MODULE 2

THE RIGHT PERSON FOR THE RIGHT JOB

Topics Functions Structures

- Personality traits - Describing personality - Adjectives and
- Talking about nouns
professions - Good/Bad + at +
- Defining strengths and noun or ing
weaknesses - Find it + adj + to
- Talking about past infinitive
actions - Adjectives +
Fiction - Giving opinions: enough + to
The Selfish Giant by Illustrating your point. infinitive
Oscar Wilde - Like+ noun or ing
- Relative
connectors who –
that
- Past Simple
(revisited),
Continuous and
Perfect

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Section 1

BEFORE READING
a) Read the title of the text and underline three possible synonyms of
the word trait /treɪt/(n).

peculiarity – intent – mark – attribute – purpose – characteristic

b) Read the words in bold and tick the sentence that describes the
main idea of the text.

1. The typical roles developed in a multi-national company

2. The most relevant qualities of a competent employee
3. The necessary steps to become a successful candidate for a job

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The Personality
Traits needed to be
Hired
By Katharine Paljug, Business
News Daily Contributing Writer,
February 9, 2018 10:15 am EST
5 Promotable When you’re applying for a job, your professional success and
personality traits industry experience are only part of what your interviewer
wants to see. Many times, your personality traits are crucial
that will help you
for getting the job because they make you the right fit for the
get ahead company.

10 transferable “Employers want to know about your hard skills, which show
skills that will get that you are qualified for a position, but they also want to see
that you will fit in with the company culture. The only way to
you hired
assess this is to get a sense of your personality,” said Susan
Peppercorn, CEO of Positive Workplace Partners. “Knowing
20 Great jobs that someone has the experience and skills to be successful in
for present day a job is very important, but when two candidates have similar
professionals capabilities, often the soft skills are the reason why one person
gets the job and the other doesn’t.”
A study by the career resource site CareerBuilder found that many employers prioritize the same soft
skills in employees, looking for candidates who are dependable, positive, flexible and effective
communicators who work well under pressure, among other personality traits.

The right personality traits can make the difference between a strong candidate and a new employee.

1. A multitasker
Companies rarely hire employees to perform only one function. Especially in a small business,
companies need people who are willing to come out of their roles and perform different and varied
tasks. If you are a multitasker, you will have many chances to be hired.
2. A strategist
Career psychologist Eileen Sharaga said that every business needs a strategic thinker. Therefore, when
managers are hired, they want someone who can identify long-term goals. “It’s critical to demonstrate
that you have not only a vision for the future, but also a plan to get there,” she explained. If you can
plan strategically, you will be successful.
3. A decider
“People who can use their own judgment and take decisive action are valuable to any company,”
Selewach said. Business leaders can’t be involved in every minor decision, so they look for a candidate
who has the ability to act and take responsibility for the results. If you want to move into a
management or leadership position, you will have to decide by yourself.
4. A cautious person
Beth Gilfeather, CEO and founder of Sevenstep Recruiting, told the site Career Builder that a cautious
employee acts prudently as a counterbalance to risk-takers. “They do not like risks as risky situations
make them nervous. Therefore, they provide stability and balance. If you want to prevent dangerous
risks, you will need to hire an employee with this personality trait,” she said.

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5. An independent thinker
Some employees always agree with what their boss says, without questioning. Although these people
may be good at following instructions, leaders ultimately need team members who will challenge the
status quo if it’s better for the business. “I want people who will not be afraid of contradicting my
decisions if they think it is better for the company,” Meg Sheetz, president of Medifast, told the site.
6. A team player
Most jobs require some kind of collaboration, whether with a team of other employees, a group of
clients or occasional outside contractors. The ability to work pleasantly and effectively with others is a
key part of nearly any job. If you find it easy to deal with people, you will be considered a good
candidate who is flexible enough to get along well with a variety of personalities and work styles.
7. A cultural fit
Employers look for people who can fit in the company’s culture. Every company’s culture is different
and each is founded on different values. “Our culture is founded upon a work-hard, play-hard, humble,
self-reflective and collaborative environment,” said Max Yoder, CEO of an online training software
company. If you match these values, you will be the perfect cultural fit.

