _ * y - « y;

mmirnmmwrn

C W h a t five ty p e s o f q u a lific a tio n a re m e n tio n e d in t h e t e x t? Pu t t h e m in o r d e r

fro m hig h est to lo w est.
1 __________ 2 __________ 3 __________ 4 5 _____

d In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t a r e t h e e q u iv a l e n t q u alifica ti o n s fro m E x ercise 7c in y o u r own c o u n t r y?
2 Wo u l d t h e a d vic e in t h e t e x t b e r e le v a n t if you w e re a p p lyin g for a jo b in y o u r
own c o u n t ry?
3 A t t h e m o m e n t in t h e U K m ost u n iv e rsit y st u d e n ts st u d y for t h r e e y e a rs (four
y e a rs in Sc o tla n d) to g ain a b a c h e l o r ’s d e gre e. So m e st u d e n ts t h e n d ecid e to
co n ti n u e a t u nive rsity for o n e o r t wo y e a rs to d o p o st g r a d u a t e st u d ie s a n d
g ain a M a s t e r ’s d e gree. H o w d o es t h e hig h e r e d u ca tio n syst e m in y o u r c o u n try
c o m p a r e to t his syst e m ?

e In p airs, t e ll e ach o t h e r a b o u t yo u r q u a lific a tio n s. C o m p are t h e m to t h e

q u a lific a tio n s in E x ercise 7 c usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e box.

so m ething lik e which is e q uivale n t to

I h ave a Ph ysics d e g re e fro m Lu d wig - M a x im ilians - U niversitd t in M u nich, which is

e q u ivale n t to a BSc in Ph ysics in the UK.
I h ave a lic e n tia te d e g ree from te a ch e r train in g college. It was a thre e - year
course, so so m ethin g lik e a BE d in the UK. I g o t m y M a s t e r’s a few y e a rs ago.

U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV 29
 Lo o k a t t h e e x tr a c t fro m t h e e d u ca tio n sectio n o f a CV. In p airs, d iscuss t h e
follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h y h as t h e w rit e r give n a d d itio n a l in f or m a tio n a b o u t t h e ir q u alifica tio n s
(in b r a c k e ts)?
2 Will yo u n e e d to e x plain a n y of y o u r q u a lific a ti o n s? H o w?
3 W h a t o t h e r d e t ails h as t h e w rit e r inclu d e d in t his s e c ti o n?
4 W h a t else co uld you inclu d e in t h e e d u c a tio n sectio n of y o u r C V?

U n iv e r s it y o f U ls t e r
• BS c H o ns (2.1) Euro p e a n Re gio nal D e v e lo p m e n t (hu m an g e o gra p hy and m acro eco n o m ics)
• 3 - month w o r k place m e n t: Ec o n o m ic Rese arch er, Northern Ireland Civil Se rvice , Be lf a st
• E x ch a n g e year: Diplo m a in A re a St u dies, U nive rsity of Zarago z a, Sp ain (eco n o m ic g e o gra p hy
and Sp a nish)
• Dissertation: T h e role of EU f u n ds on regional d e v e lo p m e n t in Aragon, Sp ain

g T hin k o f a jo b yo u w o uld lik e to a p p ly f o r a n d w rit e t h e e d u ca tio n sectio n

o f y o u r CV. Use e x a m p les fro m t h is u n it t o h elp yo u.

h Lo o k a t Silv i a ’s skills - b ase d CV on p a g e 2 1. A p a r t fro m t h e list o f d a t e s

a n d p lac e s sh e h as st u d ie d , id e n tify fiv e s e n t e n c e s which m e n tio n h er
e d u ca tio n a n d q u a lifica tio n s.

i R e w rit e so m e o r all o f h e r s e n te n c es so t h e y a r e tr u e f o r yo u.

Demonstrating your in t erests

T h e t hin gs yo u like d oin g in y o u r fre e ti m e say a lo t a b o u t you as a
p erso n, a n d y o u r p e rs o n a lity is r e le v a n t to e v e ry jo b a p p lica tio n.

8 a In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.

1 If yo u h ave p r o d u ce d a CV b efore, w h a t did yo u p ut in t h e
p erso n al i n t e r e sts s e c ti o n?
2 W h y d o e m p lo y e rs w a n t to k now a b o u t y o u r i n t e r e s ts?

b ^ 2.4 Liste n t o tw o r e cr u it m e n t e x p erts, G ra c e a n d O liver,

d iscussin g p e rs o n al in t e r e s ts a n d a n s w e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t d o es t h e V in CV st a n d f o r? W h y is t his r e le v a n t to yo ur
i n t e r e s ts?
2 W h a t did O liv e r t h in k w a s wro n g wit h p u tti n g ‘ca p t a in of t h e
f o o t b all t e a m ’?
3 W h y is it a g o o d id e a to list a b ro a d sp e ctr u m of i n t e r e s ts?
4 W h a t p e rso n al in t e r e sts d o es G r a c e us u ally p u t in h er C V?
5 W h a t n ew a c h i e v e m e n t is G race h o pin g to a d d ?

30 U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV
 M a tc h t h e skills a n d p e rs o n al c h a r a c t e ris tics in t h e box to t h e
in t e r e s ts (1 - 5 ).
a n alytical skills cre a tivity d eterm inatio n in tellig e nce
in tercultural awareness in t e rpe rsonal skills language skills
leadership skills resourcefulness self - m otivation

1 Tea m s p o rts (fo o t b all, v olle y b all, etc.)

I v \ f e y p e y s o n < ? 0 s k i l l s ____________________________________________________________________________

2 In d ivid u al c o m p e titiv e sp o rts (cycling, cli m bin g, etc.)

3 Travellin g (b ac k p ac k in g, e x p e ditio ns, etc.)

4 M i n d sp o rts / activities (chess, su d o k u, etc.)

5 A r tistic i n t e r e sts (p ain tin g, p h o to g ra p hy, etc.)

A d d so m e m ore in t e r e s ts t o t h e list a n d id e n tify t h e

sk ills a n d p e rso n al c h a r a c t e ris tics t h e y su g g est. T hin k
a b o u t w h a t y o u r own in t e r e s ts sa y a b o u t yo u.

It can b e m ore e ff e ctiv e to p re s e n t y o u r in t e r e s ts in

t e r m s o f wh o you are , in st e a d o f w h a t you lik e d oin g,
usin g a d je c tiv e s a n d n o u ns to d e scrib e y o u rse lf. In p airs, t r y a n d
a d d m o re w o rd s a n d p h ra s e s to e ach colu m n in t h e follo win g t a b le .

A djectives Nouns
active former ballroom dancer rock g uitarist
avid keen blogger sailor
co m mitted proficie nt je w e lle ry maker ski instructor
dedicated q ualified m ountain clim ber stam p collector
e x perienced regular Portuguese speaker te n nis champion
e x pert successful reader volu n te er

M a tc h t h e a d je c tiv e s with t h e n o u ns in E x e rcise 8 e to m a k e tr u e p h ra s e s f o r

you.
a vid re a d e r re g u la r b lo g g er

W r it e t h e in t e r e s ts sectio n o f a CV f o r t h e follo win g to pics. Use a d je c tiv e a n d

noun co m b in a tio n s, t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x a n d y o u r own id eas.
A ctive member of Currently atte n din g Ex celle nt working knowledge of
Particularly intereste d in Rece n tly co m pleted Resp o nsibilities included

1 Re a d in g yegyAey. Economist - subsoripHovy Rg y H cu lg yly ivyf e y e sf e ^ m

yegyAing yecevri- <Aevelopmev\fs m scie n ce fecUv\ol<?gv._______
2 W a l k i n g ________________________________________________________________

3 Ph o t o g ra p h y

4 U n iv e rsity So cia l C o o r d in a t o r

h W r it e s e n t e n c e s a b o u t y o u r own in t e re sts. B e a s s p e cific as p o ssib le a n d

hig hlig h t t h e s k ills yo u n e e d to ach iev e t h e t hin gs yo u e njoy d oin g.

U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV 31
 i In p airs, t a k e t u r n s t o t a l k a b o u t y o u r p e rs o n al in t e re sts. S t a r t with t h e
q u estio n , ‘S o w hat do you like doing in y o u r free time?’ En co u ra g e y o u r
p a r t n e r t o hig hlig h t t h e s k ills t h a t t h e ir p e rso n al in t e r e s ts d e m o n stra t e .

j T hin k o f a s p ecific jo b yo u w a n t t o a p p ly f o r a n d w rit e t h e in t e r e s ts sectio n

o f yo u r CV. H ig hlig h t t h e s k ills t h a t a r e re le v a n t f o r t h e job.

Providing references
Re f e r e n c e s p r ovid e f u r t h e r e vi d e n c e to p o t e n tial f u t u re e m p lo y e rs t h a t yo u a re
w h o you say you are, a n d t h a t you h ave d o n e w h a t you clai m to h ave d o n e for
p revio us e m plo ye rs. It is hig hly lik ely t h a t y o u r r e f e r e es will b e c o n t a ct e d if you
a re s h o rtlist e d , so it is esse n tial to s e le c t t h e m carefully.

9 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e fo llo w in g q u estio ns.

1 W h y a r e r e f e re n ces i m p o r t a n t?
2 H o w m a n y r e f e re es d o yo u n ee d, a n d w h o sh o uld you c h o o s e?
3 W h e n is a r e f er e e no lo n g e r u se f u l?
4 W h a t h a p p e n s if yo u d o n ’t g e t on wit h t h e m o st o b vio u s ch oices for y o u r
r e f e r e e s?
5 Is it O K t o use so m e o n e yo u k n ow well w h o w o r k s for t h e o r g a n isa ti o n
w h e r e you a r e a p p lyin g for a j o b ?
6 D o you h ave to give y o u r c u rr e n t e m p l o y e r?
7 H o w ca n you fin d o u t w h a t a re f e re n ce says a b o u t y o u?

b M a tc h t h e q u e stio n s (1 - 7 ) in E x ercise 9 a t o t h e follo w in g e x p e rt a d vice

(a - g). D o yo u a g r e e with t h e a d vic e?
a Us u a lly tw o - a n a c a d e m ic o n e a n d e it h e r an e m p lo y e r o r a p erso nal /
c h a r a c t e r referee. T h ey sh o uld b e of p ro f essio n al st a n d in g so t h a t t h e y can
c o m m e n t on y o u r s u it a b ilit y for t h e jo b. D o n o t use a rela tiv e; a fa m ily frie n d
is O K . A lw a ys ask p e r m issio n b ef ore usin g s o m e o n e as a refere nce. Pr o vi d e
t h e m wit h a co p y of y o u r CV a n d an in dica tio n of t h e jo b s you a r e a p p lyin g
for. Le t t h e m k n ow how you g ot on, a n d t h a n k t h e m a ft er w ar d s. _L_
b Yes, b u t t h e y m ay feel u nco m f ort a ble , so b e se nsitive. T h e y a r e p u t tin g t h e ir
r e p u t a tio n on t h e lin e____
c You c a n ’t e a sily - t h a t ’s t h e p oint o f a co n fid e n tial refere nce. If yo u su s p ect a
p o o r re f e re n ce is ca usi n g you p ro ble m s, try ch a n g in g y o u r r e f e r e e____
d It is n o r m al to as k for y o u r c u rr e n t e m p lo y e r n o t to b e co n t a ct e d yet. O ff e r
a n o t h e r refere e. A s k to b e a le r t e d b e f ore y o u r e m p lo y e r is c o n t a c t e d ____
e W h e n t h e y d o n ’t r e m e m b e r w h o you a r e or b ec o m e u n c o n t a ct a b le____
f C h o ose a n o t h e r w h o will r e p r e s e n t yo u in t h e b e s t l i g h t .___
g Re f e r e n c e s p r ovid e co n fid e n tial in f o r m a tio n a b o u t y o u r ch aract e r, skills
a n d e x p erie nce. A p ositive re co m m e n d a ti o n will g r e a tly s u p p o rt y o u r
a p p lic a t i o n____

C In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g st a t e m e n ts. D o yo u a g r e e with t h e m ?

1 It is b e t t e r t o ch o ose p ro f essio n al o r a c a d e m ic r e f e r e es t h a n p erso n al
frie n ds.
2 A s long as y o u r r e f e re n ces b ac k up t h e facts on y o u r CV, t h e n you d o n ’t
n e e d to worry.
3 You d o n ’t n e e d to p ro vi d e t he n a m e s a n d c o n t a ct d e t ails o f y o u r r e f e r e es in
y o u r CV.

32 U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV
d 2.5 T h e o p in io n s in E x ercise 9c a re e x p re sse d by t h e r e cr u it m e n t
co n su lta n ts, G ra c e a n d O liver, in a discussio n a b o u t p rovid in g re fe re n ce s.
Liste n t o t h e co n v e rsa tio n a n d a n sw e r t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h o e x p re sse d which o pinio n ( 1 - 3 )? W ri t e O (O liv e r), G (Grace) o r B (Bo t h).
2 W h a t r e as o n s did t h e y give in s u p p o rt of t h e ir o p i n io n s?
3 W h a t p h rase d o es O liv e r use to sa y you ca n p ro vi d e re f e re n ces if t h e y a re
n e e d e d?

e T hin k o f a s p ecific jo b you w o uld lik e to a p p ly f o r a n d , usin g t h e m o d els

p re s e n t e d in t h is u nit, w rit e y o u r CV. Re m e m b e r t o hig hlig h t o nly y o u r skills
a n d e x p e rie n ce t h a t a r e r e le v a n t f o r a jo b.

f In p airs, e v a lu a t e e ach o t h e r ’s CVs. T hin k a b o u t t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.

• Is t h e En glish n a t u r a l a n d a cc u r a t e?
• D o es e v e ry t h in g m a k e s e n s e? Do you g e t a g o o d id e a of y o u r p a r t n e r ’s life
by re a d in g t h e ir C V?
• Is t h e la n g u a g e i m p r essive a n d p e rs u a siv e? If not, h ow ca n you i m p ro ve it?
• Is t h e lay o u t a t t r a c tiv e a n d lo g ic a l? If not, h ow ca n you i m p rove it?
• D o es y o u r p a r t n e r ’s CV d e m o n str a t e a wid e ra n g e o f tr a n sf e r a b l e s k ills? If
not, w h e r e co uld yo u a d d m ore p r o o f?
• D o es y o u r p a r t n e r ’s C V d e m o n s tr a t e t h a t y o u r p a r t n e r is s u it a b le f or t h e jo b
t h e y w a n t? If not, w hy n o t?
• Is t h e CV t o o l o n g? If so, w hich words / se nt e nces / sectio ns wo uld you d e l e t e
o r e d i t?

W h e n yo u a r e h a p p y with t h e f e e d b a c k you h ave re ce ive d , r e w rit e y o u r CV.

R e p e a t t h e p ro cess u n til y o u r CV is p e rf e ct.

U n it 2 Writin g an im pressive CV
 U NIT 3
Id e ntifyin g features of cover
letters
Beginning a cover letter
Writing t h e main body of the
letter
Writing an effective final
paragraph
Using appropriate language
Writing a cover letter

O b je c t iv e

Id e n tif yin g f eat ures of

H ig h lig h t

cover le t t ers
d In p airs, d iscuss t h e fo llo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t ’s t h e diff ere nce b e tw e e n a CV a n d a
c o v e r l e t t e r?
2 H a v e you e v e r w rit t e n a co ver l e t t e r in En g lis h?
3 W h a t did you w rit e in y o u r cover l e t t e r? . *

b C o m p le te t h is in tro d u ctio n to c o v e r le t t e rs usin g

t h e w o r d s in t h e box.
business co m ple m ent cover le tter €V e m ployer
in tervie w intro d uctio n persuade p ositio n well - focused

C Fin d an a lt e r n a tiv e e x p ressio n f o r co ver

l e t t e r in t h e te x t.
d Vic k y Tang is t h e C o m m u nica tio ns M a n a g e r
a t G re e n Ph a r m a c e u tic a ls. Sh e w a n ts to
ch a n g e h e r jo b a n d p h o n es h e r frie n d , Felix ,
a re cr u it m e n t a g e n t, f o r a d vice on w ritin g
a co ver le tt e r. In p airs, discuss w h a t a d vice
you w o uld give Vic k y on t h e follo w in g a re as.
• t h e le n g t h a n d str u ct u r e of t h e le t t e r
• t h e la n g u a g e you w o uld use
• t h e c o n t e n t of t h e le t t e r
e ^3.1 Liste n t o t h e b e gin nin g o f t h e p h o n e
call a n d a n sw e r t h e fo llo w in g q u estio ns.
1 H o w lo n g h as Vic k y b e e n w or k in g a t Gre e n
Ph a r m a c e u t ic a ls?
2 W h y is Vic k y lo o kin g for a new j o b ?
W h a t is a c o v e r l e t t e r?
A (1) CV gives in fo rm a tio n a b o u t th e
e d u c a tio n a l q u a lific a tio n s a n d p ro fe ssio n a l
e x p e rie n c e y o u h av e, w h e re a s a ( 2 ) ---------------
e x p la in s w h y y o u w a n t th e job. A c o v e r le tte r
s h o u ld ( 3 ) ___________ n o t d u p lic a te , y o u r CV. T h e
m ain p u rp o s e of a p e rs o n a lis e d c o v e r le tte r is
to ( 4 ) ___________th e re a d e r to re a d y o u r CV an d
c o n s id e r y o u for th e v a c a n t ( 5 ) ---------------- .
A c o v e r le tte r is o ften y o u r e a rlie s t w ritte n
c o n ta c t w ith a p o te n tia l ( 6 ) ---------------- , c re a tin g a
c ritic a l first im p re ssio n . A w ell-w ritten,
(7 ) c o v e r le tte r d e m o n s tra te s y o u r
w ritte n c o m m u n ic a tio n skills a n d will h e lp y o u to
g et th a t a ll-im p o rta n t ( 8 ) -----------------
T h e le tte r of a p p lic a tio n s h o u ld follow th e g en eral
g u id e lin e s for all ( 9 ) le tte rs . It sh o u ld
h a v e an ( 1 0 ) , a m ain body, an d a final
p a ra g ra p h .

34 U n it 3 Effe ctiv e cover le tters

f Re a d t h e s t a t e m e n ts b elo w a n d p re d ict w h e t h e r Felix reco m m e n d s th e m
( ) o r n o t (X). Liste n t o t h e r e s t o f t h e co n v e rsa tio n a n d ch eck y o u r a nsw ers.
1 Use hig h - q uality p a p e r t h a t m a tc h es t h e p a p e r of y o u r CV.
2 En s ur e t h a t y o u r co ver l e t t e r is w rit t e n usin g f or m al lan g ua g e.
3 Use t h e sa m e co v e r le t t e r for e v e ry a p p lica ti o n .
4 Sh o w t h a t you h ave d o n e so m e rese arch into t h e c o m p a n y you a re a p p lyin g to.
5 E m p h a sis e y o u r s u it a b ilit y for t h e p ost.
6 Enclo se co pies of y o u r e d u c a tio n al q u alifica tio n s a n d certifica t es.

g W h a t d o you t h in k is t h e m ost i m p o rt a n t a d vic e t h a t Felix gives V ic k y?

h Lo o k a t t h e e x a m ple o f a g o o d co ver le t t e r t h a t Felix se n t Vicky. R e a d t h e

le t t e r a n d a n s w e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t is J a n e st u d yin g a t u n iv e rsit y?
2 W h e r e did sh e w o r k last s u m m e r?
3 W h a t d o es sh e d o in h er fre e t i m e?

Ja n e N uttall
71 La m b ert Ro a d
Brix to n
Lo n d o n
b SW 2 5 XL
ja n e .n u tt a ll@ k cl.a c.u k
1 D e c e m b e r 20 08
Ms D ia n a A llso p p
Re cr u it m e n t M a n a g e r
M c C lu r e a n d C o m p a n y
Ru ss e ll Sq u a r e
Lo n d o n W C 1 C 9 SE
D e a r M s A llso p p ,
I a m a fin al - year st u d e n t a t K in g ’s C o lle g e Lo n d o n re a d in g Ec o n o m ics, a n d
w o u ld lik e to a p p ly for a n A ss o cia t e C o n s u lta n t p ositio n with M c C lu re a n d
C o m p a n y, a s a d v e rtise d o n w w w . m o n st e r.c o m . ------------------------
M a n a g e m e n t c o n s u lt a n cy a p p e a ls to m e b e c a u s e it c o m b in e s a n a lytic
r e s e a rc h a c r o ss a w id e ra n g e of b u sin e ss situ a tio n s with fre q u e n t clie n t
c o n ta ct. I re c e n tly a tte n d e d a M c C lu r e a n d C o m p a n y w o r k s h o p run b y
C h a rlo tt e Pe n to n - Sm ith , a n d s h e g a v e a v e ry p ositive im p ressio n of th e
c o m p a n y. I w a s p articu larly im p re sse d b y th e e x ce lle n t in - h o use trainin g
p ro g ra m m e w h ich s h e d e scrib e d , a n d I w o u ld w e lc o m e th e o p p o rtu n ity to
w ork in s u c h a close - k nit te a m of su p p o rtive c o lle a g u e s.
3 D urin g m y tim e at K in g ’s C o lle g e I h a v e e m p lo y e d a v a rie ty of differe nt
§• ** r e s e a rc h m e th o d s, a n d a m fa m iliar with th e a n a lytica l a p p lic a tio n s of
s p r e a d s h e e ts. F o r e x a m p le, for m y re c e n t d isse rta tio n , I u s e d E x c e l to
c o m p a r e th e e ffects of ta x in cr e a s e s o n a lc o h o l a n d t o b a cc o co n su m p tio n .
In a d d itio n , w h e n I w a s w o rk in g a t th e Willito n b ra n c h of C o stc u tt e r o v e r th e
su m m er, I p re se n te d s u g g e stio n s for im p rovin g th e la y o u t of th e store to th e
re g io n al m a n a g e m e n t te a m . T h e y d e cid e d to p ut t h e s e id e a s into effect a n d
s a le s ro se b y 7 % o ve r th e a u tu m n q uarter.
D urin g m y fre e tim e, I sin g in a n d m a n a g e a ja z z b a n d , a rra n g in g c o n c e rts a n d
g ig s a n d m a n a g in g th e b a n d ’s a cc o u n ts. I v e ry m u ch e n jo y co lla b o ra tin g with
a te a m of p e o p le with sim ilar in terests a n d w ork in g t o w a r d s s h a re d g o a ls. I a m
a ls o le a rn in g Italian b y a tte n d in g w e e k ly e v e n in g c la s s e s a n d st u d yin g o n m y
o w n t o w a r d s th e A - level e x a m ne x t Ju n e .
I e n clo s e a c o p y of m y C V a n d h o p e v e ry m u ch to b e invite d for interview.
Yo urs sin ce rely,

J a n e N u t t all
Ja n e N uttall

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters 35

 1 M a tc h F e li x ’s a d vic e (1 - 1 2 ) to t h e p a r ts o f t h e co ver le t t e r (a - l) in E x e rcise 1 h
1 Give y o u r c o n t a ct in f or m a tio n a n d c u rr e n t d a te. _£ L
2 En d ‘Yours si n c e r e ly ’ a n d ty p e y o u r n a m e u n d e r yo ur si g n a t u r e (in dica t e M s or
M r if n o t o b vi o u s)____
3 Giv e a cl e a r c o n t e x t - say w h o you a r e a n d w h y you a r e w rit i n g____
4 Yo ur sign - off sh o uld b e frie n dly, p olit e a n d to t h e p o i n t____
5 Po i n t o u t y o u r a p tit u d e for t h e so rts o f skills t h e y a r e s e e k i n g .___
6 N a m e a n y e m p lo y e e yo u h ave m e t a n d sa y w hy t h e y i m p resse d y o u____
7 Yo ur use o f leisure ti m e can sh o w yo u a r e a well - ro u n d e d p e rs o n____
8 Su p p o r t y o u r clai m s wit h evid e nce, f ocusin g on results a n d ach ie ve m e n ts.
9 Inclu d e t h e na m e, title a n d full a d d r e ss of r e ci p i e n t____
10 M e n ti o n w h e r e you sa w t h e jo b a d v e r t is e m e n t____
11 E x p la in yo ur m o tiva tio n for a p plyin g . T his also sh o ws you h ave d o n e y o u r
rese arc h a n d le a r n e d so m e t hi n g a b o u t t h e se ct o r____
12 Sh o w yo u a r e ac q uiri n g a d d itio n a l useful s k ills____

j Lo o k a t J a n e ’s co v e r le t t e r a g ain. In which p a r a g ra p h d o es sh e:
1 e x plain h er in t e r e st in t h e p o s i t i o n ?___
2 cr e a t e a p ositive fin al i m p r e s s i o n ?___
3 d e m o n s tr a t e h er skills a n d e x p e rie n c e r e le v a n t f or t h e p o s i t i o n ?___
4 in tr o d u c e h erself a n d e x plain h er re as o n s f or w r i t i n g ?___
5 m e ntio n o t h e r r e le v a n t skills a n d in t e r e sts to i m p r ess t h e e m p l o y e r?___

Beginning a cover le t t er
T h e first p a r a g r a p h o f y o u r co v e r l e t t e r sh o uld d e t ail t h e jo b you a r e a p p lyin g for
a n d , if re le va n t, w h e r e you h e ar d a b o u t t h e jo b (for e x a m p le an a d v e r tis e m e n t, or
p e rso n al r e c o m m e n d a tio n).

2 3 C o m p le te t h e follo win g o p e n in g p a r a g r a p h s usin g t h e w o r d s in t h e bo x.

a dvertise d a p plicatio n consideration enclosed enquire
grad uate q ualified recommended require ments response

1 I a m a fin al - year st u d e n t w h o is a b o u t to with a b a c h e lo r ’s d e g r e e in

In d ustrial E n g in e e rin g fro m Bristol University. I a m writin g t o about
p o ssib le e m p lo y m e n t o p p o rt u n itie s with M e n d o z a . I a m in tereste d in a p ositio n relate d to
tra n s p o rta tio n m a n a g e m e n t.
• • rt%‘% & f #w itfT T fl 'fi §
I am writing i n --------------------- to your job posting for an investment banker on your company’s
website. I h av e my CV for your consideration.
! '%W'Z : : :: ~ m i§ - - - --- -

3 I w a s r e c e n t ly s p e a k i n g w it h M r F o x fr o m y o u r fir m a n d h e - - - - - - - - - - - t h a t I
s e n d y o u a c o p y o f m y CV. K n o w i n g t h e - - - - - - - - - - - - f o r t h e p o siti o n , h e f e lt t h a t
I w o u l d b e a n id e al c a n d i d a t e , g iv e n m y e x p e ri e n c e in i n t e r n a t i o n a l sa le s.

4 I w ould like to apply for the p o st o f a C om m ercial Solicitor in your firm a s ___________ __
on L egalpositions.com . As a recen t g rad u ate, I was particularly h ap p y to see th a t the
position is open to n e w ly ______________ lawyers

5 Ple ase a cc e p t t h is le t t e r a s _______________ fo r t h e Mark etin g Ma n a g er p o sitio n c u rre n tly list*

on Mo nster.co m . My CV is a tt a c h e d fo r y o u r _________________

36 U n it 3 Effe ctiv e cover le tters

 M a tc h t h e o p e n in g p a r a g r a p h s (1 - 5 ) in E x ercise 2 a t o t h e ty p e o f co ver
le t t e r (a - c) t h e y co m e fro m . W h ic h ty p e o f le t t e r d o yo u t h in k is m ost lik ely
to be su cc essf u l?
a A re p ly to a jo b a d v e r tis e m e n t
b A ‘c o ld ’ s p e c u la tiv e jo b a p p lica ti o n
c A le t t e r follo win g a p erso n al r e c o m m e n d a tio n

Ev a lu a t e t h e follo w in g o p e n in g p a ra g ra p h s. W h a t d o you t h in k is g o o d o r
bad ab o ut th e m?
1 After atte n din g t h e recruit m e nt talk p r ese n t e d by Fi n a ncial Invest m e nts, I a m
e x tre m ely intereste d in t h e p ost of g r a d u a t e train e e in the International Sa l e s
D e p art m e nt. I h a ve a bsolu t ely no d o u b t that m y q ualificatio ns, skills a n d professio n al
e x p erie nc e will m a k e m e an in d is p e n sa b le m e m b e r of yo ur te a m.

I a m writing to a p p ly for t h e g ra d u a t e train e e p osition a s a d v ertise d o nlin e in the N ew

York Tim es. I a m a final - year st u d e nt m ajorin g in B u si n e ss A d ministratio n, with U S
a n d C h i n e s e b u si n ess relatio ns as t h e f o c u s of m y dissertatio n. I b eliev e I a m suita ble
for this p osition b e c a u s e I a m v e ry int ereste d in b a n kin g.

I w o u ld like to a p p ly for a jo b in y o u r org a nisatio n. I h a v e a lw a ys w a n t e d to work at

t h e cutting e d g e of glo b al strat e gy with a firm w h o s e g re a t est a ss e ts are its p e o ple,
a n d I h a v e d e ci d e d t h a t Rive rs & C o. is t h e id eal p la ce to start m y career.

d ^3.3 Liste n t o tw o r e cr u it m e n t e x p erts, G ra c e a n d O liver, d iscussin g t h e

le tt e rs. In which o r d e r d o t h e y d iscuss t h e m ?

e ^ 3.3 Liste n a g ain . W h a t a d vice d o t h e y g iv e? D o yo u a g r e e with t h e ir

co m m e n ts?

f Fin d a jo b a d v e rtis e m e n t t h a t in t e r e s ts yo u, a n d w rit e t h e o p e nin g

p a r a g ra p h o f a co v e r le t t e r in resp o nse.

Writing t he main body of t he le t t er

Demonstrating your key sk ills and e x perience
In t h e m ain b o d y of t h e l e t t e r you n e e d to sh o w w hy yo u a r e t h e rig h t p erso n
for t h e jo b, by hig hlig h tin g y o u r m o st r e le v a n t e x p e ri e n c e s a n d skills as t h ey
re la t e to t h e p ositio n you a r e a p p lyin g for. It is i m p o r t a n t to d e m o n str a t e
evi d e n ce of y o u r skills cle arly. It is n o t e n o u g h to clai m t h a t you a r e ‘a h a r d
w ork in g, fle x i b le t e a m player, with e x celle n t IT s k ills’; you n e e d to b e a b le to
p rovid e evid e nce.

3 3 In p airs, discuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 H o w long sh o uld t h e m ain b o d y o f t h e l e t t e r b e?
2 H o w m a ny sp ecific p oin ts sh o uld you m a k e?
3 H o w will t his sectio n ch a n g e d e p e n d in g on t h e jo b you a r e a p p lyin g f o r?

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters 37

b R e a d t h e follo w in g e x tr a c ts fro m co ve r le t t e rs. F o r e ach e x tr a c t u n d e rlin e
t h e tw o m ain s k ills t h e a p p lic a n ts d e m o n stra t e .

1 My p ast e x p eri e n ce of w or kin g o v e rs e a s h as bro u g ht m e a gre ater

u n d erst a n din g of international cult ures a n d traditions, a s well as a better
a p p recia tio n of m y own culture. T h e s e insig hts wo uld certainly benefit a
m ultinational corp oratio n, s u c h a s yo urs.

Sk ills: in t e rc u lt u ral a w a r e n e ss / d e p e n d a b ilit y / fle x i b ility / self - aware n ess

^ Wit hin m y role a s a project m a n a g er, I a m resp o nsible for le a din g a t e a m of five
p e o ple. W e often h a ve to wor k u n so cia b le h o urs u n d er difficult co n ditio ns. I
e nsure that t e a m m orale is m aint ain e d by re g ularly co u nselli n g t e a m m e m b ers
to c h e c k t h e y are co pin g with t h e d e m a n d s of t h e job.

Sk ills: fle x i b ilit y / la t e ra l t hin k in g skills / la n g u a g e skills / in t e r p e rs o n a l skills

3
Alt h o u g h I d o not p o ss e ss a n y e x p erie nc e in t h e hotel industry, I w a s a H o lid a y
Re p r ese n t a tiv e for Xtre m e H o li d a ys for t wo c o n s e c u tiv e su m m ers, w h e r e I
le arn e d that c u st o m er satisfactio n is t h e k ey to s u cc e ss in t h e sen / ice industry.
I i m ple m e n te d a n e w w a y for cu st o m er f e e d b a c k to b e recor d e d, w hich h elp e d
Xtre m e H o li d a ys d e v e lo p t h e se rvic e that t h ey provid e by identifying a r e as
n e e din g i m prove m e nt. I b elieve I c a n a p p ly t h e skills o b tain e d fro m my previo us
e m p lo y m e n t to this position.

Sk ills: IT skills / c u st o m e r se rvic e skills / c o m m u n ica tio n skills / in itia tiv e

4 M W.

T his su m m e r I w or k e d at Alton T o wers T h e m e p a r k , w h e r e I w a s initially

resp o nsib le for o p era tin g vario u s rides. H o wever, as I c a n s p e a k both Italian
a n d En glish fluently I w a s q uic k ly m o ve d into t h e gift sh o p to d eal with
cust o m ers. Wo r k in g in t h e sh o p h el p e d m e to learn t h e i m p ort a nce of d e alin g
with c u st o m e rs in a frie n dly a n d efficient way. D urin g this m o nth I s u g g e st e d
ch a n g in g t h e layo ut of s o m e of t h e gift dis plays. T h e s e c h a n g e s le d to a
sig nifica nt in cr e a s e in the s a l e s of so uve nirs.

Sk ills: c u st o m e r se rvic e skills / e n tr e p r e n e u ri a l skills / le a d e rs h i p skills /

n u m erical skills

I h a v e a stro n g history of staff m a n a g e m e n t, workin g clo s e ly with m y curre nt

t e a m on their p erso n al d e v e lo p m e n t pla ns, a n d u n d ersta n d m y role assistin g an d
pro m otin g staff m e m b e r s u cc e ss. I re g ularly s e e k f e e d b a c k on m y p erf or m a nce
fro m my su p eriors a n d c o ll e a g u e s to identify a r e a s I n e e d to i m p rove in.

Sk ills: r e lia b ility / le a d e rs h i p skills / self - aware n ess / t ec h n ical skills

C U n d e rlin e useful p h ra s e s fro m t h e e x tra cts w hich yo u co uld use in y o u r own

co ver le tt e r. F o r e x a m p le in e x tra ct 1, M u p a s t experience o f ... has brought
me a greater understanding of ..., as well as ...

d Id e n tify t h r e e sk ills t h a t yo u use on a re g u la r b asis a n d w rit e t h r e e

s e n t e n c e s t h a t d e m o n str a t e t h e se s k ills in actio n . Use t h e p h ra s e s in
E x ercise 3c t o h elp you.

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters

 Matching your s k ills and e x perience to the p osition
In t h e b o d y of y o u r cover le t t e r it is esse n tial t h a t you a r e a b le to d e m o n st r a t e
how y o u r w or k e x p e ri e n c e a n d skills m a tch t h e sp ecific p ositio n you a r e a p p lyin g
for. To d o t his you n e e d to:
• re a d t h e jo b d escrip tio n caref ully;
• id e n tify t h e skills a n d e x p e rie n ce t h e c o m p a n y is p a r tic u l a rly in t e r est e d in;
• sh ow a n y p a r a lle ls wit h p r evio us p osts you h ave held o r o t h e r e x p erie nce.

4 a In p airs, discuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 H o w will yo ur c o v e r le t t e r ch a n g e with e ach p ositio n yo u a p p ly f o r?
2 H o w will yo u k n ow which s kills a n d e x p e ri e n c e to h ig h lig h t?
3 Sh o u l d you hig hlig h t skills a n d e x p e rie n ce eve n if t h e y a r e n ot o b vio u sly
r e le v a n t to t h e jo b you a re a p p lyin g f o r?

b Re a d t h e le t t e r w ritt e n by H a n n a A h ig re n , w h o is a p p lyin g fo r a jo b a t t h e
A u stra lia n E m b a ssy in Sw e d e n , a n d a n sw e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns. A t t h is
sta g e, ig n ore t h e g a p s in t h e te x t.
1 What p ositio n is H a n n a a p p lyin g f o r?
2 What is h e r c u rr e n t j o b ?
3 What su b je ct d o es she h ave a d e g r e e i n?
4 What skills a n d e x p e rie n ce d o es sh e h a v e?

D ear M s Tisdall,
I a m writing in resp o nse to your a dvertise m e nt for th e position of Pu b lic Relatio ns Officer
and e n close my curriculu m vitae for yo ur consid eration.
I a m currently workin g as a Press O fficer for th e Sw e d ish Ministry of Industry.
( 1) T in t s e * p e n e v v c e Uovs gv\g>tble<A w e f a gain a broad u n d ersta n din g of the
m e dia an d public relations. (2 )-— - monitoring the Sw e d is h a n d foreign
m edia, an d establishin g an d maintaining k ey m e dia co n tacts. I also write press rele ases and
organise m e dia eve nts. T hrough th e successful un dertaking of t h ese responsibilities
(3 )________________________th e Sw e d is h political syste m . (4 ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
theoretical k n o wle d g e attain e d a s part of my university d e gre e in Political Scie n c e , a n d put
this k n o wle d g e into practical ap plication.
Previo us e x p erie nce at th e Sw e d is h E m b a ssy in W a rs a w g ave m e a n op portunity to w ork
with the diplo m atic services. During my time there I learnt to pro m ote th e stren gths of
Sw e d e n through pu blic relations eve nts, as part of a tea m . Po la n d ’s entry to the Euro p e a n
Union w a s the main fo cus of the E m b a ssy at th e time, w hich significantly influenced my
work there. (5 )_______________________ writing reports, organising official visits to Pola n d,
and d evelo pin g vario us internal an d e xternal projects.
(6 )_______________________ co nsid era ble e x p erie nce in th e are a of pu blic relations from
my ye ars at university a n d su bse q u e n t jo bs. I a m co nfid ent that th e co m binatio n of my
political scie n ce b ack gro u n d a n d relevant skills m a k es m e an ideal ca n did ate for th e position
available. (7) id eas an d enth usiasm to th e job.
(8 ) I am very suited to E m b a ssy w ork a n d feel this m ove would
b e a logical care er ste p. T h e role of Pu blic Relatio ns O fficer wo uld allo w m e to d evelo p my
- existing skills in an environ m ent in w hich my political, linguistic and diplo m atic skills could b e
utilised to their gre atest potential.
I w o uld b e availa ble for interview at your co nve nie nce. I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
RG.ny'iG. A h icySvi
M s H a n n a Ahigren -

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters 39

 C o m p le te t h e le t t e r in E x e rcise 4 b usin g t h e follo win g p hrases.
a I feel I h ave sig nifica n tly str e n g t h e n e d my k n o wle d g e a n d u n d e rst a n d in g of
b T his e x p e r ie nce has e n a b le d me to
c M y e m p lo y m e n t e x p e ri e n c e le a ds m e to t h e co nclusio n t h a t
d M y e m p lo y m e n t e x p e rie n c e h as e n a b le d me to b uild on
e I t h in k t h a t I co uld b rin g
f M y r e s p o n sib ilities inclu d e d
g Wit h i n my p ositio n a t w o r k I a m re s p o n sib le f or
h A s you ca n se e fro m my CV I have

d H e r e is t h e a d v e rtis e m e n t ;;

t h a t H a n n a re s p o n d e d to. A ustralia n Em b assy: Pu b lic Rela tio n s O fficer

In p airs, id e n tify t h e m ain
sk ills a n d e x p e rie n ce t h e y
a r e lo o kin g for.
e M a tc h t h e re q u ire m e n ts
liste d in t h e a d v e rtis e m e n t
(a - i) to s e n t e n c e s fro m
H a n n a ’s co ver le t t e r (1 - 6 ).
So m e s e n t e n c e s illu s tr a t e
m ore t h a n o n e re q u ire m e n t.
D e p a r t m e n t: Depart m ent of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Im m e d ia t e Su p e rv is o r; First Secretary
Sa la ry : SEK 18,000 per month (Tax free)
;io#v,v-«k
a Monitor the Swedish, Finnish, Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian media
(including printed and electronic) each day; prepare a su m mary of key
international and do mestic news items,
b Monitor and prepare reports on international and do mestic issues in m
•sy//

Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania,

1 T his e x p e rie n ce has
cOrganise progra m mes for visitors from Australia, and provide support
e n a b le d me to g ain a
to Australian - based staff in relation to high - level visits,
b r o a d u n d e rst a n d in g of dAssist in the m anag e m ent and im ple mentation of the Embassy's public
t h e m e dia a n d p u blic affairs function and cultural affairs programme.
rela tio ns. _L_
822^*
2 Wit h i n my p ositio n a t
w o r k I a m r e sp o n si b le for Bilingual Swedish / English language and translation skills - both written
m o nit orin g t h e Sw e d is h and spoken
a n d foreig n m e dia, f High -level understanding of Swedish govern ment, economy, business
a n d e st a b lis h in g a n d and EU processes
m ain t ain in g k ey m e dia Ability to prioritise, manage time effectively and work both
in d e p e n d e ntly and as part of a team
co ntacts.
h Personal contacts in the media (desirable)
/ / ___
i Ex perience in a public relations and / or a media - related field (desirable)
3 T hro u g h t h e successful
Please note th a t to be considered, applicants m ust address the selection criteria
u n d e rt a k in g o f t h ese
when m aking their applications a nd all applications m ust be in English.
res p o n sib iliti es I feel
I h ave sig nifica n tly
str e n g t h e n e d my
k n o wle d g e a n d u n d e rst a n d in g of t h e Sw e d is h p olitical syst e m ____
4 Pr e vio u s e x p e rie n ce a t t h e Sw e d is h E m b a ssy in W a rs a w g ave m e an
o p p o r t u n ity to w or k with t h e d ip lo m a tic services. D urin g my ti m e t h e r e I le a r n t
to p r o m o t e t h e str e n g t h s o f Sw e d e n t hro u g h p u blic re la ti o n s eve nts, as p a r t of
a tea m . / ___
5 M y re s p o n sib iliti es inclu d e d writin g re p orts, o r g a n isin g official visits to Pola n d ,
a n d d e v e lo p in g v a rio u s in t e rn al a n d e x t e r n al p r o j e cts / ___
6 T h e role o f Pu b lic Re la tio n s O ffic e r w o uld allo w m e to d ev elo p my e x istin g
skills in an e n vir o n m e n t in which my p olitical, lin g uistic a n d d ip lo m a tic skills
co uld b e u tilise d to t h e ir g r e a t e s t p o t e n t i a l____

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters

U n d e rlin e useful p h ra s e s fro m H a n n a ’s le t t e r which yo u co uld use in y o u r
own co ve r le tt e r. F o r e x a m ple, I am confident th a t the com bination of mu ...
and ... makes me an ideal candidate fo r the p o sitio n .

C o m p le te t h e follo w in g s e n t e n c e s usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e box fro m

H a n n a ’s le tter.
As a result As part of my During my period of e m ploym ent a t During my tim e
having In th e course o f my current jo b Since I work with where I gained
While I was a

^ ______ W K il e I <* t e a m l e a d e r a t G lo b al C o m p u t ers, I in tr o d uc e d new

q u a lity co n trol p ro ce d u re s resulti n g in a 5 0 % fall in c u st o m e r co m plain ts.

a t Le g al Solu ti o n s, I w as re s p o n sib le for m a r k e tin g

so ft w a r e services.
:

d e g r e e co urse in Bu si n e ss St u d ies, I w o r k e d for t h re e

m o n t hs in t h e D a t a Pr o c e ssin g d e p a r t m e n t o f a larg e c o m p u t e r co r p o r a tio n ,
___________________________ e x p e ri e n c e in IT solutio ns.

^ ___________________________ S t a r E n t e r p ris e s I g ain e d so m e k n o wle d g e of

a c c o u n t i n g ,____________________________ assist e d t h e ir b o o k k e e p e r for t h r e e m onths.

C m
___________________________ I h ave b e e n re s p o n sib le for t h e o r g a n is a tio n of
c o n f e r e n c e s_____________________________ my k n o wle d g e a n d e x p e ri e n c e in t his field
h ave gro w n c o n si d e r a b ly a n d I n ow feel c a p a b l e o f m a n a g in g e v e n ts in d e p e n d e n tly.

____________________________ p e o p le e v e ry d a y in a b usin ess se ttin g, I h ave d e v elo p e d

str o n g in t e r p e rso n al a n d c o m m u n ic a tiv e skills.

C o m p le te t h e follo w in g s e n te n c es so t h e y a r e tr u e f o r yo u.
I W h il e I w a s I w a s in ch arg e o f ____

2 D u r i n g ________________________ I w a s r e s p o n sib le for

3 A s p a r t of my d e g r e e co urse i n _________________________ a t
________________________________ I ____________________________________________

4 D u rin g my p erio d of e m p lo y m e n t a t ________________________________ I g ain e d

5 A t p r e s e n t I a m re sp o n si b le f o r As a r e s u lt - - - - - - -

6 Si n c e

In p airs, d iscuss y o u r r e c e n t w o r k e x p erie n ce, o r ti m e a t u niversity.

H ig hlig h t t h e s k ills yo u fe e l you h ave d e v e lo p e d t h ro u g h t h e se e x p erie n ces.
W h a t a r e t h e m ain sk ills yo u h ave t h a t m a k e you m ore e m p lo y a b le?

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters 41

 Writing an e f f ectiv e fin al paragraph
T h e fin al p a r a g r a p h of y o u r co ver l e t t e r sh o uld ro u n d t h e le t t e r off, le avi n g t h e
r e a d e r wit h a p ositive i m p ressio n of y o u r a p p lica tio n a n d a d esir e to in t e rvie w you

5 3 In p airs, d ecid e w h e t h e r t h e follo win g s t a t e m e n ts a r e True (T) o r F alse (F).

1 T h e fin al p a r a g r a p h sh o uld e x p ress willin g n ess to p r ovid e a n y f u rt h e r
in f or m a tio n t h a t t h e r e a d e r m ay w a n t____
2 It is n ot n e c e ss a ry to m e ntio n a n y it e m s (inclu din g t h e CV) yo u are enclosing /
a t t a c h i n g .___
3 It is p olit e to t h a n k t h e r e a d e r for t h e ir ti m e a n d c o n s i d e r a t i o n .___
4 T h e fin al p a r a g r a p h m ay a c t u a lly co nsist o f t w o s h o rt p a r a g r a p h s - - -

b Lo o k b ac k a t t h e cover le t t e rs on p a g es 3 5 a n d 3 9 . Did Ja n e a n d H a n n a
follo w t h is a d vic e?

C R e a d t h e follo win g p a r a g r a p h s t a k e n fro m Britis h a n d A m e ric a n co ve r le tt e rs.

W h a t d iff e r e n c e s in style d o you n o tic e?

1 I lo o k f o r w a r d t o h e a ri n g f r o m y o u in t h e n e a r f u t u r e t o s c h e d u l e a n i n t e r v i e w at
a t i m e c o n v e n i e n t t o y o u . D u ri n g t h e i n t e r v i e w I h o p e t o le ar n m o r e a b o u t y o u r
••I
• - !'
c o m p a n y's p l a n s a n d g o a ls a n d d isc u ss h o w I m i g h t c o n t ri b u t e t o t h e s u c c e ss of t h e
s e r v ic e t e a m .
: ;v. " *• •• • :> . f - ‘ ‘ •; •• v, •: • • .. /- &* I
Si n c e r e r e g a r d s,
- Y . . .. ... . .. .,4,...................... b ................ ***»
. !!; ...
I II!' VI! II !' ;; i ”• - -s k * -
n. » w r ![f "T ’111%

2 Should you have any queries regarding my application, or require any further information,
please do not hesitate to contact me. I would like to thank you in advance for your time and
consideration.
1 look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
: r.-- t: *08%'% ^ ^ ^'*•# ft f< g% | *If £$ " g ” H! ^® ^ ^ >

Yo u rs truly, y '
- ii ?W W W W ® tovm nm s* ... ,
* V- « ? ... in ... ’!• . .. II .. ...
.

” "• : • " *• •// '<///...//'W

„, ,......^ /A .»< //A.//A........
:................ •" ::: "'-I' ki- » '£ '#*VWr ar. «• kr: H<T.; .. IK- ....

4 Yo u w ill fin d enclosed a co py o f m y c u rric u lu m vitae, w h ic h gives f urt h er details o f my

e d ucatio n and m y career to date. I wo uld welco m e the o p p ort u nity to discuss my professional
hist ory an d q ualificatio ns wit h yo u in greater detail.
rr h a n k yo u in a dvance for y o u r consideration.
Yo urs sincerely,
V n "• f ................. n 35 If b . Jf " : :: * gMf fc » - 9 " ; '' •. ..................... ... | .............................

d In p airs, d iscuss t h e fo llo w in g q u estio ns.

1 Wh ic h e x tr a cts m o st closely follow t h e a d vic e in E x e rcise 5 a ?
2 Wh ic h a p p r o a c h d o yo u p r e f e r a n d w h y?
3 Wh ic h a p p r o a c h w o uld b e m ost s u it a b le for t h e c o u n try you a r e a p p lyin g for
w o r k i n?
4 W h a t , if a nyt hin g, wo uld you n e e d to c h a n g e if yo u w a n t e d to use o n e of t h e se
p a r a g r a p h s in yo ur own co v e r l e t t e r?
42 U n it 3 Effe ctiv e cover le tters
 e Re a d t h e follo win g fin a l p a ra g ra p h s. W h a t d o you t h in k is g o o d o r b a d
about the m?
1 M y e x p e rie n c e a n d o t h e r t ec h n ical skills a r e t o o e x t e n siv e to be
liste d here. I w o uld a p p r e ci a t e t h e o p p o r t u n it y to m e e t wit h you to
discuss my cr e d e n tia ls a t y o u r e a rli e s t co nve nie nce.
I loo k f o rw ar d to h e a ri n g fro m you.

I w o uld w elco m e t h e o p p o r t u n it y to discuss with you how I m ig h t

c o n tri b u t e to y o u r c o m p a n y in f ulfillin g its p r e s e n t g oals. I will be
a v a ila b l e f or a p p o i n t m e n t fro m 1 st Ju ly.
T h a n k you in a d v a n c e for y o u r co n si d e ra ti o n .
.... .... ..g .... .... . ^. .i. . ^ ^ .% to , , „ v . .... .... ... .... j ^ 'M ... i:- !»- ... .15.

f ^ 3 A Liste n to r e cr u it m e n t co n su lta n ts, G ra c e a n d O liver, d iscussin g t h e

e x tra cts in E x e rcise 5e. W h a t a d vice d o t h e y g iv e? Do you a g re e with t h e ir
co m m e n ts?

g T hin k o f a s p ecific jo b you w o uld lik e t o a p p ly for. W r it e yo u r own closin g

p a r a g ra p h usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x a n d id e a s fro m t h is sectio n .
I look forward to hearing from you.
I would w elco m e / a p preciate th e o p p ortu nity to ...
Please do n ot h esitate to co n tact me.
should you have / re q uire ...
Thank you in advance for your tim e and consid eration.

Using ap pro priate language

W h e t h e r a p p lyin g o nlin e o r se n din g y o u r co ver l e t t e r t h ro u g h t h e p ost, it is
i m p o rt a n t to w rit e usin g a p p r o p ri a t e la n g u a g e. A lt h o u g h inf or m al la n g u a g e
m ay s o m e ti m e s b e a cc e p t a b l e in c o v e r le tters, m ore for m al a lt e r n a tiv e s will
cr e a t e a m ore p ro f essio n al i m pressio n.

6 a C o m p le te t h e follo win g t a b le usin g t h e w o rd s in t h e box.

a bout a d d itio n al co n tact e m ployer e m ploym ent ensure give
looking more receive request require show talk a b o ut t e ll w a nt

In for m al Formal
get — 1 y e c e iv e
extra — 2 -------
3 _______ — would like
need — 4 -----
5 _______ — discuss
g et in touch with — 6 ------
7 _______ — concernin g / regardin g
make sure — 8 -------
9_______ — provide somebody with
1 0 _______ — inform
boss — 11 -------
12 _______ — furth er / greater
1 3 _______ — searching
ask for — 14 -------
work / job — 15 -------
1 6 ________ — de m onstrate
U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters 43
 b C o m p le te t h e follo w in g s e n t e n c e s usin g t h e f o r m al w o rd s in E x e rcise 6 a. In
s e n te n c es 4 a n d 5, w hy is should use d in st e a d o f if?
1 I a m w ritin g in re sp o nse to o ur t e le p h o n e co n v e rsa ti o n on 9 th M a y
veggiwAing t h e se cr e t a ria l vaca ncy.
2 I h ave re c e n tly g r a d u a t e d with a M a s t e r ’s d e g r e e in co m p u tin g a n d a m
c u r r e n t l y___________for s u i t a b l e __________ in t h e e le ctr o n ics field.
3 I w o uld a p p r e ci a t e t h e o p p o rt u n ity to m e e t yo u, w h e r e I c o u l d - - - - - - - - - my
skills, c a p a b iliti e s a n d p ro fessio n al e x p e rie n c e i n - - - - - - - - - d et ail.
4 I w o uld b e h a p p y t o __________ y o u ___________ f u rt h e r re f er e n ces sh o uld you
re q uire t h e m .
5 Sh o u l d y o u __________ a n y ___________i n f o r m a t i o n my a p p lic a ti o n ,
p le as e d o n ot h e sit a t e t o __________ me.

C R e w rit e t h e u n d e rlin e d sectio n s o f t h e follo win g s e n t e n c e s usin g m ore

a p p r o p ria t e fo r m al la n g u a g e. Try t o use t h e w ord in b rac k e ts.
1 I a m w ritin g a b o u t y o u r a d for a Bu si n e ss D e v e l o p m e n t M a n a g e r in The
Eco n o m ist, (resp o nse] in yesponse Fo yo u r gn^vev - Hsewenf - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2 I a m w ritin g to as k if y o u ’ve g o t a n y v a c a n cie s a t t h e m o m e n t in y o u r h u m a n
reso urces d e p a r t m e n t, (c u r r e n t ly] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
3 I a m w ritin g to a p p ly f or t h e fin a n cial a d m i n is tr a t o r jo b , (p o s i t i o n ]__________

4 A s you will se e fro m my CV, my e x p e rie n c e a n d q u alifica tio n s a r e w h a t y o u ’re

lo o kin g for, (r e q u ir e m e n t s] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
5 T h e m a n a g e r of y o u r M il a n Br a n c h t old m e to g e t in to uch wit h you a b o u t
t h e o p e n in g for a m e dia co ns ult a n t, (r e c o m m e n d e d ]________________________
6 H e re's a co p y of my CV, a n d I lo o k f o rw ar d to an o p p o rt u n ity to d e m o n str a t e
how my p ro f essio n al e x p e rie n ce a n d skills w o uld b e n e fit St a r Electro nics,
(a t t a c h ] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
7 If vo u n e e d a n v m ore info a b o u t my a p p lica tio n , p le as e d o n ot h e sit a t e to
c o n t a ct me. (s h o u l d )________________________________________________________
8 T h a n k s f or y o u r ti m e a n d co n si d e ra ti o n , (w o u l d ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

d T h e follo win g e x tra c t fro m a co ver le t t e r is t o o in f o r m al. R e w rit e t h e

e x tra ct usin g a p p r o p ria t e fo r m al la n g u a g e.

Dear Sarah,
I saw y o u r ad v ert for a job as a se c re ta ry on th e Internet last week. I w ant to apply
for th e job.
I’ve been working as a se c re ta ry at G ordon’s Financial Services in Barcelona for
th e last three years, but I’m looking for a new job in Milan becau se my h u sb a n d
has just got a new job with his com pany in Milan.
I’ve h eard a lot a b o u t your company. I think it’s one of th e biggest financial
service com panies in Milan. I’ve w orked for years in this area (over six y ears) and
think th at this has given me th e experience th at your com pany needs.
If you w ant to m eet to talk a b o u t how my skills and experience can benefit your
com pan y in th e future, 1 would be h ap py to com e in and m eet you.
Kind regards, Jane

44 U n it 3 Effe ctiv e cover le tters

 X)e.<*y Ks

Writing a cover le t t er
7 3 Lo o k a t t h e e x a m ple o f a b a d co v e r le t t e r t h a t Felix se n t Vicky. In p airs,
discuss t h e m ista k es he h as la b e lle d (a - o).

Baklrick College
Swinton
SW4 8BT
Natl987@ bcs.ac.uk
PrincessNL@gmail.com
14 O cto b er 2008
Ace C onsultants
45 Strand
London WC2 8LK 0
Dear Sir o r Madam,
I w ould like to apply for a job at y o u r co m p a n y w hen I g ra d u a te this
sum m er.
f
1 hav e always w anted to w ork with a strateg ic managemej
co n su ltan cy firm w hich helps it’s sjien ts m ake lasting and_______
su b stan tial im provem ents, an d I can n o t imagine a b e tte r place to
e
I
w ork th a n Hillier and T hom son, m --------------------- -----------------------
9
1 am extrem ely confident th a t my university c o u rse h as p rep a re d
m e f n r a eareer-ija. m anagem ent. Whilst at university 1 h ad a n u m b er
o T p arbtim e jobs an d I w ould say th a t my m ain stren g th is my m
s.

ability to get on with o th e r people. 1 am a v e ry sociable p e rso n and

thro u g h a range of social activities I have perffected m y o u tstan d in g
com m unication skills.
As you will see from m y CV I am not familiar with m any c o m p u ter
[)Togrammes, but I would like to learn and am su re th a t I w ould pick m
things u p quickly. 1 really w ant a job w hich will g iv e jn e th e c h an c e
to travel, as this is a p articu lar in terest of mine.
I w ould be truly grateful to be invited for an interview and to be
given a c h a n c e to fu rth er d iscu ss m y application.
n
Yours,
Natalie Laurent

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters 45

b M a tc h F e li x ’s a d vic e (1 - 1 5) t o t h e a p p r o p ria t e p a r ts o f t h e co ver le t t e r
(a - o) in E x e rcise 7 a.
1 Fin d a n a m e d p erso n to w rit e to.
2 M a k e y o u r le t t e r sp ecific to e ach c o m p a n y you w rit e to a n d m a k e it cle a r
w h a t jo b y o u ’re a p p lyin g for____
3 D o n ’t co p y p h r ase s fro m w e b sit e s a n d b roch ures. Use y o u r own w o r d s - - -
4 M a k e sure t h e n a m e of t h e c o m p a n y m a tc h es t h e o n e in t h e a d d r e ss - - -
5 Re s e a rc h a n d b e cl e a r a b o u t t h e jo b you a r e a p p lyin g for. St r a t e g ic
m a n a g e m e n t co nsu ltin g is not t h e sa m e as m a n a g e m e n t____
6 M is t a k e s of sp ellin g a n d g r a m m a r a r e u n acc e p t a b l e - alw a ys d o u ble - check.

7 M a k e it cl e a r w h a t yo u b rin g to t h e o r g a n is a ti o n , not j u st w h a t you ca n g ain.

8 D o n ’t a p o lo g is e for s kills you h a v e n ’t got, e s p e cia lly w h e r e t h e y a r e n o t a

strict r e q u ir e m e n t of t h e j o b ____
9 D o n ’t e x a g g e r a t e y o u r level o f skill. A lw a ys use e x a m p les to s u b s t a n tia t e
w h a t yo u s a y .___
10 En d y o u r l e t t e r ‘Yours sin c e re ly’ (if to a n a m e d p erso n) o r ‘Yours fa ith fu lly ’ (if
n o t)____
11 B e p olit e a n d resp ectf ul b u t n o t e x cessively s o ____
12 D o n ’t b e va g u e a b o u t y o u r a p tit u d e s. M a k e sure you k now w h a t t h e
r e cr u it e r is lo o kin g f or a n d th e n p r ovid e sp ecific evi d e nce, hig hlig h tin g key
p a rts o f y o u r CV____
13 D o n ’t s t a r t all / m ost p a r a g r a p h s wit h T . ___
14 Use a p o str o p h e s c o rr e ctly (here its not it ’s )____
15 J u s t give o n e e m ail a d d r e ss (k e e p t his plain a n d s e n si b l e)____

C R e w rit e t h e co ver le t t e r in E x e rcise 7 a, usin g t h e la n g u a g e a n d a d vice fro m

t h is u nit. T h e n c o m p a re y o u r le t t e r with t h e m o d el le t t e r on p a g e 111.

d Re s e a rc h a re a l jo b t h a t yo u w o uld b e in t e r e st e d in a p p lyin g for. Sp e n d

so m e ti m e re se a rc h in g t h e co m p a n y a n d t h e p o sitio n in m ore d e p t h . T hin k
a b o u t t h e s k ills a n d e x p e rie n ce t h a t yo u h ave t h a t a r e r e le v a n t f o r t h e p ost
a n d th e n w rit e a co v e r le t t e r f o r t h e job.

U n it 3 Effe ctive cover le tters

 Preparing for the interview
Making a positive first
impression
Dealing e ff ectively with
interview questions
Talking about yourself
Avoiding common mistakes
Proving you've done your
research

|..v%
w

Preparing for t he in t ervie w

C o n g ra t u la ti o n s! If you h ave b e e n invit e d to an int ervie w, you
h ave p asse d a sig nifica n t t est. Yo ur CV a n d c o v e r le t t e r have
m a d e a str o n g first i m pressio n. You h ave b e e n se le ct e d in fro n t
of y o u r rivals, a n d m a d e it to t h e sh o rt list.
Pr e p a r a ti o n is t h e k ey to a successful interview. T h e o t h e r
c a n d i d a t e s m ay h ave si m il ar q u alifica tio n s, skills a n d e x p erie nce.
T h e in t e rvie w is y o u r o p p o r t u n ity to p rove you a r e t h e b est
c a n d i d a t e for t h e job. En s u rin g you are w ell - p re p are d will help
you to re d uce stress, in cr e ase y o u r co n fid e n ce a n d i m p ro ve yo ur
c h a n ces of b ein g offere d t h e job.

1 a In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.

1 H a v e you e v e r b e e n in t e rvie w e d for a jo b in E n g lis h? H o w did it g o?
2 H o w d o you feel a b o u t g oin g for an i n t e rvi e w?
3 H o w ca n you p r e p a r e for an i n t e rvi e w?

b In p airs, discuss t h e follo win g tip s f o r p r e p a rin g f o r a n in tervie w. W h ic h

o n es d o yo u t h in k a r e m ore i m p o rt a n t? W h ic h o n es w o uld you d o f ir s t?
• Try to p r e d ict t h e q u estio n s you a r e lik ely to be as k e d d u rin g t h e interview.
• Do so m e re se arc h into t h e c o m p a n y you a r e a p p lyin g for a jo b with.
• Fin d o u t e x actly w h a t t h e jo b involves.
• A n a lys e y o u r skills a n d e x p e rie n c e a n d id e n tify a r e a s w h e r e t h e y m atch t h e
jo b r e q u ir e m e n ts a n d t h e c o m p a n y nee ds.
• Re h e a rs e t h e interview.
• D ecid e w h a t y o u ’re g oin g to wear.
• Pr e p a r e a list o f q u estio n s to as k a t t h e e n d o f t h e interview.

U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s 47
 Making a p ositive first i m pressio n
Before you arrive
You n e v e r g e t a seco n d c h a n ce t o m a k e a first i m pressio n.
Pe o p le st a r t for min g t h e ir i m p ressio n of you i m m e diat ely,
lo o kin g a t t h e o u tsid e a n d m a kin g a ss u m p tio n s a b o u t t h e
inside. It is y o u r r e s p o n sib ility to e n s u re t h a t you se n d o u t
t h e rig h t m essa g e a b o u t wh o you are, t hro u g h y o u r p hysical
a p p e a r a n c e , y o u r clo t h e s a n d y o u r b o d y la n g u a g e.
2 a Im a g in e you m e t so m e b o d y n ew to d ay. A f t e r a fe w m in u tes t al k in g to yo u,
w h a t m ig h t t h e y s a y a b o u t yo u, f o r e x a m p le how successful o r w e a lt h y you
are, y o u r level o f e d u ca tio n , o r y o u r p r o f e ssio n a lis m ?

b In p airs, d iscuss w h a t yo u can d o to c r e a t e a p o sitive firs t im p ressio n with

an in te rvie w e r. T hin k a b o u t t h e follo win g p oints.
• your ap p earance
• b o d y la n g u a g e
• how to ‘b r e a k t h e ice ’ with t h e i n t e rvie w e r

C In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g in t e rvie w tips. W r it e do o r don’t n e x t to each

tip .
1 A rriv e t e n m in u t es early.
2 Sp e a k En glish with a frie n d b ef ore t h e interview.
3 Bri n g a close frie n d o r re la tiv e wit h you f or su p p ort.
4 Take a co p y of y o u r CV a n d e x a m p le s of y o u r w or k wit h you.
5 Le ar n so m e i m p re ssive w or ds a n d p h r a se s to use in t h e interview.
6 M e m o ris e long a n sw e rs to q u esti o n s t h a t you a n tici p a t e b ei n g as k e d.

d ^4.1 Silvia C a r n ali h as b e e n in vit e d f o r a n in t e rvie w a t t h e co m m u n ica tio n s

ag e ncy, F u t e rr a . B e f o r e h er in t e rvie w sh e m e e ts N in a , a h u m an re s o u rc e s
m a n a g er, f o r so m e in t e rvie w p r e p a r a tio n tips. Liste n t o t h e co n ve rsa tio n
a n d w rit e N i n a ’s o p inio n [do/don’t) ne x t t o t h e tip s (1 - 6 ) in E x e rcise 2c. Do
yo u a g r e e with N i n a? W h a t tip s d o es N in a m e n tio n t h a t a r e n o t inclu d e d in
t h e list a b o v e?

Sm all talk
T h e o u tc o m e o f an in t e rvie w ca n b e d ecid e d in t h e first five min utes. Fro m t h e
m o m e n t you a rriv e for a n in t e rvie w you a r e b ei n g assesse d . Eve n b ef ore t h e
in t e rvie w itself b e gins yo u will b e co m m u n ic a ti n g a m essa g e a b o u t w h o you are.
In o r d e r to cr e a t e a p ositive i m p ressio n, it’s i m p o r t a n t t h a t fro m t h e m o m e n t
yo u a rriv e w h a t you sa y is clear, co n fi d e n t a n d e n t h usiastic.

3 a 4.2 Liste n t o e x tr a c ts fro m t h e b e gin nin g o f Silv i a ’s in t e rvie w

a t F u t e rr a a n d A le x M e n c k e n ’s in t e rvie w a t a Lo n d o n t h e a tr e .
A n sw e r t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h y is M r Le wis la t e f or t h e i n t e rvi e w?
2 W h a t d o es Silvia r e a d w hile s h e ’s w a iti n g?
3 W h a t useful in f or m a tio n d o es Silvia g e t fro m t h e r e c e p ti o n ist?
4 H o w d o es Silvia cr e a t e a p ositive first i m p ressio n wit h M r Le w is?
5 W h a t d o A le x a n d Karl c h a t a b o u t b ef ore t h e i n t e rvi e w?
6 H ow d o es A le x cr e a t e a p ositive first i m p ressio n with K a rl?

48 U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 Silvia is v e ry p olit e to t h e rece p tio nist. W h y is t his i m p o r t a n t?
2 W h a t d o es Silvia ask t h e r e c e p ti o n is t? H o w could t h is h elp h er a p p lic a t i o n?
3 A le x m e n tio ns t h a t a frie n d of his w h o w o r k s a t t h e t h e a t r e su g g est e d he
a p p li e d for t h e job. D o you t hin k t his w as a g o o d i d e a?

4.2 M a tc h t h e co n v e rsa tio n o p e nin gs (1 - 8 ) t o t h e re s p o n se s (a - h). Liste n

to t h e e x tra c ts a g ain a n d ch eck yo u r a nsw ers.
1 I'm afraid Mr Lewis is in a m eeting at
No, no trou ble a t all.
th e moment.
No, th a n k you. I'm fine.
2 Can I g et you a nythin g w hile you w ait?
I know. It's awful, isn't it?
3 I'm sorry I'm late. Our m eeting overran a
Thank you. It's nice to m eet you too.
bit.
You were hig hly recommended to me
4 How are yo u?
by a frien d.
5 It's nice to meet you a t last.
I'm very well, th an k yo u.
6 Did you have any trou ble fin ding us?
That's q uite all right.
7 I ca n't b elieve th e weath er at the
T hat's okay. I was ju st ad miring the
moment!
office.
8 How did you find out a b o ut us?

In p airs, p r a c tis e t h e s m all t a l k in E x ercise 3c.

Lo o k a t t h e follo w in g e x a m p les o f in t e rvie w s m all t alk . M a tc h t h e

b e gin nin gs (1 - 1 0 ) t o t h e e n d in g s (a - j). W o u ld yo u sa y t h e s e t o t h e
r e c e p tio n ist (R), t h e in t e rvie w e r (I) o r b oth (B)?

1 Do you thin k I could h a v e - - - a I got cau g ht in th e rain.

2 Do you have a co m pany brochure
3 I'm very sorry I'm late.
4 Do you thin k I could use
5 I was ju s t ad miring yo ur office.
6 Are there many oth er can didates
7 I had terrible problems parking
here.
8 I'm afraid I'm not feelin g very well.
9 The office is sm aller th an I
e x pected.
10
b yo ur t o ile t to freshen up?
c a glass of w ater w hile I'm w aitin g? R
d I was planning to be here over an hour ago,
but my train was cancelle d.
e I could have a look a t w hile I'm w aitin g?
f Is i t always this busy?
g I t a ll looks very modern. Is i t new?
h Do you have many people working
elsewhere?
1
•

Is there somewhere I could leave Could I sit down for a few minutes?
my u m brella? j scheduled for in terviews to d ay?

H avin g so m e s m all t a l k h elp s t o b uild a p o sitiv e r a p p o r t with t h e

in te rvie w e r. In t h e U K t h e w e a t h e r a n d t r a n s p o r t p ro b le m s a r e v e ry
co m m o n a n d a p p r o p ria t e s m all t a l k to pics. In p airs, discuss t h e follo win g
q u estio ns.
1 W h a t sm all t al k t o pics a r e co m m o nly discu sse d in y o u r c o u n t ry?
2 A r e t h e r e a n y t hin gs you w o uld avoid t al k in g a b o u t?

In p airs, ro le p la y a rrivin g a t an in t e rvie w a n d m a k in g s m all t a l k with t h e

re c e p tio n ist.
St u d e n t A , yo u a r e t h e ca n d id a t e . Try to g e t so m e useful in fo r m a tio n fro m
t h e r e c e p tio n ist which yo u ca n use la t e r in y o u r in tervie w .
St u d e n t B, yo u a r e t h e re c e p tio n ist.
Sw a p ro les a n d p r a c tis e a g ain .

U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
Body language
M u c h o f t h e i m p act you cr e a t e a t an in t e rvie w is b ase d on y o u r b o d y la n g u a g e,
a n d g e t ti n g t his rig h t is esse n tial. T h e w a y you w al k, sit a n d a ct m ay in fl u e n ce yo ur
i n t e rvi e w e r ’s o pinio n of you as m uch as w h a t you a c t u a lly say.
In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 H o w co uld y o u r b o d y la n g u a g e le t you d own in an i n t e rvi e w?
2 H ow can yo u avoid t h e s e p r o b l e m s?

4.3 Liste n to fiv e p e o p le s p e a k in g a b o u t b o d y la n g u a g e a n d b a d firs t

im p ressio n s in in t e rvie w s. W r it e t h e e x tra c t n u m b er (1 - 5 ) n e x t to t h e
p ro b le m it m e n tio ns. T h e n m atch e ach p ro b le m (a - e ) to t h e a d vic e on how to
avoid it (A - E).

Proble m A dvice
a Trembling v o ic e A Make eye co n tact, b ut remember not to stare.
b Sw eatin g _ ! _ — B Politely d eclin e te a or coffee.
c Bad p o st u re \ C Breath e slowly and deeply.
d Shaking h a n d s \ D Sit up straig h t and lean forward when speaking.
e No eye c o n t a c t E Make sure you know in advance how to find th e in tervie w venue.

W h a t tip s on b o d y la n g u a g e w o uld yo u give so m e o n e b ein g in t e rvie w e d f o r a

jo b in y o u r c o u n try?

Dealing e f f ectiv ely with in t ervie w q u estio ns

Res p o n d in g to q u estio ns a t a n in t e rvie w is y o u r o p p o r t u n ity to give evid e n ce of
y o u r skills a n d e x p erie nce, prove you k n ow w h a t t h e jo b e nt ails, a n d d e m o n st r a t e
t h a t you a r e t h e b est p erso n for t h e job.

In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t q u estio n s mig ht you e x p ect to b e as k e d in a ny jo b i n t e rvi e w?
2 W h a t a d vic e wo uld you give s o m e b o d y a b o u t d e ali n g with in t e rvie w q u e s ti o n s?

Lo o k a t t h e follo win g co m m o n in t e rvie w q u estio ns. W r it e t h e ty p e o f q u estio n

(a - c) n e x t to e ach q u estio n ( 1 - 1 2 ).
a Q u e stio n s t h a t re q uire you to t a l k a b o u t yo urself, y o u r a m bitio ns, y o u r
p erso n ality, yo ur h o b b ie s a n d in t e re sts
b Q u e stio n s t h a t re q uire you to p rove you h ave re s e a rc h e d t h e jo b a n d co m p a n y
you h ave a p p lie d for w o r k with
c Q u e stio n s t h a t re q uire you to d e m o n st r a t e yo u h ave t h e skills a n d e x p e rie n ce
re q uir e d for t h e jo b
1 C an you tell us so m e t h in g a b o u t y o u rs e lf?
2 W h a t e x p e rie n c e d o you h ave t h a t is r e le v a n t for t his p o s i t i o n ?___
3 W h a t did you le arn d urin g y o u r ti m e a t u n i v e r s i t y ?___
4 W h a t d o you se e as y o u r s t r e n g t h s?___
5 W h a t d o you t hin k a b o u t o u r w e b s i t e ?___
6 W h a t a t t r a c t e d yo u to t h e p o s i t i o n ?___
7 H o w w o uld y o u r co ll e a g u es d e scri b e y o u ?___
8 W h a t s o rts of p ro je cts did you w o r k on in y o u r last p o s i t i o n ?___
9 W h a t u nive rsity did you a t t e n d a n d w hy did you ch o ose i t ? ___
10 H o w d o you t y p ic a lly a p p r o ac h n ew p r o j e c t s?_______
11 W h a t d o you k now a b o u t o u r c o m p a n y ?___
12 W h e r e d o you se e y o u rse lf in five y e a rs ’ t i m e ?___
Unit 4 Successful interviews
C In p airs, t r y t o t h in k o f so m e m ore q u e stio n s f o r e ach c a t e g o ry (a - c).
W h ic h q u e stio n s w o uld yo u w elco m e in a n in t e rvie w ? W h ic h q u e stio n s
w o uld you n o t lik e to b e a s k e d?

d In p airs, t a k e t u r n s t o a s k a n d a n sw e r t h e q u e stio n s in E x ercises 5 b a n d

5c. W h ic h q u e stio n s a re e a sie s t t o a n s w e r? W h ic h a r e t h e m ost d iffic u lt?

e ^ 4.4 Liste n to t h r e e e x tra c ts fro m an in tervie w . W h ic h t h r e e q u e stio n s in

E x ercise 5 b is t h e c a n d id a t e res p o n d in g t o ?

f ^ 4.4 Liste n a g ain a n d , in p airs, d iscuss how e ach a n s w e r co uld b e im p rove d .

g M a tc h t h e a d vic e on how to a n sw e r q u e stio n s (1 - 5 ) to t h e p ra ctic a l tip s

(a - e). W h a t w e re t h e sp ecific p ro b le m s with t h e t h r e e e x tra cts in E x ercise
5 e?
v v v ' .. ^

1 Be cle ar and a I f you personally did so m ething, say 'I did' rather th a n 'we did'
e x plicit or 'i t was'.
b Most lies or e x aggerations get discovered and sug gest bad
ju d g m e nt on yo ur part,
2 Be audible c Do not assume in tervie w ers know w h at your previous jo b
involve d, even i f th ey work in th e same org anisatio n. I t is also
im p orta nt not to use jarg o n or acronyms t h a t th e in tervie w er
3 Be concise
might not be fa m iliar with,
d D on't talk for too long, or d rift away from the p oint. Be
4 Be tru th ful ale rt to any signs from th e in tervie w er of boredom, loss of
co nce ntratio n, or sig nals t h a t you are talkin g too much.
However, also ensure t h a t you say enough,
5 Focus on actio n e Answers t h a t ca n't be heard de m onstrate poor interp erso n al
you have taken and co m m u nicative skills.

h Lo o k a t t h e firs t in t e rvie w e x tra c t fro m E x ercise 5e. R e w rit e t h e c a n d i d a t e ’s

a n sw e r a n d im p rove it by:
• d ele ti n g a n y sectio ns which d rift a w a y fro m t h e p oint;
• tryin g to m a k e t h e re m ai nin g se n t e n ces m ore d yn a m ic.

Well, I’ve n ever re a lly th o u g ht a b o u t it. I su p p ose I ’d lik e to be m arrie d with

kids, p erh a ps. M y sis te r’s g o t three kids, a n d th e y ’re re a lly g re at. I ’d also lik e
to b e d oing a jo b I enjoy. T h ere’s nothing w orse than b ein g stuck in a b orin g jo b
w here yo u h ave the sa m e ro u tin e e ve ry d ay. It ’d b e a jo b with lo ts o f
resp o n sib ility, b u t I su p p ose n ot too m uch. I w o uld n’t w a n t to g e t stresse d . If
I was lu ck y enough to g e t this job, it ’d b e g re at, b u t I su p p ose five y e a rs is a
long tim e with o ut a change, so I ’d try to g e t a pro m otion, if I could.

I see i*wsel£ ^Aolvyfi a\ jo b I v-e^Olv ev\iov.____________________________________

1 ^ 4.5 Liste n to a n im p rove d a n sw e r a n d co m p a re it with yo u r id e as. W h a t

te c h n iq u es did t h e c a n d id a t e use in t h e im p rove d a n s w e r?

U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s 51
 J Lo o k a t t h e t h ir d in t e rvie w e x tra ct fro m E x e rcise 5e. R e w rit e t h e c a n d i d a t e ’s
a n sw e r a n d im p rove it by:
• tryin g to m a k e it m ore actio n - focuse d - m a k e e v e ry se n t e n ce focus on w h a t t h e
s p e a k e r a c t u a lly d o es o r did;
• a d d in g sp ecific e x a m ples.

Well, u s u ally th ere nee ds to b e a d e a r p ictu re o f w h at the aim s o f the p ro je ct are.

So it ’s e sse n tia l to sp ea k to everyo n e in volve d b efore ta k in g a n y actio n. In m y
cu rre n t jo b we use p ro je ct m an ag e m e nt so ftw are to help us k eep trac k o f w h at we
h ave to do a n d when we h ave to do it. O f course, it ’s im p orta n t th a t so m eone
k eeps an e y e on w h eth er p e o p le a re a c tu a lly d oin g w h at th e y ’re su p p ose d to be
doing, a n d o b vio u sly yo u also need to d e a l with u n e x p ecte d situ atio n s as th ey
co m e up.

TUe -fivsf Hum I A c is siwe I've gof <7vverily c le w picftwe wUgyf I

y\ee^ Vo <7vcUieve. Lef we give you <?n\ ex<?uMple ...________________________

k Liste n to a n im p rove d a n sw e r a n d c o m p a re it with y o u r id e as.

I In p airs, t a k e t u r n s t o as k a n d a n s w e r t h e t h r e e q u e stio n s in E x e rcise 5e.

Talking about y o urself

In all in t e rvie ws you will b e re q uire d to t a l k a b o u t
yo urself. T h e i n t e rvie w e rs w a n t to fin d o u t w h e t h e r y o u ’re
t h e ty p e o f p erso n w h o w o uld be a b le to d o t h e jo b a n d
also w h e t h e r yo ur p e rs o n a lity wo uld fit in with t h e re st of
t h e co m p a ny.

6 3 In p airs, d iscuss how yo u w o uld a n s w e r t h e follo win g

q u estio ns.
1 C a n you tell us so m e t h in g a b o u t y o u rs e lf?
2 W h a t did you le arn d u ri n g y o u r ti m e a t u n iv e rsit y?
3 W h a t kin ds of t hin gs d o yo u w o rry a b o u t?
4 Wo u ld you say y o u ’re a n a m b itio u s p e rs o n?

4.7 A le ja n d r o is a r e c e n t Eco n o m ics g ra d u a t e ,

p ra ctisin g f o r a n in t e rvie w a t an in t e r n a tio n a l b a n k .
Liste n t o his a n sw e rs t o t h e fo u r q u e stio n s in E x ercise
6 a. In p airs, d iscuss w h a t yo u t h in k o f A le j a n d r o ’s
a nsw ers, a n d su g g est w a ys in which he co uld i m p rove th e m .

C o Liste n t o a re cr u it m e n t e x p e rt, G race, co m m e n tin g on e ach o f

A le j a n d r o ’s a nsw ers. D o yo u a g re e with h e r?

d '4.9 Liste n t o t h e a n sw e rs A le ja n d r o gives in t h e re a l in tervie w. H o w h as he

im p rove d his r e s p o n s e s?

52 U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
 4.9C o m p l e t e A l e j a n d r o ’s i m p r o v e d a n s w e r s u si n g t h e c o r r e c t f o r m o f t h e
v e r b s in t h e b o x . Lis t e n a g a i n a n d c h e c k y o u r a n s w e rs.

apply co m m unicate develop gain get (x 2)

lead make m eet m otivate ptrt work

In t e r v i e w e r : Can yo u te ll us so m ethin g a b o u t y o u rse lf?

A l e j a n d r o : Well, I ’m m o tivate d an d I (1) P ^ t .. a lo t o f e ffo rt into everyth in g I do,
w h eth er I ’m stu d yin g a t u niversity, a t work o r even when I'm p la yin g sp ort. D urin g
m y la s t y e a r a t u n ive rsity I was ca p tain o f the b as k e tb a ll tea m . I h a d to org a nise
m atch es a n d ( 2 ] the p lay e rs. A s ca p tain it was esse n tia l th a t I w as a b le to
(3 ) e ffe ctive ly a n d g e t alo n g with e very b o d y in the tea m ... a n d fo r the
first tim e in y e a rs o u r tea m m a n a g e d to re ach the re g io n al fin al. We d id n ’t win,
u n fortu n ately, b u t ( 4 ) the tea m to the fin a l was a big achieve m e n t fo r me.
In t e r v i e w e r : W h a t d id yo u le arn d urin g y o u r tim e a t u n iv e rsity?
A l e j a n d r o : Oh, lo ts o f things. M y Eco n o m ics d e g ree w as ve ry p ra ctica l, a n d th ere
were m any ele m ents o f the d e gree th a t co uld b e ( 5 ) to the b usin ess world.
I h a d a n u m b er o f ch alle n gin g assig n m ents, which often h a d to b e co m plete d
within a sh o rt p erio d o f time. This h elp e d m e to (6) m y p rio ritisin g sk ills
an d a b ility to ( 7 ) to tig h t d ea dlin es.
In t e r v i e w e r : W h a t kin ds o f things do yo u w o rry a b o u t?
A l e j a n d r o : I w o rry a b o u t n orm al things, th e sa m e as e very b o d y else, I think. I
w orry a b o u t (8 ) d e a d lin es a n d (9 ) everyth in g done on time. I used
to w o rry a b o u t d a ta on m y co m p u ter q uite a bit. N ow I b ack up a ll m y d a ta on
an e x te rn al h ard drive, so th a t everyth in g is p ro tecte d . This w ay I ’ve g o t one less
thing to w orry ab o ut.
In t e r v i e w e r : Wo uld yo u s a y y o u ’re an a m bitio us p e rso n?
A l e j a n d r o : Yes, I would s a y th a t I ’m a m bitio us. I ’m ve ry keen to ( 1 0 ) a jo b
with a co m p any such as yo urs w here I ca n ( 11) fu ll use o f m y d e g re e an d
p ro fessio n al e x p erience. I am a d e d ica te d w ork er a n d would hope to { 1 2) ______
in te rn al pro m otio n b ase d on m y p erform a n ce a t work.

U n d e r li n e u s e f u l p h r a s e s f r o m A l e j a n d r o ’s a n s w e r s in E x e rcis e 6 e w h ic h y o u
c o u l d u s e t o a n s w e r t h e s a m e q u e s t i o n s. F o r e x a m p le , I p u t a lo t o f e ffo rt in to
eve ru th in a I do. w h e th e r I ’m ... o r eve n w hen I ’m ... Pl a n y o u r o w n a n s w e r s t o
t h e q u e s ti o n s.

In p a irs, t a k e t u r n s t o a s k a n d a n s w e r t h e q u e s t i o n s.

Avoiding common mist a k es

W h a t e v e r jo b y o u ’re a p p lyin g for, t h e r e a r e so m e q u estio n s t h a t you will n e a rly
alw a ys g e t as k e d . Pr e p a ri n g for t h ese q u esti o n s will h elp you to use t h e m to
d e m o n s tr a t e e f f e ctiv e ly w hy you a r e t h e b est c a n d i d a t e for t h e p ositio n.

In p a irs, d isc u ss h o w y o u w o u l d a n s w e r t h e f o ll o w i n g q u e s t i o n s. T h e n , t a k e
turns to ask and a nsw er the m .
1 W h a t d o you se e as y o u r str e n g t h s?
2 W h a t u n iv e rsit y did you a t t e n d , a n d w h y did you ch o ose i t?
3 W h a t a r e y o u r w e a k n e ss e s?
4 W h a t d o you like d oin g in y o u r s p a r e t i m e?

U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
 b 4.10 Liste n to tw o re cr u it m e n t e x p erts, G rac e a n d O liver, s h a rin g tip s on
e ff e ctiv e w ays to a n sw e r t h e se q u estio ns. D o yo u a g re e with t h e m ? W h a t
w o uld you ch a n g e a b o u t y o u r own a n sw e rs to m a k e th e m m ore e f f e c tiv e?

C 4.10 M a tc h t h e a d vice give n by G ra c e a n d O liv e r (a - h ) to t h e q u e stio n s (1 - 4 )

in E x ercise 7 a. Liste n a g ain a n d ch eck y o u r a nsw ers.
a Use e x a m p le s fro m y o u r e x p e rie n ce to s u p p o rt y o u r clai ms. _ L
b D o n ’t sa y t h a t you ch ose it b e c a u s e it w a s t h e closest o n e t o h o m e____
c M e n ti o n w h a t st e ps you have t a k e n to t ac k le t his p r o b l e m .___
d Focus on t h e e d uca tio n al / aca d e m ic / p r o f essio n al r e as o n s for y o u r c h o ic e____
e D o n ’t use t e n t a tiv e la n g u a g e such as ‘I f e e l’ o r ‘I t hin k I’m q uit e g oo d a t ’. ___
f M e n ti o n a n yt h in g t h a t d e m o n str a t e s you w o r k in g as p a r t o f a t e a m o r gro u p.

g D on’t say t h a t you have none____

h Talk a b o u t things t h a t are unusual and m e m ora ble____

d 4.11 Lid ia a n d R a f a a r e b oth a p p lyin g f o r a m a r k e tin g p ositio n with a

m a g a z in e b ase d in N e w York. Liste n t o t h e ir a n sw e rs to t h e q u e stio n s in
E x ercise 7 a a n d d ecid e w h o is t h e str o n g e r ca n d id a te .

e 4.11 C o m p le te t h e follo w in g e x tra cts fro m Lid ia ’s in tervie w. Liste n a g ain a n d

ch eck y o u r a nsw ers.
1 I ’m also a b le to p rio ritis e m y work a n d work u n d er p^essu^e if d e a d lin es a re
m oved forw ard.
2 I did a lo t o f __________ into u niversities, both a b ro a d a n d in Sp ain.
3 In the en d I d ecid e d to go to the U n ive rsity o f Ba rc e lo n a as it was cle a r th a t its
Eco n o m ics d e p artm e n t h a d an e x c e lle n t ___________
4 Well, m y French is a b it rusty, so I h a v e __________ sta rte d evenin g classes to
im prove it.
5 I s till p la y _________ fo r a lo c a l clu b a n d love g oin g a w a y with the tea m fo r
m atch es a g a in st o th er clubs.
6 I ’m also a __________ traveller.
7 D urin g the su m m er la s t y e a r I ___________ a m onth in A fric a working with
volu n te ers a t a n a tio n a l reserve.

f Lo o k a t t h e follo win g a n sw e r t e m p la t e s b ase d on Li d ia ’s a nsw ers. C o m p le te

t h e t e m p la t e s so t h e y a r e tr u e f o r yo u.
1 I am and a p ply a ________________ ap proach to my work.
I believe i n _________________ This e n a bles me t o ___________________ I’m also
a ble t o __________________ For e xample, in my last j o b ________________ _
I im ple m ente d a new system f o r________________ _ This way we were a ble to

2 I did a lot of rese arc h i n t o __________________ In t h e e n d I d ecid e d to

__________________ as it w as cle a r t h a t i t s __________________ h a d an e x celle n t
re p u t a tio n .
3 Well, I feel t h a t __________________ , so I h ave r e c e n tly s t a r t e d __________________
to i m p r o v e ___________________ I use d to b e , b ut I’ve st a rt e d
, which has e n a b le d me t o __________________
4 I e n joy I’m also a k e e n ____________________ D urin g t h e
_________________ I ___________________ I’m c u r r e n t l y_________________ _

g In p airs, t a k e t u r n s t o as k a n d a n s w e r t h e q u e stio n s in E x e rcise 7 a , usin g t h e

t e m p la t e s in E x ercise 7f.

54 U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
 Proving you've done your research
Successful c a n d i d a t e s a re t h e o n es w h o re se arc h t h e jo b a n d t h e co m p a ny. T h ey
a r e a b le to w al k into an in t e rvie w co n fid e n t t h e y h ave e x actly w h a t t h e c o m p a n y
is lo o kin g for.

8 a 4.12 D u rin g h e r in t e rvie w with F u t e rr a , Silvia C a r n a li is as k e d w h a t sh e

k nows a b o u t t h e co m p a ny, a n d w hy sh e w a n ts to w o r k t h e re . Liste n t o t h e
e x tra ct fro m t h e in t e rvie w a n d a n sw e r t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t did Silvia d o b e f ore a p p lyin g for t h e p ositio n a t F u t e r r a?
2 W h a t a t t r a c t e d Silvia to F u t e r r a?
3 W h a t e x p e ri e n c e will Silvia b e a b l e to use in t h e j o b ?
4 W h a t did Silvia lik e a b o u t F u t e r r a ’s w e b sit e?
5 Wo u l d Silvia p re f e r to w o r k for a larg e o r s m all o r g a n is a ti o n?

b 4.12 C o m p le te t h e follo w in g e x tra cts fro m Silv ia ’s in t e rvie w usin g t h e

p h rases in t h e bo x. Liste n a g ain a n d ch ec k y o u r a nsw ers.
attracte d me to dynamic place to work from everythin g I'v e learnt
It's clear from look a t your we bsite research into th e market
well - established re p utation

1 Well, b efore a p p lyin g fo r this p ositio n I d id so m e yese<?vyc U iv\Fo F U e wunv-Uef

a n d F u te rra ca m e o u t on top.
2 I h a d a __________________ a n d co uld se e th a t yo u work with a v a rie ty o f
p e o p le ...
3 Well, it ’s re a lly so m ethin g t h a t _________________ F u terra.
4 The Ju n io r C o nsultan t p o st co m bines th ese two a re a s a t a co m p a ny with a

5 You ca m e acro ss o nlin e as an e x citin g , - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

6 _________________ yo u r w e bsite th a t F u te rra is a q uite a sm all co m p a ny ...
7 I d e fin itely f e e l, _________________ a b o u t F u te rra, th a t this is th e ty p e o f
org a n isatio n I ’d lik e to work for.

C 4.13 Liste n t o t h e in t e rvie w e rs, M a t t a n d D a n, d iscussin g Silv ia ’s

p e rf o r m a n c e in t h e in tervie w. D o you a g r e e with t h e ir co m m e n ts?

d W h e n d e m o n stra tin g t h a t y o u ’ve re s e a rc h e d t h e co m p a ny, yo u sh o uld

m e n tio n p o sitiv e th in g s t h a t a t t r a c t e d yo u t o t h e co m p a ny. Fin d e x a m p les o f
p o sitive e x p ressio n s in a u d io scrip t 4 . 1 2 on p a g e 9 0 . C an yo u t h in k o f a ny
m ore e x a m p les o f p o sitiv e la n g u a g e o f y o u r o w n?

e C ross o u t t h e w o rd in b old t h a t ca n n o t b e use d t o co m p le te e ach o f t h e

follo w in g se n te n ces.
1 1 h a d a loo k a t y o u r w e bsit e. It ’s re ally im pressive / in novative / ehaHen gin g /
eye - catchin g.
2 I w a n t e d to w o r k with t his co m p a n y b e c a u s e you h ave a re ally strong /
e n joya ble / o u tsta n d in g / e x celle n t re p u t a tio n .
3 T h e w o r k you d o se e m s to b e v e ry fulfillin g / w orth w hile / satisfyin g / first - class.
4 I w a s i m p resse d by y o u r fulfillin g / in n ovative / first - class / b est - sellin g
pro d ucts.
5 I t hin k w o r k in g for you wo uld b e v e ry e njoya ble / ch alle n gin g / fa n tastic /
fulfillin g.

U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s 55
T hin k o f a co m p a n y you w o uld lik e t o w o r k for. Pla n y o u r a n sw e rs to t h e
follo win g q u estio ns. In p airs, role p lay t h e in tervie w . St u d e n t A , yo u a re
t h e in t e rvie w e r. St u d e n t B, yo u a r e t h e ca n d id a t e . Sw a p ro les a n d p ra ctis e
a g ain.
• W h a t d o yo u k n ow a b o u t ______________ ? A n d w hy w o uld you like to w or k
h e r e?
• C a n tell us w h y t h is i m p r esse d y o u ?
• C an you tell us a bit m ore a b o u t w h a t a t t r a c t e d yo u to t h e p ositio n of
?
• You m e n tio n e d t h a t you lo o k e d a t o u r w e bsit e. W h a t did you t h in k of it?
• W o u l d n ’t you p re f e r t o w o r k for a _____________ o r g a n is a ti o n?

Demonstrating you've got what i t t a k es

In e v e ry in t e rvie w you will b e as k e d to t al k a b o u t y o u r tr a n sf e r a b l e skills a n d
e x p e rie n ce a n d how t h e s e m e e t t h e r e q u ir e m e n ts f or t h e job.

4.14 Su s a n a C ilveti is a re ce n t g ra d u a t e . Liste n to a n e x tr a c t fro m h e r

in t e rvie w f o r a s a le s a ssis t a n t p o sitio n a n d a n s w e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t skills d o es Su s a n a t hin k a r e n e c e ss a ry for a sales a ssis t a n t?
2 W h a t w a s sh e d oin g b e f ore sh e m ove d to E n g l a n d?
3 W h a t e vi d e n c e d o e s sh e give of h er fin a n cial e x p e ri e n c e?
4 Su s a n a clai m s to b e a hig hly e ff ectiv e co m m u nica t or. D o you t h in k she
p rovid es e n o u g h e vi d e n c e to s u p p o rt t his cl a i m ?

4.14 Liste n a g ain a n d co m p le te t h e follo w in g s e n t e n c e s so t h e y a re tr u e

f o r Su s a n a by u n d e rlin in g t h e c o rr e c t w o rd s in b old.
1 In my last jo b I w as r e s p o n sib le for i m p le m e n tin g new s tr a t e g ie s / sellin g
so u ve n irs / n e g o tia tin g d e als.
2 I a m use d to d e a lin g with cu st o m e rs / m a n a g in g big b u d g e ts / co pin g
with p ro b le m s.
3 I can sp e a k It alia n r e a s o n a b ly w ell / a lit tle / flu e n tly.
4 T his p erio d of e m p lo y m e n t g a ve m e e x p e ri e n c e of m a n a gin g p e o p le /
n e tw o r k in g / o rg a n isin g eve n ts.
5 W h e n I w as a t u n iv e rsit y I use d to b e e d it o r o f t h e u n iv e rsity m a g a z in e / a
m e m b e r o f t h e s t u d e n t co u ncil / ca p t a in o f t h e v o lle y b a ll t e a m .
6 I feel I a m a w ell - org a nise d p erso n / hig hly e ff e ctiv e co m m u n ica to r /
r e lia b le a n d e fficie n t e m p lo ye e.
7 I ca n w o r k w ell u n d e r p re ss u re / w ell a u t o n o m o u sly / b est a s p a rt o f a
te a m .
8 I a m a b l e to b e fir m b u t f a ir / d e le g a t e e ff e c tiv e ly / use my in itia tiv e to
solve p ro b le m s.

C h o ose t h e b e st e n d in g f o r e ach s e n t e n c e in E x e rcise 9 b so t h e y a r e tr u e

f o r yo u. You ca n in v e n t y o u r own e n din gs.