Personality traits are difficult to demonstrate on a resume, so it's essential to highlight them during
the interview. However, simply stating you're a team player, for instance, isn't enough for most hiring
managers. Instead, you should provide a concrete example of when you worked on a team to
accomplish a goal. Moreover, remember that the best way to express your personality is to simply be
yourself!

WHILE READING
a. Read the text and extract one sentence that best explains the main
characteristic of each trait. Have a look at the example.

Multitaskers: People who are willing to come out of their roles and perform different and
varied tasks.

1. Strategists:………………………………………………………………………………………….
2. Deciders:………………………………………………………………………………………………
3. Cautious people:………………………………………………………………………………….
4. Independent thinkers:………………………………………………………………………….
5. Team players:………………………………………………………………………………………
6. Cultural fits:………………………………………………………………………………………….

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AFTER READING

a) Have a look at what these professionals are saying. What

personality trait does each one have? Write your answers below.

1. Philip Clough, public relations manager: …………………………………………………

I love working with other people for a common goal. I’m open minded. When
there’re very different opinions on the same issue, I naturally tend to find the
mid-point in order to maintain a positive work environment.

2. Benjamin Ledge, media expert: ………………………………………………………………..

In my team, there are workmates who are high-fliers and will do anything to
achieve the company’s goals but… I’m there to prevent them from taking on
too much as I’m a down-to-earth person. I feel my role is to keep a good
balance between risks and stability!

3. Helen Marvel, social worker: ……………………………………………………………………

I sometimes don’t agree with my boss’s viewpoint. However, I’m not afraid of
telling her so because I know that a different opinion may lead to a better
decision, which is beneficial for the company in the end. I’m not stubborn but
if I think I have a better idea, I will challenge the authority.

4. Emma Young, architect. …………………………………………………

Tomorrow, we’re having the first meeting to organize things for a new major
project. The first step is to discuss what is required for the project and how it
will be carried out. Then, we must decide who does what. And last, we must
carefully plan when things will happen and we must meet the deadline. As
I’m focused and have a vision for the future, I will lead the team.

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5. Danny Silverstone, accountant: …………………………………………………………………

At work, I do lots of different activities. I can lead team meetings and arrange
work trips. Although some of those tasks are not inherent to my post, I also
understand I need to address those issues to make things work. I love my job
and I’m a committed member of the team.

6. Camilla Baily, nurse: …………………………………………………………………………………

My job involves taking both major and minor decisions and being empathetic.
The major ones are taken together by my boss and me. However, I try not to
bother him when I must make minor decisions. I simply do it and take
responsibility for the result. “Bring solutions, not problems.” That’s my motto.

7. Michelle White, engineer: …………………………………………………………………………

Adaptable, that’s the word that describes me. I find it very easy to adapt to
and, adopt the core characteristics of a company. It’s only natural for me. I
don’t have to make any extra effort to do so. I’m assertive enough to fit in
different environments.

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 ANWER KEY
BEFORE READING
Exercise A
Peculiarity – Attribute – Characteristic

Exercise B
2. The most relevant qualities of a competent employee

WHILE READING
Exercise A
1. Strategists: People who can identify long-term goals.
2. Deciders: People who can use their own judgment and take decisive action.
3. Cautious people: People who are risk-averse, but provide stability and
fairness.
4. Independent thinkers: People who will challenge the status quo if it's better
for the business and will not be afraid to stand up for what they think is the
right thing.
5. Team players: People who have the ability to work pleasantly and
effectively with others.
6. Cultural fits are those who can fit the company's culture and core values.

AFTER READING
Exercise A
1. A team player
2. A cautious person
3. An independent thinker
4. A strategist

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5. A multitasker
6. A decider
7. A cultural fit

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