In p airs, t a k e t u r n s to a s k a n d a n s w e r t h e follo w in g q u estio ns, usin g yo u r

a n sw e rs in E x e rcise 9c to h elp yo u.
1 W h a t la n g u a g es ca n you s p e a k?
2 H o w w o uld you d e scri b e t h e w a y you w o r k ?
3 W h a t skills did you d e v e lo p a t u n iv e rsit y / a t y o u r last j o b ?

U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
6 w s In h e r in t e rvie w a t F u t e rr a , Silvia C a r n ali is as k e d how h e r s k ills a n d
e x p e rie n ce m atch t h e re q u ire m e n ts f o r t h e p ositio n . Liste n to t h e e x tra ct
a n d m a k e a n o te o f t h e s k ills sh e m e n tio ns.

f m s Silvia uses a ra n g e o f p h ra s e s to o r g a n is e h e r a nsw er. C o m p le te h e r

a n sw e r usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x. Liste n a g ain a n d ch eck y o u r a nsw ers,
also when ever since fin ally Firstly Following
For example For my dissertatio n for three reasons
I t h i n k I'm sui t ab le for t he po sition a t Fut -e rra b ecause
Seco n dly So So to sum up That's really when
When I was a t years ago

Well, ( 1) I Huv \ U iVv siAt.V<?vbie Toy f U e posiHon Fid - eyy** b e c a u s e /

u n d ersta n d th e issu es yo u d e a l with a n d am p assio n a te a b o u t them. Fo u r
(2 ) ____________________ I jo in e d G re e n p e ace a n d h ave b een an a ctiv e m e m b er
(3 ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
(4 ) ____________________ m y BA I found o u t a b o u t an e x citin g p ro je ct in
K e n ya a n d sp e n t six m onths th ere e d u catin g lo c a l p e o p le a b o u t th e n ee d
fo r reforestatio n. ( 5 ) I s ta rte d g e ttin g in tereste d in
s u sta in a b ility a n d (6) _____________________ I sta rte d le arn in g a b o u t d iffere n t
co m m u nicatio n stra te g ies. (7 ) _____________________ , o u r tea m found th a t
sim ply p u ttin g up p o sters d id n ’t re a lly h ave m uch o f an im p act, b u t g oin g an d
talk in g to resp ecte d m e m bers o f the co m m u nity an d g ettin g them to talk to
oth ers was m uch m ore effective.
(8) ____________________ u n iversity I was the co m m u nicatio ns o ffice r o f
the stu d e n t union a n d I was resp o nsib le fo r d e alin g with su p pliers a n d
o th er stu d e n t org a nisatio ns. ( 9 )____________________ I ’ve g o t q uite a lo t o f
co m m u nicatio n e x p erience. I know y o u ’re also loo kin g fo r so m eone w h o ’s g o o d
a t rese arch . ( 1 0 )_____________________ fo r m y M A I ’m rese arch in g how b est to
co m m u nicate re fo resta tio n issu es, b uildin g on m y own p ra c tic a l e x p erie nces
g ain e d in K e nya.
( 1 1 )____________________ , I thin k I ’m su ita b le fo r the p ositio n a t F u te rra
(1 2 )______________________ (13 ) _____________________ , I ’ve d one a lo t o f
co m m u nicatio n work. ( 1 4 )_____________________ I ’m a g o o d tea m worker,
an d (1 5 ) , b eca u se I h ave a g o o d u n d erstan din g o f the
s u sta in a b ility issu es this a g e n cy d e als with.

g U n d e rlin e useful p h ra s e s fro m Silv ia ’s a n sw e r which yo u co uld use in an

in t e rvie w o f y o u r own. F o r e x a m ple, / think I'm suitable fo r the position a t ...
because I ...

h Pu t t h e follo w in g st a g e s in t h e sa m e o r d e r as Silv i a ’s a nsw er.

1 T alkin g a b o u t y o u r e x p erie nce, p ro vid in g b ac k g ro u n d in f or m a tio n f or an
anecd ote
2 Su m m a risi n g how t h e v a rio u s e x a m p les h ave fully a n sw e r e d t h e q u estio n
3 Givin g sp ecific d e t a ils fro m p r evio us e x p e rie n c e s a n d sh o win g h ow t h ese
e x p e ri e n c e s r e la t e to t h e re q u ir e m e n ts of t h e jo b
4 E x p r e ssin g e n t h u sias m for t h e jo b a n d b rie fly re la ti n g y o u r c h a r a c t e r to t h e
jo b
5 Givin g a seco n d e x a m p le of e x p e rie n ce t h a t r e la t e s to t h e jo b re q u ir e m e n ts

U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
 1 T hin k o f a jo b t h a t yo u w o uld lik e t o a p p ly for. Pla n y o u r a n sw e r t o t h e
q u estio n , ‘How do y o u r shills and experience match the requirements fo r this
position?' usin g t h e s tr u c t u r e in E x e rcise 9 h.

j C o m p le te t h e follo win g s e n t e n c e s so t h e y a r e tr u e f o r yo u.
1 I t h in k I’m s u it a b le f or t h e p ositio n o f __________ , b e c a u s e ___________________

2 Followin g my d e g r e e I _______
3 I st a rt e d g e t ti n g i n t e re st e d in
4 W h e n I w as a t u n iv e rsit y I ___
5 So to su m up, I t h in k I’m s u it a b le for t h e p ositio n a t for t h r e e
re aso ns. F i r s t ly ,____________________________________
Se c o n d ly ,_____________________________ , a n d fin a lly _

Lo o k a t t h e follo w in g t a b le a n d a d d tw o m ore co m m o n in t e rvie w q u estio ns.

T hin k o f a jo b yo u w o uld lik e t o a p p ly for. Pr e p a r e y o u r a n sw e rs t o all t h e
q u e stio n s usin g w o r d s a n d p h ra s e s fro m t h is u nit.

a> 41
Q) CD CD o>
JD i/i
Q uestion ° I
3
<u o. "5 c 3
X 3 o v- e I
< o H— <§ J

Can you t e ll us so m ething a b o ut yo urself?

Wh at do yo u see as yo ur stre n gths?

Wh at do you lik e doing in yo ur spare tim e?

Wh at do you know a b o ut our co m pany?

How do your skills and e x perience match th e

require m ents for this p ositio n?

I In g ro u p s o f t h r e e ro le p la y a jo b in t e rvie w usin g t h e t a b le in E x ercise 9 k.

St u d e n t A , yo u a r e t h e in te rvie w e r. You sh o uld as k a sele ctio n o f q u e stio n s
fro m t h e t a b le in E x e rcise 9k.
St u d e n t B, yo u a r e t h e ca n d id a t e . You sh o uld a n sw e r t h e q u e stio n s h o n estly,
usin g y o u r n o te s in E x e rcise 9 k.
St u d e n t C, yo u a r e t h e o b se rve r. You sh o uld m a k e n o te s on t h e c a n d i d a t e ’s
a n sw e rs in t h e t a b le in E x ercise 9 k, usin g / a n d X sy m b ols.
If p ossib le, reco r d t h e in tervie w, as t h is will h elp yo u to id e n tify y o u r
in d ivid u al stre n g t h s a n d w e a k n esses. W h e n yo u h ave fin ish e d , t h e o b s e rv e r
sh o uld give f e e d b a c k on t h e c a n d i d a t e ’s p e rf o r m a n ce . Sw a p ro le s a n d
p ra ctis e a g ain .

58 U n it 4 Successful in tervie w s
 U NIT 5 Advanced in t ervie w
Handling competency - based
questions
m Demonstrating your skills
m Talking a bout your weaknesses
Asking questions of your own
m Dealing with telephone
interviews

Handling co m petency-based q uestio ns

C o m p e t e n cie s are a c o m b i n a tio n of k n o wle d g e, skills a n d b e h a vio u r
re q uire d to d o a sp ecific job.

d In p airs, as k a n d a n s w e r o n e o f t h e follo win g in t e rvie w q u estio ns.

1 Tell m e a b o u t a ti m e wh e n you
2 Tell m e a b o u t a ti m e w h e n yo u
service.
3 Tell me a b o u t a ti m e w h e n you
4 Tell m e a b o u t a ti m e w h e n you
5 Tell me a b o u t a ti m e w h e n yo u
h a d to m a k e a difficult d ecisio n.
d e m o nstrate d goo d c u s to m e r
sh o w e d stro n g le a d e rs h i p skills.
playe d an i m p o rt a n t role in a t e a m .
e x p e rie n ce d p ressure a t u nive rsity o r a t work.

b s.l Liste n t o t h r e e p e o p le e ach a n sw e rin g o n e o f t h e q u e stio n s in

E x ercise 1 a successfully. Id e n tify which q u estio n e ach s p e a k e r is a nsw erin g .
S p e a k e r 1 ___ Sp e a k e r 2 ___ Sp e a k er 3 —

C In p airs, d iscuss how you t h in k e ach s t o ry e n ds. W h a t w o uld b e a n i m p ressive

co nclusio n t o e ach story, to r e a lly d e m o n stra t e t h a t t h e s p e a k e r p o ssesse s
t h e n e c e ss a ry co m p e t e n cy?

d 5 2 N o w liste n t o t h e r e s t o f t h e e x tr a c ts t o ch eck y o u r p re d ictio n s in

E x ercise 1c. W e r e y o u r id e a s si m ila r?

e T h e q u e stio n s in E x ercise 1 a a r e all e x a m p les o f co m p e te ncy - b ase d q u estio ns.

In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t is an i n t e rvie w e r lo o kin g for in co m p e t e n cy - b ase d q u e s tio n s?
2 W h y is it esse n tial to p r e p a r e st o rie s b e f ore y o u r i n t e rvi e w?
3 H o w co m m o n a r e co m p e t e ncy - b ase d in t e rvie w q u e s tio n s?

f 5.3 Liste n to tw o r e cr u it m e n t e x p erts, G ra c e a n d O live r, d iscussin g

co m p e te ncy - b ase d q u e stio n s a n d co m p a re t h e ir id e a s with y o u r a n sw e rs in
E x ercise l e .

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es 59

 g A co m m o n t ec h n iq u e f o r p la n nin g a n d str u ct u rin g a n sw e rs t o co m p ete ncy -
b ase d q u e stio n s is t h e ST A R m e th o d . Lo o k a t t h e d ia g ra m below. W h a t do
you t h in k t h e in itia ls S, T, A a n d R sta n d f o r?

S e t t h e sc e n e a n d give G o in t o m o r e d e t ail a n d D e scri b e t h e s p ecific a cti o n Finish b y t a l k in g a b o u t t h e

t h e c o n t e x t. G iv e a n
o u tli n e o f a sp ecific re al
sit u a tio n o r p ro b l e m t h a t
yo u face d in t h e p ast
'ji! in: 'i!: mi mi m
i d e n tify t h e sp ecific a s p e c ts
yo u f oc u se d on a n d why.
W h a t was th e targ e t or task
n e c e ss a ry t o i m p ro v e t h e
situ a tio n?
t h a t yo u t o o k in o r d e r t o
i m p ro v e t h e sit u a ti o n . W h a t
did yo u d o, h o w did yo u d o
it, w h e n did yo u d o it a n d
w h y did yo u d o i t?
o u tc o m e s o f y o u r a cti o n
a n d t h e d if f e r e n c e it m a d e.
W h a t h a p p e n e d in t h e e n d ,
w h a t w a s a cc o m p lis h e d ,
a n d w h a t did yo u l e a r n ?

h ^ 5 . 2 Liste n t o t h e e x tr a c ts in E x e rcise 1 d a g ain . F o r e ach story, id e n tify t h e

f o u r se ctio n s (S, T, A a n d R).

i Lo o k a t t h e s e n t e n c e s fro m t h e c a n d i d a t e s ’ s t o rie s a n d a n sw e r t h e
follo win g q u estio ns.
1 Wh ic h p hrasal v e r b is use d to d e scri b e an u n e x p ect e d s u cc e ss?
2 W h ic h p hrasal v e r b is use d to i n tr o d u c e a n u n e x p ect e d c a u s e?
3 W h ic h p hrasal v e r b is use d to i n tr o d u c e an u n e x p ect e d r e s u lt?
It tu rn e d o u t th a t his acco u n ta n t h a d b een ta k en i l l ...
So we a c tu a lly e n d e d u p g ettin g p a id within a week ...
So it a ll w o rk e d o u t in the end.

j Pr e p a r e a ST A R d ia g ra m f o r o n e o f t h e q u e stio n s in E x ercise 1 a. Try t o use

t h e t h r e e p h ra sa l v e r b s in E x ercise 1 i.

Demonstrating your sk ills

It is esse n tial you p ro vi d e evid e n ce o f how you act e d in
re al sit u a ti o n s in t h e p a st in o r d e r to sh o w you h ave t h e
t r a n sf e r a b l e skills re q uire d for t h e jo b you a re a p p lyin g for.

2 a 5.4 A f t e r a p p lyin g f o r a v a ri e t y o f p o sitio n s a t

le a d in g in t e r n a tio n a l p h a r m a c e u tic a l co m p a nies,
C o m m u nica tio n s M a n a g e r Vic k y Tang is in vit e d t o a tt e n d
an in t e rvie w a t Clyd e & Jo h n s o n ’s. Liste n t o an e x tr a c t
fro m h er in t e rvie w a n d a n sw e r t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h e r e is Vic k y fr o m ?
2 W h e r e did sh e go to u n iv e rsit y?

b sJi Liste n to a n o t h e r c a n d id a t e f o r t h e sa m e p ositio n ,

Pi e t e r Volk er, res p o n d in g t o t h e sa m e q u estio n , a n d
a n sw e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h e r e did Pi e t e r d o his first d e g r e e?
2 W h a t did he d o a t t h e U n iv e rsity of St Pe t e rs b u r g?
3 W h e r e did he sp e n d his st u d e n t w o r k p l a c e m e n t?

C In p airs, d iscuss V ic k y ’s a n d Pi e t e r ’s t ec h n iq u es
f o r t ac k lin g t h e q u estio n a b o u t t h e ir e d u c a tio n a l
b ac k g ro u n d . W h o s e t ec h n iq u e is m ore su cc essf u l?

60 U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es

d Liste n to Pi e t e r ’s a n sw e r a g ain . W h ic h o f t h e follo win g co m p e te n cies
sj
d o es he d e m o n str a t e o r su g g est?
• c u st o m e r se rvic e skills • tea m workin g • g o al o rie n t a ti o n
• fle x i b ility • le a d e rs h i p • co m m u n ica tio n skills
• o r g a n isa ti o n al skills • d ecisio n - m a kin g skills • i n t e r p e rs o n al skills

e In p airs, t a l k a b o u t y o u r e d u c a tio n a l e x p erie n ce. Try to d e m o n str a t e o r

su g g est s e v e ra l o f t h e co m p e te n cies in E x e rcise 2 d. Try to g u ess w h a t
c o m p e te n cies y o u r p a r t n e r is focusin g on.

f ^ 5 .6 Liste n to a n o t h e r e x tra ct fro m V ic k y ’s in t e rvie w a n d a n sw e r t h e

follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t p r o b le m did Gr e e n Ph a r m a c e u tic a ls h a v e?
2 W h a t did Vic k y d o to t ac k le t his p r o b l e m ?
3 W h a t w as t h e e ff ect o f V ic k y ’s a c ti o n s?

g Vic k y uses t h e ST A R m e th o d t o str u ct u r e h e r a nsw er.

U n d e rlin e p h ra s e s in h e r re s p o n se t h a t d e scrib e t h e fo u r
sectio ns.
1 Sit u a ti o n (th e p r o b le m G re e n Ph a r m a c e u tic a ls w as facin g)
2 T arg et (th e solu tio n to t his p ro ble m)
3 Actio n (w h a t Vic k y did to solve t h e p ro ble m)
4 Re s u lt (t h e results of h er actio ns)

A t the m o m ent I sp e n d a lo t o f tim e travellin g b etw een A sia a n d Eu ro p e working

with re g io n al tea m s org a nisin g e d u ca tio n al events, so I use both o f th ese sk ills
on a re g u la r b asis. Le t m e g ive you an e x am ple. A s yo u know, the C hinese
m ark et is growin g in a ll are as, inclu din g p h arm ace u ticals. However, a t the time,
Green Ph a r m ace u tica ls fe lt th ey d id n ’t h ave enough co n tacts in China. It was
cle a r th a t the situ atio n w asn ’t very g o o d fo r us. We n ee d e d to im prove things.
So in o rd er to in cre ase o u r nu m b er o f co n tacts in C hina I d ecid e d to org a nise a
p h a rm a ce u tical co n fere nce in Beijin g . It was m y resp o n sib ility to e nsure th a t a ll
the rig h t p e o p le w ere invited. I re a lly h a d to use a ll m y sk ills a t co m m unicating,
in both En glish a n d M a n d arin , to p ersu a d e p e o p le to p articip a te . In th e end
m y h ard work resu lte d in a su ccessfu l conference, with o u r e m ployees m eetin g
a n d talk in g to the rig h t p eople. A s a m a tte r o f fa c t this co nfere nce was such a
success th a t it is now an a n n u al event, a n d h as le d d ire ctly to clo se r p ro fessio n al
relatio n sh ip s b etw een Green Ph a r m a ce u tica ls a n d k ey co n tacts in China.

h A d d o n e p h ra s e fro m V ic k y ’s a n sw e r in E x e rcise 2 g t o e ach colu m n in t h e

follo win g ta b le.

Situ a tio n Target Actio n Result

there was a tim e when ... w h at needed to be done was ... therefore I ... this resulted in ...
I discovered t h a t ... i t was very im p orta nt t h a t ... I organised ... this led to ...

i A d d t h e p h ra s e s in t h e box to t h e t a b le in E x ercise 2h.

I agreed to ... I wanted to be a bit more ... probably th e b est example is ...
s o l... So i t a ll worked o ut in th e end. th e problem was ...
there was one tim e when ... we act u ally ended up ...

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es 61

j In p airs, t a k e t u r n s t o a s k a n d a n sw e r t h e follo win g co m m o n co m p ete ncy -
b ase d q u estio n , ‘Tell me about a tim e when you had to resolve a d ifficu lt
situation

k ^5.1 Liste n t o V ic k y ’s res p o n se t o t h e q u estio n in E x ercise 2 j. In p airs,

d iscuss t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t was the p ro ble m?
2 W h a t did Vic k y d o to solve t h e p r o b l e m ?
3 W h a t skills did Vic k y use to solve t h e p r o b l e m ?
4 Wo u l d you h ave h a n d le d t h e sit u a ti o n in t h e s a m e w a y?

I 5.7 Vic k y uses a ra n g e o f e x p ressio n s to s tr u c t u r e h e r a nsw er. C o m p le te

h e r a n sw e r usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x. Liste n a g ain a n d ch eck yo u r
a nsw ers.
Anyway, w h a t happened was As soon as I managed to
I the n In th e end I t was very im p orta n t
So I decided to There was a t ime w he n
U n fortu n ately t h is m eant t h a t which I'd organised beforehand

O k ay. (1 ) T U e v e ^ H w e wUew / w as org a nisin g a co n fere nce h ere

in London. It was a co u ple o f m onths ago, a n d it w as a re a lly im p orta n t
co nference. (2) __________ one o f the m ain g u est sp e a k ers, who was d ue to give
the o p enin g a d dress, h a d his flig h t ca n celle d a n d w asn ’t sure if he w a s g oin g to
m ak e it on time. ( 3 )___________ the p a rticip a n ts w ere h a p p y with the co nference,
a n d I k new th ey would b e d isa p p oin te d if he d id n ’t show up. ( 4 )___________ try
a n d fin d a n o th e r flig h t fo r the sp ea k er. A fte r a b it o f n e g o tiatin g with a d iffere n t
airlin e, ( 5 )___________ g e t him b o o k e d onto a slig h tly la t e r flig ht. (6) __________
even if he ca m e stra ig h t from th e airp o rt, he would s till b e a b it la te fo r the
op ening a d dress. I took a risk a n d h o p e d th a t he w asn ’t g oin g to b e d e la y e d
a n y more. ( 7 )__________ h e ’d la n d e d I co n tacte d him, a n d when I k new he was
in a ta x i a n d on his w ay, which w as a b o u t five m in utes b efore he was su p p ose d
to b e on stag e, I g o t up on the stage. (8) ___________ told the p a rticip a n ts a b o u t
the situ atio n a n d I in vite d them to h ave so m e co ffe e a n d ca k es w hile we w aited,
(9 ) A ctu ally, th ey lik e d this, as it w as a ch a nce to n etw ork a little
a n d g e t to know so m e o f the o th er co n fere nce p articip a n ts. When the s p e a k e r
did fin a lly arrive, it w as a c tu a lly d ifficu lt to g e t e very b o d y b ack in th e m ain
h all. ( 10) ___________ I m a n a g e d to k ee p every b o d y h a p p y a n d ensure th a t the
co n fere nce went as sm o othly as p ossible.

m W h ic h t e n s e d o es Vic k y m ainly use t o give t h e k ey e ve n ts o f h e r s t o ry?

(I In p airs, d iscuss w h a t m a k es t h e follo win g s e n te n c e fro m V ic k y ’s a n sw e r

m e m ora b le.
When the s p e a k e r d id fin a lly arrive, it was a c tu a lly d ifficu lt to g e t everyb o d y
b ack in the m ain h all.

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es

 In t e rvie w a n e c d o t e s a r e m ore lik ely to b e in t e r e stin g a n d m e m o ra b le if
t h e y in clu d e so m e s u r p risin g in f o r m a tio n . In V ic k y ’s a n e c d o t e in E x e rcise 21
sh e in tr o d u c e s a s u r p risin g f a c t with t h e w ord actually. You can a ls o use in
fa ct o r as a m a tte r o f fact. M a k e t h e follo w in g s e n t e n c e s m ore m e m o ra b le
usin g in fact, actually o r as a m a tte r o f fact. Se v e r a l a n sw e rs a r e p ossible.
1 M y b oss w a s n ’t co nvin ce d t h a t it w as w o rt h investin g in In dia. H o wever, my
rese arc h m a n a g e d to p rove t h a t it was.
2 A s a r e s u lt of my actio ns, w h a t co uld h ave b e e n a d is a s t e r t u r n e d o u t to be
a big success.
3 M y w o r k h a d r e a lly h elp e d , a n d I t h o u g h t t h a t I w o uld b e invit e d to join t h e
m a r k e tin g t e a m p er m a n e n tly, b u t I w as in vit e d to le a d t h e t e a m!
4 I b elie ve d my su g g estio ns wo uld le a d t o b ig g er profits. W h a t I d i d n ’t e x p e ct
w a s t h a t p ro fits a t t h e co m p a n y w o uld gro w by n e a rly 2 0 %!

In p airs, t a k e t u r n s to a s k a n d a n sw e r o n e o f t h e q u e stio n s in E x ercise

1 a on p a g e 5 9 . Use t h e ST A R d ia g ra m yo u p r e p a r e d in E x ercise 1j a n d
e x p ressio n s fro m t h is sectio n to s tr u c t u r e y o u r a nsw ers. Try t o m a k e yo u r
a n e c d o t e s s u r p risin g a n d m e m ora b le.

Talking about your w ea k n esses

Turning negatives in to p ositives
In an in t e rvie w yo u will a l m o st ce rt ain ly face ch alle n g in g q u estio ns which
a t t e m p t to asse ss y o u r s u it a b ilit y f or t h e job. It is vit al to avoid g e t tin g ca u g h t
in t h e tr a p of sa yin g n e g a tiv e t hin gs a b o u t yo urself. Pr e p a ri n g for t h ese
‘difficult’ q u estio n s will h elp yo u k ee p yo ur a n sw e rs p ositive.

3 a 5.8 A re c e n t g r a d u a t e , Ja r e k , h as b e e n in vite d f o r a n in t e rvie w with an

in t e r n a tio n a l fin a n cia l co m p any. H e a rr a n g e s t o m e e t up with his frie n d ,
O livia , w h o h as b e e n w o r k in g t h e r e f o r a co u p le o f y e a rs. Liste n to t h e ir
co n v e rsa tio n a n d a n sw e r t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h o is g oin g to in t e rvie w J a r e k ?
2 W h y did Ja r e k q uit his last j o b ?
3 W h a t g e n e ral a d vic e d o es O livia give J a r e k ?

b C o m p are Ja r e k ’s a n d O liv ia ’s a n sw e rs to t h e q u e stio n , ‘Why did you leave

yo u r la s t job?' C o m p le te O liv ia ’s a n sw e r usin g t h e w o r d s in t h e bo x.
alth o u g h develop fe el furth er liked position
stretched working

J a r e k ’s a nsw e r: O liv i a ’s a nsw e r:

I h a te d m y la s t jo b, I co u ld n ’t sta n d (1) / re a lly (2) - - - - - - - m y
the boss. H e use d to d rive m e cra z y! job, a n d the p e o p le I w a s ( 3 ) - - - - -
... I h a n d e d in m y n o tice a n d le ft as with, I d id n ’t ( 4 ) I w as b ein g
soon as I could. (5 ) enough. I ’m loo kin g fo r a
(6) in which I can ( 7 )______
m y p ro fessio n al sk ills (8) ________

In p airs, d iscuss how you w o uld a n sw e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t a r e y o u r w e a k n e ss e s?
2 Tell m e a b o u t so m e t hi n g you h ave fo u n d difficult a t work.

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es 63

 d In p airs, t r y t o c o m p le te t h e fo llo w in g a d vice w it h a s u it a b le w ord. D o you
a g re e with t h e a d vic e?
1 In r esp o nse to o p e n q u e stio ns yo u sh o uld n e v e r a ctiv e ly v o l u n t e e r
_________ in f or m a tio n d urin g an interview.
2 E m p lo y e rs like to as k you to give n e g a tiv e in f or m a tio n n ot t o _____________
you, b u t to se e w h a t s o rt of p erso n you are.
3 You will se e m much m ore e m p lo y a b le if you can sh o w y o u rself as so m e o n e
w h o se es p r o b le m s a s _______________
4 Q u e sti o n s a b o u t w e a k n e ss e s a r e a c t u a lly a c h a n ce to d e m o n str a t e how you
t a c k le a n d o v e r c o m e ______________ , a n d w hy you a r e t h e rig h t p erso n for
t h e job.

e 5.9 Liste n to t h r e e d iff e r e n t c a n d id a t e s res p o n d in g to a q u estio n a b o u t

t h e ir w e a k n esse s. M a tc h t h e c a n d id a t e s (1 - 3 ) to t h e t e c h n iq u es t h e y use
fo r tac k lin g t h is q u estio n (a - c). W h ic h a n sw e r did yo u lik e t h e m o st? W h y?
a Talk a b o u t a c h a r a c t e r flaw t h a t co uld u lti m a t e ly b e vie w e d as a p ositive
c h a r a ct e ristic.
b Talk a b o u t so m e t h in g t h a t is no lo n g e r a w e a k n ess. M e n ti o n how you
o v e rc a m e t h e w e a k n e ss a n d t h a t you h ave solve d si m ilar p r o b le m s m ore
rece ntly.
c Talk a b o u t a k n o wle d g e - b ase d w e a k n ess, w hich is e a sily overco m e. M e n ti o n
w hy t h is w e a k n e ss is n ’t a se rio us p r o b le m a n d w h a t st e p s you a r e a ctiv e ly
t a k in g to solve t h e pro ble m .
C a n d i d a t e 1 ___
C a n d i d a t e 2 ___
C a n d i d a t e 3 ___

f In p airs, d iscuss t h e a d v a n t a g e s o f e ach tech niq u e.

g W h ic h o f t h e t h r e e c a n d id a t e s in E x e rcise 3 e use d t h e ST A R t ec h n iq u e to
a n sw e r t h is q u e stio n?

Softenin g and emphasis

W h e n a n sw e rin g in t e rvie w q u estio ns t h a t re q uire n e g a tiv e in f or m atio n you
sh o uld softe n a n y n e g a tiv es in y o u r r es p o nse a n d e m p h asis e a n y p ositive
in f or m a tio n.

4 a Lo o k a t t h e firs t c a n d i d a t e ’s re s p o n se fro m E x ercise 3e. In p airs, d iscuss

w h y t h e c a n d id a t e d o e s n ’t sim p ly say, ‘In the p a s t I used to procrastinate.’
in t h e ir firs t se n te nce.

Well, in the p a s t I so m etim es use d to p ro cra stin a te a little. T here were tim es
when I use d to p u t thin gs o ff u n til the la st minute, when co m pletin g an e ssa y fo r
u n ive rsity fo r e x am ple. B u t I re a lise d th a t p erh a p s this w asn ’t the m ost e ffective
w ay o f w orkin g a n d so I sta rte d se ttin g a s tric t sch e d ule fo r a ll m y p ro jects
w ell in a d va n ce a n d s e t m yself p e rso n al d ea dlin es. Usin g a sch e d ule has
re a lly h elp e d me a n d I ’m m uch b e tte r org a nise d now an d a b le to ta k e on m ore
p ro jects a t the sa m e time.

64 U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es

b U n d e rlin e a n y w o rd s o r p h ra s e s in t h e e x tr a c t in E x e rcise 4 a t h a t so fte n
n e g a tiv e s a n d e m p h asise p ositives.

C 5.9 C o m p le te t h e seco n d c a n d i d a t e ’s re s p o n se usin g always, really o r very.

Liste n a g ain a n d ch eck y o u r a nsw ers.

Hmm. M y w e a k n esses? Le t m e think. Well, in a nsw er to y o u r q u estio n yo u

m entio ned th a t the s ta ff h ere use A p p le M acin to sh co m p uters. I am not (1 ] ______
fa m ilia r with A p p le M a cs an d I ’m use d to usin g Windows. However, I m a n a g e d to
le arn how to use a nu m b er o f p ro gra m s ( 2 ) q u ick ly on m y own a n d I ’m
sure I ’d g e t used to using A p p le M a cs ( 3 ) q uickly. I ( 4 ) e n joy using
co m p uters a n d new g a d g ets, an d I ’m ( 5 ) keen to le arn how to use new
tech n olo gy.

d 5.9 C o m p le te t h e t h ir d c a n d i d a t e ’s re s p o n se by a d d in g t h e w o r d s in t h e box.
Liste n a g ain a n d ch eck yo u r a nsw ers.
a b it of a lit tle a lo t of as ... as possible
e x tre m ely occasio n ally very

<a b i f oP
W e a k n esses? Well, I ca n b e ja w ork a h olic a n d alw a ys g e t involve d in e ve ry p ro ject
th a t I work on. I ’m h a p p y to sp e n d tim e a n d e n erg y m a kin g su re th a t every
p ro je ct is successful. So, when I fe el th a t o th er m e m bers o f the tea m m ig ht n ot be
w orkin g as hard, I ca n g e t fru strate d . I ’m a w a re o f this pro ble m , a n d I try to solve
situ atio n s lik e this b y b ein g p o sitive a n d e n th usiastic.

e In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t str u ct u r e did t h e first c a n d i d a t e use t o d e scrib e a p r o b le m t h a t no lo n g er
e x is ts? W h y is t his str u ct u r e e s p e cially s u it a b le h e r e?
2 W h a t t e n se did sh e use to sh o w t h e p r e se n t result o f h e r new st r a t e g y for
d e a li n g with t his p r o b l e m ?
3 T h e seco n d c a n d i d a t e said t h a t he w a s n ’t fa m ilia r wit h A p p le M a cs. W h a t
str u ct u r e did he use to sh ow w h a t he is f a m ilia r w i t h ? W h a t str u ct u r e did he
use to sh ow how he w o uld b ec o m e f a m ilia r with A p p le M a cs in t h e f u t u r e?
4 W h a t m o d al v e r b did t h e t hir d c a n d i d a t e use t o sh o w t h a t h er w e a k n e sse s
d o n ’t alw a ys aff ect h e r?

f R e w rit e t h e s e d e scrip tio n s o f w e a k n e sse s usin g t h e e x p re ssio n s in b ra c k e ts

to so ft e n t h e n e g a tiv e in f o r m a tio n .
1 I h ave difficulty m a k in g d ecisio ns, (o ccasio n ally / a little)

2 I use d to b e too st u b b o r n a n d it w as h ar d to g e t m e to c h a n g e my min d, (a b it /

so m e ti m es)

3 W h e n w o r k in g on p ro jects I a m a ‘big p ict u r e ’ p erso n. T his m e a ns t h a t I miss

so m e d et ails, (from ti m e to ti m e / m i g h t / minor)

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es 65

 5.10 M a tc h t h e s e n t e n c e s (1 - 3 ) in E x e rcise 4 f t o t h e r e s t o f t h e
c a n d i d a t e s ’ a n sw e rs (a - c). Liste n a n d ch ec k y o u r a nsw ers.
a A form er co lle a g u e o f mine told m e th a t I w a s b eco m in g d ifficu lt to work
with. Well, e v e r sin ce then I h ave p u t sig n ifica n t e ffo rt into m y tea m w orkin g
sk ills a n d now I a c tiv e ly ask fo r a d vice a n d su g g estio ns from m y colle a g u es
when m a kin g d ecisio ns. La st y e a r I w as even ask e d to c h a ir w ee kly s ta ff
m eetin gs w hile o u r b oss was a w a y on b usiness.
b This is b eca u se I p a y a lo t o f a tte n tio n to d e ta il a n d m a k e sure th a t e ve ry
sin gle d ecisio n I m a k e is the b est d ecisio n p ossible. B a sic a lly , I ’m so m eb o dy
who ca re fu lly co nsid ers a ll o f th e a v a ila b le o p tio ns b efore m a kin g a choice.
c I ’ve b een a w are o f this fo r so m e time. So now when I ’m m an agin g a p ro ject
I m ak e sure th a t I h ave the su p p o rt I nee d to k ee p an e ye on sp ecific m in or
d etails, le avin g m e fre e to co n ce n tra te on m an agin g the e n tire p roject. I
thin k su ccessfu l m an a g e m e nt is a b o u t g ettin g the rig h t tea m to g e th er an d
then co m p le tely trustin g them to do the jo b y o u ’ve given them.
1 ___ 2 _____ 3 ____

U n d e rlin e w o rd s in t h e e x tra cts in E x ercise 4 g t h a t e m p h asise p ositives.

5.11 Liste n to a ca n d id a t e , A d a m , a n sw e rin g t h e q u estio n , ‘ W hat is i t

about y o u r jo b th a t you dislike?’ In p airs, d iscuss t h e t e c h n iq u e s he uses to
t u r n his re s p o n se in to a n i m p ressive p o sitiv e a nsw er.

M a tc h t h e n e g a tiv e e x p ressio n s (1 - 6 ) to t h e m ore p o sitive e x p ressio n s

(a - f). W h ic h e x p ressio n s did A d a m use in E x e rcise 4 i?
1 I'm bored with my jo b. It's too easy.A
2 I ca n't stand dealing with
custo mers.
3 The place where I work is too sm all.
4 I d o n't have many professional
skills.
5 I o nly know th e theory.
6 There are thin gs t h a t I d o n't like a t
work.
a I e njoy a great d eal abo ut my current jo b.
j b I'm keen to develop my p ractical skills.
c I'm looking for an o p p ortu nity to
co n trib u te these skills to a larger
I
organisatio n such as yours.
1 ,
I fe e l I'm best suited to working behind the
\
scenes.
\e I'm seeking fresh challen ges.
f I'm seeking the p ossibility to develop
furth er professionally.

In p airs, t a k e t u r n s to as k a n d a n s w e r t h e follo w in g q u estio ns. Use t h e

t e c h n iq u es a n d e x p ressio n s in t h is sectio n t o so ft e n a n y n e g a tive s a n d
e m p h asise t h e p o sitiv e s in y o u r resp o n ses.
1 What a r e y o u r w e a k n e ss e s?
2 Tell m e a b o u t s o m e t h in g you h ave fo u n d difficult a t u niversity / work.
3 What skills d o you n e e d to i m p r o v e?
4 What kin ds of d ecisio ns are m o st difficult for you to m a k e?
5 W h a t did yo u dislik e a b o u t u n iv e rsity / y o u r last j o b ?

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es

 Asking q u estio ns of your own
It is v e ry co m m o n for in t e rvie w e rs to close an in t e rvie w by ask in g if t h e c a n d i d a t e
has a n y q u estio n s t h e y w o uld like to ask. Pe o p le w h o ask g o o d q u estio ns
d e m o n str a t e re al in t e r e st in a n d k n o wle d g e o f t h e job.

5 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t s o rt of in f or m a tio n sh o uld you t ry to fin d o u t d u ri n g y o u r i n t e rvi e w?
2 W h a t q u estio n s w o uld yo u as k in an i n t e rvie w in y o u r c o u n t ry?
3 A r e t h e r e a ny q u estio n s you w o u ld n ’t a s k ? W h y n o t?
4 Wo u l d you a s k a b o u t s a l a r y?

b Re a d t h e follo win g e x tra ct fro m a n a rticle a b o u t as k in g q u e stio n s in an

in tervie w. W h ic h d o yo u t h in k is t h e b e st q u e stio n?

'‘O ' &

Q u e st i o n s to a s k
J ob hunters are always being told
to ask one or two killer questions
in an interview. But how exactly do
you go about doing this?
It’s important to consider the culture
of the organisation you are hoping
to join and the personality o f the
interviewer. Be careful to adopt the
right tone and convey a positive
attitude. You want to ensure this
opportunity works for you,
against you.
Pick and choose from the following
list o f tried-and-tested questions.
a What are the m ost/least enjoyable,
aspects o f the role?
b You mentioned there would be a
lot of researching. Could you tell
me what your most successful
employees fin d most satisfying
about this part o f the role?
not c What are the most important
issues that you think the
organisation faces?
Could vou tell me more about the
training opportunities you offer?
e Could you tell me how
performance is measured and
reviewed?
f Would there be a chance fo r
promotion in the future?
g Do you have any doubts about
whether I am suited to this
position?

<«■

C M a tc h t h e q u e stio n s in t h e a r ticle (a - g) t o t h e follo w in g e x p e rt a d vic e (1 - 7 ).

1 T his q u estio n can hig hlig h t t h a t you a r e k ee n to d e v e lo p yo ur skills a n d a d d
f u r t h e r valu e to a co m p a ny.
2 T his q u estio n can e m p h asis e y o u r d e t e r m i n a tio n to m a k e p r o g r ess a n d to do
so o v e r t h e lo n g t e r m ____
3 T his q u estio n ca n d e m o n st r a t e y o u r list e ni n g skills, a n d ass o cia t e s you with
b ein g successful in t h e role, as well as fin din g it s a tisfyi n g____
4 T his q u estio n ca n sh ow t h a t you like to k n ow w h a t s o rt o f c h all e n g e you a re
g oin g to face a n d t h a t yo u like to g e t p r o p e rly p r e p a r e d for i t - - - -
5 T his q u estio n can d e m o n str a t e t h a t you a p p r e ci a t e t h e i m p o rt a n ce of
d eliv e rin g r e s u l t s .___
6 T his q u estio n can sh ow t h a t you a r e in t e r e st e d in t h e e m p lo y e r as well as t h e
jo b. It will b e cl e a r yo u h ave d o n e so m e rese arch, d o n e so m e t hin k in g, a n d are
now k een t o h e a r t h e ir a n a lysis____
7 T his q u estio n is a r a t h e r b old w a y of e m p h asisin g so m e of y o u r stre n g t hs. It
su g g ests yo u a r e o p e n to c o n str u ctiv e criticis m a n d willin g to le arn fro m t h e
e x p e rie n c e of o th ers. In a d d itio n, it gives you a re al ch a n ce to a d d r e ss a ny
w e a k n e sse s t h e e m p lo y e r m ay t h in k you have. Finally, it allo ws you to finish on
a high, re st a ti n g w hy you t hin k you a re t h e rig ht p e rs o n____

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es 67

 d Lo o k a t fo u r v e rsio n s o f t h e sa m e q u estio n (a - d ). In p airs, d iscuss t h e
follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 Wh ic h ve rsio n is t h e m o st a ss e r t iv e?
2 Wh ic h versio n is t h e m o st d e lic a t e / t e n t a tiv e?
3 Wh ic h w o uld you u s e?
I n o tice d from y o u r b roch ure th a t yo u a re a c tiv e ly in volve d in se v e ra l p ro jects
to su p p o rt the lo c a l co m m unity.
a If I w ere to work fo r you, would th a t b e so m ethin g I co uld g e t involve d in ?
b If I work fo r you, w ill th a t be so m ethin g I ca n g e t involve d in ?
c If I w ork ed fo r yo u, would th a t b e so m ethin g I co uld g e t involve d in ?
d If I work fo r yo u, is th a t so m ethin g I can g e t involve d in ?

e C o m p le te t h e follo w in g c a n d i d a t e ’s q u e stio n s with y o u r own id e as.

1 C o uld yo u tell m e m ore a b o u t ____________________________________________
2 W h a t a r e t h e m ost i m p o r t a n t_____________________________________________
3 C o uld yo u tell me h o w ____________________________________________________
4 Wo u l d t h e r e b e a c h a n c e _________________________________________________
5 Do yo u h a v e ______________________________________________________________

f It is i m p o rt a n t t o sh o w yo u a r e liste n in g a c tiv e ly t o t h e in t e rvie w e r’s

res p o n se t o y o u r q u estio n . In p airs, t a k e t u r n s to as k a n d a n s w e r yo u r
q u e stio n s in E x e rcise 5e. Re m e m b e r t o sh o w yo u a r e liste n in g a c tiv e ly by:
• k e e pin g eye co n t a ct wit h t h e in t e rvie w e r;
• n o d din g y o u r h e a d;
• m a k in g n oises a n d s h o rt co m m e n ts to sh o w you u n d e rst a n d [O K / R e a lly? /
I see);
• p a r a p h r a si n g w h a t t h e i n t e rvie w e r h as j u st told you (so y o u ’re sayin g

Dealing with t ele p h o n e in t ervie ws

E m p lo y e rs ofte n use t e le p h o n e in t e rvie ws for re cru it m e n t, as a w a y of scr e e ni n g
larg e n u m b e rs of a p p lic a n ts b ef ore selectin g a s m a lle r pool of c a n d i d a t e s for
face - to - face in tervie ws.

6 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g

q u estio ns.
1 Wo u l d yo u p re f e r to h ave an
i n t e rvie w face - to - face o r on t h e
t e l e p h o n e?
2 W h y is it incr e asin gly p o p u la r
for initial in t e rvie ws to b e held
o v e r t h e p h o n e?
3 W h a t a re t h e a d v a n t a g e s of
t e le p h o n e in t e rvie ws f or t h e
c a n d i d a t e?
4 W h e n is t h e b est ti m e to
a rr a n g e a t e le p h o n e i n t e rvi e w?
5 W h y sh o uld you s m ile d urin g a
t e le p h o n e i n t e rvi e w?
6 W h a t is t h e c a n d i d a t e ’s main ai m in m ost t e le p h o n e i n t e rvi e w s?

68 U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es

b Re a d t h e follo win g a rticle a n d c o m p a re t h e a d vice with yo u r a n sw e rs in
E x ercise 6 a.

T ack lin g t e le p h o n e in t e rv ie w s
I I is c o m m o n p r a c tic e th ese d ays for in itial
first in t e rvie w s to b e h eld o v e r th e p h o n e.
T h e m ain reaso n for this is t h at it sig n ific a n tly
re d uces th e cost for e m p lo yers, w h o often use
t e le p h o n e in t e rvie w s as a m eth o d o f filte rin g
c a n d id a t e s b e fore m o vin g on to face - to - face
in t e rvie w s. T e le p h o n e in t e rvie w s also h ave
b e n e fits for th e a p p lic a n ts as w e ll. As w e ll as
th e o b vio u s fin a n cia l savin g, an a p p lic a n t m ay
feel m ore rela x e d w it h in t h e ir o w n e n vir o n m e n t
su rro u n d e d b y t h e ir C V a n d rese arch m a te rials to
aid th e m . You also d o n't h ave to w e a r a suit!
It is esse ntial that yo u o rg a n ise a tim e for a
t e le p h o n e in t e rvie w that is c o n v e n ie n t for
y o u . You sh o u ld suggest a tim e w h e n yo u are
u n li k e ly to b e disturb e d, w h e n yo u are in a q u ie t
e n vir o n m e n t a n d yo u are c o n fid e n t th at yo u h ave
p re p are d s u fficie n tly to c o n v in c e th e in t e rvie w e r
D u rin g th e in t e rvie w yo u sh o u ld :
• s m ile, as this w ill h elp yo u to rela x a n d p ro je ct
a p ositive im a g e to the in t e rvie w e r a n d w ill
alte r th e t o n e o f y o u r v o ic e .
• sp e a k s lo w ly and cle a rly. It's p e rfe ctly
a cc e p t a b le to ta k e y o u r ti m e w h e n a n sw e rin g
q u estio ns.
• g iv e short, m e m o ra b le a nsw ers.
• use th e p erso n's title (M r or M s a n d th eir last
n a m e). O n ly use a first n a m e if yo u are invite d
to.
• keep a co p y of yo ur CV o p e n ne x t to yo u , so
th at it's a t y o u r fin g ertips w h e n yo u n e e d it.
• h a v e a p e n a n d p a p e r ne x t to yo u so t h at yo u
ca n m a k e n otes if yo u n e e d to.
Re m e m b e r th at y o u r g o al is to try a n d set up a
face - to - face in t e rvie w . A t t h e e n d o f th e in t e rvie w
ask if it w o u ld b e p o ssib le to m e et in p erso n.
"

yo u anre
seco thtee rvie
d in rig ht
w .p erso n for th e jo b , o r a t least a

C Ale x M e n c k e n h as re c e n tly a p p lie d f o r a n u m b er o f a d m in istra tiv e

a ssis t a n t jo b s with t h e a tr e s. A p o t e n tia l e m p lo y e r c a lls him f o r a t e le p h o n e
in tervie w. H o w ever, as A le x h as a p p lie d t o m a ny t h e a t r e s he ca n n o t
re m e m b e r t h e s p ecific d e t a ils a b o u t t h e t h e a t r e w h e n he re c e iv e s t h e
u n e x p ecte d call. In p airs, d iscuss w h a t yo u w o uld d o in A le x ’s sit u a tio n .

d ►5.12 Liste n to t h e t e le p h o n e co n v e rsa tio n b e tw e e n A le x a n d Jo h n

Br a d s h a w fro m K in g ’s T h e a tre . W h a t d o you t h in k o f t h e w ay A le x d e a lt
with t h e c o n v e rs a tio n? D o yo u t h in k he h a n d le d t h e co n v e rsa tio n w e ll?

e ^ 5.1 2Liste n a g ain a n d co m p le te t h e co n v e rsa tio n .

Jo h n : H ello. Con I sp e a k to A le x M e nck e n p le a s e?

A le x : This is Ale x. ( 1 ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ?
Jo h n : H ello , Ale x. M y n a m e is Jo h n Bra d sh a w a n d I ’m callin g from K in g ’s
T h eatre re g ard in g y o u r rece n t a p p lica tio n fo r a p ositio n with us. Is this
a g o o d tim e fo r y o u ?
Ale x : Oh, ( 2 )_____________________ U n fo rtu n a tely I h ave a b o u t ten m inutes
b efore I h ave to le ave. Is th a t enough tim e, o r ca n yo u c a ll b ac k la t e r
this a fte rn o o n?
Jo h n : T hat would b e fine. ( 3 ) ___________________ ? I ’m free a fte r 2pm.
A le x : H ow a b o u t 2 .3 0 ?
Jo h n : Perfect. I ’ll c a ll yo u a t 2 .3 0 .
Ale x : Great. (A ) _____________________
Jo h n : Yes. So do I. Sp e a k to yo u later. Good bye.
Ale x : Bye.

Unit 5 Advanced interview techniques 69

 5.13 A t 2 . 3 0 p m A le x is sittin g co m fo rta b ly, he h as t h o ro u g h ly re s e a rc h e d
t h e p o sitio n a t K in g ’s T h e a tr e a n d h e h as a co p y o f his CV in fr o n t o f him.
W h e n Jo h n Br a d s h a w c a lls f o r t h e in tervie w , A le x is fe e lin g w ell - p re p are d .
Liste n t o a n e x tra c t fro m t h e in t e rvie w a n d a n sw e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t res p o n sib ilities d o es Jo h n m e n ti o n?
2 Wo u l d t h e successful a p p lic a n t r eceive h elp to d o t his j o b ?
3 W h y d o e s A le x h ave p r o b le m s h e a ri n g J o h n ?
4 H ow d o es Kin g ’s T h e a t r e s u p p o rt n ew t a l e n t?

5.13 Liste n a g ain a n d tic k ( ) t h e p h ra s e s yo u h ear.

1 I ’m so rry, co uld yo u s a y th a t a g a in ?
2 I d id n ’t q uite catch w h at yo u said .
3 I ’m h avin g tro u ble h e arin g you. Can yo u h e a r m e c le a rly?
4 C ould yo u e x plain w h at yo u m ean b y . . .?
5 So, if I u n d ersta n d yo u co rre ctly ...
6 Do yo u m ean . . .?
7 C ould yo u e la b o ra te a little on . . .?
8 C ould yo u te ll m e w h at th a t w ould in v o lv e?

D ecid e w h e t h e r t h e p h ra s e s (1 - 8 ) in E x ercise 6 g as k f o r re p e titio n (R),

cla rific a tio n (C) o r m ore in f o r m a tio n (I).
1_R_ 2 3 ___ 4 _____ 5 6 7 8 ___

5.14 C o m p le te t h e follo w in g e x tra cts fro m t e le p h o n e in t e rvie w s usin g t h e

p h ra s e s in E x e rcise 6 g. Liste n a n d ch ec k y o u r a nsw ers.

1 C a n d id a t e : C a u l A y o u e x p W h wIa ^ F y o u b y p iece ra te s?
In t e rvie w e r: Piece w o rk is a form o f p erform a nce - relate d p ay, w here yo u
would b e p aid a fix e d p iece ra te fo r each u nit yo u prod uce.
2 C a n d id a t e : I ’m so rry, co uld yo u s a y th a t a g ain, as
?

In t e rvie w e r: Yeso f course. M y na m e is M r Jo h n so n a n d I'm callin g to

discuss y o u r a p p lica tio n fo r an in ternship h ere a t A rie l
Pu blish ers.
3 C a n d id a t e : ________________________ th a t when the co m p any is b usy I
w ould b e re q u ire d to work o ve rtim e?
In t e rvie w e r: Yes. B u t o f co urse overtim e ra te s a re hig h er than n orm al
p ay.
4 C a n d id a t e : _______________________
In t e rvie w e r: Yes, I ca n h e a r yo u p e rfe ctly this end, alth o u g h if yo u c a n ’t
h e a r m e well, p erh a p s I ’ll try a n d c a ll yo u b ack on a lan dlin e.
5 C a n d id a t e : Your a d vertise m e n t m entions a d m in istra tive work.

In t e rvie w e r: Well, b a sic a lly it m eans k ee pin g o u r records up - to - date an d

sen din g a w ee kly e m ail to o u r clients.
6 C a n d id a t e : , w h at y o u ’re sayin g is the jo b m ay
in volve so m e o ve rtim e?
In t e rvie w e r: Yes, b u t yo u would b e p a id e x tra fo r this.

In p airs, p r a c tis e t h e d ialo g u es in E x e rcise 6i.

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es

In p airs, ro le p la y a t e le p h o n e in tervie w . Sit back - to - back.
St u d e n t A , yo u a r e t h e in te rvie w e r. In t e rvie w t h e c a n d id a t e f o r a jo b you
k now w ell. Use t h e follo w in g p h rases.
Let me start by o u tlinin g th e main aspects of th e position and
th e n w e'll see how closely your skills and e x perience match th e
jo b. OK?
One of th e main resp o nsibilities of th e post holder is to ...
A n oth er part of th e jo b is ...
The role would also require ...
Wh at e x perience do you have in th e area of . . .?
Tell me a b o ut a tim e when yo u had to ...
How do yo ur skills and e x perience match th e require ments for
t h is p ositio n?

St u d e n t B, you a r e t h e ca n d id a t e . A n sw e r t h e q u e stio n s h o n estly. Use t h e

follo win g cla rific a tio n p h rases.
I'm sorry, could you say t h a t a g ain?
I did n't q uite catch w h a t you said.
Could you e x plain w h at you mean by . . .?
So, i f I understand you correctly . . .?
Could you ela b orate a lit tle on . . .?
Could you t e ll me w h at t h a t would in vo lve?

A f t e r t h e in tervie w , give f e e d b a c k t o e ach o th er. Sw a p ro les a n d p ra ctis e

a g ain .

In p airs, t e ll y o u r p a r t n e r a b o u t a jo b you w o uld lik e t o b e in t e rvie w e d for.

Lo o k thro u g h u nits 4 a n d 5 a n d ch o ose five q u e stio n s t o a s k y o u r p art n e r,
b as e d on t h e jo b t h e y h ave ch ose n. T h e n t a k e t u r n s t o ask a n d a n sw e r y o u r
q u estio ns. Try to use t h e te c h n iq u es fro m t h e s e u nits t o m a k e y o u r a n sw e rs
a s i m p ressive as p ossible.

U n it 5 Advanced in te rvie w tech niq u es

 Keeping in touch
Handling rejection
Dealing with jo b offers
Negotiating terms and
conditions

Keeping in touch
A s soon as y o u ’ve p u t t h e p h o n e d own o r w al k e d o u t of t h e
in t e rvie w roo m you can rela x f or a few m o m e n ts. T h e in t e rvie w
is over. H o wever, eve n t h o u g h t h e in t e rvie w is over, t h e r e is still a
lot you ca n d o to le av e a p ositive i m p ressio n on y o u r p ro s p e ctiv e
e m ployer. It ’s i m p o r t a n t to s t a r t t h e follow - up p rocess as soon
a s p ossible. Wa l k i n g a w a y a n d le avin g t h e fin al st a g e s of a jo b
a p p lica ti o n to ch a n ce is a co m m o n mista k e, b u t until you have
b e e n offere d t h e jo b, t h e h u n t is n ot over.

1 a In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 W h a t ca n yo u do a f t e r an in t e rvie w to in cr e ase y o u r c h a n c e s of
b ein g o ffere d t h e j o b ?
2 H o w lon g sh o uld you w a it to h e a r fro m t h e i n t e rvi e w e r? W h a t sh o uld yo u do
if you d o n ’t h e a r fro m t h e i n t e rvie w e r a f t e r t h e i n t e rvi e w?
3 W h a t sh o uld you d o if y o u ’re offere d a n o t h e r j o b ?

A f t e r t h e in t e rvie w you sh o uld w rit e d own e v e ryt h in g i m p o rt a n t t h a t

o ccu rre d in t h e in t e rvie w w h ile you ca n still re m e m b e r w h a t h a p p e n e d . W h y
co uld it b e use ful t o revie w y o u r p e rf o r m a n c e in t h is w a y?

In p airs, t h in k o f a n in t e rvie w you h ave h a d in t h e p a s t a n d d iscuss t h e

follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t q u esti o n s w er e you a s k e d?
2 W e r e you e x p ecti n g t h e m ?
3 Did you feel you p ro je ct e d y o u rself well in t e r m s o f b o d y la n g u a g e?
4 Did you m a n a g e to p u t a cr o ss y o u r k ey skills a n d a c h ie v e m e n ts s u cc essf u lly?
5 Did you give a n y n e g a tiv e in f o r m a tio n a b o u t y o u rs e lf?
6 Do you n e e d m ore p ra ctic e in closin g t h e in t e rvie w p o sitiv e ly?
7 G e n erally, w h a t co uld you i m p rove a b o u t y o u r in t e rvie w t e c h n i q u e?
8 Did you ask y o u rse lf t h e se q u estio ns a f t e r t h e i n t e rvi e w?

72 U n it 6 Follow up
d 6.1 A f t e r h e r in t e rvie w a t F u t e rr a , Silvia C a rn ali m e e ts up with h er
frie n d So p h ie t o t a l k a b o u t how it w e n t. Liste n to t h e b e gin nin g o f t h e
co n v e rsa tio n a n d a n s w e r t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 Did Silv i a ’s in t e rvie w go w e ll?
2 W h a t d o es So p h i e su g g est Silvia d o es n e x t?
3 W h a t is Silvia w o rrie d a b o u t?

e In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g a d vice on w ritin g a follow - u p le tt e r. F o r e ach

su g g estio n, thin k o f re a so n s w hy it is a g o o d id e a .
1 Se n d t h e le t t e r wit hin 2 4 h o urs o f t h e interview.
2 Re f e r to sp ecific t hin gs t h a t t h e i n t e rvie w e r m e n tio n e d d urin g t h e interview.
3 D e m o n str a t e t h a t you a r e e x cit e d a b o u t t h e job, ca n d o it, a n d w a n t it.
4 E x p la in how you w o uld b e a b le to c o n tri b u t e to t h e success o f t h e co m p a ny.
5 Inclu d e a n y i m p o rt a n t in f or m a tio n yo u f o rg o t to m e n tio n d urin g t h e
interview.

f m Liste n to t h e r e s t o f Silvia a n d So p h ie ’s co n v e rsa tio n a n d co m p are

yo u r a n sw e rs in E x e rcise l e with So p h ie ’s id e as.

g C o m p le te Silv ia ’s follow - u p le t t e r by p u ttin g t h e follo w in g s e n te n c es in t h e

c o rr e c t ord er.
a ... t h e ch alle n g es of t h e post. H avi n g discusse d t h e role o f Ju n i o r C o n su lt a n t
wit h you in g r e a t e r d e p t h , I a m co n fi d e n t in my a b ilit y to m e e t t h ese
ch alle n g es a n d b eliev e I can m a k e a s i g n i f ic a n t ...

b Wit h t his in min d I h ave a lr e a d y d e v e lo p e d so m e p ra ctical id e as f or m a k in g

t h e F u t e rr a n e w sle t t e r a n d w e b sit e m ore user - friendly, which wo uld le a d to
clo se r co m m u n ica tio n wit h k ey clie nts. Pl e a s e feel fre e to c o n t act m e if you
re q uir e a ny f u rt h e r in f or m a tio n ...

c A s m e n tio n e d w h e n we m et, I a m k ee n to use t h e re se arc h co n d u ct e d as

p a r t of my M a s t e r ’s d e g r e e on s u st a i n a b ilit y to e n h a n c e F u t e r r a ’s id e ntity,
w hile a t t h e sa m e ti m e m e e tin g ...

d ... as I feel my q u alifica ti o n s a n d e x p e rie n c e m a k e me id e ally suit e d to wor k

in t his a r e a . I reco g nise t h e i m p o rt a n c e of m ain t ain in g r e la ti o n s h i p s a n d
e n s u ri n g t h a t n e w sle t t e rs a n d in vit a tio n s a r e se n t o u t on a ti m ely basis.

e ... re g ar di n g my q u alifica tio ns, e x p e ri e n c e o r s u it a b ilit y for t h e p ositio n. I

loo k f o rw ar d ...

f ... c o n tri b u tio n to t h e close t e a m a t F u t e rr a . I a m p a r tic u l a rly in t e r e st e d in

t h e p ro jects you m e n tio n e d d urin g t h e in t e rvie w which involve w o r k in g with
in flu e n tial b u si n ess le a d ers, ...

g ... a t F u t e rr a . I a p p r e ci a t e t h e ti m e you a n d y o u r t e a m t o o k in t ellin g me

a b o u t t h e sp ecific a s p e cts of t h e jo b a n d t h e v a l u a b l e wor k F u t e rr a is doin g.

h D e a r M r Lewis, T h a n k you v e ry much f or t a k in g t h e ti m e to in t e rvie w me

t o d a y for t h e Ju n i o r C o n s u lt a n t p ositio n ...

i ... to h e a ri n g fro m you soon, a n d t h a n k you a g ain for m e e tin g me. Yours
sincerely, Silvia C arn ali

1 A _ 3 ___ 5 _________ 7 9 ____

2 ___ 4 ___ 6 _________ 8 ____

U n it 6 Follow up 73
T h e le t t e r in E x e rcise 1g is o n e lo n g p a ra g ra p h . Sh o w w h e re new
p a r a g r a p h s co uld b e gin by w ritin g // in t h e t e x t. Use t h e follo win g str u ct u r e
t o h elp yo u.
G re e tin g
Pa ra g r a p h 1 : Re a so n f or w ritin g (t h a n k in g t h e i n t e rvie w e r for t h e in t e rvie w
a n d sh o win g t h a t you a p p r e ci a t e d t h e o p p o r t u n ity a n d w er e i m p resse d by t h e
co m p a ny)
Pa ra g r a p h 2: T h e jo b (rest a tin g y o u r in t e r est in t h e p ositio n, sh o win g you
u n d e rst a n d t h e d e m a n d s a n d ch alle n g es of t h e p ositio n a n d st a ti n g h ow a n d
w hy you feel yo u a re c o n fi d e n t you can m e e t t h ese)
Pa r a g r a p h 3: Re flecti o n a n d e x tra in f o r m a tio n (d e m o n str a tin g t h a t yo u have
t h o u g h t a b o u t w h a t w a s said d urin g t h e in t e rvie w a n d h ave a lr e a d y st a rt e d
t hin k in g o f w ays of a p p r o a c h i n g t h e jo b)
Pa r a g r a p h 4: Fin al co m m e n ts (e x p ressin g e n t h u sias m t o w a r d s t h e jo b a n d
invitin g t h e p ossib ility of a seco n d in t ervie w)
F or m al e n d in g
Sig n a t u r e

C o m p le te t h e follo win g t a b le usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x. You will n e e d to

use o n e p h ra s e twice.
As me n tio n ed -whe n we met ..:
Having discussed th e role with you in greater depth ...
I am co nfid e nt in my a b ility to m eet th e challen g es ...
I am p articularly in tereste d in th e projects t h a t you talk ed a bout during
th e in tervie w
I ap preciate th e tim e you and th e team too k in tellin g me a b o ut th e
sp ecific aspects o f th e jo b
I b elieve I can make a sig nifica n t co ntrib utio n towards ...
I fe e l I am p erfectly suite d f o r ...
I look forward to hearing from you
Thank you for ta kin g th e tim e to discuss ...
This helped me gain a b etter un derstanding of ...

1 D e m onstrates a p p reciatio n of th e in te rvie w 2 D e m onstrates in te re st and e nth usiasm towards the

p ositio n

3 D e m onstrates confid ence in yo ur a b ility to do th e 4 D e m onstrates th a t you paid a tte n tio n to w h at was
jo b said

As wew H ov \ e<A w U e w w e i* \ e f ...

U n it 6 Follow up
 C o m p le te t h e follo w in g e x tra cts fro m follow - u p le t t e rs usin g t h e p h ra s e s in
E x e rcise 1i.
1 t h e in s ur a n ce b r o k e r p ositio n with me. A f t e r m e e tin g
wit h you a n d discussin g t h e c o m p a n y ’s o p e ra ti o n s, I a m f u rt h e r co nvin ce d t h a t
my b ac k g ro u n d a n d skills coincid e well wit h yo ur nee ds.
2 I w o uld like to t h a n k you for t al k in g wit h m e a b o u t t h e Res e a rc h A ssist a n t
p ositio n a t M e n d o z a a n d le ar n in g m ore a b o u t me.
3 T h e in f or m a tio n you p r ovid e d a b o u t t h e p la n n e d n ew p r o d u ct line w as
p a r tic u l a rly i n t e r e s ti n g__________________________ t h e c o m p a n y ’s g o als a n d
o b jectives.
4 Wit h my re ce n t e x p e ri e n c e in cli m bin g a n d m o u n t a in e e ri n g
________________________ t h e p ositio n of E x p e d itio n Le a d er. A f t e r t h e interview,
I a m eve n m ore e x cite d a t t h e p r o s p e ct of usin g my s kills a t G lo b a l A d v e n t u re s.
5 You m e n tio n e d t h a t a hirin g d ecisio n w o uld be m a d e wit hin t w o wee ks.
________________________ . If you re q uire a ny a d d itio n a l in f or m a tio n fro m me in
t h e m e a n ti m e, p le as e d o not h e sit a t e to c o n t a ct me.

Handling rejection
Learning from failure
A l m o st n o b o d y h as su cc e e d e d in g e t ti n g e v e ry jo b t h e y h ave
e v e r a p p lie d for. T h e r e will a l m o st c e rt a i n ly b e ti m e s w h e n,
d e s p it e y o u r b e st efforts, yo u d o n ’t g e t t h e job.

2 a 6.3Jo b s e e k e r Pa u l h as j u s t receive d a re je ctio n le t t e r

fro m a b a n k he w as h o pin g to w ork for. Liste n t o Pa ul
t alk in g to his frie n d C ar m e n a n d m ar k t h e follo win g
st a t e m e n ts True (T) o r F alse (F).
1 Pa ul w as re ject e d b e ca u se he d i d n ’t r e ally w a n t t h e job.
F
2 C ar m e n t hi n k s Pa ul w as re ject e d b e c a u s e he w a s n ’t a
str o n g c a n d i d a t e____
3 C a r m e n t hin k s i n t e rvie w e rs so m e ti m e s a lr e a d y k now wh o
is lik ely to g e t a jo b b e f ore t h e in t e rvie w h a p p e n s .___
4 C a r m e n t hin k s a c a n d i d a t e w h o a lr e a d y k n ows t h e
in t e rvie w e rs h as a g o o d ch a n ce of g e t ti n g t h e j o b - - -
5 C a r m e n t hi n k s t h a t m ost in t e rvie ws a r e o p e n a n d fair - - -
6 Pa ul has w rit t e n to r e q u e st f e e d b a c k ____
7 C ar m e n t hi n k s Pa ul still h as a c h a n ce of w or k in g for t h e ban k.

b In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 H a v e yo u e v e r b e e n r e ject e d for a j o b ? H o w did it f e e l?
2 T hin k of as m a n y r e as o n s as you ca n w hy a c a n d i d a t e m ay n ot b e offere d a jo b
a f t e r an interview.
3 So m e p e o p le h a n d le failure by f o r g e t tin g all a b o u t t h e ir u nsuccessful
a p p lica tio n a n d t u r n i n g i m m e d ia t e ly to t h e n e x t one. O t h e rs sp e n d a lot of
ti m e a n alysin g w h a t w e n t wr o n g a n d w h a t t h e y co uld h ave d o n e b ett er. W h a t
a r e t h e a d v a n t a g e s a n d d is a d v a n t a g e s of e ach a p p r o a c h? W h ic h a p p r o a c h do
yo u u s e?
4 H a v e you e v e r r e q u e st e d f e e d b a c k a f t e r a n u nsuccessful i n t e rvi e w? W a s it a
useful e x p e ri e n c e?

U n it 6 Follow up 75
 Requesting feed back
In o r d e r for y o u r n e x t jo b a p p lica tio n t o b e m ore successful it is esse n tia l to
k n ow w hy yo u d i d n ’t g e t t h is job. Did s o m e b o d y else m a n a g e to co n vin ce t h e
e m p lo y e r t h a t t h e y w er e t h e b est p erso n for t h e j o b ? W h a t skills o r e x p e rie n ce
did t h e o t h e r a p p lic a n t h ave t h a t you la c k e d? O r w as it you t h a t m a d e a
mista k e d urin g y o u r i n t e rvi e w? Re vie win g y o u r p e rf o r m a n c e will h elp you to
a n sw e r so m e of t h e se q u estio ns, b u t it is also p e rf e ctly a cc e p t a b l e to as k an
e m p lo y e r w h y you d i d n ’t g e t t h e job.

C o m p le te Pa u l’s le t t e r re q u e stin g
fe e d b a c k a b o u t his in t e rvie w Dear Mr Brookcr,
usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x. Thank you for your letter informing me that my recent application fo
I am co nfid ent employment with your bank has been unsuccessful.
I am grateful (1) I <nppyed<nfe<A H \ e oppo y fu w ty to meet with you
T greatly a pprecia t ed the opport u nity and your team.
I would very much ap preciate
O bviously I am disap p ointe d (2 ) ------------------------------------ for the time you took to talk to me
Thank you very much in a dvance about the position. ( 3 ) ________________________ to have been
unsuccessful this time, as I felt my skills and experience matched the
requirements for the job.

(4 ) ------------------------------------ it if you could explain in greater

detail why my application was unsuccessful on this occasion.
(5 ) ------------------------------------this information will help me to
identify areas which 1 need to work on in order to successfully gain
employment in future.

b R e a d t h e le t t e r Pa u l re ce iv e d (6 ) ------------------------------------ for your time on this matter.

fro m t h e b a n k in resp o nse. Yours sincerely,
W h y w as h e r e je c t e d ? Paul Kristiansen

D e ar Pa u l
M a n y th a n k s for y o u r letter re q u estin g fe e d b a c k . A s I’m s u re y o u ’ll u n d ersta n d , w e h a d a v e ry stro n g
field of c a n d id a t e s. A lth o u g h w e c o n sid e re d y o u r a p p lica tio n to b e v e ry stro n g, o u r recruit m e n t
p ro c e d u re e n a b le d u s to a ss e ss e a c h c a n d id a t e a s o b je ctiv e ly as p o ssib le , a n d w e c h o s e the
c a n d id a t e w h o sc o r e d m ost hig hly in o ur a ss e ss m e n t.
T h e re w e re m a n y thin gs th at i m p resse d us a b o u t y o u r a p p lica tio n . Yo ur q u alificatio ns are e x celle n t,
a n d y o u h a v e s o m e g o o d e x p e rie n ce in this sector. You g a v e g o o d a n s w e rs to m a n y q u estio ns,
p articularly o ur q u estio n at th e b e g in nin g a b o u t cu st o m e r se rvice , for w hich yo u g a v e se ve ral
e x celle n t e x a m ples.
T h e m ain re aso n w h y yo u r a p p lica tio n w a s less s u cc e ssf u l w a s th at y o u r w ork e x p e rie n ce is fairly
limite d, a n d w e felt th a t y o u w o uld b e n efit fro m s o m e m o n ths in a m ore ju nior p ositio n b efore
y o u are r e a d y for a jo b involvin g m a n a g in g p e o p le a n d b u d g e ts. W h e n w e a s k e d y o u a b o u t yo u r
le a d e rs h ip skills, y o u g a v e a g e n e ral a n s w e r rath er th a n th e s p e cific e x a m p le th a t w e n e e d e d . W e
s u s p e c t th a t yo u d o in fact h a v e s u c h skills, b ut b e c a u s e yo u did n ot illustrate t h e s e at th e interview,
w e felt u n a b le to k n o w for certain. T his le a d s us to a m ore g e n e ral point: y o u r a n sw e rs w e re often
sh ort a n d lac k in g e x a m p les. W e w o u ld re co m m e n d y o u plan yo u r e x a m p les m ore care fu lly b efore
y o u r ne x t interview.
Yo u did cre a t e a p ositive im p ressio n o n us, a n d h a v e g o o d p ote n tial to b e a stro n g a n d useful
m e m b e r of a te a m s u ch a s ours. If yo u are in tereste d in a p p lyin g for a m ore ju nior p ositio n, I
e n c o u r a g e y o u to c o n sid e r res p o n d in g to th e jo b a d ve rtise m e n t a ttach e d . I re a lise this m ig ht not
b e y o u r id e al jo b , b ut a s I m e n tio n e d a b o v e , w e felt y o u w o uld b e a m uch stro n g e r c a n d id a t e for a But

m a n a g e m e n t p ositio n after yo u h a d s u c h e x p e rie n ce . m

T h a n k yo u a g ain for y o u r a p p lica tio n , a n d w e w ish yo u w ell in yo u r career.

C h a rlie Bro o k e r

U n it 6 Follow up
 C In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t did Pa ul d o well in his i n t e rv i e w? W h a t did he d o b a d ly?
2 W h a t a d vic e is Pa ul g iv e n? Do you t hin k t his is g o o d a d vic e?
3 W h y d o you t hin k t h e in t e rvie w e rs d i d n ’t use his g o o d e x a m p les of c u st o m e r
se rvic e skills to g u ess a b o u t his le a d e rs h i p s k ills?
4 Do you t hin k M r Br o o k e r g e n ui n ely w a n ts Pa ul to a p p ly for t h e j u n i o r job, o r
d o all u nsuccessful c a n d i d a t e s g e t t h e sa m e a d v ic e?
5 W h a t w o uld you d o if you w er e P a u l? Wo u l d you a p p ly for t h e m ore
j u n i o r p ositio n o r w o uld you w a it for a n o t h e r m a n a g e m e n t p ositio n to b e
a v a il a b l e?

d W r it e a le t t e r re q u e stin g f e e d b a c k f o r a re a l jo b f o r which yo u w ere

re je ct e d , o r f o r a n in v e n te d one. Use e x p ressio n s fro m t h e le t t e r in
E x ercise 3 a.

Dealing with jo b offers

Accepting the jo b
C o n g ra t u la ti o n s! You h ave b e e n o ff ere d a jo b. Eve n if yo u h ave a cc e p t e d a jo b
o ve r t h e p hone, o r in p erso n, it is i m p o rt a n t to w rit e a n a cc e p t a n c e le t t e r to
co nfir m t h e d e t ails of e m p lo y m e n t a n d to f o r m ally a cc e p t t h e jo b offer.
4 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.
1 W h a t sh o uld you co n si d e r b ef ore a cc e p tin g a jo b o f f e r?
2 W h y is it g o o d p ractic e to w rit e a for m al l e t t e r a cc e p tin g o r d eclinin g a
p ositio n you a re o f f e r e d?

b 6.4 A fe w d ays a f t e r his t e le p h o n e in tervie w , A le x M e n c k e n re c e iv e s a

t e le p h o n e call fro m K in g ’s T h e a tr e o ff e rin g him t h e p ositio n . Liste n to t h e
co n v e rsa tio n . H o w d o you t hin k Ale x h a n d le d t h e c o n v e rs a tio n? W h y d id n ’t
he a cc e p t stra ig h t a w a y?

C 6.4 C o m p le te t h e co n v e rsa tio n usin g t h e w o rd s in t h e bo x. Liste n a g ain

a n d ch eck yo u r a nsw ers.
consider co n tact d ecision la t e st m eantim e offer
p ositio n salary spe a kin g tim e

Ale x : H ello. A le x (1) s p e a k i n g .

Jo h n : H ello, Ale x. It ’s Jo h n Bra d sh a w from K in g ’s T heatre. I ’m d elig h te d to te ll
you th a t a fte r ca re fu l co nsid eratio n we would lik e to o ffer you the
(2) o f a d m in istra tive assista n t.
A le x : Thank yo u ve ry m uch. T h a t’s ve ry g o o d news.
Jo h n : A s we d iscusse d d urin g the interview, we a re h a p p y to o ffer yo u a
startin g ( 3 ) o f £ 2 0 ,0 0 0 .
Ale x : T h at’s g re a t. I ’d lik e to ta k e so m e ( 4 ) to ( 5 ) yo u r
(6) _______ Is it o k ay if I ( 7 )_________ yo u with a (8) b y to m orrow
a t the ( 9 ) ?
Jo h n : Yes. T h at’s a b so lu te ly fine. A n d if yo u h ave a n y q u estio ns in the
( 10) ______ , p le ase fe el free to g ive m e a call.

d In p airs, p ra ctis e t h e co n v e rsa tio n in E x e rcise 4c. Sw a p ro les a n d p ra ctis e

a g ain.
U n it 6 Follow up 77
 e 6.5 Liste n t o A le x d iscussin g t h e jo b o ff e r with his frie n d Ella a n d a n sw e r
t h e follo w in g q u estio ns.
1 Is A le x w o rrie d a b o u t r e lo ca tin g to Lo n d o n?
2 D o es he feel he w o uld b e a b le to g e t on with t h e b oss a n d t h e rest of t h e
tea m?
3 Is he h a p p y wit h t h e s a l a ry t h a t he h as b e e n o f f e r e d?
4 W h a t issu es d o es he still n e e d to cla rify b e f ore a cc e p tin g t h e p o sitio n?
5 W h a t d o es Ella t hin k A le x sh o uld d o a f t e r a cc e p tin g t h e p ositio n by p h o n e?

f 6.6 Ella g o es on to give A le x a lo t o f a d vic e on how to w rit e a n a cc e p t a n c e

le t t e r a n d w h a t to inclu d e. Pu t E lla ’s a d vice (a - e) in to t h e m ost lo gical
ord er. Liste n a n d ch eck y o u r a nsw ers. W h a t d o you thin k o f t h e a d vic e?
a E x p r e ss how m uch you a re lo o kin g f o rw ar d to st a rtin g t h e j o b ____
b T h a n k w h o e v e r m a d e yo u t h e jo b offer, a n d t h e n m a k e it cl e a r t h a t you h ave
d ecid e d to a cc e p t it. _ L
c R e p e a t a n y in str u ctio n s you w e r e give n d u ri n g t h e in t e rvie w such as y o u r
st a rti n g d a te, w o r k in g hours, e t c____
d Re q u e st cla rific a ti o n in y o u r a cc e p t a n c e l e t t e r o f a n y t e r m s o f e m p lo y m e n t
t h a t w e r e v a g u e o r t h a t co n ce rn e d y o u____
e Re s t a t e t h e t e r m s of e m p lo y m e n t as you u n d e rst o o d t h e m , inclu din g h o urs
p er w e e k , s a la ry a n d b e n e fits____

g A le x c a lle d Jo h n Br a d s h a w a t K in g ’s T h e a tr e to cla rify t e r m s a n d

co n d itio n s o f service. A f t e r w a r d s, he w r o t e a fo r m al le t t e r o f acce p ta n ce .
S e p a r a t e A le x ’s a cc e p t a n c e le t t e r in to five p a r a g ra p h s usin g t h e pla n in
E x ercise 4 f. M a r k t h e b e gin nin g o f e ach n ew p a ra g ra p h with //.

Dear Mr Bradshaw, Thank you for your offer o f employment as Administrative Assistant at King’s
Theatre. As we discussed on the phone yesterday, 1 am delighted to accept your offer and look
forward to beginning work at King’s Theatre. I am pleased to accept your offer at a salary of
£ 2 0,0 0 0 annually. As we agreed, my starting date will be July 29 to enable me to complete the
training programme that I have enrolled for. 1 also understand that I will receive frill company pay
and benefits during the 8-week long training programme as the skills I will acquire on the course
will be applicable and useful within my new role at King’s Theatre. During the interview we did not
discuss holiday entitlement and I hope you will be able to clarify exactly how much holiday leave 1
will be entitled to. Thank you again for offering me this wonderful opportunity, and do let me know
if there is any additional information or paperwork you need prior to this. 1 very much look forward
to joining you and the theatre team on July 29. Yours sincerely, Alex Mencken

h U n d e rlin e t h r e e p h ra s e s in t h e le t t e r r e f e rrin g to p re vio u s discussio ns.

W h a t o t h e r p h ra s e s in t h e le t t e r co uld you use in y o u r own le t t e r o f
a cc e p t a n c e? F o r e x a m ple, Thank uou fo r uour o ffe r o f em ploument as ...

i W h a t is t h e e ff e c t o f t h e w o rd s in b old in t h e follo win g e x tr a c t fro m A le x ’s

l e t t e r?
T h a n k you a g ain for o ff erin g me t his w o n d e rf u l o p p ort u n ity, a n d do le t m e
k now if t h e r e is a n y a d d itio n a l in f o r m a tio n o r p a p e r w o r k you n e e d p rio r to this.
I v e ry much loo k f o rw ar d to joi nin g you a n d t h e t h e a t r e t e a m on J u l y 2 9.
c
J W rit e a le t t e r o f a cc e p t a n c e f o r a jo b you w o uld like. Try to m a k e y o u r
l e t t e r p o sitiv e a n d e n t h u siastic.

78 U n it 6 Follow up
 With drawin g from consideration
W h e n you a cc e p t a jo b offer you will n e e d t o n otify o t h e r p ro sp ective e m p lo y e rs
t h a t yo u a r e w it h d r a w i n g y o u r n a m e fro m t h e ir co n si d er a tio n . A s soo n as you
h ave m a d e a d ecisio n you sh o uld p o lit ely infor m all o t h e r e m p lo y e rs t h a t you h ave
a p p lie d for w o r k with. M a k e e v e ry effort to s p e a k to y o u r co n t a ct in p erso n r a t h e r
t h a n le avin g a vo ic e m ail m essa g e. A f t e r yo u h ave sp o k e n t o yo ur co n t act, follow up
with a w rit t e n co n fir m a ti o n .

5 a 6.7 A f t e r A le x h as a cc e p t e d t h e jo b a t K in g ’s T h e a tre , he t e le p h o n e s t h e
C ro m w ell T h e a t r e t o p o lit e ly w it h d ra w fro m t h e ir a p p lic a tio n p rocess.
C o m p le te t h e co n v e rsa tio n usin g t h e p h ra s e s in t h e bo x. Liste n a n d ch eck
y o u r a nsw ers.

Could you p ut me throu g h I was very impressed by your team

I'm callin g as I'v e been offered It's th e le ast I could do
I j u s t wanted to le t you know That's very kind of you

Ale x : H ello. This is A le x M enck en. (1) C o u l A y o u p u f me H w o u g U to

K a rl O sb orn e p le a s e?
Re c e p tio n ist: Yes, o f course. I ’ll ju s t p u t yo u on h old fo r a minute, a n d p u t yo u
through.
K arl: H ello, Ale x. W h a t ca n I do fo r y o u ? I ’m a fra id we h a v e n ’t m a d e a
d ecisio n y e t as w e’re s till in the p rocess o f in tervie w in g ca n d id a tes
fo r th e p ositio n.
Ale x : Yes, I know. A ctu ally, ( 2 )_____________________ a jo b elsew here,
which I h ave acce p te d .
K a rl: I see.
Ale x : (3) I also w an te d to s a y th a t I re a lly e n joye d
m eetin g you. ( 4 )_____________________ a n d th e w orkin g enviro n m ent
a t th e Cro m well.
K arl: Thank yo u fo r sayin g so. I would s a y th a t we were also im presse d
by y o u r in tervie w an d I ’m s o rry to h e a r th a t y o u ’ve acce p te d
a n o th e r job. B u t I u n d ersta n d y o u r d ecisio n. I wish yo u the very
b est o f luck.
Ale x : Thank yo u ve ry much.
K a rl: A n d if things d o n ’t work out, m a k e su re th a t yo u g ive m e a rin g an d
I ’ll se e if w e’ve g o t a n ythin g we can o ffe r you.
Ale x : (5 ) _____________________ I w ill do.
K a rl: Thanks fo r le ttin g us know lik e this.
Ale x : (6 ] _____________________ Thank yo u fo r givin g m e the ch a nce to
talk a b o u t p ossib le work a t the th eatre.

b In p airs, ro le p la y t e le p h o n in g to w it h d ra w fro m c o n sid e ra tio n . B e f o r e yo u

s t a rt, d ecid e w h a t jo b yo u h ave a p p lie d for.
St u d e n t A , you a r e t h e ca n d id a te . C all t h e e m p lo y e r to w it h d ra w fro m
co n sid e ra tio n fro m t h e r e cr u it m e n t p rocess. Use t h e e x p ressio n s in E x ercise
5a.
St u d e n t B, yo u a r e t h e e m ployer. You in t e rvie w e d St u d e n t A f o r a jo b, a n d a r e
d isa p p o in t e d t h a t t h e y a r e w it h d ra w in g . B e p o lit e a n d t r y t o e n co u ra g e t h e m
to c o n sid e r w o rk in g f o r yo u in t h e fu tu re.
Sw a p ro les a n d p ra ctis e a g ain.
U n it 6 Follow up 79
 C M a tc h t h e sp o k e n e x p ressio n s (t - 6 ) to t h e e q u iv a le n t fo r m a l w ritt e n
e x p ressio n s (a - f).
1 I have accepte d a n oth er jo b —
2 It's a jo b t h a t w ill le t me use my
skills and is w h at I w a nt to do
3 I applied for th e A d m inistrative
Assistant jo b
4 I no longer w a nt to be considered
for th e jo b
5 I really enjoyed m eeting you and
the rest of th e office
6 Good luck in th e future
a I rece ntly sub mitted an a p plicatio n for th e
\ vaca n t A d m inistrative Assistan t position
b The position closely matches my a b ilities
and personal career aims
\ c I am writin g to with draw from consideration
\ for th e position
d I have decided to acce p t a position
elsewhere
e I wish you and yo ur team th e best of success
I greatly enjoyed meeting you and yo ur team

d C o m p le te A le x ’s le t t e r o f w it h d ra w al usin g all o r p a r t o f t h e fo r m al
e x p ressio n s in E x ercise 5c.

D e ar Mr O sb orn e,
I a m writin g to than k you for including m e in t h e in t e rvie w p rocess as yo u se e k ca n did at es for your
(1) yg’i.cg’vHf A wlvyi s K gnHv e l A s s i s f ^ f p o s I H o h . (2) ____________________________ you and m e m b ers
of yo ur staff and w a s i m p resse d by yo ur o p eration at t h e C r o m w ell T heatre.
H o w e ve r, as I e x plaine d w h e n w e sp o k e this morning, ( 3 ) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
( 4 )___________________________ w h ich I b elieve ( 5 )_____________________________ .
I w is h yo u and t h e staff at t h e C r o m w ell T h e a tre t h e (6) - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Yours sincerely,
Ale x M e n c k e n

e N o w w rit e a le t t e r o f w it h d ra w al b as e d on t h e role p lay in E x e rcise 5b, usin g

fo r m al t h e e x p ressio n s in E x ercise 5c.

Declining an offer
T h e d ecisio n to d eclin e a jo b o ff er is us u ally m a d e b e c a u s e you h a ve receive d
a n o t h e r o ff er t h a t m a tc h es y o u r in t e r ests a n d c a r e e r g o als b etter.

6 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e fo llo w in g q u estio ns.

1 W h y is it i m p o rt a n t to d eclin e a jo b o ff er t h a t you d o n o t w a n t p o lit e ly?
2 H o w m uch in f o r m a tio n d o you n e e d to give w h e n d eclinin g a jo b o ff e r?
3 W h e n sh o uld you d eclin e a jo b o f f e r?

b 6.8 To m asz Filip e k , a yo u n g g r a d u a t e fro m Po la n d , re c e n tly m ove d t o Lo n d o n

a n d a p p lie d f o r a n u m b er o f d iff e r e n t j o b s w h e n he a rriv e d . T o m asz w as
f o rt u n a t e a n d re ce iv e d a n u m b er o f jo b o ffers, inclu d in g o n e t h a t he d ecid e d
t o acc e p t. N o w he is callin g t h e o t h e r co m p a n ies to p o lit e ly d eclin e t h e ir
o ff e rs o f e m p lo y m e n t. Liste n to o n e o f t h e s e c o n v e rsa tio n s a n d c o m p le te t h e
follo win g n otes.
1 C o m p a n y :____________________
2 C o n t a ct n a m e :____________________
3 Positio n a p p li e d f o r :____________________
4 Po sitiv e t hin gs a b o u t t h e c o m p a n y :____________________
5 Re aso n for d eclinin g t h e p o s i t i o n :____________________

80 U n it 6 Follow up
 C ^ 6.8 Liste n a g ain a n d c o m p le te T o m as z ’s le t t e r d eclin in g t h e jo b o f f e r usin g
w o rd s fro m t h e co n ve rsa tio n .

D ear Ms Jo h n s o n ,
T h a n k y o u for e x te n d in g th e offer for th e p o sitio n of G raphic Designer.
1 v e r y m u c h (1) ovppyecuxfe th e tim e a n d effort y o u a n d y o u r te a m
( 2 ) _____________ explaining th e p o sitio n a n d y o u r a g e n c y ’s specific
goals. I w a s v e ry ( 3 ) b y th e a d v e rtis in g c a m p a ig n s y o u are
w o rk ing on for m a jo r re ta ile rs.
( 4 ) ______________, a fte r m u c h th o u g h t a n d carefu l d e lib e ra tio n , I h a v e
d e c id e d n o t to ( 5 ) ________________ y o u r offer. A lth o u g h th is w o u ld h a v e
c e rta in ly b e e n an ex ce lle n t ( 6 ) ______________ for m e, 1 h a v e d e c id e d to
a c c e p t a n o th e r p o sitio n , w h ic h m o re c lo se ly m a tc h e s m y specific skills
a n d c a re e r goals.
I w ish y o u a n d F u tu re D esigns c o n tin u e d s u c c e s s for th e future.
T h a n k y o u again for y o u r tim e a n d c o n s id e ra tio n .
Y ours sincerely,
T o m a sz Filipek

d In p airs, ro le p la y t e le p h o n in g to d eclin e a n offer. B e f o r e you s t a r t , d ecid e

w h a t jo b you h ave a p p lie d for.
St u d e n t A , yo u a r e t h e ca n d id a t e .
St u d e n t B, you a r e t h e e m ployer.
Sw a p r o le s a n d p r a c tis e a g ain .

e U n d e rlin e useful p h ra s e s fro m t h e le t t e r in E x e rcise 6c, which yo u co uld

use in y o u r own le tt e r. F o r e x a m ple, Thank you for extending the offer fo r
the position o f ...

f W r it e a fo r m al le t t e r d eclinin g a n o ff e r usin g t h e p h ra s e s in E x e rcise 6e,

b ase d on y o u r ro le p la y in E x ercise 6 d.

N egotiating terms and co n ditio ns

W h e n n e g o ti a tin g a s a la ry d e al, you a r e tryi n g to p e rs u a d e y o u r f u t ure
e m p lo y e r to give you t h e b est d eal p ossible, so you m ust b e as p olit e a n d
d ip lo m a tic as p ossible. You sh o uld use t e n t a tiv e la n g u a g e a n d f or m al En glish.

7 3 In p airs, d iscuss t h e follo win g q u estio ns.

1 Is it co m m o n in y o u r c o u n try to n e g o tia t e s a la ry a n d co n d itio n s of
e m p l o y m e n t?
2 W h a t a d vic e w o uld you give s o m e o n e e n t e ri n g into s a la ry n e g o ti a ti o n s?

b 6.9 Liste n to tw o jo b se e k ers, A n d y a n d Nick, n e g o tia tin g a p a y d e a l with

t h e ir f u t u re e m p loyers. W h o n e g o tia t e s a b e t t e r d e a l?

C 6.10 Liste n t o tw o r e cr u it m e n t e x p erts, G r a c e a n d O liver, d iscu ssin g A n d y

a n d N ic k ’s n e g o tia tio n stra t e g ie s. W h a t a d vice d o t h e y g iv e? Do yo u a g re e
with t h e m ?

U n it 6 Follow up 81
 6.9 C o m p le te t h e co n v e rsa tio n usin g o n e w o rd in e ach g a p . Liste n a g ain a n d
ch eck y o u r a nsw ers.

E m p lo ye r: W h a t s o rt o f s a la ry a re yo u lo o kin g for, N ic k ?
N ic k 1 : Well, I know yo u a re a w ell - esta blish e d co m p any with a re p u tatio n fo r
lo o kin g a fte r y o u r p e o p le well, so I ( 1) ___________ yo u w ill b e offerin g
e m ploym en t a t the m ark e t rate.
E m p lo y e r: Yes, t h a t’s ve ry true, b u t we h ave to s ta rt so m ewhere, so te ll me, w h at
a re yo u e x p ectin g?
N ic k 2: Pe rh a p s yo u co uld te ll me w h at th e ra n g e is fo r this p ositio n, as I
(2) __________ b e te m p ted to o ve rp rice m yself if I g ive a figure.
E m p lo y e r: Well, the ra n g e fo r this p o st is b etw een $ 4 2 ,0 0 0 a n d $ 4 4 ,0 0 0 .
N ic k 3: I see. Given th a t I have five y e a rs ’ full- tim e e x p erie nce in this field, an d
h av e an M A , h ow fa r up the ra n g e ( 3 ) yo u b e a b le to o ffer
so m eon e lik e m yself?
E m p lo y e r: We were thin kin g in th e re gio n o f $ 4 3 ,0 0 0 .
N ic k 4: ... mmm ...
Em p lo yer: B u t in y o u r case, co nsid erin g y o u r sp ecific p revio us e m ploym ent
e x p erie nce we co uld o ffe r $ 4 3 ,0 0 0 plus a $ 2 ,0 0 0 sta rtin g bonus.
N ic k 5: Thank you. ( 4 ] __________ yo u te ll m e how often p a y is revie w e d h e re?
E m p lo y e r: N o rm ally o nce a year. The n e x t p a y revie w is d ue in O ctober.
N ick 6: ( 5 )___________ I b e e n title d to a p a y revie w a t this p o in t - su b ject, o f
course, to m y s a tisfa cto ry p erform a n ce in the p o sitio n?
E m p lo y e r: Yes, t h a t’s reaso n a ble.

M a tc h N ic k ’s re s p o n s e s (1 - 6 ) in E x e rcise 7 d t o t h e n e g o tia tio n te c h n iq u es

(a - f).
a Re m in d t h e e m p lo y e r of y o u r k ey skills a n d r e le v a n t e x p erie nce. _5 _
b Est a b lis h t h e e m p l o y e r ’s ra n g e for t h e p o sitio n____
c A void b ei n g t h e first p erso n to st a t e a s a la ry fig ur e____
d Be f o r e you a cc e p t a n o ff er est a b lis h if a n d w h e n y o u r s a l a ry will b e revie w e d in
f u t u r e____
e D o n ’t a u t o m a tic a lly a cc e p t t h e first o ff er t h a t is m a d e____
f Be f o r e you a cc e p t an o ff er clarify y o u r q u e rie s a b o u t t h e t e r m s a n d co n ditio ns.

N ic k uses fo r m a l la n g u a g e t o n e g o tia t e a b e t t e r sala ry. C o m p le te t h e fo r m al

v e rsio n s o f t h e s e n t e n c e s in b old by re a rra n g in g t h e w o r d s in b rac k e ts.
1 H o w much can yo u p ay m e?
C o uld you tell m e w h a t (p ositio n / t h e / is / ra n g e / t his / f o r )_______________
?

H o w m uch w o uld you b e a b le to o ff er s o m e o n e (my / e x p e ri e n c e / of / level /

w i t h )______________________________________________________________________ ?
2 A s I’ve g o t a lo t o f e x p erie n ce, will yo u p ay me m o re?
T a kin g my e x p e rie n c e into acco u n t, (h ig h er / co n si d e r / a / w o uld / a m o u n t /
yo u)- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ?
3 I t h in k I ca n g e t m ore m o n ey d oin g t h e sa m e jo b else w h ere.
I’ve d o n e so m e re se arc h into e q u iv a l e n t j o b s wit hin t h e sector, a n d feel t h a t
y o u r (b elo w / c u rr e n t / m a r k e t / p ositio n / t his / for / is / offer / t h e / rate)

U n it 6 Follow up
g In p airs, p ra c tis e y o u r n e g o tia tio n s k ills in a ga m e.
St u d e n t A , yo u a r e t h e e m ployer. Try a n d g e t t h e c a n d id a t e t o a g r e e to t h e
lo w est s t a rtin g s a la r y with m inim al a d d itio n a l b e n e fits. Use t h e ro le ca r d s
on p a g e 9 6.
St u d e n t B, you a r e t h e ca n d id a t e . Use la n g u a g e a n d t ec h n iq u es fro m t h is
sectio n to ach iev e t h e b e st p o ssib le t e r m s a n d c o n d itio n s o f service . Use
t h e ro le c a r d s on p a g e 1 04.
B e f o r e you s t a r t , d ecid e on t h e co m p a n y a n d t h e jo b. Sw a p r o le s a n d p lay
t h e g a m e a g ain .

Ru le s
• T h e e m p lo y e r e a r n s p oints by m a n a g in g to k e e p t h e st a rtin g s a l a ry as
low as p ossible a n d by n o t a g r e e in g to t o o m a n y a d d itio n a l b e n e fits
(alt h o u g h r e m e m b e r t h a t you d o w a n t t o e m p lo y t h is a p p lica n t).
• T h e a p p lic a n t e a r n s p oin ts by ac h ie vin g as high a st a rtin g s a l a ry as
p ossible a n d by g aini n g a d d itio n a l b e n e fits.
• T h e e m p lo y e r a n d a p p lic a n t d o n o t k n ow how m a n y p oints t h e o t h e r
p erso n ca n e a r n fro m e ach n e g o tia tio n issue. T h e p erso n wit h t h e m ost
p oin ts a t t h e e n d of t h e n e g o tia tio n is t h e win ner.

U n it 6 Follow up 83

So p h ie : Hey Silvia. How are yo u? W h a t have you
been up t o? I haven't seen you for ages.
Silvia : I’m fine, Sophie. I’m actu ally looking for a
jo b a t the moment.
So p h ie : Yea h? So how’s it going?
Silvia : N o t t h a t great, to be honest. I’ve got a
few ideas for possible jo bs but I’m not really sure
w h a t sort of work I wa nt to do, or w h a t I’d be
really good at.
So p h ie : I see. Iri my e x p erience yo u’ve got to
work out wh at you wa nt to do before you start
thinking a b o ut where you wa nt to work. So, start
by thinking a b o ut the things you like doing, or
w h at you’re interested in.
Silvia : Well, I’m interested in sustain a bility and I
enjoy working with people.
So p h ie : Exactly. So you'd pro b a bly enjoy a
job t h a t included both of these things. Then,
after you’ve work ed out your interests, the
next step is to think a b o ut the skills you've got
t h a t can be used in al m ost any job, things like
co m munication and people skills. Everythin g th at
yo u’ve managed to do successfully a t work or
university needed skills to get these things done.
These are your tra nsf era ble skills.
Silvia : Bu t how do I work out wh at my
transf era ble skills a r e?
So p h ie : I try to think a b o ut so mething I’ve done
t h a t was successful, where my actions have made
a difference, and then try to identify t h e skills I
used.
Silvia : Hmm. I can do that, I think.
So p h ie : Also, a lot of p eople these days use
p erso nality tests to find out more a b o ut the type
of person they are a n d the types of jo bs that are
suited to the m. There are q uite a lot of them on
the Int ernet if you’re interested.
Silvia : That sounds interesting. I’ll give it a go,
and see wh at it co mes up with.
So p h ie : O kay, but don't take these tests too
seriously - t h ey’re just there to give you some
ideas and suggestions. A t t he end of the day,
the only person who really knows who you are
and what typ e of job is right for you is you. And
re me mber, it's not just a b o ut finding a jo b t h at
you'd be good at. You need to find a job t h at
you'll enjoy, one th at you’ll love doing.
■■ 1.2
Ja c k : So, Federico. W h a t ’s all this a b o ut you
moving jo bs?
F e d e ric o: Well, yes, I’ve just decide d to start
looking for a new job. I love my curre nt job, and
my colleagues are great, but if I’m going to get
more e x perience, I'll have to go so m ewhere else.
Ja c k : Sure you can't get th at e x p erie nce where
you a r e?
F e d eric o: No. O ur co m pany's too small. I need
to go so m ewhere bigger.
Ja c k : Any idea w h ere?
F e d e ric o: Well, I’ve got a few co m p a nies in mind.
Ja c k : A n d have you got the skills and e x perience
th ese co m panies are looking for?
F e d e ric o: Well, I’ve got the q ualifications
t h ey’re looking for. Wh e n it co mes to skills and
e x perience, I think I can d e m o nstrate t h a t I’m
very a da pta ble. I d o n ’t mind working late or at
weekends, and I’ll have a go a t anything, I pick
things up very quickly.
84 A u dioscrip t
Ja c k : T h a t’s true.
F e d eric o: I'm also good a t co ming up with new
ideas a nd suggesting alt ern ative solutions. T hat
sort of thing.
Ja c k : Yeah, I re m e m b er when we used to work
together, you used to stick notes with new ideas
everywhere. Your desk was such a mess a n d you
never knew wh ere anything was. The desk of a
creative genius, I guess!
F e d eric o: Well, the desk is still a mess, b ut a t
least I know where everythin g is now!
Ja c k : Well, it sounds like yo u’ve got a lot to offer.
F e d e ric o: Yes, although the main co m pany I’m
interested in is looking for so meone who can
spea k a bit of Ma n d arin, and I’ve never even
been to China. I’d love to be a ble to spea k
Ma n d arin, though.
Ja c k : So w h at are you going to do a b o ut it?
F e d e ric o: Well, actu ally I’ve alrea dy starte d
taking lessons, and I’ve starte d listening to
Chinese language podcasts while I travel on the
bus. I’m hoping t h a t my co m mit m e nt might help
convince the co m pany to take me on.
Ja c k : T h a t’s impressive. H ow’s it g oin g?
F e d erico: It’s tough, but if I wa nt to get a new
job, I’ve got to make the effort.
So p h ie : So, how’s the job - hunting going?
Silvia : Well, I haven’t got very far, to be honest.
I'm struggling to work out w h at my transfera ble
skills are.
So p h ie : Well, you've done so much, Silvia. I’m
sure you’ve got lots of skills th at would be useful
in almost any job. Why d on't you tell me some
things you’ve d one and then we can work out
w h at tra nsf era ble skills you’ve g o t?
Silvia : Well, I a pplied for my M A course while I
was working in Africa, and even managed to start
doing so me research for the course before I ca me
back to England.
So p h ie : So yo u’re clearly quite good a t planning.
A n d wh at were you doing in A frica? I’m sure that
you d evelo ped lots of skills while you were there
th at will help you get a job.
Silvia: I work e d for an N G O as p art of a large
tea m with people from all over the world. We all
lived together and shared a b athro o m. The work
was quite varie d and I was given different tasks
to co m plete each week.
So p h ie : Like w h a t?
Silvia : Well, for e xample, on the project o ur main
aim was to e d ucate local people a b o u t the need
for reforestation. We tried putting up posters,
but this did n’t have much of an effect. We
needed to find a b e tt er way to co m m u nicate this
message. La t er on I talk ed to respecte d m e m bers
of the community, and convinced the m to talk to
ot her people in t h e village. This a p proach was far
more effective.
So p h ie : You’ve always been good a t persuading
ot h er people!
Silvia : I guess yo u’re right. Wh e n I was at
university I was the co m m u nications officer of the
stu d ent union and I was responsible for dealing
with suppliers. I had to ord er food and drink
for university concerts a nd so on. It was always
possible to get a b e tt er deal if you were good
on the phone. It w asn’t j ust a question of being
persuasive though, it was really a case of being
clear and e x pressing yourself well, making sure
t h at every b o dy un derstoo d wh at I was saying.
So p h ie : Okay. I think we've got lots to work
on already. Now le t’s try and think a b o ut what
yo u’ve said in ter ms of transf era ble skills ...
1
This is easily t h e best way of finding a job. It’s
simply the biggest resource available. You can
search through th ousa n ds of jo bs and send your
CV and cover le tt er to e m ployers all over the
world in minutes. You can even post your own CV
online and help e m ployers a nd hea d h u nters find
you. T here are hundreds of networks, groups and
special interest forums t h at you can sign up to,
which can offer you a dvice and tell you a b o u t any
jo b op portunities.
Nothing b eats word of mouth and a personal
reco m m en dation. As t h e old saying goes, it’s not
what you know, it’s who you know. If you wa nt
to get a h ea d and get the job you really want,
then yo u’ve got to get to know so meone who
alre a dy works in the industry, so meone who can
reco m men d you for a job, or let you know of any
openings. It might ta k e tim e and effort, but if you
want to be really successful, the best way to do it
is by meeting the right people. Tell everyon e you
know yo u’re looking for a job, tell them wh at area
of work you’re interested in and ask the m to let
you know if they can help you in any way.
3
Professional k nowledge and a dvice can really
improve your chances of getting a job. I’ve used
this m etho d throughout my entire care er to
help me find and secure the b est jo bs possible.
Having an e x p erience d co nsultant was esp ecially
useful when I moved a broa d for work, as t hey
really knew the legalities of the recruit ment
process in the co u ntry I was looking for work in.
O f course, I had to pay for these services, b ut in
some cases the e m ployers the mselves pay for the
service. You’ve got to make sure you choose a
well - established, re p uta ble co m pany as th ere are
a lot of cowb oys waiting to ta k e your money.
Along with the Int ernet this is by far the most
co m mon way people hunt for job vacancies.
Al m ost all p u blications have a wee kly jobs
section or su p ple m e nt t h a t provides a large
selection of availa ble jobs. It ’s also worth going
back and looking a t old editions as many jo bs
are often left unfilled.
Although this method ta k es courage, as you
might often be faced with rejection, with the
right a p proach this can also be a highly effective
way of finding a job. It’s also an e xcellent way of
finding out more information a b o ut co mpanies,
jo b details and so on. Co m p anies the mselves are
often very willing to let the public know all a b o ut
what they do, who they e m ploy and wh at work
th ey carry out, b ut are rarely contacted directly
as a resource. Calling a co m pany to enquire
a b o ut vaca ncies and offer your services can be a
highly effective way of gettin g them intereste d in
you enough to wa nt to know more a b o ut you.
 1.5
Pa tric k : Good morning. My na me is Patrick
Roberts. Can I spea k to the head of Hu man
Reso urces?
Re c e p tio n ist: I’m afraid sh e ’s quite busy at the
moment. Can I help yo u?
Pa tric k : I was just phoning to en q uire wh et h er
there were any jo bs going.
Re c e p tio n ist: All our vaca n t positions arc
a dvertise d on our website and in national
newspapers. Vacancies do co me up regularly, so I
advise you to keep checking.
Pa tric k : Than k you very much for your time.
Re c e p tio n ist: You’re welco me and good luck.
Ery k: Good morning. I’m Fryk Pawla k. I would
like to spea k to Ja n e t Robinson. Is she t h e r e?
Re c e p tio n ist: Sh e ’s quite busy a t the moment.
Can I help yo u?
Ery k: Than k you, but I’d rath er talk to Ms
Robinson, if that's okay.
Re c e p tio n ist: Okay. Please hold and I’ll try and
put you through.
Ery k : T han k you.
Ja n e t : Ja n e t Robinson speaking. How can I help
yo u?
Ery k : My na me is Eryk Pawla k. I have
consid erable professional e x p erie nce in the
hotel industry. I have work e d for a n u m b er of
big hotels in Polan d. The reason I’m calling,
Ms Robinson, is that I have recently moved
to London and I’m looking for an e m ploym ent
o p p ort u nity in a m ajor hotel which will make
use of my e x perience and language skills. Do
you need e m ployees who can sp ea k a varie ty of
la n g u a g es?
Ja n e t : Yes, we do.
Ery k : My m other tongue is Polish, but I can also
sp ea k Sp anish, having worked for a big hotel
in Sp ain. Are you looking for e m ployees with
international e x p erie nce?
Ja n e t : Yes. How much e x p erience do you have?
Ery k: Recently I spent six months working for a
hotel in Ma drid. To begin with I mainly worked
managing a tea m of cleaners and porters.
However, my Spanish improved quickly and I was
moved to reception, where I d ealt with customers
both face to face and on the phone. Are you
looking for so meone with e x perience such as t his?
Ja n e t : Do you have a d e g re e?
Ery k : Yes, I have a degree in tourism. Wh a t
back ground e x perience are you looking for?
Ja n e t : We normally recruit people with a
back ground in hotel manage ment.
Ery k : Well, I have e x p erience in this area and am
keen to continue my professional develop ment.
I'm going to be close to yo ur hotel this week.
Would you be availa ble to meet me to discuss my
q ualifications and e x p erie nce face to face?
Ja n e t : Actually, I’m quite busy. Perh a ps you
could send me your CV and a cover lett er and I’ll
have a look a t it.
Ery k : I will do that. Than k you very much for your
time. I hope to hear from you soon.
Ja n e t : T h an ks for your call.
Silvia : So, Sophie, I’ve found a really interesting -
looking job vaca ncy a t a co m m u nications agency
in central London.
So p h ie : T h a t ’s great. Have you sent off your
a p plicatio n?
Silvia: Actually, you were so great a t helping me
work out what my skills were, I was wondering
if you could give me so me words of wisdo m on
writin g a killer CV.
So p h ie : O f course. Okay, so the two most pop ular
ways of organising a CV are a conventional
chronological CV and a skills - based CV.
Silvia: Okay.
So p h ie : So, o bviously both of them start with
your na me in large letters.
Silvia : Wh y larg e?
So p h ie : Your na me's got to be large so t h at
the interviewer can easily find your CV hidden
away in a pile of p apers on t h eir desk when
they interview you! Then after th at co me your
co ntact details: ad dress, t ele p ho n e number,
e mail a d dress and so on. O h, and make sure it’s
a sensible e mail address, your n a m e@h o t m ail.
com, for example.
Silvia: Okay.
So p h ie : If you were going to include a personal
stat e m e nt then it would go before this bit
un der your co ntact details, but they're a lot
more co m mon in skills - based CVs. So, in a
chronological CV yo u’d st art with an education
section, outlining your main aca d e mic
q ualifications, most rece nt first. As well as the
basics - university name, degree and grad uation
d ate - you can include coursework t h a t ’s relevant
to the job, aca d e mic honours or awards.
Silvia : I hen w h a t?
So p h ie : Then you’d put yo ur work e x perience
ne xt in chronological ord er startin g with the
most recent, with dates, duties, and the key skills
you gained in each position.
Silvia : W h a t a b o u t my e x pedition in Argentina
last y e a r? Wh ere would I put t h a t?
So p h ie : Well, after your ed ucation section and
work e x p erie nce in a tra ditional chronological CV,
you'd have a section on activities and interests
- I’d put it in there. Bu t re m e m b er to focus on
the skills relevant for the job th at these activities
and interests helped you to develop.
Silvia : Right.
So p h ie : And then lastly, you can list additional
skills such as languages, co m p uter skills, clean
driving licence and so on. It d e p e n ds on the job
really, and wh o’s applying.
Silvia : Wh a t do you m e a n?
So p h ie : Well, just include the things t h at are
relevant for the job. If you were a writer, for
example, you might list yo ur p ublications here.
Wh ere as if you work ed in co mputers, you’d have a
specific section focusing on your co m p uter skills.
Silvia : I see. A n d then at the botto m I put my
references?
So p h ie : Exactly.
Silvia : So w h a t’s the difference with a skills-
b ased CV t h e n?
So p h ie : Well, with a skills - based CV yo u’d start
the same, but then it’s quite different. So m e
people include a personal stat e m e nt or career
profile. It’s j ust a couple of sente nces t h at
su m marise your valu e to the employer. It ’s not
a bad idea to write one even if you decide not
to use it, as just writin g one will help you decide
how you want to prese nt yourself and wh at you
wa nt o ut of yo ur career.
Silvia : Good idea. I’ll give it a go.
So p h ie : Okay, then after t h a t in a skills based
CV you list yo ur key skills. Basically, you decide
wh at tra nsf era ble skills the e m ployer is looking
for, and then you bre a k these down into similar
groups and provide evidence that yo u’ve got
these skills.
Silvia : So you mean when the job a dvertise m e nt
m entions t h a t t hey are looking for so m ebody
wh o’s ‘an e xcellent co m municator* and has ‘great
research skills’, I should writ e the CV directly in
reaction to that, with skills headings, such as
‘C o m m u nication’, ‘Research' and so o n?
So p h ie : Yes. T h a t’s it. This a p proach is quite
effective as it focuses your CV towards a specific
job and proves yo u’ve got all the skills t h ey’re
after. Then after that you simply list your work
e x p erience details, ed ucation and professional
qualifications, interests and lastly your referees.
Silvia : I quite like the sound of a skills - based CV,
but I think t h e chronological CV see ms easier to
write.
So p h i e : It is. And re m e m b er these are j ust two
a p proaches. There ar e n ’t really any strict rules
on w h at ord er to put yo ur sections in, or even
w h a t you wa nt to call these sections. As long
as the essential information is there, it's up to
you. It ’s yo ur C.V and how you design and create
it says so mething a b o ut you and reflects your
character.
Silvia : Thanks, I’m really inspired now.
1 2.2
Ale x : Hi, Ella.
Ella : Hi, Ale x. How are you d oin g?
Ale x : I’m fine. I'm j ust calling as I’ve decided to
ap ply for a couple of ad min jobs, and I'd like
your help with my CV. Do you have any tips? A ny
specific mistakes I should watch out for?
Ella : Well, the first o ne is simply mistakes. You’d
be surprised how many people sub mit CVs with
basic mistakes in the m. If yo u’ve got a whole load
of CVs on yo ur desk, this is an easy way to get rid
of so me to begin with.
A le x : Wh a t sort of mistakes are you talking
a b o u t?
Ella : Sp ellin g mistakes, often. For e xample,
putting the ‘i’ in the wrong place in ‘receive’, or
writing ‘corresp o n d e nce’ with an ‘a ’ instea d of
an ‘e ’, or spelling ‘liaise’ with only one T. Then
t h e r e ’s a n ot h er typ e of spelling mistake, when
a p plica nts use the wrong form of words like
‘p ractice’ and ‘a d vice ’.
Ale x : English is such a difficult language
so metimes! I guess the answer is to proofread
my CV thorou ghly and then dou ble and triple
check.
Ella: Exactly. The ne x t thing is to keep it short.
You’ve got to grab the e m ployer’s attention,
and re m e m b er t h ey’ve got oth er work to do as
well as going through CVs. D o n’t list all of your
e x p erience and q ualifications, only the stuff
t h at's relevant for the job you're going for. Cut
it down to the most relevant and impressive
achieve ments. Less is more, and being concise
and to the point will d e m o nstrate yo ur a bility to
e dit well.
Ale x : So how many pages should it b e?
Ella : Well, I’d aim for one side if possible,
certainly nothing longer than two pages.
Ale x : T h a t’s great. A nythin g else?
Ella: Yes, be honest.
Ale x : Bu t d oesn’t everyone lie a bit in th eir CVs?
Ella: It’s true t h a t a lot of people stretch the
truth, and you should certainly only focus on
positive e x perience and d etails relevant for the
job, but d o n ’t be t e m p t e d to write anything
untrue. First of all, your CV is a legal docu ment,
and if t h ey find out yo u’ve lied then they can
fire you just like that. Secondly, you're going to
be a lot more confident in an interview talking
a b o ut the d etails on your CV if you’ve told the
A u dioscrip t 85
truth, than if you’ve made so mething up. In
my e x perience it d oesn’t ta k e very long to spot
so meone w h o ’s lied in t h eir CV and they always
get found out sooner or later. It’s simply not
worth it.
Ale x : So honesty is the b est policy. A n d w h at
a b o ut getting my CV n otice d?
Ella: Well, presentation's i m p orta nt so use nice,
neutral - coloured p aper and matching envelope.
Bu t I thin k the main thing is to make sure th at
your CV is written to match the req uire m ents of
the job and the culture of the co m pany you’re
a pplying for work with. You’ve got to a d a p t
every CV you write to each jo b you a p ply for. It ’s
surprising how many people think th ey can get
away with one CV for all jobs!
Ale x : Thanks, Ella. I ca n’t t ha n k you enough.
Ella: You’re welcome, Ale x. Let me know how you
get on.
Kla u d ia : Than ks for proofreading my CV, Tom.
W h a t did you thin k?
Tom: Well, your work e x p erience section is a bit
thin. It d oesn’t really tell us much.
Kla u d ia : T hat's because I've only had one proper
job. A n d I’m only a secretary, so t h ere ’s not really
anything im pressive to say.
Tom: O h, I d o n’t know. W h a t do you actually do
in your j o b?
K la u d ia: Borin g things like a nswerin g the phone,
filling in forms, ta king minutes ...
Tom: Han g on a sec. Answerin g the p h o n e? So
you deal with custo m ers? You re prese nt your
company, you re prese nt your boss. Wh o is your
b oss?
K la u d ia : Sh e ’s the managing director.
Tom: It sounds like you’re more of a PA than
a secretary. Listen, just the fact t h a t you are
trusted by the managing director to manage her
affairs is impressive. Lots of people wo uld n’t be
a ble to work a t such a high level.
K la u d ia : Bu t I d on’t do anything clever. It’s just
basic stuff.
Tom: I wo uld n’t know how to do wh at you do.
The fact t h at you find it e asy means yo u’re
intelligent, quick to learn, hard - working ...
Kla u d ia : Hrnrri, maybe. Bu t should I mention all
t h a t on my C V?
Tom: Absolutely. You need to select the most
im p ortant things, the most relevant things for
the job yo u’re a p plying for. W h a t is the job, by
the way?
Kla u d ia : It's an e x ecutive PA job for an
internatio nal bank.
Tom: So q uite high - powered t h e n? Did you say
you ta k e minutes a t m eetin gs?
Kla u d ia : Yes, a t board meetings.
Tom: D o n’t you think t h a t’s i m p ressive? It. shows
you can follow high -level meetings, listen and
write intelligently, and produce im p ortant and
reliable co m pany docu ments. I’d say t h a t’s pretty
impressive.
K la u d ia: I sup pose so.
Tom: An d w h at a b o ut b ef ore? You’ve never done
any o th er jo b?
K la u d ia : O nly casual jobs. Nothin g special. Wh e n
I was in New York I worked as a nanny for three
months.
Tom: In New York? You did n’t mention t h a t on
your resume! T h at’s really im pressive - if yo u’ve
lived and work ed a broa d, yo u ’ve got to mention
it. Wh ere else have you work e d?
86 A u dioscrip t
Kla u d ia : Well, I spent one su m m er in Ma drid,
but I was only working in a restaurant. I was a
waitress. Actually, when I first got to Ma drid, I
spent a few wee ks cleaning hotel rooms. It was
disgusting.
Tom: So you spea k Sp a nis h?
Kla u d ia : N o t really, just enough to get by.
Tom: So u n ds like you had enough to get a job,
two jobs in fact. And to deal with custo m ers in
the language. All of this is really great. You’ve got
to mention it on your resume. Your nannying job
shows you’re responsible, and re minds us of your
e xcellent English. Even your cleaning jo b tells us
a lot a b o u t your ch aract er - you’re not afraid to
get your hands dirty, yo u’re fle xible and hard
working. These are the kinds of life e x periences
that e m ployers love to h e ar about.
K la u d ia : So you think I should mention t h e m?
Tom: Yes, of course. Bu t yo u’ve got to focus on
all those points t h a t I mentioned. Right, pass me
your pen ...
O liv e r: Wh a t do you call this section on your C V?
I usually tell p eo ple to keep it simple and call it
‘interests’, which ge nerally covers everything.
Grace: I think t h at’s fine. So m e p eople put
‘personal in terests’. I d o n ’t think it m atters too
much w h at the section is la belled as long as
the contents make the p otential e m ployer more
interested in you.
O liv e r: Yes, e m ployers are o bviously keen
to check you have the skills and e x perience
necessary to do the job, b ut th ey also wa nt to
know a bit more a b o ut you to see if you’re going
to fit in with t h e rest of the company. This section
is an insight into your personality.
G ra ce : Yes, after all, the V in CV stands for vitae ,
which is Latin for ‘life’, so the interests section is
ab o ut d e m o nstratin g t h a t you have a life! Still,
why is it t h a t ca n did ates often make such a mess
of this section and fail to ta k e a dvant a g e of it?
O liv e r: I think it’s p artly to do with the fact t h at
w e ’re ge n erally not very good a t writin g a b o ut
interests and free - time activities; we find it a bit
e m barrassin g. This is made even worse when we
d o n’t think a b o u t these activities in ter ms of the
skills we need to co m plete the m. If everyb o dy
did that, then yo u’d start seeing a lot more
impressive interests sections in CVs.
G r a c e : So you mean I’d get more than simply
reading, going to the t h e a tre and f oo t b all?
O liv er: Yes. I think so.
G ra ce : I mean, ‘foot b all’ - this d oesn’t even tell
us if the a p plica nt plays football or just enjoys
sitting in front of the television watching their
favourite tea m.
O liv e r: I agree. If your interests are active,
and it’s b e tt er to include active interests than
passive ones, then it’s worth highlighting this
fact. M ost job - hunters simply do not go into
enough detail in this section. Wh e re they could
be d e m o nstratin g t h eir personality, their skills
and achieve ments, t h ey co me across as dull and
uninteresting. Tor e x ample, I once read a CV
where un d er the interests section the a p plica nt
had j ust written, ‘ca ptain of the football t e a m ’.
O kay, being a ca ptain is an achieve m e nt but it
d oesn’t really tell us t h a t much. Was he a good
captain, or a b a d o n e? I la ter found out t h a t he
had led his tea m through a co m petitive university
co m petition, and had m otivate d the tea m to
their first ever a p p eara nce in the final. Wh y
didn't he put so me of t h a t in his C V? It wo uld’ve
made such a difference and been so much more
impressive.
G r a c e : Yes, different sports can suggest all sorts
of skills and abilities, as well as the o bvious
one, t h a t you keep fit. I mean, why make an
u nsu bsta ntiate d claim like ‘I work well in tea ms'
if you can d e m o nstrate it by telling the e m ployer
you play volleyball for your u niversity?
O liv e r: It’s not just sports though. T here are all
sorts of things you can list.
Grace: Yes, and a wide range of interests always
looks good because the e m ployer will wa nt to
see t h a t you can fit into different environ m ents
easily.
O liv e r: Basically, I’d say the main thing is to
avoid dull lists and offer a varie ty of interests.
With each e x a m ple it’s the specific d etails th at
make it interestin g to the rea d er and t h at will
give you so mething concrete to talk a b o ut if you
get to the interview stage.
G ra ce : T h a t’s very true. I'd only add t h a t as well
as giving e x a mples, you should e m p hasise any
achieve m e nts relate d to your interests.
O liv e r: So, Grace, wh at would you put under
interests t h e n?
G ra ce : I usually stick with my ability to pick up
foreign languages quickly, and t h at I’m a m e m b er
of an orchestra. Bu t a t the m o ment I’m raising
sponsorship to do the London Mara th o n in
A pril. I’ve got to raise £ 1 9 0 0, all of which goes
to charity. If I m anage to raise the money and
get through the 2 6 miles on the day then I'm
definitely going to add it to my CV!
O liv e r: Well, b est of luck. I’ll sponsor you if you
like.
G ra ce : T h a t’d be great.
G ra ce : So, Oliver, who would you choose to act
as a referee on your C V?
O liv e r: Well, it’s quite a long time since I went
to university, so I would n't put my old personal
tutor - I have n’t spoken to her in years. For me,
I’d have to go with two professional referees, one
from my Iasi job and one from the one I’ve got
at the minute, as long as I knew that my curre nt
boss wo uld n’t be co ntacte d until later in the
a p plication process.
G r a c e : Yes, t h a t could p ot entially be e x tre m ely
awkward, co uld n’t it? W h a t a b o ut friends who
know you w ell?
O liv e r: I’d say it’s better to go with a professional
or aca d e mic referee than friends. The way I sec
it, friends can only really provide a ch aract er
reference and are not usually in a position to
co m ment on your perfor mance at work.
Grace: Yes, I agree. I thin k it’s b etter to resist
the t e m pt atio n of putting a friend, even though
you know they will sing your praises. Recent
grad u ates should d efinitely have an aca d e mic
referee.
O liv e r: Yeah, a personal tutor or the head of the
course or any of the lecturers t h a t th ey got on
well with.
G ra ce : Exactly. An aca d e mic reference can be
really useful if you did n’t g et the results you were
e x pecting, as t h ey can confirm the reasons for
this - if you were ill, for e x ample. In t h a t way a
bad result might not act u ally harm your chances
of getting a job.
O liv e r: T hat's a good point.
G ra ce : Basically, I think e m ployers contact
referees to confirm the facts on your CV, and so
long as your referees can back up the facts, then
you’ve got nothing to worry about.
O liv er: Well, yes, but you also wa nt your referees
to say lots of nice things a b o ut you. A n ot her
m p ortant thing is to give a copy of yo ur CV to
cur referee, which will then help the m when
they're ask ed to provide a reference.
Grace: Yeah, you’re right. It's a ma zing how many
people forget to do this. A n d then all you've got
to do is add the na m es and contact d etails to the
end of your CV.
O live r: Well, act u ally no. I'm not so sure I agree
Aith you on this one.
Grace: Wh a t do you m e a n?
O liver: In my opinion you don’t need to provide
the na mes and contact d etails of your references
n your CV. I think it’s a waste of valu a ble space,
esp ecially if you’re tryin g to get yo ur CV on a
single page.
Grace: Bu t how will your e m ployer co ntact your
^eferees?
O live r: Well, t h a t’s just it. I d on’t think a t this
stage of the application process t h a t t h ey’re
going to. You can sim ply put ‘References
availa ble on request' and then provide them later
on if yo u’re asked to. The aim of the CV is to get
.ou an interview, and I d o n ’t think any e m ployer
is going to spend their valu a ble time checking
references before t h ey’ve even met you and think
you could be the right person for the job.
Gra ce: Hmm, I h a d n’t really thou g ht of it like
that.
O liv e r: Plus, if you were planning to change jobs,
this would solve the p otential proble m of your
curre nt boss being co ntacte d by the co m pany
yo u’re a p plying for work with.
G ra ce : I can see yo ur point. Bu t wh at if I’ve got a
really impressive ref ere e? So m e o n e wh o’s going
to im press the potential future e m ployer?
O liv e r: Well, in that case I'd certainly think a b o ut
including them, if I had enough space.
mm 3.1
Feli x: Hello, Felix speaking.
Vicky: Hi, Felix. It’s Vicky.
Feli x: Hi, Vicky. It ’s good to hear from you. Wh a t
can I do for yo u?
Vicky: I’m after a bit of care er advice, actually.
Feli x: Re a lly? Are you changing jo bs?
Vicky: Hopefully, yes. I’ve been working for Green
Phar m ace u ticals for three years now, but I feel
my care er prospects here are rat h er limited.
Anyway, I’ve found a couple of interesting jobs
online.
Feli x: I see. So have you a p plied for any of the
jo bs?
Vicky: N o t yet, no. I have n’t written a cover lett er
for years and I’m not really sure w h at to put in
it. I wondere d wh eth er you’ve got any tips or
suggestions that could h elp?
Feli x: Cover letters are re ally i m p ortant, and I’ve
got some great tips t h at I give all jo b seekers.
Vicky: O h thanks, Felix.
Feli x: First of all, it’s e x tre m ely i m p orta nt t h at
you crea te a positive impression. If you're
sending your a p plication by post then you should
use good - quality, matching p a p er for your cover
letter and CV.
Vicky: Right.
Feli x: Also, re m e m b er not to be too informal as
you w a nt to sound as professional as possible. So
d o n ’t use any co ntractions - you know, write ‘I
a m ’ and not ‘I’m’, for example.
Vicky: Okay.
Feli x: Right. The most im p ortant thing to b ear in
mind is t h at every cover lett er should be written
specifically for the position you're a p plyin g for.
You should show t h a t you've read a b o ut the
company, done some research and thought
a b o ut the specific position you’re a p plyin g for.
Vicky: Wh a t, you mean I should investigate the
co m pany in more d epth, on the Int ern e t for
e x a m ple?
Feli x: Exactly. Find out as much as you possibly
can. Then, when you write yo ur letter, you should
conce ntrate on d e m onstratin g the skills t h at
are required for the post, wh at you can offer the
company.
Vicky: I see wh at you mean. Do you think I
should send a copy of my university degree
certificate with th e le tt e r?
Feli x: No, d on’t bother. If a co m pany wa nts to
see a ny docu m ents like that, t h ey’ll ask for them
later. I’ll tell you what. I’ll send you a copy of a
really good cover lett er and make so me notes
on it so you can see w h at I mean and use it for
inspiration.
Vicky: T han ks so much, Felix, yo u’ve been a
great help. I’ll let you know how I g et on with the
a p plication.
Feli x: No proble m. A n d if you need anything else,
just ask.
O liv er: Well, Grace, w h at do you think a b o ut this
as an opening for a cover le tt er?
G ra ce : I’m sorry to say, b ut I think it's a bit of a
disaster, Oliver. First of all, the a p plica nt hasn't
even mentioned wh at position th ey're applying
for, and in the second sentence t h ey have
o bviously just tak en a lot of p hrases straig ht
from the co m pany's own website, word for word.
O liv e r: Yes, I see wh at you mean. It’s really
im p ortant t h at the a p plica nt mak es it
im m e diately clear precisely wh at job t h ey’re
ap plying for. This e x a m ple is far too vague. And
when it co mes to co m pany phrases and mission
state m ents, it’d be much b ett er if t h e a p plicant
had put this into their own words.
G ra ce : I totally agree.
O liv e r: Now this ne x t cover lett er is much better.
The a p plica nt has specifically mentioned the
position t h ey’re a p plyin g for and also how they
found out a b o u t the job.
Grace: You’re right, b ut later on a t t h e end of
the paragrap h the a p plica nt claims t h a t t h ey’re
the right person for the jo b just because they are
intereste d in the position.
O liv e r: I know!
Grace: It simply isn’t logical to say t h a t yo u’re
suita ble for a jo b b ecause you’re intereste d in it.
I’m intereste d in medicine b ut I'm cert ainly not
qualified to be a doctor. The a p plica n t should’ve
conce ntrate d more on how their acade mic
back ground matches the re q uire m ents for the
job.
O liv e r: Wh a t do you think a b o u t the last
e x a m ple?
G ra ce : It starts off o k ay b ut the ending is far too
confident and boastful for me.
O liv e r: Definitely. T h e a p plica nt should have
toned down th e phrase ‘have a bsolutely no
d ou bt’ - it’s far too strong. A b e tt er altern ative
would be ‘I am confid ent t h a t ’ or ‘I believe t h a t’.
G ra ce : Yes. I also think t h a t ‘an indispensable
m e m b er’ is too strong. I’d prefer so mething
like ‘a valu a ble asse t’ or ‘a co m pete nt
ca n did a t e ’. They could have even re p hrase d the
sentence slightly and finished with ‘I believe
this e x p erie nce has provided me with the
qualifications, e x p erience and skills you are
looking for.’
O liv e r: Yes, I like that.
G r a c e : Wh a t do you thin k of the ending to this
cover letter, O liv e r?
O liv e r: Well, I like th e phrase ‘I would a p preciate
the o p p ortu nity to m e et with you to discuss my
cre d e ntials’ - it’s very polite and professional.
Bu t I’m not so keen on the first line. Very few
a p plica nts can b oast a b o u t having too much
e x p erience or too many skills to cover in their
letter. I think this is b est avoided.
G r a c e : Yes, I a gree with that. There are definitely
too many lett ers in which a p plica nts make
a ma zing claims wit ho ut having any evidence to
back the m up. W h a t a b o ut the ot h er e x a m ple?
O liv e r: I like it. It’s a good ending for me. The
tone is a p pro priate, it's te nt ative and polite.
Esp ecially the use of ‘might’ in the p hrase ‘how I
might co ntrib ute to your company'.
G r a c e : Yes. It's certainly positive. The only
thing I’d a d d is that, although it’s good th at
the a p plica nt has mentioned the co m pany's
goals, it’s i m p orta nt t h a t they really have a
good un derstan ding of wh at th ese goals are.
O t h erwise it’s going to be very difficult for
the m to e x plain how they are going to help the
co m p a ny fulfil the m when t h ey’re invited to an
interview.
O liv e r: You’re right. T h a t’s a good point. I also
like the fact t h at the a p plica nt has th an k e d the
co m p a ny for t h eir tim e and consideration.
G ra ce : Yeah. It's very polite and respectful.
N in a: Hi, Silvia. I understand t h at you are
pre p arin g for an interview.
Silvia : Yes, my interview is ne xt week and I’m
alre a d y really nervous.
N in a: Okay. So, le t’s start a t the beginning. Do
you know where the office is?
Silvia : No.
Nin a: Well, you need to make sure you know
e x actly where you’re going. I would suggest th at
you arrive a t the office a t least ten minutes e arly
so t h at you can e n t er the co m pany e x actly on
time. Take an u m brella in case it rains, and make
sure yo u ’ve got a co ntact tele p hone nu mber so
t h a t you can call if you get d elaye d on the way.
Silvia : T h a t ’s a g re a t idea. I was also going to
ask my friend, Jill, to give me a lift and come
along for so me su p p ort on the day. I thou ght I’d
m eet up with her to practise my English before
the interview as it’s going to be the first time I’ve
ever had an interview in English!
N in a: It's a good idea to meet a friend to practise
yo ur English before the interview, to get you
war m e d up if you like, b ut I wouldn’t ta k e anyone
into the building itself.
Silvia : O h. Wh y n o t?
N in a: You wa nt to d e m o nstra te your
independence, and yo u’ll only do this by arrivin g
on time on your own and a p p earin g rela x ed.
A n o t h er thing you should do is take a copy of
your resu me and e x a m ples of your work with
you.
Silvia : But I’ve alre a d y sent them to the
company.
N in a: Yes, I know. Bu t there's no reason why
you ca n’t take e x tra copies for yourself, and
a nyway they might not be a ble to find yours.
Mo st ca n did ates d on't do this, so it’ll impress
A u dioscrip t 87
the interviewer and show the m t h a t you’re
well - organised. During the interview it’s al m ost
certain t h at the interviewer will refer to things
written on your resume. Having a copy of your
own will help you to organise a successful
response.
Silvia : W h a t tips have you got on answerin g
q u estio ns?
Ni n a: Well, o bviously th ere are so me q uestions
t h a t you can predict you’re going to be asked
during the interview. So m e q uestions always
co me up, and others you know you’ll be asked
because of w h a t’s on your resume, or simply
b ecause of the job yo u’ve ap plie d for. You should
definitely spend so me tim e thinking a b o ut how
you might a nswer these questions, and learn
some impressive words and p hrases in English
to use at the interview. H o w ever I don't think it’s
a grea t idea to me morise long answers, as yo u’ll
see m mechanical and un natural.
Silvia : So you think I should practise some
e x pressions in English, b ut I sh o uld n’t try to
me morise co m plete a nsw ers?
Nin a: Exactly.
Silvia: An d wh at a b o ut w h a t I should wear for
the in terview? It’s for a co m m u nicatio ns agency
in central London.
N in a: Well, I would d efinitely suggest wearing
smart, formal clothes, esp ecially if it’s a job
dealing with clients or custo mers. A n d it's b e tt er
to tie or co m b your hair back.
Silvia : W h y ’s t h a t?
Ni n a: Ma kin g sure your hair isn’t covering your
eyes d e m o nstrates op en ness and suggests you
have nothing to hide.
Silvia : How interesting. I'd never thou g ht of it
like that.
Nin a: O h, one last thing.
Silvia : Yes?
Nin a: Do you use any of those social networking
sites, like Faceboo k, for e x a m ple?
Silvia : Yeah! I use Face b oo k all the time.
N in a: Em ployers often check a p plica nts out on
sites like these. It’s pretty much co m mon practice
for big City firms.
Silvia: Re ally? How scary!
N in a: Exactly. So check your privacy settings
so th at you can control who has access to your
page. And check the content of your site so t h at
wh at ever information they do see will help you
come across as a professional individual and
e x actly the type of person t h ey’d like to employ.
Silvia : T h a t’s a great idea. Than ks, Nina. You’ve
been a real help.
1 1 did n’t g et the position. M y a dvice would be to
Silvia : Hello. I’m here for an interview with Mr
Lewis. M y name is Silvia Carnali.
Re c e p tio n ist: Ah yes, Ms Carnali. Nice to meet
you. I’m afraid M r Lewis is in a meeting at. the
moment.
Silvia: T hat's quite all right. Shall I take a seat
and wait over t h ere?
Re c e p tio n ist: Yes, I'm sure he’ll be out in a
minute. Can I get you anything while you w a it?
Silvia : No, than k you, I’m fine. Actually, have you
got a co m pany brochure or so m ething I could
read a b o ut the co m p a ny?
Re c e p ti o n ist: Yes, of course. H ere ’s a recent
co m pany brochure.
Silvia : T h a t’s great. Than k you very much. By the
way, do you know how many people are being
interviewed for this j o b?
88 A u dioscrip t
Re c e p ti o n ist: As far as I know, t h ere ’s only two
of you scheduled for today, although I think there
might be a n o t h er ca n did ate to m orrow morning.
T h a t’s it, I think.
M a t t Lewis: Hello. You must be Silvia Carnali.
I’m M a t t Lewis.
Silvia : Yes, t h a t’s right. It’s a pleasure to meet
you.
M a tt: I’m sorry I’m late. O u r meeting overran
a bit.
Silvia : T h a t’s okay. I was j ust ad miring the office.
M a tt: So, Silvia - may I call you Silvia?
Silvia : O f course.
M a t t : How are yo u?
Silvia : I’m very well, than k you.
M a t t : Would you like a coffee or a drin k before
we b e gin?
Silvia : No, t h a n k you, I’m fine.
M a t t : Okay. Well, let’s go into my office then,
shall w e?
2 Wh e n you a nswer q uestions it’s also a good idea
K arl: Good morning. My na m e is Karl Osborne.
I’m Hea d of Pro d uction here a t the theatre. It’s
nice to m eet you a t last.
Ale x : Than k you. It's nice to m eet you too, Mr
Osborne.
K arl: Please, call me Karl.
Ale x : Than k you. And I’m Alex.
K arl: So, Ale x. Did you have any trou ble finding
us?
Ale x : No, no trou ble a t all. Your directions were
excellent.
K arl: How did you get h ere?
Ale x : Well, I got the train to Liverpool Str e e t and
then I got the tube.
K arl: So you managed to avoid the rain t h e n? I
can’t believe t h e weather a t the moment!
Ale x : I know. It’s awful, isn’t it? Still, it’s
sup posed to g et b etter by the weekend.
K arl: Let’s hope so. So, Ale x, how did you find
out a b o u t us? W e ’re quite a small t h ea tre and we
didn’t a dvertise t h e position in a lot of places.
Ale x : You were highly reco m m en de d to me by a
friend who works here. He heard a b o ut the job
and suggested I apply.
K arl: O h really, who was t h a t?
1 nothing worse than being stuck in a boring job
I re m e m b er the first interview I ever had for a
train eeship in the City. I had difficulty finding the
co m pany and had to run to the interview to avoid
being late. I arrive d covered in sweat. I m ust’ve
looked and sm elt terrible. It’s enough to say that
find o ut wh ere the office is before the interview
to avoid being late, and to use a good d eo d ora nt
before going in.
2 was inspired, and t h at I rarely make any
I used to be e x tre m ely nervous during interviews.
There was this one time when th ere was a panel
of three interviewers ra t h er t han just one. I
was al m ost sick when I walk ed in the door. My
voice starte d shaking throu g h out the interview.
I thought I was going to have a panic attack.
I’ve slowly learnt to overco m e this proble m. I try
to think positively and confidently and rela x. I
ta k e a couple of big deep breat hs before I go in
and then d uring the interview conce ntrate on
breat hin g slowly and ta king my tim e to answer
the q uestions as calmly as I can.
3
After four unsuccessful interviews I decided to
start practising my tech niq ue with a friend to try
and discover w h a t was going wrong. Im m e diately
my friend helped me to identify the proble m.
Wh e n I was a nswerin g the questions I had a
te n d e ncy to look at the floor and not back into
the int erviewer’s eyes. It was really o bvious as
soon as I realised wh at I’d been doing. Now I
make a real effort to look into the int erviewer’s
eyes, ta king care not to stare, though. It’s worked
for me.
4
In my first interview, not wanting to seem
scared or nervous, I leaned back in the chair as
I thought it would make me seem more rela x ed.
It was a terrible mistake. I must've looked like
a lazy te e n a g er watching TV. In my current job
I interview people on a reg ular basis and my
advice would be th at it’s im p ortant to sit up
straight during the interview, with your hands
either on your lap or on the arm of the chair.
to lean slightly forward and then lean back when
you've finished speaking. This will help the flow
of the interview as the interviewer will realise
when yo u’ve finished.
5
The last interview I had was for a secretarial
position with a big international accountancy
firm. I really wanted the job and was very e xcited
and nervo us a b o u t the interview. Right a t the
beginning of the interview, the interviewer
offered me a coffee. I was so nervous t h a t my
hands starte d shaking u ncontrollably and I
spilled it all over myself. I was so e m b arrasse d.
I got clea ne d up and then had the interview,
still smelling of coffee. A ma zingly I still got the
job. I’m sure they m ust’ve just felt sorry for me.
Bu t my a dvice would be never acce pt a ny drinks
during an interview, e xcept possibly a glass of
water, as there is far too grea t a risk of disaster,
esp ecially if your hands shake like mine do. Play
it safe and refuse the offer politely.
1
Well, I’ve never really thou ght a b o ut it. I suppose
I’d like to be m arrie d with kids, perhaps. My
sister’s got three kids, and t h ey’re really great.
I’d also like to be doing a jo b I enjoy. T h ere ’s
wh ere you have the sa me routine every day. It’d
be a job with lots of responsibility, but I suppose
not too much. I wouldn’t wa nt to get stressed. If
1 was lucky enough to get this job, it’d be great,
but I sup pose five years is a long time wit ho ut a
change, so I’d try to get a pro motion, if I could.
2
T h ey’d say I was a great le a d er and an essential
m e m b er of any tea m. T h ey’d say my ju d g e m e nt
mistakes.
3
Well, usually there needs to be a clear picture of
w h at the aims of the project are. So it’s essential
to sp ea k to everyon e involved before taking
a ny action. In my current job we use project
m a n a g e m e nt software to help us keep track of
w h at we have to do and when we have to do it.
O f course, it’s im p ortant t h a t so m eone keeps an
eye on w h e th er people are actually doing what
th ey’re su p pose d to be doing, and o bviously you
also need to deal with une x pected situatio ns as
th ey co me up.

I see myself doing a job I really enjoy. I’ll have
plenty o f responsibility, which will make me
proud of the work I do. Bu t I won’t be stressed,
because I'll make sure I only ta k e on w h a t I can
manage. If you offer me this job, I II e x p ect to
impress you enough with my attitu d e and my
results t h a t you’ll offer me a pro motion.
The first thing I do is mak e sure I've got a really
clear picture of what I need to achieve. Let me
give you an example. Last ye ar I manage d a
project to archive all our old custo m er billing
records, which were in huge piles of p a p er in
a storage room. So I needed to be really clear
a b o ut wh at information was im portant. I always
spea k to everyone involved before I take any
action. In this case, I spo k e to the a d min staff
who were actually going to use the archive,
as well as to their boss, to find out wh at they
needed. I always use project m anage m e nt
software to help me k eep track of w h at I have
to do and when I have to do it. This was really
im p ortant with my archivin g project, b ecause I
was managing quite a large tea m of people. Bu t
I also make sure I keep an eye on w h e th er my
tea m are actu ally doing wh at th ey’re sup posed
to be doing, and d on’t just rely on the software.
And I deal with une x pected situations as they
come up. For example, several m e m b ers of my
tea m went on sick leave, and I had to get some
te m p orary workers in and train the m up quickly
so I did n’t miss any deadlines.
In t e rvie w e r: Can you tell us so mething a b o ut
yourself?
A l e j a n d r o : Well, I’m 24. I recently gra d u ate d
from the University of Barcelo n a with a BSc in
Economics. I enjoy playing sports, esp ecially
tennis and b ask etball. O ur bask et ball tea m got
to the regional final in my last ye ar a t university.
In t e rvie w e r: Wh a t did you learn during your time
a t u niversity?
A l e j a n d r o : I studied Economics. And, well, I
learnt a lot a b o ut econo mics, microeconomics,
macroeconomics, positive econo mics, and how
econo mies work as econo mic syste ms, and wh at
the relationship is between econo mic players in
society.
In t e rvie w e r: Wh a t kinds of things do you worry
a b o ut?
A l e j a n d r o : I worry a b o u t quite a lot of things.
I worry a b o ut the environ ment. I worry a b o ut
my work. My work is e x tre m ely i m p orta nt and
I can be a perfectionist a t times, everythin g has
to be just right. If t h ere ’s so mething wrong with
a project I'm working on, then I can get really
frustrate d and worrie d until it’s sorte d out. I had
a problem like this last week, but it was o kay
in the end. I also worry a b o u t catching tropical
diseases when I go on holiday.
In t e rvie w e r: Would you say yo u’re an a m bitious
p erso n?
A l e j a n d r o : Yes, I would say t h at I’m a mbitious.
Definitely.
Gra ce: The first question was ‘tell us so mething
a b o ut yourself. Here Alejan dro mak es two major
mistakes. Firstly, his response is too short - all
your answers should be between 2 0 seconds and
two minutes. Secondly, he has mad e the common
mistake of simply re p eatin g d etails from his CV.
You should use this o p p ort u nity to d e m o nstrate
your skills a nd e x p erience relevant for the post
you are being interviewe d for.
N ow his second a nswer a b o u t wh at he learnt
a t university sounds impressive, but it’s a bit
confusing. It feels like Aleja n dro has just listed
so me of the o ptions on his degree course and he
d oesn't d e m o nstra te t h a t he has le arn t anything.
He d oesn’t go into enough detail or relate his
answer to the re q uire m e nts of the position.
With this question I think the e m ployer is really
intereste d in real -life transf era ble skills t h at
Aleja n dro will be a ble to use in the position he
has a p plied for.
Wh e n Aleja n dro starts talking a b o ut the kinds of
things he worries a b o u t I think the interviewer
would really start to get a bit worrie d a t this
point! His a nswer a b o u t work is okay but he
goes on far too long. I thin k he mentioned the
environ m ent to sound serious b ul he did n't go
into any detail, and his f ear of tropical diseases,
well, th at's not so mething I’d share in an
interview! If I were Aleja n dro, I’d stick to common
professional concerns and keep my answer brief.
The question a b o u t w h e th er Aleja n dro is an
a m bitious person is an e xcellent o p p ortu nity
to talk a b o u t ca re er plans which include your
prospective e mployer. D o n’t mention any
professional o bjectives if th ey don't include
the organisation t h at is interviewing you. It ’s
b est to talk a b o ut how you are looking forward
to d eveloping a lasting relationship with the
co m pany interviewin g you.
In t e rvie w e r: Can you tell us so mething a b o ut
yourself?
A l e ja n d r o : Well, I’m m otivate d and I p ul a lot of
effort into everythin g I do, wh et h er I’m studying
a t university, a t work or even when I’m playing
sport. During my last ye ar a t university I was
captain of the bask et ball team. I had to organise
matches and m otivate th e players. As captain
it was essential t h a t I was a ble to co m municate
effectively and get along with every b o dy in the
tea m ... and for the first time in ye ars our team
managed to reach the regional final. We did n’t
win, unfortunately, but leading the tea m to the
final was a big achieve m e nt for me.
In t e rvie w e r: W h a t did you learn during your
time a t u niversity?
A l e ja n d r o : O h, lots of things. My Econo mics
d egree was very practical, and there were
many ele m ents of the d egree t h a t could be
ap plie d to the b usiness world. I had a nu m ber
of challenging assign ments, which often had to
be co m pleted within a short period of time. This
helped me to develop my prioritising skills and
ability to work to tig ht deadlines.
In t e rvie w e r: W h a t kinds of things do you worry
a b o u t?
A l e j a n d r o : I worry a b o u t normal things, the
sa me as every b o dy else, I think. I worry a b o ut
meeting d ea dlines and getting everythin g done
on time. I used to worry a b o ut d at a on my
co m p uter quite a bit. Now I back up all my data
on an e x ternal hard drive, so t h a t everythin g
is protected. This way I’ve got one less thing to
worry about.
In t e rvie w e r: Wo uld you say yo u’re an a m bitious
p erso n?
A l e j a n d r o : Yes, I would say th at I'm ambitious.
I’m very keen to get a jo b with a co m p a ny such
as yours where I can m a k e full use of my degree
and professional e x perience. I am a dedicate d
worker and would hope to gain internal
pro motion based on my perfor mance a t work.
G r a c e : ‘W h a t do you see as your stre n g t h s?’
This is such a co m mon question and so often it's
waste d! It ’s a golden o p p ortu nity to concentrate
on yo ur strengths and why you are the right
ca n did ate for t h e post.
O liv e r: I agree. Although it's not a good idea just
to claim t h at you’re really good a t certain things
wit ho ut also giving so me evidence to prove th at
these claims are true. A p plica nts need to use
evide nce from th eir e x p erience to su p p ort what
they say.
G r a c e : I think it’s also im p ortant t h at they use
confident, direct language, such as ‘I am good a t ’
rat h er than using weaker, te nt ative language like
‘Well, I think I’m quite good a t’.
O liv e r: Right. An interview is not a time to be
modest a b o ut your strengths and abilities. You’ve
got to sell yourself. How a b o ut ‘W h a t university
did you atte n d and why did you choose i t?’
G ra ce : I chose my university as it was the closest
to home!
O liv e r: Bu t you would n’t say t h a t in an interview,
would yo u?
G r a c e : No, not a t all. Wit h this question the
university t h a t so m eone chooses isn’t as
i m p orta nt as their reasons for selecting it. The
question is assessing an a p plica nt’s reasoning
ability. So, you should focus on the aca d e mic and
e d ucatio nal reasons involved in your decision.
For e xample, ‘I chose to go to this university
b ecause it had a good English d e p art m e n t’.
O liv e r: Exactly. I d also stress t h at the decision
was your own and not your p arents’.
G ra ce : ‘W h a t are your w e a k n e sses?’ W h a t do
you thin k of a p plica nts t h a t say th ey have no
w ea k n esses?
O liv e r: Well, I’d think t h at t h ey’re lying or
co m pletely lacking a ny sort of self - awareness.
G r a c e : I would use this question to give a
wea k ness t h a t could be perceived as a strength,
such as ‘I can be a bit of a perfectionist’.
Although I would avoid personal characteristics
t h a t could be perceived as serious ch aract er
flaws.
O liv e r: Hmm. I’m not sure I agree. I would state
a knowledge - based weak ness, for e x a mple
needing to improve IT skills, arid then go on to
t alk a b o ut the things you are doing to re m e dy
this proble m. Now, wh at a b o ut ‘Wh a t do you like
doing in your spare ti m e?’
G r a c e : Ah. W h a t interviewers are looking for
here are your transf era ble skills.
O liv e r: Yes, exactly. So so m ebo dy who likes
tea m sports is likely to be b ett er a t working in a
tea m, whereas individual sports might indicate
d et er minatio n and self - motivation. Sayin g
t h at you play chess suggests intelligence and
a nalytical skills.
G r a c e : Right. I think t h e b est advice here is to be
specific and try to include so mething unusual, as
this will raise the interviewer's interests and help
the m to re m e m b er you over oth er candidates.
It’s a sha me t h a t so many a p plica nts just say
so mething general such as travelling or reading.
O liv e r: I agree. If they are going to say that, they
should a t least be specific a n d talk a b o ut places
t h ey’ve travelle d to, and the typ es of books they
enjoy reading. Also, it’s great if you can identify
interests t h at share characteristics with the
req uire m ents for the job. This would obviously
im press a ny interviewer.
G r a c e : T h a t’s a grea t piece of advice.
A u dioscrip t 89
 4.11
In t e rvie w e r: W h a t do you see as your stre n g ths?
Lidia: I am organised and a p ply a syste matic
a p proach to my work. I believe in good time
m anage m ent. This e n a bles me to get work done
in time. I'm also a ble to prioritise my work and
work under pressure if d ea dlines are moved
forward. For e xample, in my last jo b there were
q uieter perio ds and periods of high activity when
th ere was a lot of pressure to co m plete tasks on
time. I i m ple mente d a new syste m for managing
the workloa d in our tea m and planning a head.
This way we were a ble to share the work more
effectively and always ensure that we had the
ca pacity to deal with increase d pressure a n d any
une x pected problems.
Ra f a : Well, t h a t ’s a difficult q uestion to answer. I
think I’m a very hard work er a n d so m e bo dy who
takes pride in my work. Bein g very d et er min e d
m eans that I always make sure t h at I co m plete
work th at I set myself. I’m reliable a n d good at
working with ot h er people. I can spea k French
and Spanish fluently and d efinitely feel I have the
skills t h a t this job requires.
In t e rvie w e r: W h a t university did you atte n d and
why did you choose it?
Lidia: I did a lot of research into universities,
both a broa d and in Sp ain. In the end I decided to
go to the University of Barcelo n a as it was clear
th at its Econo mics d e p art m e nt had an e xcellent
reputation. I’m also intereste d in doing an
Internatio nal M B A a t the Instituto de Em presa in
Ma d rid in the future.
Ra f a : Well, I wasn’t sure to be honest but Sevilla
university was the easiest option as it was
closest, a n d also my p arents really wa nte d me
to go there.
In t e rvie w e r: W h a t are yo ur w e a k n esses?
Lidia: Well, my French is a bit rusty, so I have
recently st art e d evening classes to improve it. I
used to be a bit disorganised a t university but
I’ve starte d using to-do lists, which has ena bled
me to prioritise tasks more efficiently.
Ra f a : T h a t’s a difficult question. I’d have to
say t h a t my main wea k n esses are t h a t I a m a
p erfectionist and insist on everythin g being just
right, and t h a t I am quite stub born a t times.
In t e rvie w e r: Wh a t do you like doing in your
spare ti m e?
Lidia: I enjoy playing volleyball and was ca ptain
of the tea m during my last ye ar a t university.
I still play re gularly for a local club and love
going away with the tea m for m atches against
other clubs. I’m also a keen traveller. During
the su m m er last ye ar I sp e nt a month in Africa
working with volu nteers a t a national reserve. I’m
currently planning an e x pedition to Thailan d.
Ra f a : In my free time I enjoy reading, going to
the cine ma, travelling and I also go swim ming
twice a week.
M 4.12
M a t t : W h a t do you know a b o u t Futerra and why
would you like to work h ere?
Silvia : Well, before a p plying for this position I
did some research into the m ark et and Futerra
ca me o ut on top. I know t h a t Futerra is a small
organisation, which is just wh at I’m looking for.
I had a look a t yo ur we bsite and could see t h at
you work with a varie ty of people, from informing
journalists a b o ut climate change to developing
co m munication strate gies for NG Os, businesses
and the govern ment. This im pressed me a lot.
D a n: T h a t’s great to hear, b ut can you tell us why
this impressed yo u?
90 A u dioscrip t
Silvia : Well, it’s really so mething t h a t a ttract e d
me to Futerra. The fact t h at you work with lots of
different clients in various sectors means there
would pro b a bly be a varie ty of interesting and
different projects to get involved in.
M a t t : T h a t ’s true. And w h a t a ttract e d you to the
position of Ju n i o r C o nsulta nt?
Silvia : Well, one of my strengths is developing
co m munication strategies, and I've been
looking for an organisation t h at does a lot
of co m munication and m ark eting work, as
well as d ealin g with environ m ental issues.
Basically, I’d like a position wh ere I could use
my co m munication e x p erience on projects that
p ersonally a p p eal to me. The Ju n i o r Consultant
post co m bines these two are as a t a co m pany
with a well - established reputation.
M a t t : You mentioned t h a t you looked at our
website. W h a t did you think of it?
Silvia : I th ou g ht it was very a ttractive and
professional, really e xcellent. You ca m e across
online as an exciting, dyn a mic place to work.
It's clear from your website t h at Futerra is quite
a small company, which means t h a t everyb o dy
has got to work well as a t ea m, with everyb o dy
playing an im p ortant role.
D a n: Wo uld n ’t you prefer to work for a bigger
org a nisatio n?
Silvia : No. I would rath er work in this sort of
enviro n m e nt where the i m p act of your work is
clearer and more im mediate, than work for a
huge multinational co m pany wh ere I think I’d feel
lost, a tiny p art of a huge machine. I definitely
feel, from everyt hin g I’ve learnt a b o u t Futerra,
that this is the type of organisation I’d like to
work for.
M a t t : Well, Dan, what did you thin k of h er?
D an: I liked her. Sh e'd cert ainly done her
ho mework on us. I mean, I was very impressed
when she said t h a t before a p plying for the
position sh e ’d done a lot of research into the
mark et and t h a t we had co me o ut on top. It was
clear t h a t sh e ’d really looked hard a t our website.
M a t t : Yes, I agree.
D an: I think she's the first ca n did ate th at knew
that we work with a wide varie ty of clients, and
had identified who these clients were.
M a t t : T h a t’s true. I also liked the fact t h at she
was confid ent and sup ported her claim t h a t she
understood the issues we deal with. I ca m e away
feeling th at she really does understand a lot
a b o ut sustainability.
D a n: Yes, and her recent work e x p erience and
k nowledge from her MSc definitely fit in with
wh at w e ’re looking for. Lots of a p plica nts have
looked grea t on paper, but she really see m ed to
know w h a t w e ’re a b o ut and wh at t h e job here
would involve.
4.14
In t e rvie w e r: W h a t skills a n d e x p eriences do you
have t h at are relevant for this p osition?
Su s a n a : I thin k the position of sales assistant
requires so m e b o dy who has got good custo m er
service skills. In my last jo b a t Alton Towers
T h e m e p ar k I was responsible for selling
souvenirs, so I am used to d ealin g with
customers. Initially I was only responsible for
o perating various rides, b ut as I can spea k both
Italian and English fluently, and have a good
co m mand of French, I was asked to work in the
gift shop instead. This period of e m ploy m e nt
also gave me valu a ble e x p erie nce of managing
people, as after two wee ks in the shop I was
pro moted to senior sales assistant, where I
manage d two oth er e mployees. Wh e n I was at
university in Turin, before moving to En glan d last
summer, I used to be t h e ca ptain of the fe male
volleyball tea m, which included managing the
tea m a n d also the finances for playing fees. I
think the lea dership skills t h at I have developed
both at university and in my last job are very
relevant for this position. So, to sum up, I feel
I am a highly effective co m municator, fluent in
Italian and English and very proficient in French.
I can work well un der pressure and am a ble to
d ele g ate effectively. Flaving worked with a varie ty
of different t ea ms I would say I have a proven
track record in tea mwork.
mm 4.15
D a n: How do your skills and e x perience match
the req uire m ents for t h e position of Ju n i o r
C onsultant at F u t e rr a?
Silvia: Well, I think I'm suita ble for the position
a t Fu t erra b ecause I un derstan d the issues you
deal with and am passionate a b o u t the m. Four
years ago I joine d Gre e n p eace and have been
an active m e m b er ever since. Following my BA I
found out a b o ut an exciting project in Kenya and
spent six months there e ducating local people
a b o ut the need for reforestation. T h a t’s really
when I starte d getting interested in sustaina bility
and also when I starte d learnin g a b o ut different
co m munication strategies. For e xample, our
tea m found that simply putting up posters didn't
really have much of an impact, but going and
talking to respected m e m b ers of the co m munity
and getting them to talk to others was much
more effective. Wh e n I was at university I was the
co m m u nications officer of t h e stu dent union and
I was responsible for d ealin g with sup pliers and
oth er stu dent organisations. So I’ve got quite a
lot of co m munication e x perience. I know yo u’re
also looking for so meone who's good a t research.
For my dissertation for my M A I’m researching
how best to co m m u nicate reforestation issues,
building on my own practical e x periences gained
in Kenya. So to sum up, I thin k I'm suita ble for
the position at Futerra for three reasons. Firstly,
I've d one a lot of co m m unication work. Secondly,
I’m a good te a m worker, and finally, because I
have a good un derstan ding of the sustaina bility
issues this agency d eals with.
5.1
Well, during my studies I used to su p p ort myself
by working part - time in a law office. Most of the
time it work e d well. I could manage my time so
t h a t I could work when I did n’t have lectures.
Also, it really helped me with my studies to
have so me real -life e x p erie nce to su p port the
theoretical input I was getting a t university. Bu t
then in my final year, I was offered the chance
to g et involved in a really high - powered case
with a m ajor m ultinational client who wanted
to ta k e over a local company. I was very keen to
get involved b ecause it was e x actly the sort of
e x p erience I needed. The proble m was, it was at
e x actly the sa me time as my exam session. I had
to choose b etween studying for my e x a ms and
getting involved in the case ...
A few years ago my college got involved in a
co m petition a gainst oth er colleges to design and
build in novative labour - saving devices. It was just
a bit of fun, b ut the idea was t h at we'd develop
our practical design and engineering skills as well
as our a bility to co o p erate with each o t h er and
share tasks. O n e of my frien ds ca me up with a
t n lli a n t idea, a pram p usher for getting b abies
to sleep, and put to g e th er a design. The other
g v .s did some great creative stuff, making it look
eally cool and working on the mechanics. My
ro4e, although crucial, was a bit less gla morous,
res gning the electronics to actu ally make it
i - ork. It was a fairly straightforward job, so I
« anted to be a bit more creative ...
- ro b a bly the best e x a m ple is when I used to
*o r k as an accounts assist ant in a factory.
- though my work was mostly a d ministrative,
•'em time to time I had to deal with unpaid
invoices, which m ea nt contacting custo m ers
and re minding them t h a t they needed to pay.
O bviously this was an are a th at required strong
customer service skills. T here was one time when
o ne of our regular custo mers, a guy who ran
'i s own tra nsp ort company, sud denly stopped
paying his invoices, and wo uld n’t reply to a ny of
my emails. M y boss told me to phone and tell
~im we were going to stop supplying him with
goods ...
1 G ra ce : So basically, b ehavioural co m petencies
^he proble m was, it was a t e x actly the sa me time
as my exam session. I had to choose between
studying for my e x a ms and getting involved
n the case. Well, I spo k e to my professor at
university to e x plain the situation, b ut he told
me it would be im possible to rearran g e the
exams. O bvio usly th ere was no way I'd e x pect
the ta k e over to wait for a b ett er tim e for me. I
considered trying to do both, and p erha ps doing
ess revision than I needed, b ut my e x a ms were
too im p ortant for me to take any risks. In the end
I had to put my stu dies first. Wh e n I e x plained
this to my employer, they were act u ally very
supportive, and when they saw how disa p pointe d
: was a t missing the opportunity, th ey made sure
l got more involved in the ne xt big case th at
ca me up. T hat hap pene d a few m onths later,
and it was a fantastic e x perience. And b ecause
I d had a chance to study properly, I passed my
e xams with a very good grade. So it all worked
out in the end.
My role, although crucial, was a bit less
glamorous, designing the electronics to actually
make it work. It was a fairly straig htforward job,
so I wa nte d to be a bit more creative. Anyway,
I put to gether the electronics very quickly, but
I wanted to try so mething new, so I starte d
playing arou n d with e x tra feat ures - a re m ote
control, a timer, different speed settings, t h at
sort of thing. I’d never done anything like t h at
oefore, but it was a grea t way to learn. The
other guys in the tea m really liked my ideas,
so they a d a pt e d their designs slightly to take
a dvanta g e of my modifications. In the end we
won the co m petition, and the judges specifically
mentioned my e x tra f eatures as an im p ortant
factor in our success. An d, of course, I le arnt a lot
of new skills in the process.
3 and pre p are these stories before the interview,
My boss told me to phone and tell him we were
going to stop supplying him with goods, and
to threate n legal action. I wanted to be a bit
more d elicate because I’d built up q uite a good
relationship with the custo m er over the tim e
I’d worked there. So I called him to find out if
everything was okay. It turned out his accountant
had been ta k en ill and he was tryin g to do
everythin g himself, and had got into a mess.
So m e of his ot h er sup pliers were thre at e nin g him
with legal action, and he j ust could n’t deal with
all those proble ms and k eep his business going
at the sa me time. I a gre e d to give him a nother
month to repay, and we co ntinue d sup plying him
during t h a t time. This gave him the freedo m to
hire a te m p orary acco u ntant, and within a few
days he’d managed to sort everythin g out. So
we act u ally ended up getting paid within a week,
and from then on he was a perfect customer,
and reco m m en d e d us to plenty of o t h er new
customers.
Grace: So, Oliver, wh at is a competency - based
question, and how are th ey different from
tra ditio nal interview q u estio ns?
O live r: Well, b asically in a tra ditional interview,
the interviewer will ask you q uestions focused
on wh et h er you have the skills and k nowledge
needed to do the job. Wh e re as competency -
based interview q uestions go much further,
asking you a d ditional q uestions a b o ut your
ch aract er and personal attrib utes, to see if
yo u’ll fit in to the culture of the co m pany yo u’ve
ap plied for work with.
are the ch aract er traits and b ehavio ur
q ualities of an individ ual, such as the a bility to
co m m u nicate effectively, leadership skills and
so o n?
O live r: Exactly. Now in the past it might have
been enough to stat e t h a t you were a tea m
le a d er on your CV, b ut e m ployers have quickly
realised t h a t this d oesn’t g u ara nt ee th at
you have good lea dership skills. Now yo u’ve
got to prove these skills in an interview, and
interviewers have d evelo p e d co mpetency - based
questions in ord er to find out if you have these
attrib utes. In these q uestions the interviewer will
be looking for evide nce of how you acte d in real
situations in the p ast t h a t d e m o nstra te these
co m petencies.
G ra ce : Bu t wo uld n’t a ca n did ate have stated
these co m p ete ncies in t h eir CV?
O liv e r: Perh a ps briefly, b ut not in any real detail
as t h ere ’s not enough space on a CV to go into
any real depth a b o u t a specific situation and
how you d e alt with it. T h a t’s wh at an interview
is all about. Interviewers will cert ainly ta k e your
CV and cover lett er as a startin g point, b ut then
th ey’ll go into much more depth, trying to assess
w h et h er yo u’re the right person for the jo b and
the company.
Grace: Is it possible to pre p are for a
competency - based q uestio n?
O liv e r: Definitely, and it’s essential t h at you do.
Co mpetency - based q uestions are looking for
stories of your actio ns in the past, and it’s these
stories t h at provide evidence of your skills and
co m petencies. It’s all a b o ut proving you have the
right skills and p erso nality for the position.
G ra ce : So you’re saying t h at ca n did ates should
pre p are stories that d e m o nstrate evide nce of the
co m petencies n ee de d for a p articular jo b?
O liv e r: Yes. A n d it’s essential that, ca n did ates
identify wh at co m p ete ncies are nee d e d for a job,
otherwise it’s likely t h a t th eir mind will go blank
in the middle of the interview and they will be
stuck with nothing to say. O r worse, they will
simply re p e at word - for - word wh at is writt e n on
th eir CV, which the interviewer has alre a d y read.
Grace: Are co mpetency - based q uestions
common in interviews th ese d ays?
O liv e r: Definitely. C ertainly in western - based
cultures, they have b eco m e al m ost stan dard
practice in all interviews.
N eil: Hello, Vicky. My na me is Neil Forrest, and
this is my colleague Ju li a Smith. First of all, we’d
like to than k you very much for co ming here
today. W e ’ve read your CV a n d cover lett er but
wo n d er if you could tell us a little bit more a b o ut
your ed ucational b ack gro u n d?
Vic k y: Yes, o f course. I grew up and we nt to
school in Hong Kong. After t h a t I went to City
University in Hong Kong where I co m pleted a
b ach elor’s d e gree in Business A d ministration.
A ft er t h a t I moved to Ma nchester, where I
co m pleted a M a s t e r ’s in Pu blic Relatio ns at
Ma nch est er Me tro p olita n University.
N eil: Could you tell us so mething a b o u t your
e d ucational b ack gro u n d?
Pi e t e r: Yes, of course. I did my first d e gree at
the University of Rott er da m. T hat was a fantastic
e x p erience because it was my first tim e living
away from my parents, so it really ta u g ht me
how to be in de p e n d ent, and of course how to
manage conflicting priorities and deadlines. I
managed to co m bine good aca d e mic results with
active m e m bership of several sports tea ms. I
re presente d my university in a national rowing
co m petition, which was a wonderful e x perience.
Then when I was in the second year, I was offered
th e o p p ort u nity to ta k e p art in an e xchange
progra m me at the University of St Petersburg.
M y university was trying to build up a good
relationship with p art n ers in Russia, and they
were d esp era te for volunteers. I thou ght it
would be a once -in - a -lifetime opportunity, so
I volu nteere d. I e n d e d up having a fantastic
ye ar there, and made friends with people from
all over the world. Wh e n I ca me back, I had a
stu d e nt place m e nt in my third year, when I spent
three months doing so me m ark et research at a
bank. They were trying to find ways of improving
custo m er service, so I helped set up a focus
group and analyse the results. Then after my
first degree, I moved to A m erica to co m plete a
Psycholo gy M a j o r a t Yale.
N eil: As you know, t h e position here at Clyde
<St Jo h n s o n ’s requires so m e b o dy with strong
co m munication and orga nisational skills. Could
you tell us a b o u t a ti m e when you had to use
th ese skills a t w or k?
Vick y: Yes, of course. A t the m o ment I spend
a lot of time travellin g between Asia and
Euro p e working with regional tea ms organising
e d ucational events, so I use both of these skills
on a re g ular basis. Let me give you an example.
As you know, the Chinese m ark et is growing in
all areas, including p har m aceuticals. However,
a t the time, Green Phar m ace u ticals felt they
did n’t have enough contacts in China. It was clear
t h a t the situation wasn't very good for us. We
needed to improve things. So in ord er to increase
our n u m b er of co ntacts in China I decide d to
organise a p har m ace utical conference in Beijing.
It was my responsibility to ensure t h at all the
right people were invite d. I really had to use all
my skills a t co m municating, in both English and
Ma n d arin, to persua d e people to participate. In
the end my hard work resulted in a successful
conference, with o ur e m ployees meeting and
talking to the right people. As a m att er of fact
this conference was such a success t h a t it is
now an annual event, a n d has led directly to
closer professional relatio nships b etween Green
Phar m ace u ticals and key contacts in China.
A u dioscrip t 91
mm 5.7
N eil: Tell me a b o ut a time when you had to
resolve a difficult situation.
Vicky: Okay. There was a tim e when I was
organising a conference here in London. It was
a couple of months ago, and it was a really
im p ortant conference. Anyway, what hap pene d
was one of the main guest speak ers, who was
due to give the opening ad dress, had his flight
cancelled and wasn't sure if he was going to
make it on time. It was very im p ortant the
p articip a nts were happy with the conference,
and I knew they would be disa p p ointe d if he
did n’t show up. So I decided to try and find
a n o th er flight for the speaker. Aft er a bit of
negotiatin g with a different airline, I managed
to get him booked onto a slightly la ter flight.
Unfortu nately this m eant th at even if he ca me
straig ht from the airp ort, he would still be a
bit late for the opening address. I took a risk
and hoped that he wasn’t going to be delayed
a ny more. As soon as he’d landed I contacted
him, and when I knew he was in a ta xi and on
his way, which was a b o u t five minutes before
he was sup posed to be on stage, I got up on
the stage. I then told the p articip a nts a b o ut the
situation and I invited them to have so me coffee
and cak es while we waite d, which I'd organised
beforehand. Actually, they liked this, as it was a
chance to network a little and get to know so me
of the other conference participants. Wh e n the
sp e a k er did finally arrive, it was act ually difficult
to g et every b o dy back in the main hall. In the
end I managed to keep every b o dy ha p py and
ensure t h at the conference went as sm oothly as
possible.
Ja r e k : Hi, O livia. It’s great to see you. How are
yo u?
O livia : I’m fine. Lots of work, as usual, but I’m
really enjoying it at the moment. Anyway, I’ve
got a couple of wee ks off co ming up, which I’m
looking forward to. So, I’ve heard you’ve got an
interview here on Friday. T h a t’s great. I knew
yo u’d g e t short - listed.
Ja r e k : I know, it’s great, but now I’m a bit
stressed a b o ut the interview! I was wonderin g
if you could give me an idea a b o ut the sorts of
q uestions they might ask me.
O livia : Sure. M y last interview was a while ago
now, but I thin k I can re m e m b er w h a t it was like.
An d I can even tell you wh at it’s like from the
ot h er side as I interview people myself now! Do
you know w h o ’s interviewing yo u?
Ja r e k : No, but it was a wo man called Sa bin e
Griffin who sent me the e mail, inviting me in.
O livia : Oh! If it’s Sa bine, yo u ’ll be fine - sh e ’s
really nice, super organised. Although you’re
likely to be interviewed by two or possibly three
people, not just her.
Ja r e k : I thou g ht so. So any tips on what t h ey’ll
be looking f or?
O livia : Well, first of all, they are going to w a nt to
know why you left your last job, w h a t was wrong
with it.
Ja r e k : I hate d my last job, I co uld n’t stand the
boss. He used to drive me cra zy!
O livia : I know, but o bviously you should n’t say
a nything ne gative a b o ut him or your last job.
You’ve got to be positive and think of a n ot her
good reason for leaving. You should try not to
mention any wea k nesses or ne gatives a t all
during the whole interview. You did quit, didn't
yo u?
92 A u dioscrip t
Ja r e k : Yes, I han d e d in my notice and left as
soon as I could. So what do you think I should
sa y?
O livia : Perso n ally I’d say so mething like,
'Although I really liked my job, and the people
I was working with, I did n’t feel I was being
stretched enough. I’m looking for a position in
which I can d evelop my professional skills further.’
Sou n ds impressive, d oesn't it?
Ja r e k : Yes, I like it, and it’s p artly true, but it
wasn't the main reason I left.
O livia: I know, but you’ve got to play the
game. O f course you sh o uld n’t lie a b o ut your
back ground, q ualifications and e x perience, but
yo u’ve got to focus on the positives in every
question and avoid any negatives. You should
never say anything negative a b o ut yourself in the
interview.
1 the last t hree years. However, I’m looking for an
Well, in the past I so m etim es used to
procrastinate a little. T h ere were ti m es when I
used to put things off until the last minute, when
co m pleting an essay for university for example.
Bu t I realised t h a t p erha ps this wasn’t the most
effective way of working and so I starte d setting
a strict schedule for all my projects well in
a dvance and set myself personal deadlines. Using
a schedule has really helped me and I’m much
b etter organised now and a ble to ta k e on more
projects a t the sa me time.
Hmm. M y w e a k n esses? Let me think. Well, in
a nswer to your question you mentioned th at the
staff here use A p ple Macintosh co mputers. I am
not very fa miliar with A p ple Macs and I’m used
to using Windows. However, I m anage d to learn
how to use a n u m b er of pro gra ms very quickly on
my own and I’m sure I’d get used to using Ap ple
Macs very quickly. I really enjoy using co m puters
and new gadgets, and I’m always keen to learn
how to use new technology.
3 Ale x : Bye.
We a k n esses? Well, I can be a bit of a workaholic
and always get very involved in every project
t h a t I work on. I’m happy to spend a lot of time
and energy making sure t h at every project is as
successful as possible. So, occasionally, when I
feel th at ot h er m e m b ers of t h e tea m might not
be working as hard, I can get a little frustrate d.
I’m aware of this proble m, and I try to solve
situations like this by being e x tre m ely positive
and enthusiastic.
5.10
i a d m inistra tor’s got to work with everyb o dy at
I occasionally have a little difficulty making
decisions. This is because I pay a lot of atte ntion
to detail a n d make sure t h at every single decision
I make is the b est decision possible. Basically,
I’m so m e b o dy who carefully consid ers all of the
availa ble options before making a choice.
I used to be a bit too stu b born and it was
so m etim es hard to get me to change my mind.
A former colleague of mine told me t h at I was
beco ming difficult to work with. Well, ever since
then I have put significant effort into my team-
working skills and now I actively ask for advice
and suggestions from my colleag ues when
making decisions. Last ye ar I was even ask ed to
chair wee kly staff meetings while our boss was
away on business.
Wh e n working on projects I am a ‘big picture’
person. This means t h at from time to tim e I
might miss so me minor details. I've been aware
of this for so me time. So now when I’m managing
a project I make sure t h a t I have the sup port I
need to keep an eye on specific minor details,
leaving me free to co nce ntrate on managing the
entire project. I think successful m anage m e nt is
a b o ut getting the right tea m to g eth er and then
co m pletely trusting them to do the job you’ve
given them.
In t e rvie w e r: Well, your job sounds very
interesting. Considering the fact t h at you are now
seeking e m ploy m e nt with us, w h at is it a b o ut
your jo b t h a t you disli k e?
A d a m : I enjoy a great deal a b o u t my curre nt job
and have gained a lot of valu a ble e x p erience in
o p p ort u nity to co ntrib ute these skills to a larger
orga nisatio n such as yours. I’m seeking fresh
challen ges and the p ossibility to develop f urther
professionally.
Jo h n : Hello. Can I spea k to Ale x Menck en please?
Ale x : This is Ale x. How can I help yo u?
Jo h n : Hello, Ale x. M y na me is Jo h n Bra dsha w
and I’m calling from King's T h e atre regarding
your recent a p plication for a position with us. Is
this a good ti m e for yo u?
Ale x : O h, I’m very hap py you called.
Unfort u nately I have a b o ut ten minutes before I
have to leave. Is th at enough time, or can you call
back la t er this aft ern o o n?
Jo h n : T h at would be fine. W h a t time is good for
yo u? I’m free after 2pm.
Ale x : How a b o u t 2 . 3 0?
Jo h n : Perfect. I’ll call you at 2.3 0.
Ale x : Great. I look forward to it.
Jo h n : Yes. So do I. Sp e a k to you later. Goodbye.
5.13
Jo h n : A large p art of the job is managing the
logistics of the th eatre performances.
Ale x : I’m sorry, could you say t h at a g ain? I did n’t
quite catch w h a t you said.
Jo h n : Yes. O f course. A large p art of the
job is managing th e logistics of the t h ea tre
performances.
Ale x : Could you tell me wh at t h a t would involve?
Jo h n : Well, basically, it m eans t h at the artistic
the t heatre, from the p erfor m ers the mselves
right down to front - of house staff, security,
technical people, stage manage ment, and so on,
to ensure th at the p erfor mances run as smoothly
as possible. O h, and they've got to manage the
perfor ma nce contracts.
Ale x : Do you mean booking the singers,
musicians, set designers, directors and so o n?
Jo h n : T h a t ’s right. You’d also p articip ate in
a dvisory panel meetings a couple of times a year.
It sounds like a big job, doesn't, it? And it is very
im portant, but t h ere’d be support, from the rest
of the tea m.
Ale x : I’m having trou ble hearin g you. Can you
hear me cle a rly?
Jo h n : Yes. You’re fine on my end. Can you hear
me now?
Ale x : O h wait. O kay, t h a t ’s much better. I’m on
my mobile and the rece ptio n’s not great around
here. I live in a black spot! You were talking
a b o ut wh at the job would involve.
Jo h n : Ah, yes. Well, a n o th er p art of t h e job is to
p articip ate in a dvisory panel meetings a b o u t four
times a year.
Ale x : Could you e x plain wh at you mean by
a dvisory panel m eetin gs?
Jo h n : Yes, of course. It’s q uite simple really, and
one of the most interesting p arts of the job. As
you know, here a t Kin g’s T h eatre wre are trying
to su p p ort new talent. Part of this m eans t h at
every couple of months we co m mission a couple
of plays from new writers, which we a gree to
finance and help develop, until they are rea dy
to put on a showcase performance. We then
let the m showcase th eir p erfor mances here at
the theatre. At the a dvisory panel m eeting we
discuss p otential projects, and try to select the
productions we think have the grea test potential.
5 .1 4
1 So p h ie : St a rt by than king them for having
C a n d i d a t e : Could you e x plain what you mean by
piece ra t es?
In t e rvie w e r: Piecework is a form of performance -
relate d pay, where you would be paid a fixed
piece rate for each unit you produce.
2 way, b ut the interviewers alre a dy have a strong
C a n d i d a t e : I’m sorry, could you say t h at again,
as I did n’t quite catch wh at you sai d?
In t e rvie w e r: Yes, of course. My na m e is
Mr Jo h nso n and I'm calling to discuss your
a p plication for an internship here at Ariel
Publishers.
C a n d i d a t e : Do you mean t h at when the co m pany
is busy I would be required to work overti m e?
In t e rvie w e r: Yes. B u i of course overti m e rates
are higher than normal pay.
4 how you will be a ble to do the job, and meet
C a n d i d a t e : I’m having trou ble hearing you. Can
you hear me cle a rly?
In t e rvie w e r: Yes, I can h e ar you perfectly this
end, although if you ca n’t hear me well, p erha ps
I’ll try and call you back on a landline.
5 thing you should include in your letter. It will help
C a n d i d a t e : Your a dvertise m e n t mentions
a d ministrative work. Could you tell me wh at that
would involve?
In t e rvie w e r: Well, b asically it means keeping our
records up -to - date and sending a wee kly e mail
to our clients.
C a n d i d a t e : So, if I u n derstan d you correctly,
wh at yo u’re saying is the job may involve some
overti m e?
In t e rvi e w e r: Yes, b ut you would be paid e x tra
for this.
So p h ie : Hey, Silvia. So how did it go yest er d ay?
Silvia : Well, I think it went well. They were really
nice a n d professional. I really hope t h ey’ll offer
me the job. I’d love to work there.
So p h ie : So, did you write and than k them for the
interview?
Silvia : W h a t? No. T h ey’re going to let me know
once t h ey’ve interviewed the other ca n did ates
and made a decision.
So p h ie : I know. Bu t you should send the m an
e mail or a note than king them for the interview.
It’ll mak e you stand out from the crowd and seem
really professional.
Silvia : It sounds good b ut I d on’t wa nt to sound
d esperate, as if I’m begging for the job.
So p h ie : O f course not. You’re not going to go
over the top, just a brief note, telling the m th at
you a p preciate t h eir time and t h at yo u’re serious
a b o ut the job. I think t h ey’ll be i m presse d more
t han anything. I would be.
Silvia: I can see your point. Okay, so wh at do you
thin k I should include in the le tt er?
1 6.2
So p h ie : Okay. Well, first things first. It’s
im p ortant t h at you send the note today. Ideally
you should send it on the d ay of the interview.
Silvia: To show I’m professional, rig ht?
So p h ie : Exactly. This will impress the interviewer,
as most a p plica nts do not do this, showing them
t h a t you’re organised and professional, as well as
keeping you fresh in th eir mind.
Silvia : O kay. I’ll e mail them today. Bu t wh at am I
going to say?
the o p p ortu nity of a tte n din g an interview. If
you can re m e m b er some specific things t h a t
the interviewer m entione d, it would be good
to mention these in t h e letter. This will show
t h a t you recognise th e i m p ortance ol what the
interviewer said. All e m ployers are looking for
a p plica nts who d e m o nstra te good listening skills
and the a bility to put received information into
practice.
Silvia : So basically, I should show the m that 1
really listened to w h a t they had to say a b o ut the
job during the in terview? A n d tell the m t h a t I
want the j o b?
So p h ie : Yes, b ut try to prove t h a t you really
un derstan d wh at the job will act u ally involve.
D e m o nstrate t h at you clearly un derstand the
re q uire m ents of the job a n d the challen ges that
the job will bring. Identifying these in your letter
will then allow you to go on to state confidently
these challenges.
Silvia : I really think I could do the job. I’ve
alrea dy got so me ideas for so me things t h a t I
could do if I was given the post.
So p h ie : T h at’s great, and e x actly the typ e of
the interviewer to clearly see you doing the job.
Concrete practical suggestions for the jo b will
impress the interviewer and put you in a strong
position.
Silvia : T h eir we bsite is really good, b u t I’ve got
an idea of how I could improve it even further.
So p h ie : Excellent. Bu t d o n ’t tell the m e x actly
wh at your idea is. If you j ust tell the m yo u’ve got
an idea, then this will get the m really interested
in you and mak e them wa nt to spea k to you
again. Although yo u’ve got to be sure that your
idea is a w i n n e r ...
Silvia : It is!
So p h ie : O h, a n d if you re m e m b er so mething
im p ortant t h at you forgot to mention during the
interview, then this is the tim e and place to talk
a b o ut it. It might be the crucial deciding factor in
getting you the job.
Silvia : Thanks, Sophie. As always yo u’ve been an
e nor m ous help.
So p h ie : Well, let me know how you get on and
then when th ey offer you the job we can go out
and cele brate!
C ar m e n : Hi, Paul. W h a t ’s u p?
Pa u l: I’m a bit disa p pointe d, actually. I did n’t get
t h a t jo b in the bank.
C ar m e n : O h no, t h a t’s a real shame. You really
wa nt e d it, did n't yo u?
Pa ul: Yeah. It’s so disap pointing. And if I wasn't
good enough to work in this ban k, p erha ps I’m
not good enough to work in any bank.
C ar m e n : Bu t it’s not t h at you're not good
enough. You got an interview, did n't y o u? So they
must have th ou g ht you were good enough to give
you an interview.
Pa ul: Bu t I did n't get th e job, did I? How do you
e x plain t h a t?
C a r m e n : Well, they had to choose somebody,
a nd they m ust have had lots of strong ca n did ates
at the interview. T here m ust have been so meone
th ere with even b e tt er e x perience than you,
or who performed b e tt er on the day in the
interview. O r p erha ps they alre a dy knew who was
going to get the job before they started.
Pa u l: So why go to the b ot her of arranging
in tervie ws?
C ar m e n : So m e ti m es co m panies do that. They
have interviews because t h ey have procedures
from head office saying t h ey have to do it this
favourite before th ey start.
Pa u l: Like the boss’s son ...
C ar m e n : Not necessarily, no. It could be
so m eone who did a stu d e nt place m e nt there
and got on well with everybody. O r so meone
reco m m en d e d by so m eone they know. It could
be so meone t h ey work ed with in a previous
company.
Pa ul: Bu t t h a t ’s not fair.
C a r m e n : No, but the w orld ’s not always fair. You
know what t h ey say, it’s not w h at you know, it’s
who you know.
Pa ul: So, I haven't got a chance if t h ey just give
jo bs to t h eir friends!
C ar m e n: I’m not saying t h a t’s what ha p p ens all
the time, or even very often. In the m ajority of
cases I’m sure the co ntest is genuinely open. All
I'm saying is that the fact t h a t you were rejected
d oesn’t necessarily mean t h ere ’s so mething
wrong with you.
Pa u l: Mayb e, but it d o esn’t make me feel much
better.
C ar m e n : W h a t did t h ey say in the rejection
le tt er?
Pa u l: O h, the usual stuff. T h a n k you for coming
to the interview, blah blah blah, we re gret to
inform you that your a p plication has been
unsuccessful. If you would like any f ee d b ack on
your performance, blah blah blah ...'
C ar m e n: Han g on, t h a t’s really good. It means
they can tell you w h at you did wrong, or what
you can improve, or why they gave the job to
so m eone else. You’ve got to re q uest feed back.
Pa ul: No, I don't feel like it. I'm depressed
enough already. I d on’t need so meone listing all
the things t h at are wrong with me.
C ar m e n: Oh, co me on. It’s not th at bad. T h ey’re
j ust normal people aft er all, and I’m sure th ey’ll
be nice and professional. They want to leave you
with a good impression. You’re still a potential
customer, d on’t forget, and even a p otential
e mployee.
Pa u l: How do you work th at o u t? T hey rejected
me.
A u dioscrip t 93
C ar m e n : For this job, yes, b ut now they know
who you are and w h at you can do, they might
co nsid er you for ot h er jo bs t h a t are more suitable
for your talents. You could be the new ‘b oss’s
son’, the favourite ca n did ate for the next job.
Pa ul: Do you really think so?
C ar m e n: I have no idea. Bu t if you d o n ’t ask for
fee d back, yo u’ll never know.
Pa u l: Okay, I'll give it a go. How should I do it?
Ale x : Hello. Alex speaking.
Jo h n : Hello, Alex. It’s Jo h n Bra dsh a w from King’s
Theatre. I'm delighted to tell you t h a t after careful
consideration we would like to offer you the
position of a d ministrative assistant.
A le x : Than k you very much. T h a t’s very good
news.
Jo h n : As we discussed during the interview,
we are happy to offer you a startin g salary of
£20,000.
A le x : T h at’s great. I’d like to ta k e so me time to
consid er your offer. Is it o k ay if I co ntact you with
a decision by to m orrow at the la t est?
Jo h n : Yes. T h a t’s a bsolutely fine. A n d if you have
any q uestions in the meantime, please feel free to
give me a call.
i 6.5
Ale x : Hey Ella, guess w h a t? King’s T h eatre called
me this morning and offered me the job.
Ella: That's great. You always wa nt e d a job a t a
th ea tre in London.
Ale x : I know. Even though I know it’s going to be
e x pensive, living in a big city, I’m looking forward
to moving. It’s going to be great.
Ella: So you’re sure t h at this is the right job for
you and yo u’re not just acce ptin g the first offer
you g e t? You a p plied to a couple of theatres,
did n’t yo u?
Ale x : Yes, I a p plied to a n u m b er of theatres. Bu t
I really got on with the interviewer a t King’s, and
the ot h er me m bers of staff t h a t I met were really
nice. I could see myself working there. Plus the
m on ey’s pretty good as well.
Ella : Did you n e g o tiat e?
Ale x : Well, sort of. They offered me the sa me
startin g salary I mentioned during the interview.
Ella : D oesn’t th at worry yo u? Perh a ps you could
have got more if you’d pushed for it?
Ale x : Perha ps, but I’m hap py with it for now, and
if I do well then I’ll be in a position to negotiate
a raise.
Ella: Wh a t a b o u t the b e n e fits? How much holiday
will you have?
A le x : I’m not really sure, to be honest. We never
discussed it.
Ella : If I were you, I’d get t h a t clarified before you
officially st art work, as you d on’t wa nt a nasty
surprise la ter on. A n d what a b o ut your course
t h a t you’ve enrolled o n? Are you still going to be
a ble to do it?
Ale x : Well, I mentioned the course during the
interview, and I made it cle ar t h a t the skills I
would gain on the course would help me to do
t h e job much more effectively, so I’m pretty sure
t h ey’ll let me do it.
Ella : And will they pay you while you do the
co urse?
Ale x : I’m not sure.
Ella: Well, I think it’s worth contacting the m and
finding out wh et h er t h ey’ll be willing to pay you
while you do the course. It’s not likely, b ut it’s
worth trying.
94 A u dioscrip t
Ale x : You're right. I'll give the m a call.
Ella: A n d then afterwards you should send a
formal acce ptance lett er as well.
Ale x : Is t h a t really n ecessary?
Ella: Well, if you state in writin g your
un derstanding of the ter ms of e m ployment,
this will help clear up any potential
misunderstan dings before t h ey can beco m e a
problem.
Ale x : So w h at would I put in it?
Ella: O kay. G e t me a pen and a piece of p a p er
and I'll help you plan it.
Ella: O kay, so in an acce pt ance le tt er the first
thing to do is than k wh oever made you the
job offer, and then make it clear t h a t you have
decided to acce pt it.
Ale x : O kay, got that. T h a t’s it, isn’t it?
Ella: O h no. You’re missing the point of writing
the letter. You should use your acce ptance letter
to restate t h e basic ter ms of e m ploy m e nt as
you un derstood them, including hours per week,
salary and benefits.
Ale x : A n d this is the second part of the le tt er?
Ella: Yes. This letter is not a contract, but putting
in writing your understan ding of the terms
of e m ploy m e nt will help avoid any potential
misunderstandings.
Ale x : I see. W h a t ’s n e x t?
Ella: Well, then I'd re p eat any instructions you
were given during the interview, such as your
startin g date, working hours and so on.
Ale x : W h a t a b o ut my question a b o ut my holiday
allo wa nce?
Ella: Yes, this is the time to request clarification
of any t er ms of e m ploy m e nt t h at were vag u e in
the interview or that concerne d you afterwards,
so your q uestion a b o ut holiday leave, for
e xample.
Ale x : And t h a t ’s it?
Ella: N o t quite. You’ve got to end with some
more positives, so it’s best to e x press how much
yo u’re looking forward to startin g the job. You
could even mention a couple of asp ects of the
post t h at you think you'll p articularly enjoy. And
of course, yo u’ve got to ensure your acce ptance
letter is professional looking - check it carefully
for any gra m m atical mistakes, typin g errors and
misspelt words. Actually, on second thoughts why
d on't you send it to me first and I’ll proof read it
for yo u? I know wh at your e m ails are like!
Ale x : Hello. This is Ale x Me nck e n. Could you put
me through to Karl O sb orn e ple ase?
Re c e p ti o n ist: Yes, of course. I’ll j ust put you on
hold for a minute, and put you through.
K arl: Hello, Ale x. W h a t can I do for yo u? I’m
afraid we have n’t made a decision yet. as w e ’re
still in the process of interviewing ca n did ates for
the position.
Ale x : Yes, I know. Actually, I’m calling as I’ve been
offered a jo b elsewhere, which I have accepted.
K arl: I see.
Ale x : I just wa nt e d to let you know. 1 also wanted
to say t h at I really enjoyed m eeting you. I was
very im pressed by your tea m and the working
e nviro n m e nt a t the Cromwell.
K arl: Than k you for saying so. I would say that
we were also impressed by your interview and
I’m sorry to h e ar t h at yo u’ve acce pte d a n o th er
job. Bu t I understand your decision. I wish you
the very best of luck.
Ale x : Than k you very much.
K arl: And if things d o n’t work out, make sure
that you give me a ring and I’ll see if w e ’ve got
anything we can offer you.
Ale x : T h a t ’s very kind of you. I will do.
K arl: Than ks for letting us know like this.
Ale x : It ’s the least I could do. Than k you for
giving me the chance to talk a b o ut possible work
a t the theatre.
Re c e p ti o n ist: Future Designs, C harlotte
speaking.
To masz: Hello. M y name is Tomasz Filipek. I had
an interview with your co m pany last week, for
the graphic d esig n er’s job. I was won derin g if I
could spea k to Ms Jo h n s o n?
Re c e p tio n ist: Yes, of course. I'll just put you
through.
M s Jo h n s o n : Hello, Tomasz. It’s good to hear
from you.
To mas z: Hello, Ms Jo h nso n. Than k you very
much for offering me the job of graphic designer.
M s Jo h n s o n : You’re very welcome. Have you
made a decision ye t?
To masz: Well, I really a p p reciat e the time you
spent talking to me a b o u t the job and the
co m pany and it’s been a very difficult decision.
However, I have decided not to acce pt the job.
M s Jo h n s o n : O h, t h a t’s a grea t shame. Can I
ask w h y?
To masz: Well, I was really impressed by the work
your co m p a ny does, esp ecially your advertisin g
ca m p aig ns for major retailers, and know it
wo uld’ve been a good o p p ort u nity for me. Bu t
I’ve recently been offered a n ot h er job which I feel
is more suited to my skills and interests.
M s Jo h n s o n : I a p preciate t h e fact t h a t yo u’ve
called to let me know, although it’s a sha m e you
won’t be joining us. I wish you the best of luck for
the future.
T o mas z: T han k you very much and th an k you
again for your time.
M s Jo h n s o n : You’re welcome. Goodbye.
To mas z: Goodbye.
1
Em plo y e r: W h a t sort of salary are you looking
for, A n d y?
A n d y: Well, in my last job I was paid £ 18 , 0 0 0
and I’d be hoping to earn more than t h at now
considering my level of e x perience.
Em plo y e r: We would cert ainly be a ble to match
that, and even offer you slightly more. How does
a startin g salary of £ 2 0 , 0 0 0 so u n d?
A n d y: It sounds very good.
Em plo ye r: Excellent. All we need to do now is
draw up a contract.
A n d y: Great.
2
E m plo y e r: Wh a t sort of salary are you looking
for, Nick?
Nick: Well, I know you are a well - established
co m pany with a rep utation for looking after
your people well, so I e x pect you will be offering
e m ploy m e nt at the m ar k et rate.
E m plo y e r: Yes, t h a t ’s very true, but we have
to st art so mewhere, so tell me, wh at are you
e x p ectin g?
Nick: Perh a ps you could tell me wh at the range
is for this position, as I might be te m pted to
overprice myself if I give a figure.
E m p lo y e r: Well, the range for this post is You’ve got to re m e m b er t h at once you have
between $ 4 2 , 0 0 0 and $ 4 4 , 0 0 0 . agreed to an offer, you wo n’t be a ble to a tte m pt
Nick: I see. Given t h a t I have five years' full - time to improve it.
e x perience in this field, and have an M A , how far O liv e r: Yeah. You’ve really got to be sure they
up the range would you be a ble to offer so meone wa nt you badly to try that. Have you got any
like myself? oth er negotiation tip s?
E m plo y e r: We were thin king in the region of Grace: The main piece of a dvice I'd give is to go
S4 3 , 0 0 0 . into the negotiation knowing the m ar k et rate for
Nick: ... mmm ... the job, and the range the e m ployer has for the
position. You’ve got to do your research into the
E m plo y e r: Bu t in your case, consid ering your
specific previous e m ploy m e nt e x p erience we co m pany and know w h a t yo u’ve got to offer.
could offer $ 4 3 , 0 0 0 plus a $ 2 , 0 0 0 startin g O liv e r: Although I would say t h at when a salary
bonus. range is given in a job a dvert, unless you can
Nick: Than k you. Could you tell me how often prove to the interviewer t h a t you have e x tensive
k nowledge of the job and the organisatio n, you
pay is reviewed h ere?
would pro b a bly be offered the post a t the lower
Em pl oy er: N or m ally once a year. The next pay
end of the scale.
review is due in October.
G r a c e : T hat's true, but as long as yo u’re
Nick: Would I be entitle d to a pay review a t this
negotiating from a position of power, when you
point - subject, of course, to my satisfactory
know they really wa nt you, and yo u’re talking to
p erfor mance in the p osition?
the decision makers, yo u’ve got a real chance.
Em plo y e r: Yes, th at's reasonable.
O liv e r: Yes, you cert ainly ca n’t n e g otiate when
■■ 6.10 yo u’re still one of m any can didates, even if you
have been short - listed. O nly once you are the
G ra ce : So, Oliver, w h at did you think of A n d y’s final can didate, the one they w a n t to hire, should
salary n e g otiatio n? He got w h at he was looking you start any negotiations.
for.
O liv e r: That's true, b ut I think he was a bit lucky.
I very much doubt it would be t h at easy for most
people. Anyway, he d oesn’t even know wh at he
could have got. He might have got more if h e’d
played the negotiation ga me a little better.
G ra ce : W h a t do you m e a n?
O liv e r: He made the classic mistake of
mentioning his desired salary first before
establishin g wh at the e m ployer’s range for the
position was. He may be hap py with the offer,
but h e’s unaware t h a t p erha ps he could have
been offered a higher startin g salary. He also
failed to discuss a ny fringe benefits.
G ra ce : Fringe b e n efits? You mean things like
holiday entitle m ent, health cover, mobile phone,
co m pany ca r?
O live r: Exactly. Wh e n these are a d d e d on to a
salary it can make a significant difference.
G ra ce : I guess you thin k Nick ’s a p proach was
much more successful?
O liv e r: Yes. His a p proach was to keep throwing
the question back to the e mployer, forcing him
to state a range for the position. It is a proven
fact t h a t in almost all negotiation cases, whoever
mentions a figure first ends up with the worse
deal.
G ra ce : Yes, t h at makes a lot of sense, now you
mention it. I also really liked the way t h at after
the initial offer was made, Nick stayed silent,
which put pressure on the interviewer to improve
the first offer.
O live r: Yes. It worked, b ut he was also lucky
here, as often the interviewer might not have the
power to make t h a t decision.
G ra ce : Yeah, th ere’s no point tryin g to negotiate
if you’re not talking to the person who makes
the decisions. A n o t h er thing I liked a b o u t Nic k s
tactics was t h a t before agreein g to the offer he
establishe d when his pay will be reviewed. This
opens the d oor to future increases.
O liv e r: Yes, indeed. He agree d to the offer a t this
point. Bu t do you think he could have got even
m ore?
G ra ce : If he was e x tre m ely confident of his
position, and the e m ployer’s desire to e mploy
him, he could have continued the negotiation
by saying so mething like, ‘I am very keen to join
your company. However, I was e x pecting a larger
salary’, although t h a t’s a pretty risky strategy.

A u dioscrip t 95
 A NSWER KEY
Student. A ’s role play cards for Ex ercise 7g on U n it 1
page 8.5: fle xible: I’m very adaptable. I don’t mind working
la
1 c 3d 4 f 5 b 6 a late or a t weekends, and I'll have a go at
. . ....... .................... 2 g
7 h 8 e anything ...
Stu d e n t A: Possible A ctu al cr e a tiv e: I ’m also good a t coming up with new
Em ployer score score ideas and suggesting alternative solutions; you
Su g g e st e d a n sw e r used to stick notes with new ideas everywhere
ESESH BM EH H I S' I S
. •. . , : /r . ', ,
8 7 6 1/2 5 4 disorg anise d: Your desk was such a mess and
Salary € 2 7 ,5 0 0 pa 250 you never knew where anything was.
g {Customer service assistant, Packaging e
For every € 5 0 0 more - 30 Palace) 2 c 3 e 4 d 5 b 6 a
For every € 5 0 0 less 50 c. (recent psychology graduate); g (BSc (Hons)
Psychology (2.1)); h (recent psychology f
m u
I f l l i graduate) 2 indecisive 5 unpersuasive
5 a (c / rca £25 /* pa) 3 infle xible 6 unreliable
20 days' holiday 50 4 e (a bit moody / not very well-organised I 4 disorganised
make decisions without thinking); f (/ didn't 4a
For every day more - 20
use to be very well-organised] 2 read; co m pleted (obtained)
For every day less 30 d (and calculated ... you could justify 3 grad u ate d; hold; co m pleted (obtained)
charges o f ...); e (good at maths)-, g (Liaised 4 grad uating; award e d; read
K 1 9 H H H n with management on pricing strategy)
c (as advertised in The Guardian); h (an b
Company car - 50 1 from; with; in 3 in; from; in
advert in The Guardian)
Mobile phone -5 7 e (doing research on the net) 2 in; with; from 4 at
8 a (an ability to work well in a team); d (make 5b
Pay review in six a very useful contribution to your team); e 2d 3 a 4 g 5 e 6 h / c 8
months - 30 (work well with people)
9 b (It all looks very impressive); c. (o c
Total p oints: successful international firm)] d (Everyone Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs
i
in your office was friendly and made me feel 1 fle x ibility: I am willing to investigate options
very welcome ... your strong reputation for in depth, even when t h ey are the ideas of
quality)-, h (your excellent reputation) others. I am a ble to a d a p t to and work with a
10 d (/ checked your prices) varie ty of situations, in dividuals a n d groups.
Stu d e n t A: Possible A ctu al I am a ble to think on my feet. I a m willing to
Candidate score score d try different a pproaches.
Teresa m eets the a dvertise d criteria: she has a lea d ership skills: I a m good a t leading,
d egree a n d relate d professional e x p erie nce in encouraging, inspiring and supporting others
sales and marketing. T he e x tract from her letter to d evelop confidence and help the m to
Salary € 2 2 ,0 0 0 pa 200
d e m o nstrates a clear, confident and professional realise their full potential. I d elegate routine
For every € 5 0 0 more 50 ap proach, which helped her get an interview. ele m e nts of more co mple x tasks a t work
Her chances of getting the job a p p e ar strong, and encourage others to do the same. I am
For every € 5 0 0 less - 50 but this will depen d on her a bility to e m p hasise a p p ro ach a ble at work.
her tea mworkin g skills a nd play down her weak org a nisatio nal skills: I am always on tim e a t
organisational skills d uring her interview. work, atte n din g meetings, and when I cannot
28 days' holiday 100 2a make it, I always let so m e b o dy know in
1 So p hie suggests Silvia works out w h a t she advance. I can plan a h ea d and am e xcellent
For every day more 20 a t meeting deadlines,
wa nts to do by thinking a b o ut w h at she likes
For every day less - 50 doing and wh at she’s interested in. t e a m w orking skills: I coo p erate to m eet
2 Sh e thinks a b o ut so mething she’s done t h at share d goals even a t t h e e x pense of my own
/£
Be n e fits: was successful, and then tries to identify the personal preferences. I listen carefully to
skills she used. the concerns and opinions of others. I enjoy
Company car 50 colla b oratin g on projects.
5 No, she says th at Silvia sh o uld n’t ta k e them
Mobile phone 10 too seriously. e
4 A successful job search is not j ust a b o ut 1 Wh e n she was working in Africa
Pay review in six finding a job th at you would be good at, but 2 Sh e worked for an N G O (non - governmental
months 10 a b o u t finding a job that you will love doing. organisation) as p art of a large tea m of
3a people, e ducating local people a b o u t the
Total p oints: b to c at d to e in f in g in i m p ortance of reforestation.
h at i to j at Sh e was the co m m u nications officer of the
stu d e nt union.
b
2 Achieve m e nts 5 Personal f
3 Lan guages ch aract eristics 1 planning 3 talk ed; convinced
4 Ex p erie nce 6 Knowled ge 2 worked; given 4 dealing; understood

C 9
1 To st art looking for a new job 1 orga nisatio nal skills
2 Beca use his co m pany is too small to give him 2 fle xibility / tea mworkin g skills
the e x p erience he wants 3 negotiation / co m munication skills
Co ming up with new ideas and suggesting co m munication / organisational skills
altern ative solutions
4 To sp ea k Ma n d arin
5 He is ta king Ma n d arin lessons and listening
to podcasts.

96 Answer key
 5 There is no limit to the nu m ber of sections
1 b analyse c conduct 1 Me dia assistant [We are looking for a ... in a CV, although all CVs should cover
2 a invent b suggest c solve graduate) The train e e finance recruit ment professional e x perience, ed ucatio nal
3 a write b e x plain c give co nsult ant can be a graduate or o f graduate q ualifications and skills. The only rule to
4 a resolve b listen c work calibre. re m e m b er is t h a t the sections within your CV
5 a ch air b m otivate c delegate 2 Trainee finance recruit m e nt co nsult ant [no should all be strictly relevant to the position
6 a m eet b d ecide c i m ple ment two days are the same) you are a p plying for.
7 a discuss b co ntrib ute c su p port 3 Trainee finance recruit m ent consultant 6 There is no one correct way to structure
8 a change b ne gotiate c convince [£ 30 -£3 5K ) yo ur CV, although the two most common
4 Email your CV and cover letter to a p proach es are the conventional
6b colm(&MediaX.com by M ay 2 3 rfi. chronological CV and the skills b ase d CV.
1 the Internet
5 You will be contacte d by the m [only b
2 networking
successful candidates will be contacted] 1 Conventional chronological CV and skills-
3 job agencies / hea dh unters
4 newspapers and maga zines based CV
9
5 cold calling / mailing 1 circa (so metimes a b b reviat e d as c. or ca) 2 A chronological CV lists your acade mic
2 Closing date achieve m e nts and work e x p erience in
7b chronological order. A skills - based CV lists
3 K
Ery k ’s technique is more successful your key transf era ble skills relevant to the
4 Q u o t e Ref
c 5 pro rata job and provides evidence of these skills.
1 b 2a 3e 4 d 5c c
h
d 1 Trainee finance recruit m ent consultant: 2 Contact 3 Personal stat e m e nt 4 Education
b 5 c 3; 4 d 2; 4 c 1 multi - tasker / t ar g e t driven / articulat e / 5 Work e x perience 6 interests 7 skills
d et er min e d / interp ersonal skills / negotiation 8 References 9 Your na m e 10 Contact details
8a skills 11 Personal stat e m e nt 1 2 skills
Su g g est e d a nsw ers Me di a assistant: orga nisatio nal skills / proof 1 3 Wor k e x p erience 14 Education 15 Interests
1 The main details of the job; clear instructions reading / e ditin g / IT skills / co m munication 1 6 Referees
for responding; the d ea dlin e for sub mission skills / language skills
of a p plications (often called the closing 2 Trainee finance recruit m e nt consultant
date); the na me and title of the person to The first CV on page 2 0 is a chronological CV.
•
whom enquiries can be made if you wish to l The second CV on p age 21 is a skills - based CV.
have a preli minary discussion a b o ut the role proficiency in = very e x perience d e
and your q ualifications before sub mitting e xcellent co m mand of = very good k nowledge of 2 Developed 7 Held
the writte n a p plicatio n; the name, title working k nowledge of = basic understanding of 3 Persu a d e d 8 Researche d
and a d dress of the person or business 4 Re prese nte d 9 Achieved
k
unit to whom the response should be sent 5 Co m plete d 10 C oordinate d (Organised)
1 X is necessary; the successful ca n did at e will
- this is often a different person from the 6 O rga nise d (Coordinated)
be; X is vital; you must be; you will have
one who is responsible for the actual job;
2 X would be desirable; ideally you will have; X f
w h e th er a p plicatio ns are to be su b mitted
would be a plus; X is preferred; X would be 1 Co m munication and tea mwork
electronically or mailed; wh eth er a d etailed
a dvanta geous; X would be welco me 2 Energy and motivation
job description is availa ble; w h e th er there
are key selection criteria (the sta n d ards I 5 A d a p t a bility and resourcefulness
or re q uire ments you must m eet to be Trainee finance recruit m e nt consultant: You will 4 Research and co m p uter skills
considered for the role); w h at qualifications, if have; You must be
9
any, are required; wh et h er a we bsite a d dress Me dia assistant: essential; would be a plus; 1 Bot h care er chan g ers and recent gra d u ates
is provided for more information a b o ut the would be advantageous may not have much relevant professional
co m pany e x perience, so they may prefer to use a skills-
m
2 An a dvertise m e n t t h a t gives a sense of what based CV, where ca p a bility is e m p hasised
1 resourceful 4 co m puter literate
the organisation is like over e x perience.
2 fluent 5 nu merate
b 3 a d a p t a ble 2a
2 curriculu m vita e Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs
n
3 e x perience Se n din g the sa m e CV for all the jo bs th ey
You would need to be an e xcellent co m m u nicator
4 agency a p ply to; making spelling mistakes; including
with fluent English language skills, resourceful,
5 on - target earnings information that is not relevant; providing too
a da pta ble, with good research skills, a ble to
6 per annu m much information so t h a t the CV is too long
use a co m p uter well, a ble to deal with numbers,
7 per week (more than two pages); using a bad layout or
with a relevant degree and e x p erie nce in or
8 point of sale design; including lies
k nowledge of sust ain a bility issues.
c c
1 EXP 2 PA 3 A GY 4 POS U n it 2 1 receive; corresp on dence; liaise; practice / to
5 O TE (if a salesperson hits the targets practise; a dvice / to advise
la
specified for the m, they will be g uara nt ee d 2 Em ployers d on't have much tim e and a
1 curriculu m vitae
t h at a m ount of money) concise CV can d e m o nstrate yo ur a bility to
2 resu me / resume
d 3 The main p urpose of a CV is to persuade a e dit effectively.
Al m ost all e m ployers wa nt e m ployees who will potential e m ployer t h at you have the right 3 Your CV is a legal co ntract and you could lose
fit in with the rest of the tea m {team player), skills, e x perience, ed ucation and p ersonality your job if found out. You’ll be more confident
will help the co m pany mak e money (;results - for the job. in the interview if your CV is accurate.
focused], can think intelligently and co me up A successful CV is the product of careful 4 No, you should a d a p t yo ur CV for each job
with new ideas [dynamic), can m eet d ea dlines thou g ht and planning. It needs to stand you ap ply for.
un der pressure (good organisational skills) and out from p ot entially hundreds of co mpeting d
are willing to work longer hours when necessary a p plicants. In order to do this a CV must be 1 prevous previous; rcsp onso bfe responsible;
[flexible). planned and writte n specifically for the job d oolling dealing; corrcsp o n d a n t e
you are a p plying for, clearly e x pressing how corresp on d e nce; massages messages;
e you meet the req uire m ents for the job. A
1 tea m player 4 fle xible arran ge m g arranging; a p o int ments
successful CV must be concise, honest and a p p oint m e nts
2 results - focused 5 good orga nisational skills error - free.
3 dyna mic

Answer key 97
2 te rn from; b e n e fits benefits; o x p e n a n ee
e x perience; off of; sitti n g studying; a b ra o d
a broa d; p ractice practise; fo n e gf) foreign;
d evelope develop; strcnght -s strengths
3 asoiGtcnt assistant; persona l personnel;
achelve m e nt achieve ment; le a d led; witch
which; im proveing improving; st art e gte
strategic; buisnesG business; pla n ing planning
3a
1 Geography graduate ; Currently completing
M aster’s in Development Studies with
specific focus on sustainability.
2 Well-organised, highly motivated: Self-
motivated, resourceful and able to motivate
others, with excellent communication and
interpersonal skills.
3 communications strategy adviser
4 with recent professional experience
developing communication strategy for
positive change
5 Geography graduate with recent professional
experience developing communication
strategy for positive change.
b
b Well-organised, highly motivated
communications strategy adviser.
c Geography graduate with recent professional
experience developing communication
strategy fo r positive change.
d Fluent spoken and written English.
e Currently completing M aster’s in
Development Studies with specific focus on
sustainability.
c persuaded; planned; re presente d; researche d
1 well - organised; confid ently and effectively
2 full - time professional; Prove n a bility;
e x p erie nce in
d 3 Bac h elo r’s degree
1 The first is sh orter and less factual than
Silvia's. The language is strong and positive,
but is mostly descriptive. The second
is si milar to Silvia ’s in length and style.
C h aract er descriptions are su p p orted with
evidence.
2 The first stat e m e nt a nswers q uestions a
and d, but does riot su p p ort the ch aract er
d escriptions with evidence. The four
sentences of the second stat e m e nt mainly
answer q uestions b. d, d again and b again.
e Su g g est e d a n sw e rs
Wit h its stron ger focus on professional skills
and e x perience, the second stat e m e nt is more
suita ble for this post, which requires previous
e x perience.
9 6 Prese nte d client feed back questionnaire.
A djective 1: enth usiastic; professional. O t h er
suggestions: dedicate d, innovative, reliable,
organised, a mbitious, dyna mic, fle xible
So rt of p erso n: motivator; tea m leader. O t h er
suggestions: purchasing e x ecutive, brand
manager, IT specialist, prese nter and trainer,
tea m player
A djective 2 : broad: consiste ntly high. O t h er
suggestions: first -class, nu merous, wide - ranging,
thorough, specialist, high - quality
Ex perience / skills: a bility to; interest in. O t h er
suggestions: back ground in, understan ding of,
reputation for, people - manage ment skills
4b
N ote t h a t the t hree cate g ories are intended
only to g e nerate ideas; so me section titles may
belong to more than one category.
98 Answer key
Su g g est e d a n sw e rs l
Personal strengths and co m p et e ncies: these Professional e x perience
include a nything t h a t tells e m ployers wh at sort 2007 - PA to Ma n a gin g Director (London)
of person you are (e.g. Flexibility , Initiative , prese nt • Sch e d ule M D ’s meetings
Focus on results, Teamworking, Cross-functional • Re p rese nt M D and co m pany with
working, Organisational skills) official visitors and on tele p hone
A re as of professional e x p erie nce: wh at sorts of • Take minutes a t board meetings and
jo bs you have done (e.g. Accounting, Electronic write professional official co m pany
engineering) and wh at objective evidence you can reports
provide of your professional achieve m e nts (e.g. 2007 N a n ny (New York)
an architect might list Professional awards or • Su p ervise d two English - speaking
M ajor buildings designed) children (aged 4 and 6)
Busin ess skills: w h at you have learnt through • Plan n e d and organised inspiring and
your work (e.g. Negotiation skills. Project e d ucational d aily activities
management, Communication skills) 2006 Waitress (Ma drid)
• Develo ped e xcellent customer -
5b
5 research service skills in Sp anish
2 creativity
6 tea mwork 2006 C h a m b er m aid (Ma drid)
3 analysis
• Main t ain e d hotel roo ms at five -star
4 writing
levels of professional presentation
e • D e m o nstrate d fle xibility and
A djectives and a dverbs d edication while developing Sp anish
language skills
f
1 successful 6 successful; entire 7a
2 successfully 7 top Se e article in unit
3 successful 8 in - depth
b
4 fully; internatio nal 9 su bstantial
1 Beca use t h eir ed ucation e x perience is more
5 wide 10 e xcellent
relevant
6b 2 in skeletal form
lb 2 a 3 If they were your highest e d ucational
qualification or they were p articularly good
e
4 M o st recent first [in reverse chronological
Sh e used: achieve d; coordinate d; developed;
order)
establishe d; improved; led; organised;
5 A d d an a d ditional relevant section on IT skills
Sh e used t h ese oth er verbs: co m pleted; held; c
liaised; managed; maintained; provided; worked 1 Ph D '4 A -levels
2 Mast er's d e gree 5 G CSEs
f
Su g g est e d a n sw e rs
2 Successfully co m pleted a financial f
m a n a g e m e nt course. 1 Beca use the title of t heir degree is not clear
3 Translated the co m pany we bsite into three enough to e x plain wh at the course actu ally
different languages. involved. Em ployers need to know w h at you
4 Identified a proble m with the co m p a ny’s actu ally studied, and not j ust the na m e of
d at a b ase syste m and reco m m en de d an your degree.
altern ative solution. 3 The writ er has included details of a work
5 Designed and i m ple mente d a new custo mer place m ent, an e xchange ye ar and a m ajor
f ee d back syste m, leading to a 2 0 % increase piece of research (dissertation).
in custo m er satisfaction levels.
h
9 Geography graduate with recent professional
experience o f developing communication
2 Re prese nte d front - office staff on ICT Strat e g y strategy for positive change.
Im ple m entation Team. Currently completing Master's in Development
3 For m ulated training plan. Studies with specific focus on sustainability.
4 Su p ervise d office budget. I researched top international universities for my
5 Researche d and evalu ate d new suppliers. degree course.
1 am currently completing in-depth research
/ Investigated waste reduction. on reforestation techniques for the African
8 Led design tea m. subcontinent for my Master's degree
dissertation.
h
Research for my dissertation includes substantial
1 A nswering the phone; filling in forms; taking
use o f the Internet and professional journals, and
minutes
interviewing experts in the field.
2 Dealing with custo mers; re presentin g the
co mpany; listening and writing intelligently; 8a
producing co m p a ny docu m ents 2 Em ployers wa nt to know more than just your
3 Nanny; waitress; clea n er q ualifications and work e x perience; th ey wa nt
4 They d e m o nstra te her language skills, and to know w h at typ e of person you are, and
that she's responsible, fle xible and hard wh et h er you are going to fit in.
working. b
1 The V in CV stan ds for vitae, which is Latin
for life'. This is relevant as the interests
section is a b o ut your life and personality.
2 Beca use it did n't give d etails of his
achieve m e nts as captain
3 It shows t h at you can fit into different
e nviron m e nts easily.
4 Her a bility to learn new languages quickly 1
and t h at she is a m e m b er of an orchestra 2 1 3c 4 k 5 g 6 7 j Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs
5 Running the London Mara t h o n and raising 8h 9 b 10 d 11 e 12 2 Wit hin my role as I am responsible for
£ 1 9 0 0 for charity We often have to work unsociable hours
j u n der difficult conditions; I ensure t h at team
c 1 Paragrap h 2 4 Para gra p h 1
1 lea dership skills m orale is m aintaine d by ...
2 Paragrap h 5 5 Paragra p h 4
2 deter mination; self - motivation 3 I i m ple m ente d a new I b elieve I can
3 Paragra p h 3
3 intercultural aware ness; language skills a p ply the skills o btain e d from my previous
4 analytical skills; intelligence 2a e m ploy m e nt to this position
5 creativity; resourcefulness 1 en q uire 4 Workin g in ... helped me to learn the
2 response; enclosed im portance o f ...; During ... I suggested ...;
9 3 reco m men ded; re q uire ments T hese changes led to a significant increase
Su g g est e d a n sw e rs 4 advertise d; qualified in ...
2 Keen mountain clim ber: Rece ntly co m pleted 5 ap plication; consideration 5 I have a strong history o f ...; I regularly
a five - day e x pedition in the French Alps. see k f ee d back on my perfor mance from my
Currently attending a mountain leadership b su p eriors and colleagues to identify are as I
course. 1b 2a 3c 4 a 5a need to improve in.
3 Passion ate photograp her: C urre ntly All of th ese a p pro ach es could p ot entially lead to
atte n din g evening classes to develop my successful e m ployment. However, yo ur chances 4a
p hotography skills. Ex celle nt working of e m ploy m e nt are stro n g est following a personal 1 You will highlight different skills and
k nowledge of Ph otosh o p software. Designed reco m m en dation. Re plyin g to an a dvertise m e nt e x p erience in response to the p articular
a we bsite to display my best photographs. is more lik ely to lead to a jo b than a p plyin g ‘cold'. skills and e x p erience relevant for the position
4 University Social Coordinator: Active m e m b er ap plie d for.
c 2 By rea ding the a d vertise m e n t carefully and
of the stu d e nt co m mittee. O rg a nise d more Se e a dvice in a u dioscript 3.3 on page 87
than ten musical and cultural events. using your k nowledge and research of the
Resp onsibilities included booking acts to d co m p a ny and the position
perform and organising t h e tick ets sales. O rd er: 3 2 1 3 No

9a e
Se e a dvice in Ex ercise 9b A dvice give n: specifically mention the position 1 Pu blic Relatio ns O fficer
you are a p plying for and how you found out 2 Press O fficer for the Swedish Ministry of
b a b o ut it; d on’t copy p hrases from the co m pany In d ustry
b 5 c 7 d 6 e 3 f 4 we bsite - reform ulate them into your own words; 3 Political Scie nce
focus on the skills and e x p erience you have 4 Ha n na has gained professional e x perience
d
th at make you the right person for the job; be as a Press Officer for the Swe dish Ministry
1 1 B 2 C 3 0
confid ent in your cover lett er b ut d o n’t make of In d ustry and also a t the Swedish Em bassy
2 1 Frie n ds ca n’t co m m e nt on your
claims t h at are difficult to su p p ort in Warsaw. Through these e x p eriences she
professional performance. 2 Em ployers only
has developed the following skills: tea mwork,
contact referees to confirm the facts on a CV. 3a orga nisatio nal skills, drafting skills, project
3 It ta k es up valu a ble space, and e m ployers 1 The main b ody is the longest section. This m a n a g e m e nt skills and linguistic skills. She
are unlikely to co ntact referees a t the e arly may be a single powerful p aragra p h or two or has also gained a su bstantial a m ou nt of
stages of the process. three sh orter p aragrap hs. Id eally yo ur cover political a n d diplo m atic knowledge, which is
3 References available on request lett er should be no longer th an a single side relevant for her a p plication to the Australian
of A 4 paper. Embassy.
U n it 3 2 Recruit m e nt e x p erts suggest identifying three
la to four specific skills and / or e x p erie nces you c
have t h at m eet the re q uire m ents for the 2 g 3 a 4 d 5 f 6 h
1 Se e article in unit
position. 7 e 8 c
b 3 Every job you a p ply for will require a different
2 cover letter 7 well - focused cover lett er as you need to d e m o nstra te how
interview Sk ills: organisational skills, report - writing skills,
3 co m ple m ent 8 your skills and e x p erience match the specific su m marisin g skills, tea mwork, resourcefulness
4 persuade 9 business req uire m ents for each position. (a bility to work in de pend ently), time -
5 position 10 introduction
b m a n a gc m erit skills
6 e m ployer
2 fle xibility (We often have to work Ex perience: public relations arid media - related
c unsociable hours under difficult conditions); fields; k nowledge of the Swedish govern ment,
letter of application interpersonal skills (/ ensure th at team economy, business and EU processes
e morale is maintained by regularly counselling
e
1 T hree years team members to check they are coping with 2 a/b/h 3 f 4 d/g 5 b/c 6 e
2 She feels her care er prospects are limited at the demands o f the job)
Green Phar m ace uticals. 3 custo m er service skills (/ learned that f
customer service is the key to success in the Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs
f service industry); initiative (/ implemented I a m writin g in response to your a dvertise m e nt
2 (remember riot to be too informal as you a new way fo r customer feedback to be for the position o f ...; I a m currently working as
want to sound as professional as possible) recorded] a(n) ... f o r ...; Previous e x perience a t ... gave
3 X [every cover letter should be written 4 custo mer service skills [Working in the shop me an o p p ortu nity to ...; During my tim e there I
specifically for the position you're applying helped me to learn the importance o f dealing le arnt to ...; I am very suited to ... and feel this
for) with customers in a friendly and efficient move would be a logical care er step; The role of
4 (You should show that you've read about way); e ntre pre n e urial skills [During this ... would allow me to develop my e xisting skills
the company, done some research) month I suggested changing the layout of
5 [you should concentrate on demonstrating some of the g ift displays)
2 During my time
the skills that are required tor the post, what 5 lea dership skills (/ have a strong history
3 As part of my; wh ere I gained
you can offer the company) o f staff management)-, self - awareness (/
4 During my period of e m ploy m e nt at; having
6 X [If a company wants to see any documents regularly seek feedback on my performance
5 In the course of my current job; As a result
like that, they'll ask for them later) from my superiors and colleagues to identify
6 Since I work with
areas I need to improve in)
h
5a
1 Econo mics
1 T 2 F 3 T 4 T
2 Costcutter
3 Sh e sings in and m an ag es a jaz z band, and is
learnin g Italian.

Answer key 99
b knowledge a n d skills th at a m ark et le a d er such move ments (although m o d erate hand
Ja n e and Ha n na both followed the tru e a dvice in as Carnali C arre tt a requires. m ove m ents are perfectly acce pt able and can
Ex ercise 5a. If you would like to meet to discuss how my skills enliven the conversation); keep your arms
and e x p erience can b e n efit your co m pany in the open and resting on your lap; maintain good
c future, I would welco me th e o p p ortu nity to come eye co ntact with the interviewer who asked
The A m erica n a p proach (1 and 3) is much more in and m eet you. you the question, but glance from time to
direct and assertive than the British a p proach Yours sincerely, time a t the ot h er interviewers (this can also
(2 and 4). Wh e n a p plying for jo bs in A m erica, Ja n e Nuttall help you j ud ge the int erviewer’s reaction to
or to an A m erica n company, it is co m mon for w h at you are saying); try not to talk too fast
a p plica nts to pro mote th e mselves strongly 7b a n d keep your tone moderate; take a deep
and practically assu me t h at an interview is 2c 3d 4 g 5 h 6j 7m 81
breat h before you start to answer a question
g uara ntee d. In A m erica it is co m mon to follow 9k 10 o 11 n 12 i 13 f 14 e 15a and try to keep your answers concise
up yo ur a p plication with a phone call. In Britain
the language used is different and less direct. U n it 4 b
Wh e n a pplying to a British co m pany it would 2 a; C 3 e; A 4 c; D 5 d; B
2b
be in a p pro priate to assu m e t h a t an interview Ways of creatin g a positive first impression 5a
is a uto m atic, and it’s best to finish the letter include: arrivin g on time; dressing a p pro priately 1 Se e A p p e n di x 2 on page 110 for a list of
by than king the re a d er for t h eir ti m e and for the interview; smiling; actin g in a confident, commonly - asked q uestions
consideration. rela x ed way. D e m o nstrat e t h a t you have done
b
d some research into the company, know wh at you
2c 3c 4a 5b 6b 7 a
1 Ex tracts 2 and 4 are talking a bout, and spea k using clear, concise,
8c 9a 10 a & c 11 b 12a
positive language.
e c
Se e advice in au dioscript 3.4 on page 87 d
Su g g est e d a n sw e rs
1 do 4 do
f a W h a t kinds of things do you worry a b o u t?
2 do 5 do
A dvice give n: use a professional and a p pro priate Would you say yo u’re an a m bitious p erso n?
3 don’t 6 d on’t
tone: formal, frien dly and polite; do not make b W h a t do you think of o ur product ra n g e?
Sh e also suggests: taking an u m brella; ta king a
unsu p ported claims, or claims t h at will be Do you think this is the sort of co m pany
contact n u m b er in case you are delayed; wearin g
difficult to su p p ort if you are invited to an you’d like to work for?
smart, formal clothes; tyin g back long hair;
interview; than k the co m pany for their time and c How much a utono my to mak e decisions did
checking your social networking pages for any
consideration you have in yo ur last p ositio n?
p otentially ‘d a m a gin g’ co nte nt and to ensure that
How good is your writte n En glish?
6a th ey make you co me across as a professional
2 a d ditional 10 tell person. e
3 want 11 e m ployer 1 Q u estio n 12 3 Q uestion 10
3a
4 require 12 more 2 Q uestion 7
1 He was in a meeting.
5 talk a b o ut 13 looking 2 A co m p a ny brochure f
6 contact 14 request 3 That two ot h er ca n did ates are being E x tract 1 would be b etter if it were more concise,
7 about 15 e m ploy m e nt interviewed clear and e x plicit. The ca n did ate also makes
8 ensure 16 show 4 By paying a co m pli ment a b o ut the office negative co m m e nts (being stuck in a boring jo b ;
9 give 5 Transport a n d the we ath er I wouldn't want to get stressed), which should be
b 6 By saying t h a t he has heard positive things avoided.
2 searching; e m ploym ent a b o ut the co m pany (You were highly E x tract 2 would be b etter if it w as a little more
3 discuss; greater / further recommended) bala nce d - it is too positive. Also, the ca n did ate
4 provide; with mak es so me very big claims without providing
b
5 require; further (we do not say greater a ny evide nce in su p p ort of them.
1 It is vitally i m p orta nt to be professional and
information); regarding; contact E x tract 3 would be b etter if it were b ett er
polite to everybody you m e et during an
Should is a more formal e q uivale nt of if. It is structure d. At the m o ment it is badly organised
interview. The rece ptio nist may also be asked
co m mon in cover letters. Like all modal verbs, and confusing.
his or her opinion of the candidate.
should is followed by infinitive without to (If 2 Sh e asks how many other a p plica nts are 9
mg application is successful = Should my being interviewe d for the position. Knowing 2e 5 d 4 b 5a
application be successful). how many oth er ca n did at es she is co mpeting E x tract 1: not clear and e x plicit
c a gainst will help Silvia get a b e tt er idea of E x tract 2: not truthful
Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs her ch ances of success. E x tract 3: not concise
2 to en q uire wh eth er you curre ntly have any 3 It is usually positive to mention people you
know who curre ntly work for the company. h
vacancies Se e a u dioscript 4. 5 on page 8 9
5 the position of financial a d m inistrat or O bviously, it is i m p orta nt t h a t you are
4 meet the req uire ments for the a dvertise d confident this person will spea k highly of you i
position and also that they are respecte d within the The ca n did a te ’s improved response is well -
5 reco m m en de d t h a t I co ntact you regarding company. structure d, concise and positive. Sh e welco mes
6 I attach c responsibility (which will make me proud o f the
7 Should you require any f urt h er information work I do), and e x plains how she will avoid stress
2b 3 h 4 f 5 d 6a 7c Be
concerning (/'// make sure I only take on what I can manage).
8 I would like to t h an k you in a dvance e Sh e uses will instead of would throughout her
2 e; R 3 d; B 4 b; R 5 g; B 6 j; B response, which conveys a positive and optimistic
d 7 f; B 8 i; R 9 h; B 10 a; R attitude.
Su g g e st e d a n sw e r
I am writing to a p ply for the position of secretary, 4a •
J
which is a dvertise d on your website. I am 1 Slouching or leaning back in the chair; giving Se e a u dioscript 4. 6 on page 8 9
curre ntly e m ployed as a secretary a t G or d o n’s the impression t h at you are too casual a b o ut
the job; flap ping your hands around a lot 6b
Financial Services in Barcelo n a, a position I have Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs
held for thre e years. I am searching for new when you spea k; folding your arms, making
you a p p e ar defensive; staring at the floor or 1 Aleja n dro could improve his answer by:
e m ploy m e nt in Italy, as my husban d has recently spea king for longer and providing a fuller
been asked by his co m pany to move to Milan. focusing too much on one interviewer in a
panel; talking too fast, slow, etc. response; not simply re p eatin g details from
I understand th at Carnali C arrett a is one of the his CV; using the question as an o p p ortu nity
leading financial service providers in Italy. 2 Sit reaso n a bly u pright to crea te a more
positive professional impression; hold to d e m o nstra te his skills and e x perience
Si x ye ars’ internatio nal e x p erie nce in the area of relevant to the position he is being
financial services has helped me to develop the your hands to gether to avoid unnecessary
interviewe d for.

100 Answer key

 Aleja n dro could improve his a nswer by:
providing more detail a b o ut w h a t he has
learnt, rat h er than just listing the modules
of his course; relatin g his answer to the
re q uire ments of the position; providing
concrete e x a mples of tra nsf era ble skills he
d eveloped at university.
Aleja n dro could im prove his a nswer by:
keeping his answer brief and well - structured;
only mentioning co m mon professional
concerns, which have eit h er been ad dressed
or would not affect his a bility to do the job.
Aleja n dro could improve his a nswer by:
providing a much fuller response; talking
a b o u t his career plans which include his
prospective employer.
d Situ atio n
1 Aleja n dro uses this q uestion as an
o p p ortu nity to d e m o nstra te the skills
and e x perience relevant for the post he is
a p plying for. He d e m o nstrates high levels
of m otivation and achieve m ent (/ p u t a
lot o f effort into everything I do-, our team
managed to reach the regional final) as well
as organisational and co m munication skills
(/ had to organise matches and motivate the
players).
He uses this question to highlight
tra nsf era ble skills relevant for the job
which he has o btain e d through his time a t
university [there were many elements o f the
degree that could be applied to the business
world; This helped me to develop my
prioritising skills and ability to work to tight
deadlines.)
Aleja n dro a d mits to worrying a b o u t meeting
deadlines. However, as long as he can
d e m o nstrate that he is a ble to m e et the m,
then this response is likely to be seen as a
strength rather than as a weak ness. He also
uses this p otentially difficult q uestion to
highlight how he has overco me a proble m.
He e m phasises his desire to work for the
co m pany [Tm very keen to get a job with
a company such as yours), whilst also
re minding the interviewer of the reasons
why he is a strong ca n did ate (my degree and
professional experience; I am a dedicated
worker).
2 m otivate 8 meeting
3 co m municate 9 getting
4 leading 10 get
5 a p plied 11 make
6 develop 12 gain
7 work
Su g g est e d a n sw e rs
As ... it was essential that I was able to do ...
effectively; This helped me to develop my ...
skills and ability to do ...; Tm very keen to get a
job with a company such as yours where I can ...
7c
b 2 c. 3 d 2 e l fA g3 h 4
d Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs
Lidia follows the recruit m e nt co nsult ants’ advice
and is the stro n ger candidate.
2 research 5 regularly
3 reputation 6 keen
4 recently 7 spent
8a U n it 5
1 She researche d the m ark et and Futerra in lb
depth. Sp e a k er 1 : Q I Sp e a k er 3: Q 2
The fact t h a t they work with a range of clients Sp e a k er 2: Q 4
in a varie ty of sectors
H er co m m u nications skills and e x p erie nce in e
developing co m m u nication strate gies 1 Em ployers are looking for evidence t h at you
4 T hat it was very a ttractive and professional have the specific co m p ete ncies required
5 A small organisation for the position, e.g. co m munication skills,
lea d ership qualities, fle xibility.
b 2 Brie f stories will provide evidence of how you
2 look a t yo ur website acte d in real sit uatio ns in the past, which will
3 attract e d me to help you d e m o nstra te the co m p etencies the
A well - established rep utation e m ployer is looking for.
5 dyn a mic place to work They are very co m mon.
6 It's cle ar from
7 from everythin g I’ve learnt
Target Action Result
Su g g e st e d a n sw e rs h
Futerra came out on top ; ju s t what Tm looking 1 S: The problem was, it was a t exactly the
tor, This impressed me a lo t; a well-established same time as my exam session.
reputation: very attractive and professional, T: I had to choose between studying for my
really excellent, an exciting, dynamic place to exams and getting involved in the case.
work. A 1: I spoke to my professor at university to
Mo re e x a m ples of positive language: I really explain the situation,
like the way you ... i The best thing a b o u t your A 2: In the end I had to p ut my studies first.
co m p a ny is ... / A really nice co m bination o f ... R 1: When I explained this to my employer;
/ W h a t struck me was ... / wonderful / a ma zing they were actually very supportive, and when
/ professional / perfect / im pressive / a ttractive / they saw how disappointed I was a t missing
progressive / user - friendly the opportunity, they made sure I got more
involved in the next big case that came up.
R2: And because Td had a chance to study
2 enjoyable A fulfilling properly, I passed my exams with a very
3 first - class 5 fantastic good grade.
9a 2 S: M y role, although crucial, was a b it less
1 Good custo m er service skills glamorous, designing the electronics to
2 She was studying a t university in Turin. actually make it work.
3 Sh e manage d the volleyball t e a m ’s finances T: I wanted to be a b it more creative.
and has professional e x perience as a sales A: I started playing around with extra
assistant. features ...
Her k nowledge of three languages R 1: The other guys in the team really
d e m o nstrates t h a t she is multilingual, liked my ideas, so they adapted their
but this alone d oes not d e m o nstra te her designs slightly to take advantage of my
co m munication skills. modifications.
R2: In the end we won the competition,
b and the judges specifically mentioned my
2 d ealin g with custo mers extra features as an im portant factor in our
3 fluently success. And, o f course, I learnt a lot o f new
4 managing people skills in the process.
5 ca ptain of th e volleyball tea m 3 S: M y boss told me to phone and tell him we
6 highly effective co m municator were going to stop supplying him with goods,
7 well under pressure and to threaten legal action.
8 d elegate effectively T: I wanted to be a bit more delicate because
Td built up quite a good relationship with the
Silvia highlights her co m mu nication skills, customer over the time Td worked there.
tea mworking skills and research skills. A 1: So I called him to find out if everything
was okay.
f A 2 : 1 agreed to give him another month
2 years ago 9 So to repay, and we continued supplying him
3 ever since 10 For my dissertation during that time.
4 Following 11 So to sum up R: So we actually ended up getting paid
5 T h a t’s really when 12 for t hre e reasons within a week, and from then on he was a
6 also when 13 Firstly perfect customer, and recommended us to
7 For e x a mple 14 Seco n dly plenty of other new customers.
8 Wh e n 1 was a t 15 finally •
l
9 1 work e d out
2 turn e d out
I understand the issues you deal with (and 3 ende d up
am passionate about them): I started getting
interested in ...; I started learning a b o u t ...; I 2a
was responsible for (dealing with) ...; I know 1 Hong Kong
you're [also] looking for someone who's good 2 City University in Hong Kong and Ma nch est er
a t ...; For my ... Tm researching ...; I think Tm Me tro p olita n University
suitable for the position a t ... for three reasons.
C orrect order: 4 1 3 5 2
Answer key 101

1 The University of Rott er da m
2 He spent a ye ar th ere after volunteerin g to
take p art in an e xchange progra m me.
3 At a bank, doing m ark et research
c 7
Vicky has provided a stan dard response to this
question. It’s not a t errible a nswer b ut it’s a
wast e d opportunity. Sh e has sim ply re p eate d
d etails th at are on her CV, which the interviewers
clearly state d they had read. D uring interviews
try not to re p e at information straig ht from
yo ur CV. Pie t e r has taken full a dvant a g e of the
question, telling the interviewer short stories
b ase d on the skills and e x p erie nce he gained
during his tim e a t university in The N e th erla n ds
a n d Russia. He has used the q uestion as
an o p p ortu nity to d e m o nstra te his relevant
co mpetencies.
d This sentence is very visual arid also humorous.
Pie t e r d e m o nstra tes or suggests the following
co m petencies: orga nisational skills [it really
taucjht me how to be independent, and of
course how to manage conflicting priorities and
deadlines); tea mworking [active membership of
several sports teams); interpersonal skills (made
friends with people from all over the world);
custo m er service skills (/ helped set up a focus
group and analyse the results)
f c
1 They did n’t have enough contacts in China.
2 She organise d a p har m ace utical conference
in Beijing.
3 The conference was a success and led to
closer professional relationships between
Green Phar m ace u ticals and key contacts in
China.
9 3
1 S: Green Pharmaceuticals felt they didn’t
have enough contacts in China.
T: We needed to improve things .. . t o
increase our number o f contacts ...
A: I decided to organise a pharmaceutical
conference in Beijing.
R: In the end my hard work resulted in a
successful conference, with our employees
meeting and talking to the right people.
Situ ation: a t the tim e ...
Target: we needed to
Action: I decided to ..
Result: in the end ...
• b
1
Situ atio n: pro b a bly the best e x a m ple is ...; there
was one tim e when the proble m
was ...
Target: I wa nte d to be a bit more ...
Action: so I ...; I agreed to ...
Result: we actually ended up ...; So it all
worked out in the end
k e
1 A guest sp ea k er for a conference Vicky was
organising had his flight cancelled.
2 She booked a n ot h er flight for the speaker.
She e x plained the situation to the d eleg ates
and invited them to have coffee and cakes
while they waite d for the spea k er to arrive.
3 Initiative; negotiation skills; organisational
skills; co m munication skills. Vicky
d e m o nstrate d her a bility to think quickly and
not panic when faced with a proble m.
102 Answer key
1 b
2 Anyway, w h at hap pene d was
3 It. was very im p ortant
4 So I d ecide d to
5 I managed to
6 Unfortu n ately this m eant that
As soon as
I then
8
which I’d organised beforehand
9
10 In the end
m Knowledge - based wea k nesses, such as a
Vicky uses the p ast simple to give the key
events of her story (/ decided, I managed, I
took, I contacted etc.). Sh e also uses the past
continuous to give back ground information (/ was
organising) and the past perfect to talk a b o ut
so mething t h a t ha p pene d before a n o th er past
event (he'd landed, I’d organised).
n
It is easy to picture the conference p articip a nts
happily networking, with Vicky d esp era tely trying
to persuad e the m to finish t h eir coffee and cakes
a n d go back into the main room for the opening
speech. Also, by using did arrive rat h er than
arrived she draws atte ntion to the fact, t h a t in
spite of all the proble ms he actually arrive d. She
also uses a d ver bs (finally, actually) to e m phasise
a pleasant surprise after a long and nervous
wait.
0 1
1 My boss w asn ’t convinced t h at it was worth
investing in India. However, my research
manage d to prove t h a t in fact / actu ally / as a
m atter of fact it was.
2 As a result of my actions, wh at could have
been a disast er in fact / act ually turne d out
to be a big success.
My work had really helped, and I thou ght
t hat I would be invited to join the mark eting
tea m permanently, b ut in fact / as a m a tt er of
fact I was actu ally invited to lead the tea m!
4 I b elieved my suggestions would lead to
bigger profits. W h a t I did n’t e x p ect was that
in fact / as a m atter of fact profits at the
co m pany would actu ally grow by n early 2 0 %!
3a
1 Pro b a bly Sa bin e Griffin and one or two other
colleagues
2 He co uld n’t stan d his boss.
3 To focus on the positives in every question
and avoid any negatives
2 liked 6 position
3 working 7 develop
4 feel 8 further
5 stretched
d decisions.
1 negative 3 o p p ortu nities
2 e m b arrass 4 proble ms
l ) 2 c 3 a
f person. This means t h at from time to time I
a This is a co m mon technique, but be careful as
wit ho ut true e x a m ples it may be too obvious
th at you are m anipulating the question to
shout a b o u t how wonderful you are. Avoid
cliched a nswers such as ‘I’m a perfectionist’.
This is an e xcellent tech niq ue as it focuses
on a wea k ness t h a t no longer exists. By
telling a carefully pre p are d story you can
d e m o nstra te self - awareness, how you actively
re m edied the proble m and d evelo ped the
skills required for the position. Use the ST AR
method to tell a ca ptivatin g story a b o ut
so mething t h a t did n’t go as planned and
d escrib e w h a t you would do differently next
time.
c This is a safe, well - used technique.
lack of tech nical e x p ertise or k nowledge of
a language, are easily overco me and will not
put the e m ployer off giving you the job. This
is esp ecially true if you can talk a b o u t steps
you have ta k en to re m e dy this weakness.
9
C a n did a te 1
4a
Sh e softens t h e negative (/ used to procrastinate)
in this sente nce by a dding sometimes a nd a little
and therefore reduces the ne gative im pact of the
information.
b
Softening: sometimes; a little; There were times
when; perhaps
Emphasising: strict; all; well; really; much; a t the
same time
very 4 really
2 very 5 always
3 very
d
Weaknesses? Well, I can be a b it of a workaholic
and always get very involved in every project
that I work on. I'm happy to spend a lot of time
and energy making sure that every project is as
successful as possible. So, occasionally, when I
feel th at other members of the team might not
be working as hard, I can get a little frustrated.
I am aware o f this problem, and I try to solve
situations like this by being extremely positive
and enthusiastic.
e
1 used to (I sometimes used to procrastinate).
This e m p hasises t h a t the past state or action
is no longer true.
2 prese nt perfect (Using a schedule has really
helped me)
.5 be used to + -ing (I'm used to using
Windows); get used to + -ing (I'd get used to
using Apple Macs very quickly)
4 can (/ can be a b it o f a workaholic; I can get
a little frustrated)
f
1 I occasionally have a little difficulty making
2 I used to be a bit too stu b born and it was
so m etim es hard to get me to change my
mind.
3 Wh e n working on projects I arn a ‘big pict ure’
might miss some minor details.
9
1 b 2 a 3 c
a ever; significant; actively; even
b a lot of; every single; possible; carefully; all
c entire; successful; co m pletely

i ■ Unit 6
avoids answerin g this q uestion directly and
uses it as an o p p ort u nity to d e m o nstrate t h a t he
is 3 oositive, for -ward -looking individual. During
TTeT\ ews try not. to say a nything negative
jaoc j t your last or curre nt job. It is much b e tt er
x : <entify so mething within the post you are
S C O > ng for t h a t is different and challenging.
Ifc - ocier positive asp ect of A d a m ’s a nsw er is th at
‘ s ~ e n tio ns not only w h a t the new job can offer
N r " but also what he has to offer. The key word
- A j a m ’s response to this question is the word
contribute.
J 3
3 c 4 f 5 b 6 a
^ c a x used a, c, e and f.
3b 4a 5e 6 c 7 g
V 2 a
Z : significantly reduces the cost for the
employer.
3 r ;nancial saving; feeling more rela x ed; access
:o research m aterials; no need to dress
smartly
- a time th at is co nvenient for you, the
can did ate
: : .sill help you to rela x and project a positive
mage.
6 To try and set up a face - to-face interview
c 1 It will impress the interviewer a nd show them
-.3.= could do the following: provide a b elieva ble
- t -son why now is not a good time for the
r erview; arra n g e a n o th er time for the interview
t : '.ake place, ideally la ter t h at day; try to g el
r e nterviewer to phone him back to save
- n e c e s s a r y costs; make sure he is fully pre pare d
a quiet enviro n m e nt a t the time he has
arranged for the interview.
d e x tre m ely unlikely t h at he would have made
A ex han dles the call well. He gives a b elieva ble
reason why this is not a good tim e for the
“ terview and resched ules it for la t er t h a t day.
e 5 It might be the crucial deciding factor in
How can I help you
Z I'm very hap py you called
3 W h a t time is good for you
4 I look forward to it
f Dear M r Lewis, // T han k you very much ...
1 Ma n a gin g the logistics of theatre
performances; managing p erfor mance
contracts; p articip atin g in a dvisory panel
meetings
2 Yes, there would be sup port from the rest of
t h e tea m.
3 He is using a mobile phone and has bad
reception.
4 By helping new writers finance and develop
t heir plays
g job
2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 /
h t h a t you talked a b o u t during the interview; I
2 R 31 4 C 5 C 6 C 71 81
•
1 challen ges ...; I feel I am perfectly suited
2 I did n’t quite catch wh at you said
3 Do you mean
4 I’m having trou ble hearin g you. Can you hear
me cle arly?
5 Could you tell me what, t h at would involve?
6 So, if I understand you correctly
la
Se n d a brief thank - you le tt er to the employer.
If you have n’t heard from the e m ployer after
any time agree d during the interview, or
after five days if no time was agree d upon,
then it is p erfectly acce pt a ble to send a
brief re min d er to the employer. In this letter
you can re p e at your interest in the position
and politely en q uire as to when you will
be notified regarding the success of your
a p plication.
3 If you acce pt a position b u t have a p plied
for a n u m b er of jobs, it is good practice to
inform the ot h er co m panies of your decision.
These e m ployers may often end up being
future b usiness contacts of yours.
It will help you to pre p are for a second interview.
If you do not get offered the job, it will help you
to learn from yo ur mistakes.
d interview; his interview responses were g enerally
1 Silvia feels t h a t t he interview went well.
2 Sh e suggests Silvia writes a follow- up letter
to improve her chances of being offered the
job.
3 A p p earin g d esp era te for the job
e his custo m er service skills well. However,
Se e So p hie ’s id eas in a u dioscript 6.2
f d e m o nstrate o t h er skills necessary for the
So p hie ’s id eas:
t h at you are organised and professional. It
will keep you fresh in t h e interviewer's mind.
2 This will d e m o nstrate th at you recognise
the i m p ortance of w h at the interviewer said,
and d e m o nstra tes good listening skills and
the ability to put received information into
practice.
3 This will show t h at you clearly un derstan d the
re q uire ments of the jo b and the challenges
it will bring, and t h at you are a ble to meet
these challenges.
4 This will help the interviewer to clearly see
you doing th e job.
gettin g you the job.
9 a n u m b er of things including: location,
2g 3 c 4a bf 6 d 7 b 8 e 9 i
h perks of the job, as well as obvious salary
Futerra is doing. // A s mentioned when we m e t ...
to work in this are a. I I I recognise t h e im p ortance
... co m mu nication with key clients. 11 Ple ase feel
free to c o n t a c t ... or suita bility for the position.
/ / 1 look forward to ... meeting me. // Yours
sincerely, II Silvia Carnali
t understand the m before you sign a contract
l
1 T han k you for ta king the tim e to discuss ...;
I a p p reciat e the tim e you and the tea m took
in telling me a b o u t the specific asp ects of the
2 I a m p articularly interested in t h e projects
look forward to hearin g from you
3 I am confid ent in my a bility to m e et the
f o r ...; I believe I can mak e a significant
contrib ution towards ...
4 Having discussed the role with you in greater
depth ...; I am p articularly intereste d in
the projects t h at you talk ed a b o u t during
the interview; This helped me gain a b etter
understan ding o f ...
•
J
1 T han k you for ta kin g the ti m e to discuss
2 I a p p reciat e the tim e you and the tea m took
in telling me a b o ut the specific asp ects of the
job
3 This helped me gain a b ett er un derstanding
of
4 I feel I am perfectly suited for
5 I look forward to hearing from you
2a
2 F 3 T 4 T 5 T 6 F 7 T
3a
2 I am grateful
O b vio usly I am disa p p ointe d
4 I would very much a p preciate
5 I am confident
6 T han k you very much in a dvance
Paul did not have enough work e x perience
for th e position; he failed to provide enough
e x a m ples of lea dership skills during the
too short and he failed to provide enough
concrete e x a m ples to su p p ort his claims.
c
1 Paul gave several good answers in the
interview, and in p articular d e m onstrate d
g e n erally Paul failed to provide enough
evidence, through specific e x a mples, to
position (your answers were often short and
lacking examples).
2 To plan his answers more carefully before his
ne x t interview
3 The interviewers needed specific e x a mples of
his lea dership skills - different e x a m ples are
required for each skill.
4 Mr Bro o k er genuinely wants Paul to ap ply for
the ju nior position. If Paul had not impressed
M r Bro o k er d uring the interview, it is
the suggestion.
4a
1 It is i m p orta nt to re m e m b er when receiving
a jo b offer t h a t you do not have to acce pt it.
As well as being certain t h at this is the right
care er choice for you, you need to consider
travellin g time, pro motional prospects,
considerations. You may like the jo b very
much but feel you can only acce pt it if you
are offered slightly more money, for example.
2 A formal acce pt a nce letter, although not
a writte n contract, is an e xcellent way of
acce pting a job. It is also an effective method
of clarifying the ter ms a n d conditions as you
a nd st art work. Eq ually if you decide not to
acce pt the position, although you do not
need to specifically state why, it is good
practice to write a formal lett er declining the
position. Even if you don't wa nt the job now,
you never know when you might be in touch
with a co m pany again. It pays to be polite.
b
Ale x did n’t acce pt the position immediately.
This see ms professional and gives him time to
co nsid er the offer.
Answer key 103
 It is not n ecessary to state whose offer you
2 position 7 contact acce pte d, nor provide lengthy d etails a b o ut St u d e n t B ’s negotiation role play cards for
3 salary 8 decision why you have tur ned down t h eir job offer. Ex ercise 7g on page 83:
4 time 9 latest Indeed, if you do not give specific reasons
5 consider 10 meantim e for turning down a job, this will increase your £
6 offer chances of receiving an improved offer. Stu d e n t B: Possible Actu al
If you're p ositive t h a t you do not wa nt the Candidate score score
e job, or once you have received a signed offer
1 No, he is looking forward to moving to letter or signed co ntract for a jo b th at you
London. prefer
2 Yes, he could see himself working well as part Salary € 3 0 ,0 0 0 pa
of the tea m. b
1 Future Designs For every € 5 0 0 more 100
3 Yes
4 Fringe benefits (for e xa mple, holiday 2 Ms Jo h nso n
For every € 5 0 0 less -20
e ntitle m ent); wh eth er Kin g’s T h e atre will be 3 Gra p hic Designer
willing to p ay him while he a tte n ds a training The work the co m p a ny does, in p articular the H olid ay: v-.-/ . . , “ V- V ••
.
course a dvertisin g ca m p aig ns for major retailers
Offered a n o th er job more suited to his skills 25 days' holiday 100
b Se n d a formal le tt er of acce pt ance
and interests
f For every day more 20
2e 3 c 4 d 5a c
2 spent 5 acce pt For every day less - 50
9 3 impressed 6 o p p ortu nity
D ear Mr Bradshaw, // T han k you for your o f f e r ... . litjr,1f 15
4 Flowever
beginning work a t King’s Theatre. II I am pleased Company car 100
to acce pt yo ur o f f e r ... within my new role at
Kin g’s Theatre. // During the interview ... holiday Su g g est e d a n sw e rs Mobile phone 20
leave I will be entitled to. // Than k you again for I hank you for e x ten ding the offer for the position
offering ... the th eatre te a m on Ju ly 29. / /Yours o f ...; I very much a p p reciat e the time and Pay review in six
sincerely, // Ale x Menck en effort you and your tea m s p e n t ...; I was very months 10
impressed by ...; Flowever, after much thought
h and careful d elib eratio n, I have decide d not Total points:
As we discussed on the phone yesterd ay; As we to acce pt your offer; I have decided to acce pt V
agree d; During the interview a n ot her position, which ...; Than k you again for
O t h er phrases: I am delighted to acce pt your yo ur time and consideration.
offer and look forward to beginning work a t ...; I
a m pleased to acce pt your offer a t a salary o f ... 7b Stu d e n t B: Possible Actu al
an nually; I also understand t h at I will receive ...; Nick n e g otiates a b e tt er deal. Em ployer score score
During the interview we did not discuss ... and *

I hope you will be a ble to clarify ...; I very much Advice give n: establish the e m ployer's salary
look forward to joining you and the ... tea m on ... range for the position; re m e m b er to negotiate Salary € 2 0 ,0 0 0 pa 300
l ‘fringe b en efits’ like holiday entitle m ent, health
cover, etc; try to get the e m ployer to mention For every € 5 0 0 more - 20
They personalise A le x ’s le tt er and make him
sound very positive a n d e nth usiastic a b o ut the a figure first and then try to improve it; only
For every € 5 0 0 less 50

in
new job. negotiate with people who have the power to
make decisions regarding salary (this may not H olid ay:
5a always be th e person interviewing you); establish
2 I’m calling as I’ve been offered if and when your pay will be reviewed before 28 days' holiday 60
3 I just wa nte d to let you know agreeing to any salary offers; do yo ur research
4 I was very impressed by your tea m For every day more - 40
and establish the ‘m ark et r a t e ’ for similar
5 That's very kind of you positions; only negotiate if you are confident t h at For every day less 50

sliill m
6 It's the least I could do you are the e m ployer’s first - choice ca n did ate
c Be n e fits:
2 b 3 a 4 c 5 f 6 e 1 e x pect 4 Could Company car - 60
d 2 might 5 Would
3 would Mobile phone - 30
2 I greatly enjoyed meeting
3 I am writin g to with draw from consideration e Pay review in six
for th e position b 2 c 1 d 5 e 4 f 6 months - 30
4 I have decided to acce pt a position elsewhere
5 closely m atches my a bilities and personal Total points:
care er aims 1 the range is for this position / the range for i

best of success this position is; with my level of e x perience

2 would you consider a higher a m ou nt
6a 3 current offer is below the m ark et rate for this
1 If you decline a jo b offer, re m e m b er position
th at this e m ployer may be an im p ortant
co ntact for you in future. Therefore it is
essential t h at you maintain a professional,
courteous relationship. Secondly, it is worth
re m e m bering th at if you received a job offer
from this e mployer, they believed in your
a bility to do a good jo b for t h eir company, so
tre a t the m with respect. Lastly, the e m ployer
might reply to your well - written, polite lett er
with an even b etter offer.

104 Answer key

Preparing to ap ply
Your stre n g t hs and w e a k n esses
[O cc a si o n a lly) I a m ... I'm a b l e to d e l e g a t e / w o r k i n d e p e n d e n tly etc.
I try to ... I w o u ld lik e to b e a b l e t o ...
I'm e x c e ll e n t a t / (q u it e / r e a so n a b ly) g o o d a t / (not) v e r y g o o d I ca n (so m e ti m es) fin d it d ifficu lt to m a k e d ecisi o n s / m a n a g e
a t M a t h s / m a k in g d ecisi o n s etc. m y ti m e e ff e ctiv e ly etc.
I co uld b e b e t t e r a t ... I ca n b e (a little bit) in d e cisiv e / d is o r g a n is e d etc.
I'm i n t e r e s t e d in ... I r e c e n tly m a n a g e d t o run a m a r a t h o n / m a n a g e a p ro je ct
t h ro u g h all its s t a g e s etc.
I’m fl u e n t in Fr e n c h / Sp a n is h etc.

Perso nal ch a ra ct e rist ics

c r e a tiv e / u n cr e a tiv e fle x ib le / in fle x ib le p e rs u a siv e / u n p e rs u a siv e
d ecisiv e / in d ecisiv e well - org a nise d / d is o r g a n is e d re li a b l e / u n r e lia b l e

Your q u alif ica t i o ns

I g r a d u a t e d fro m X u n iv e rsit y with a B A / a n M S c etc. in So cio lo g y / Fr e n c h etc.
I re a d E n g lis h / M a t h s etc. a t X u niversity.
I h old a M a s t e r's d e g r e e / a n M B A etc.
I w as a w a r d e d a sc h o la rs h ip t o re a d B u si n e ss St u d i e s / M o d e r n La n g u a g e s etc.
I h a v e a Physics / FIist o ry d e g r e e fro m X u niversity, w h ich is e q u iv a l e n t to a BSc / B A in Physics / H ist o ry in t h e U K .
It w a s a t hr e e - y e ar co urse, s o m e t h i n g lik e a BE d / BSc in t h e U K .
B A / BSc H o ns (Firs t / 2:1 / 2 :2)

Tra nsf era ble sk ills

a n a ly tic a l s k ills - id e n tify a m ist a k e, a n a lys e d a t a , c o n d u ct a s u rv e y
cr e a t iv it y - in ve n t a m achin e, su g g est a n a lt e r n a tiv e , solve a p ro ble m
c o m m u n ic a tio n s k ills - w rit e a re p o rt, e x p lain a n id e a, g iv e a p r e s e n t a ti o n
in t e r p e rs o n a l s k ills - re s olv e a d is p u t e, liste n to s o m e o n e's p o i n t of view, w o r k wit h ‘d iffic u lt ’ p e o p le
n e g o tia tio n s k ills - c h a n g e s o m e o n e ’s min d, n e g o tia t e wit h s o m e o n e , c o n vi n c e s o m e o n e t o d o s o m e t h i n g
le a d e rs h i p s k ills - c h a ir a m e e tin g , m o t iv a t e a t e a m , d e l e g a t e t a s k s
o r g a n is a ti o n a l s kills - m e e t d e a d li n e s, d e cid e on p ri o ritie s, i m p l e m e n t a pla n
t e a m w o r k i n g s k ills - d isc uss a n issu e, c o n t ri b u t e t o a m e e tin g, s u p p o r t a co ll e a g u e
self - co n fid e nce self - a w are n ess in t e llig e n c e

re s o u rc e f u ln e ss fl e x ib ilit y i n t e rc u lt u r a l a w a r e n e ss
in d e p e n d ence d e t e r m i n a ti o n self - m o tiva tio n

Jo b a d v ert ise m e n t t er m in olo g y / jarg o n

C C D L - c u rr e n t cle a n d rivi n g lice n ce P O S - p oin t of sale
CV - cu rric u lu m v it a e / r e s u m e circ a - a b o u t
E X P - e x p e ri e n c e clo sin g d a t e - d e a d li n e f or a p p lic a ti o n
A G Y — a g e n cy k / K — t h o u sa n d (£1 8 k = £ 1 8 , 0 0 0 )
O TE - o n - tar g e t e a r n i n g s re f - r e f e re n c e n u m b e r
PA - p e r a n n u m (p e r y e a r) pro r a t a s a l a ry - s a l a r y t h a t is c a lc u l a t e d a s a p r o p o rtio n o f a

PW - p er wee k f u ll' ti m e j ° b

A ppendix 1 Useful language 105

CVs
Perso nal st a t e m e n ts
(with) t h r e e y e a r s ’ full - time / s u b st a n tia l / c o n si d e r a b l e e x p e ri e n c e in m a n a g i n g t e a m s / w o r k i n g u n d e r p re ss u r e etc.
c o m m u n ic a t e / w o r k etc. c o n fid e n tly a n d e ff e ctiv e ly
p rove n a b ilit y to m e e t d e a d li n e s / m a k e p r e s e n t a t i o n s etc.

H eadin gs
Pe rs o n a l s t r e n g t h s a n d c o m p e t e n ci e s A r e a s of p ro f e ssio n a l e x p e ri e n c e Bu si n e ss s kills
• St r a t e g ic t h in k in g • Sa l e s • Fi n a n cia l m a n a g e m e n t
• In n o v a tio n a n d cr e a tivit y • M ark e tin g • Pe o p l e m a n a g e m e n t / M a n a g i n g
• Le a d e rs h i p • Pr e s e n t a t i o n s a n d p u b lic a tio n s p e o p le
• Fl e x ib ilit y • A cc o u n t a n cy • D e a li n g wit h c u st o m e rs
• In it ia tiv e • El e ctr o n ic e n g i n e e ri n g • N e g o ti a ti o n s kills
• F ocus on re s ults • Pr o f e ssi o n a l a w a r d s • Pr o j e c t m a n a g e m e n t
• Tea m working • C o m m u n ic a tio n s kills
• C ross - fu nctio nal w o r k in g
• O r g a n is a t i o n a l s kills

Talkin g a b o u t your s k ills and e x p erie nce

M y role w a s t o ... 1 r e g u la rly ...
A s t h e ... 1 a c t e d a s ... 1 f eel 1 h a v e sig n ific a n tly s t r e n g t h e n e d m y k n o wle d g e a n d
u n d e rst a n d i n g o f ...
Wi t h i n t h is ro le 1 w a s r e s p o n sib le f or le a d in g a t e a m of five /
i m p l e m e n ti n g t h e n e w s t r a t e g y etc. T h is e x p e ri e n c e h as e n a b l e d m e to b uild on ...
To d o t h is e ff e ctiv e ly 1 h a d to ... M y e m p l o y m e n t e x p e ri e n c e le a d s m e t o t h e co ncl usio n t h a t ...
T h e n a t u r e o f ... m e a n t t h a t 1 h a d t o ... 1 t h in k t h a t 1 co uld b ri n g ...
M y p a st e x p e ri e n c e o f ... h as b r o u g h t m e a g r e a t e r M y r e s p o n si b iliti e s in cl u d e d ...
u n d e rst a n d i n g o f ... , as well a s ... A s yo u ca n se e fro m my CV 1 h a v e ...
1 i m p l e m e n t e d a n ew ... In t h e c o u rse o f m y c u rr e n t jo b 1 h a v e ...
1 b e lie v e 1 ca n a p p ly t h e s k ills o b t a i n e d fro m my p re vi o u s A t p r e s e n t 1 a m r e s p o n sib le f or ...
e m p l o y m e n t t o t h is p ositio n.
A s a r e s u l t ...
1 w o r k e d a t X f or t wo y e ars, w h e r e 1 l e a r n e d t h a t ...
W h il e 1 w a s a t ... 1 w a s in c h a r g e o f ...
W o r k i n g a t X h el p e d m e to le a rn t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f ...
A s p a r t o f my d e g r e e c o u rse in ... 1 ...
1 h a v e a str o n g h ist o ry o f ...

Talkin g a b o u t y o ur i n t e r ests
avid sailo r
d e d ic a t e d rock g u it a ris t
c o m m it t e d m o u n t a in cli m b e r
e x p ert rea d er
re g u la r t e n n is ch a m p i o n
form er b lo g g e r
p ro ficie n t ski in str u ct o r
successf ul b allro o m d a n c e r
a ctiv e st a m p c o ll e ct o r
k een s p e a k e r o f Po r t u g u e s e
q u alifi e d volu nte er
e x p e rie n c e d j e w e ll e ry m a k e r

Appendix 1 Useful language

Cover le t t ers
O pening paragraph
I a m a fin al - y e a r s t u d e n t w h o is a b o u t to g r a d u a t e fro m X u n iv e rsit y wit h a B A in In d u stria l E n g i n e e rin g .
I a m w riti n g t o e n q u ir e a b o u t p o ssi b le e m p l o y m e n t o p p o r t u n iti e s wit h ...
I a m in t e r e s t e d in t h e p ositio n f o r a M a r k e t i n g E x e c u tiv e / PA a d v e r tis e d in The Guardian n e w s p a p e r / o n y o u r w e bsit e.
I a m w ritin g in r e s p o n s e t o y o u r a d v e r t is e m e n t f o r ...
I e n cl o s e m y CV f or y o u r c o n si d e r a ti o n .
I w a s r e c e n tly s p e a k i n g w it h X a n d s / he r e c o m m e n d e d t h a t I c o n t a c t yo u / se n d yo u a c o p y o f my CV.
Give n my e x p e ri e n c e in X, s / he f e lt t h a t I w o uld b e a n id e al c a n d i d a t e f or t h e job.
I w o ul d lik e t o a p p ly f or t h e p ost o f ...
Pl e a s e a cc e p t t h is l e t t e r a s a p p lic a ti o n f o r t h e M a r k e t i n g M a n a g e r p ositio n c u rr e n t ly a d v e r tis e d on y o u r w e bsit e.
I a m w ritin g r e g a r d i n g t h e s e cr e t a ri a l v a c a n cy ...

Main body
M y p a s t e x p e ri e n c e o f ... h as b r o u g h t m e a g r e a t e r T his e x p e ri e n c e h as e n a b l e d m e to ...
u n d e rst a n d i n g o f ..., a s well as ... W o r k i n g in ... h e lp e d m e to le a rn t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f ...
A s p a r t o f my d e g r e e c o u rs e in ... a t ..., 1 ... D u ri n g ... 1 s u g g e st e d ...
1 a m c u rr e n t ly w o r k i n g a s ... D u ri n g my p erio d o f e m p l o y m e n t a t ... 1 g a in e d ...
A t p r e s e n t 1 a m r e s p o n si b l e f or / in c h a r g e o f ... 1 i m p l e m e n t e d a n ew ...
M y r e s p o n si b iliti e s in cl u d e ... T h e s e c h a n g e s le d to a sig n ific a n t i n cr e a s e in ...
Si n c e 1 w o r k wit h .... 1 h a v e d e v e l o p e d ... A s yo u ca n se e fro m my CV 1 h a v e ...
1 f eel 1 h a v e sig n ific a n tly s t r e n g t h e n e d my k n o wle d g e a n d 1 h a v e a stro n g h ist o ry o f ...
u n d e rst a n d i n g o f ...
1 t h in k t h a t 1 co uld b ri n g ...
1 b e lie v e 1 ca n a p p ly t h e s k ills o b t a i n e d fro m my p r e vi o u s
e m p l o y m e n t to t h is p ositio n .
1 a m c o n fi d e n t t h a t t h e c o m b i n a ti o n o f m y ... a n d ... m a k e s m e
a n id e al c a n d i d a t e f or t h e p ositio n.

Fin al paragraph
I w o ul d a p p r e ci a t e t h e o p p o r t u n it y to m e e t yo u t o d isc u ss m y skills, c a p a b iliti e s a n d p ro f e ssio n a l e x p e ri e n c e in g r e a t e r d e t ail.
I w o u l d w e lc o m e t h e o p p o r t u n it y t o d isc uss my p ro f e ssio n a l h ist o ry a n d q u a lific a ti o n s wit h yo u in g r e a t e r d e t ail.
I w o u ld b e h a p p y t o s u p p ly yo u wit h f u rt h e r r e f e r e n c e s sh o ul d yo u r e q u ir e t h e m .
Sh o u l d yo u r e q u ir e a n y f u r t h e r in f o r m a ti o n r e g a r d i n g m y a p p lic a ti o n , p l e a s e d o n o t h e sit a t e t o c o n t a c t me.
I lo o k f o r w a r d t o h e a ri n g fro m yo u.
I w o u ld like t o t h a n k yo u in a d v a n c e f or y o u r ti m e a n d c o n sid e r a tio n .
Pl e a s e fi n d e n cl o s e d a co p y o f m y c u rric u lu m vit a e , w h ich gives f u r t h e r d e t a ils o f m y e d u c a ti o n a n d c a r e e r to d a t e.
T h a n k yo u in a d v a n c e f or y o u r c o n sid e r a tio n .
Yo urs sincerely,

In t ervie ws
Sm all t a l k
H o w a r e y o u ? I’m v e r y w ell, t h a n k yo u. D o yo u t h in k 1 co uld h a v e a g la ss o f w a t e r w h ile I’m w a it i n g?

T h a n k yo u. It ’s nice t o m e e t yo u t o o / a t last. D o yo u h a v e a c o m p a n y b ro c h u re 1 co uld h ave a lo o k a t w hile

I’m w a it i n g?
1 c a n ’t b e lie v e t h e w e a t h e r a t t h e m o m e n t! 1 k now. It ’s a wf ul,
is n ’t it? D o yo u t h in k 1 co uld use y o u r t o il e t t o fre sh e n u p ?

Is t h e r e s o m e w h e r e 1 co uld le a ve m y u m b r e ll a? 1 g o t c a u g h t in A r e t h e r e m a n y o t h e r c a n d i d a t e s sc h e d u le d f or in t e rvie w s
t h e rain. t o d a y?

I’m v e r y s o rry I’m late. 1 w a s p la n n in g t o b e h er e o v e r a n h o ur 1 h a d t e rri b l e p r o b l e m s p a r k i n g h ere. Is it a lw a ys t h is b u sy?

a g o, b u t m y tr a in w a s c a n c e ll e d . I’m a fr a id I’m n o t f e eli n g v e ry well. C o uld 1 sit d ow n for a few
1 w a s j u st a d m iri n g t h e office. m i n u t e s?

T h a t ’s q u it e all rig ht. / T h a t ’s o k ay. N o t h a n k yo u, I'm fine.

A ppendix 1 Useful language 107

 Talkin g a b o u t y o u rself
1 a m ... a n d a p p ly a(n) ... a p p r o a c h t o my wor k . 1 ca n s p e a k Sp a n is h fl u e n t ly / r e a s o n a b ly well / a little.

1 b eli e v e in ... 1 w or k well u n d e r p re ss u r e / in a t e a m / a u t o n o m o u sly.

T his e n a b l e s m e t o ... 1 t h in k I’m s u it a b le f or t h e p ositio n o f ... b e c a u s e ...

I’m a ls o a b l e t o ... In t h is w a y 1 a m a b l e t o ...

F o r e x a m ple , in my la st j o b ... 1 f eel t h a t 1 a m ...
In m y la st jo b 1 w a s r e s p o n sib le f or n e g o tia tin g d e a ls / 1 h a v e r e c e n tly s t a r t e d to ... t o i m p ro v e ...
E u r o p e a n s a l e s etc. W h e n 1 w as a t u n iv e rsit y 1 use d to b e ...
1 a m use d t o d e a li n g wit h c u st o m e rs / m a n a g i n g big b u d g e ts 1 use d to b e ..., b u t I’v e s t a r t e d ..., w hich h as e n a b l e d m e t o ...
etc.
1 e n jo y ...
1 h ave a g o o d k n o w l e d g e o f ...
I'm a k e e n ...

Talkin g a b o u t sp ecific e x p erie nces

A t t h e ti m e ... 1 w a n t e d t o b e a b it m ore ... 1 d e ci d e d to ...
T h e r e w(as a ti m e w h e n ... W h a t n e e d e d t o b e d o n e w a s ... T h e r e f o r e 1 ...
T h e r e w a s o n e sit u a tio n w h e n ... U n f o r t u n a t e ly t h is m e a n t t h a t ... 1 o r g a n is e d a(n) ...
T h e p ro b l e m w as ... It w a s v e ry i m p o r t a n t t h a t ... So in o r d e r t o ... 1 ...
Pr o b a b ly t h e b e s t e x a m p le is ... It w a s cl e a r t h a t ... T h is r e s u lt e d in ...
1 d isc o v e r e d t h a t ... W e a c t u a lly e n d e d up ... T h is led t o ...

1 re a lis e d t h a t ... A n y w a y, w h a t h a p p e n e d w a s ... In t h e e n d ...

1 a g r e e d to ... 1 m a n a g e d to ...

Talking a b o u t t he co m pany
Be f o r e a p p lyi n g for t h is p ositio n / t o u niversity, I did a lot o f re s e a rc h into ...
In t h e e n d I d e ci d e d t o ... as it w a s cle a r t h a t ...
I h a d a loo k a t y o u r w e b sit e a n d co uld se e t h a t yo u ...
I d e fi n it e ly f e el, fro m e v e ry t h i n g I’v e l e a r n t a b o u t ..., t h a t t h is is t h e t y p e o f o r g a n is a ti o n I’d lik e t o w o r k for.
You c a m e a cr o ss on y o u r w e b sit e a s ...
It's r e a lly s o m e t h i n g t h a t a t t r a c t e d m e to ...
I w a n t to w o r k wit h y o u r c o m p a n y b e c a u se yo u h a v e a r e a lly e x ce ll e n t / str o n g / o u tst a n d in g re p u t a tio n .
T h e w o r k yo u d o s e e m s t o b e v e ry f ulfillin g / w ort h w hile / salisfyin g.
I t h in k w o r k in g f or yo u w o ul d b e v e ry e njoya ble / ch alle n gin g / f ulfillin g.

Struct urin g y o ur answ er

W h e n 1 w a s a t ... E v e r since ... So t o su m u p ...
... y e a rs a g o F o llo win g my d e g r e e / t h a t etc.
T h a t ’s r e a lly w h e n ... Firstly, ... Se co n d ly, ... Finally, ...

So f t e nin g n e g a tiv e in f or m a tio n

1 ca n b e a b it (of a) ... I’m k e e n to d e v e lo p ...
1 ca n o cc a si o n a lly b e a lit tle ... I’m lo o k in g f or a n o p p o r t u n it y to ...
1 ca n g e t ... a t ti m e s 1 f eel I’m b e st s uit e d to ...
1 o cc a si o n a lly h a v e difficu lty m a k in g d ecisio n s / h a n d lin g I'm se e k in g t h e p o ssi b ilit y to d e v e l o p f u r t h e r p r o f essio n ally.
criticis m etc. I’m se e k in g fresh ch alle n g e s.
Fro m ti m e to ti m e 1 ...

Em p h asisin g p ositiv e in f or m a tio n

1 p u t a s m uch e ff ort / e n er g y as p o ssi b le int o ... 1 a m e x tre m ely / v e ry ...
1 p ay a lot o f a t t e n t i o n t o d e t a il. 1 e n j o y a g r e a t d e al a b o u t my c u rr e n t jo b.
1 m a k e s u re t h a t e v e ry sin gle ...

108 A p pendix 1 Useful language

Clarif yin g
C o uld yo u e x p la in w h a t yo u m e a n b y . . .? C o uld yo u e l a b o r a t e a little on . . .?
So , if 1 u n d e rst a n d you co rr ectly, ... C o uld yo u tell m e w h a t t h a t w o uld i n v o lv e?
Do yo u m e a n . . .?

Tele p h on e in t ervie ws
I'm sorry, co uld you sa y t h a t a g a i n ? I’m h a vin g t r o u b l e h e a rin g yo u. C a n yo u h e a r m e c l e a r ly?
1 d i d n ’t q u it e ca tch w h a t you said .

A f t er t he in t ervie w
Follo w-up le t t e r
T h a n k you f o r t a k in g t h e ti m e t o d isc u ss ...
I a p p r e ci a t e t h e ti m e yo u a n d t h e t e a m t o o k in t e lli n g m e a b o u t t h e sp ecific a s p e c ts o f t h e jo b.
I g r e a tly a p p r e ci a t e d t h e o p p o r t u n it y to m e e t wit h yo u a n d y o u r t e a m .
I w o ul d lik e to t h a n k yo u for t al k in g wit h m e a b o u t ...
A f t e r m e e tin g wit h yo u, I a m f u rt h e r c o n vin c e d t h a t ...
T his h e lp e d m e g ain a b e t t e r u n d e rst a n d i n g o f ...
I a m p a r t ic u l a rly i n t e r e st e d in t h e p ro je cts t h a t you t a l k e d a b o u t d u ri n g t h e in t ervie w.
A f t e r t h e in t ervie w, I a m eve n m ore e x cit e d a t t h e p r o s p e c t o f ...
A s m e n tio n e d w h e n w e m e t ...
H a vi n g d isc u ss e d t h e role wit h yo u in g r e a t e r d e p t h ...
I a m c o n fi d e n t in my a b ilit y t o ...
I feel I a m p e r f e c tly s u it e d f o r ...
I b e lie v e I ca n m a k e a sig n ific a n t c o n t ri b u ti o n t o w a r d s ...
I lo o k f o r w a r d to h e a ri n g fro m you.
If you re q u ir e a n y a d d iti o n a l in f o r m a ti o n fro m m e in t h e m e a n ti m e , p l e a s e d o n o t h e sit a t e t o c o n t a c t me.

Re q u estin g f e e d b ack f ollo w in g rejectio n

O b vi o u sly I a m d is a p p o i n t e d to h a v e b e e n u ns uccessf ul t h is ti m e ...
I w o u ld v e ry m uch a p p r e c i a t e it if yo u co uld e x p la in in g r e a t e r d e t ail w h y my a p p lic a ti o n w a s u nsuccessf ul on t h is o cca sio n.
I a m c o n fi d e n t t his in f o r m a ti o n will h elp m e t o id e n tify a r e a s which I n e e d t o w or k on ...

Acce p tin g a jo b o f f er
T h a n k yo u f o r y o ur o ff er o f e m p l o y m e n t a s ...
A s w e d isc u ss e d on t h e p h o n e, I a m d e lig h t e d t o a cc e p t y o u r o ff e r a n d lo o k f o rw a r d t o s t a r ti n g w o r k a t ...
I a m p le a s e d to a cc e p t y o u r o ff er o f a s t a r ti n g s a l a ry o f ...
As w e a g r e e d , ...
I also u n d e rst a n d t h a t I will ...
D u ri n g t h e i n t e rvi e w w e did n o t disc uss ...
I h o p e yo u will b e a b l e t o cla rif y ...
T h a n k yo u a g a in f or o ff e rin g m e t his w o n d e rf u l o p p o rt u n ity.
I v e ry m uch lo o k f o r w a r d to s t a r ti n g my e m p l o y m e n t wit h yo u on ...

D eclinin g a jo b o f f er
I’m c a llin g a s ... / 1j u s t w a n t e d t o le t yo u k n o w t h a t ...
I h a v e b e e n o ff e re d a j o b e ls e w h e re , w h ich I h a v e a cc e p t e d .
I w a n t e d t o s a y t h a t I r e a lly e n jo y e d m e e tin g yo u.
I w a s v e r y i m p r e ss e d b y ...
T h a n k yo u f o r givin g m e t h e c h a n c e t o t a l k a b o u t ...
I h a v e d ecid e d t o a cc e p t a p o sitio n e ls e w h e re .
I a m w ritin g t o w it h d r a w fro m c o n si d e r a ti o n f o r t h e p ositio n.
T h a n k yo u a g ain f or y o u r ti m e a n d c o n sid e r a tio n .

A ppendix 1 Useful language 109

APPEN DIX Common in t ervie w
* •

50 common in t ervie w q u estio ns

1 W h y did yo u ch o ose to st u d y y o u r d e g re e s u b je c t?
2 W h a t did yo u m ost / le ast e n jo y a b o u t y o u r tim e a t u n iv e rsity?
3 W h a t s k ills did yo u d e v e lo p a t u n iv e rsity?
4 W h a t w as t h e m ost c h a lle n g in g a s p e c t o f y o u r d e g re e c o u rs e?
5 H o w will y o u r d e g re e h elp yo u in t h is p o sitio n?
6 Tell us so m e t h in g a b o u t yo u rself.
7 W h a t d o yo u lik e d oin g in y o u r s p a r e ti m e ?
8 W h y d o yo u w a n t t h is j o b ?
9 W h y sh o uld w e hire y o u ?
10 W h a t ca n yo u b rin g to t h is p o sitio n?
11 W h a t d o yo u c o n sid e r to b e t h e k ey s k ills n e c e ssa ry for t h is p o sitio n ?
12 W h a t will yo u d o if yo u d o n ’t g e t t h is j o b ?
13 W h a t a r e y o u r stre n g t h s / w e a k n e sse s?
14 W h a t is y o u r b ig g est a c h ie v e m e n t?
15 W h a t d o yo u k n ow a b o u t o u r c o m p a n y?
16 W h a t a t tr a c t e d yo u to o u r c o m p a n y?
17 W h a t d o yo u t h in k o f o u r w e b s it e?
18 W h o w o u ld yo u c o n sid e r to b e o u r m ain c o m p e tit o rs?
19 W h a t tr e n d s a r e lik ely t o a ff e ct o u r in d u stry o v e r th e n e x t few y e a rs?
20 H o w d o yo u ty p ic a lly a p p ro a c h new p r o je c ts?
21 D e scrib e y o u r m a n a g e m e n t style.
22 W h a t s o rts o f t h in g s d o yo u lik e to d e le g a t e?
23 W h a t q u a litie s d o yo u lo o k for in a m a n a g e r?
24 H o w d o yo u h a n d le s tr e ss?
25 Tell m e a b o u t y o u r a b ility to w o r k u n d e r p ressure.
26 In w h a t e n viro n m e n t d o yo u w o r k b e s t?
27 W h a t m o tiv a t e s yo u in t e r m s o f w o r k ?
28 W h a t in t e r e s ts you m ost / le ast in y o u r c u rr e n t w o r k ?
29 W h a t w o uld yo u c h a n g e a b o u t y o u r c u rr e n t jo b if yo u c o u ld ?
30 W h y a r e yo u co n sid e rin g le a vin g y o u r c u rr e n t j o b ?
31 W h y did yo u le a ve y o u r la s t j o b ?
32 W h a t a r e yo u lo o k in g fo r in a j o b ?
33 W h a t d o yo u th in k will b e t h e m ost c h a lle n g in g a s p e c t o f t his r o le?
34 W h a t k in d s o f d e cisio n s d o yo u fin d d iffic u lt to m a k e?
35 Tell us a b o u t a tim e w h e n yo u d e m o n s tra t e d g o o d c u st o m e r s e rvic e / le a d e rs h ip s k ills etc.
36 Tell us a b o u t a tim e w h e n yo u h ave b e e n in n o v a tiv e a t w ork .
37 Tell us a b o u t a tim e yo u e n c o u n t e re d a p ro b le m a n d how yo u re so lv e d it.
38 Tell us a b o u t a ti m e w h e n yo u h a d to m a k e a d ifficu lt d ecisio n .
39 Tell us a b o u t a tim e w h e n yo u s u cce ssf u lly m a n a g e d a d ifficu lt sit u a tio n a t w ork .
40 D e scrib e a sit u a tio n in w hich yo u t o o k a risk. W h a t w e re t h e r e s u lts?
41 H o w d o yo u w o r k in a t e a m ?
42 H o w w o uld y o u r c o lle a g u e s d e scrib e y o u ?
43 H o w w o uld y o u r m a n a g e r d e scrib e y o u r w o r k ?
44 W h e n w e re yo u h a p p ie st a t w o r k ?
45 You se e m n o t to h ave to o m uch e x p e rie n c e in X. D o yo u th in k t h is w o uld b e a p r o b le m ?
46 D o yo u th in k yo u a re o v e r q u a lifie d fo r t h is p o sitio n?
47 H o w h ave yo u ch a n g e d o v e r t h e la st five y e a rs?
48 W h e r e d o yo u se e y o u rs e lf in five y e a rs ’ ti m e?
49 H o w d o yo u h o p e to d e v e lo p y o u r c a r e e r f u r t h e r?
50 D o yo u h ave a n y q u e stio n s yo u w o uld lik e to as k u s?

A p p e n d ix 2 Com mon in t e rv ie w q u estio n s

 Model cover

Ba ld ric k C o lle g e
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1 D e c e m b e r 2008
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D e ar Ms Ainsley,

I a m writin g to a p p ly for th e p ositio n of ju nior co n su lta n t at Hillier a n d T h o m p so n a d v ertise d in

The In d e p e n d e n t. H avin g re a d th e jo b d escrip tio n , I b e lie v e that m y e x celle n t a c a d e m ic record,
p ro fessio n al e x p e rie n ce a n d in terp erso n al skills m a k e m e a stro n g ca n d id a t e for th e position.

A s a p o st g ra d u a te stu d e n t stu d yin g In tern atio n al Re la tio n s at W a rs a w University, I a m curre n tly

co m p le tin g m y M A dissertatio n. Prio r to this I sp e n t nin e m o n ths g ainin g p ractical e x p e rie n ce in
E u r o p e a n Pu b lic Affairs, d urin g a p aid train e esh ip at C L A N Pu b lic Affairs in Br u ss e ls. My prim ary
role at C L A N w a s to m onitor d e v e lo p m e n ts in th e e n e r g y se ct o r at th e Eu r o p e a n C o m m issio n ,
a n d to prioritise a n d co m m u n ica t e this inform ation in a cle a r a n d c o n cis e m an ner, in line with
in divid u al clie n t n e e d s. W h ilst in Br u ss e ls I use d m y stro n g in terp erso n al skills to esta b lish a w id e
n etwork of co n tacts. T his n etwork, c o m b in e d with m y re se a rc h a n d a n alytical skills, e n a b le d m e
to id e ntify t h e inform ation o ur clie n ts re q uire d ra p idly a n d effectively. My e fficie n cy in this role, as
w ell as m y a bility to co m m u n ica t e cle a rly with clie n ts a n d c o lle a g u e s, le a d to m y pro m otio n to
te a m le a d e r after o nly thre e m o nths.

A s yo u will s e e fro m m y CV, I o b tain e d a co m p e titive sc h o larsh ip to co m p le t e m y first d e g re e at

N orth - eastern Illinois University, C h ica g o . M y e x p e rie n ce s of stu d yin g in A m e ric a a n d w orkin g in
Belg iu m h a v e ta u g h t m e h o w to live a n d w ork in d iv e rse a n d c h alle n g in g e nviro n m e n ts. T his h as
h elp e d m e to w ork m ore effectively, both in d e p e n d e n tly a n d a s p art of a tea m .

I a m n o w lo o kin g for a p ositio n in w h ich I ca n use a n d co n tin u e d e ve lo p in g m y p ro fessio n al

skills. I a m co n fid e n t I co uld bring a g re a t d e al to th e ju nior co n su lta n t p ositio n at Hillier a n d
T h o m p so n . Yo ur a d v e rtise m e n t sta tes that th e p ositio n will re q uire clo s e colla b ora tio n with
th e C e n tral Eu r o p e a n O ffice in Milan, w h ic h will involve fre q u e n t trips to Italy. H avin g sp e n t
m a n y p revio u s h o lid ays in Italy, I k n o w th e co u n try a n d culture w ell. I h a v e m a n a g e d to ac q u ire
g o o d c o n v e rsa tio n al Italian a n d a m cu rre n tly ta kin g eve n in g cla ss e s to im p rove m y la n g u a g e
p ro ficie n cy in this are a. I also h ave flu e nt Fre n c h follo win g m y w ork e x p e rie n ce in Bru sse ls.

Sh o u ld yo u h ave a n y q u e ries re g ardin g m y a p p lica tio n , or re q uire a n y further inform ation,

p le a se d o not h esita te to co n tact m e. I w o uld like to th a n k yo u in a d v a n c e for y o u r tim e a n d
co n sid era tio n .

I loo k forw ard to h e arin g fro m yo u.

Yo urs sincerely,

Ms N atalie La u re n t

A ppendix 3 Model cover le tte r

Ackno wledge ments
The a uth ors and pu blishers ack nowledge th e following sources of co pyrig ht m aterial and are grc
for the p ermissions grante d. Wh ile every e ffo rt has been made, it has not always been possible
id e n tify the sources of all th e m aterial used, or to trace all co pyrig ht holders. If any o missions ;
brought to o ur notice, we will be hap py to include the a p p ro p ria te ack nowle d ge m ents on reprinl
F uterra Sust ain a bility Co m m unications Ltd for the logo on p. 18, and for permission to base Unit 1 01
Co mpany;
C ha m b ers H arra p Pu blishers Ltd for the e x tract on p. 2 9 ‘Ed uca tio n’ from Chambers Desktop Guides,
A p plications. C o p yrig h t® C ha m b ers H arra p Pu blish ers Ltd, 2 0 0 6. Re pro d uce d by permission of Char
H arra p Pu blish ers Ltd;
Be a O aff for the te x t on p. 67 ‘Q u estio ns to ask ’ from ‘A ny Q u estio ns’, The Guardian. Re prod uced by
permission of Be a Oaff.

Photo ack n o w le d g e m e n ts
Ala m y C harles O. Cecil p1 2, David Davis Photo pro d uctio ns p 2 6 (t), Im a g eSta t e p 2 6 (b), blickwinkel [
Corbis C. Devan / zefa p6, (t, m), A rtig a Ph oto p 4 7 (t, m), Hans Nele m a n p 5 9 (t, m)
G e tty Im ages Ale x Mares - Manto n / Asia Images p 2 6 (m), Sh elly Stra z is / Up p erC ut Images p31 (t), k
Hawe / U p p er C ut Images p 4 8 (b), C habru k en / Taxi p 5 2, Stock byte p 7 3 (t, m)
iStock ph oto.co m Pali Rao p i 9 (t, m) and p 3 4 (t, m), Ben Bla n k e n b urg p 4 8 (t), Christine Gla d e p 7 5,
Horrocks p 8 3
M a st e rfile David Sch midt p 14, M ar k Leibowit z p 6 8 (I), Jer z yw o r k s p 6 8 (r)
PA Ph o tos Eli z abeth Dal ziel / A P p61
Ph o tolib rary p31 (b)
Pu nchstock Designpics.com p 10, D AJ p 6 0
Designed and produced by e M C Design Ltd, www.e mcdesign.org.u k.

A u t h or ack n o w le d g e m e n ts
I would like to than k my editors a t Ca m brid g e University Press, esp ecially Clare Sh erid a n and Jere m y
who provided invaluable professional e x pertise, su p p ort an d guidance throu g hout the process of wril
this book. 1 also than k Jessica Errington for all the highly value d e x p erience and skills she brought tc
pre p aration of the manuscript for production and printing, and for all of the many ways she has help'
d evelo p m e nt of the book. I very much a p preciat e the i m portance of t h eir input at every stage of the
The book has also b enefite d e n or m o usly from the very useful fee d back I have received from teachers
students, colleagues and friends. I would esp ecially like to than k A n drew Ma n asse h, Christine Pollefo
and Nina H urry a t the British Council Brussels, and my professors a t King’s College London, for their
encourage m e nt, tim e and guidance.
Also, as always, I am very grateful to my close friends and fa mily for t h eir patience and su p p ort durir
writing of this book, esp ecially Diana Allsopp.

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O t h e r titles in the series: