2017-11-01
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1. In your opinion, which factors below are important for getting a job? Choose the seven most important. Is there anything missing from the list? Think about some other factors.
| age | experience | personality |
| appearance | family | qualifications |
| astrological sign | handwriting | references |
| background | hobbies | sickness record |
| blood group | intelligence | |
| contacts and connections | marital status |
2. Read the title and opening quotation from an article giving career advice on finding your ideal job. What advice and information do you think the article will give on the following questions:
1) What do you want work to do for you;
2) Secondly, what do you have to offer;
3) Where can you find the ideal job;
4) What is involved in the application process?
3. Read the article and check your answers:
FINDING YOUR IDEAL JOB
“The best career advice is quite simple: find out what you like doing best, then get someone to pay you for doing it.”
Firstly, what do you want work to do for you?
Be prepared to ask yourself deep and direct questions about what you really want from a career. Right now, you might be thinking that all you want is a big salary or to do something worthwhile. But is that really what will motivate you on a daily basis?
Looking for a career is like looking for a new partner – your life goals need to match. Ask yourself what you want from life. You will need to analyze yourself closely: put yourself and your lifestyle preferences under the microscope. Think about what you enjoy doing the most with your time. Take a look around you – note down particular jobs and fields that inspire you.
Secondly, what do you have to offer?
Any sales rep will tell you that you have to know your product inside out to sell it effectively. In job-hunting, the product is YOU. You need to identify your strength and weakness. Asking close friends can be one way, but you have to be sure they`re being honest. Think about achievements and successes you’ve had, and analyze what you did to make them happen. Do the same for failures and disappointments. Decide if any of your weaknesses will get in the way of you perfect job. If they will, then set about addressing your weaknesses immediately.
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The next question: where can you find the ideal job?
The ideal job won`t just suddenly arrive – you`ll have to work hard to find it. There are the traditional ways: newspaper advertisements, trade press, company websites, internet searches, and recruitment agencies. But also look at the bigger picture. The best, most fulfilling jobs often come to those who spot opportunities before they are advertised. Look around you. What trends have been happening in the industry or sector you’re interested in? What changes and developments are going to happen? How can you be part of them? Don’t be frightened to seize the opportunity – it may change your life for the better.
And finally: what is involved in the application process?
The different stages of applying for a job are fairly well-known: prepare a basic CV, research the job details and company background, tailor your CV, write a personalized covering letter, send it … and then start preparing for the interview. However, the important thing to remember is that each stage is an opportunity for you to show your potential employer what can you offer.
One final piece of advice: enjoy the process. If you are enjoying it, then there`s more of you involved – and that ideal job is first and foremost about YOU.
4. Explain the meaning of these expressions from the article.
1) do something worthwhile;
2) put your lifestyle preferences under the microscope;
3) know your product inside out;
4) set about addressing your weaknesses immediately;
5) look at the bigger picture;
6) seize the opportunity;
7) tailor your CV;
8) first and foremost.
5. Work in pairs. Discuss the questions and advice in the article, and try them out on each other.
Example What do you enjoy doing most with your time? What achievements have you had?
6. Give a 2–2,5 minute talk on the job search process:
Remember to say:
- necessary steps to find a job;
- the difficulties you can face;
- the main things you should do to find an ideal job.
PART 2
SPEAKING
LIVE TO WORK OR WORK TO LIVE?
1. What do these phrases mean to you:
- Job satisfaction;
- Job security?
2. Agree or disagree with the following statements. Compare your opinion with your partner`s opinion. Do you have the same views?
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Use the following phrases:
Giving your opinion: I think that …/ In my opinion …
Agreeing: Yes, you`re right (up to a point)/ I agree (completely)/ I partly agree
Disagreeing: Yes, but … / (I`m afraid) I don’t agree/ That`s not the point
1) Every job has interesting and boring aspects.
2) I don’t care what I do if I get paid enough.
3) There are some jobs I would never do even if I was desperate for money.
4) Job satisfaction is good, but job security is better.
3. Look at this list of jobs: cleaner, doctor, politician, manager, teacher, website designer. In your country, which would offer the greatest job security? In your country, which would offer the greatest job satisfaction?
PART 3
WRITING
A LETTER OF ENQUIRY
1. A letter of enquiry typically has the following sections. Put them in the correct order:
A Reason for writing
B Closing: request for a quick answer
C Questions asking for specific information
D Opening greeting
E Date
F Request for extra information
G Addresses
H Closing: greeting and signature
2. Now look at the following example letter and check:
46/9 Lenin Street
District 5
Moscow City
Russia
Hotel Hampton
34 Downs Street
Devon
EX45 7AZ
United Kingdom
14 April 2015
Dear Ms Smith
I am writing to enquire about summer vacancies for foreign students which I saw advertised in ‘English Today’. I am studying Management at the Moscow State University and I am a fluent English speaker.
Please could you tell me if a vacancy of a hotel manager is still available? What documents are necessary to apply for a job? What kind of visa should I apply for? (I will be coming from Russia) I would also like to know more about the accommodation.
I would be grateful if you could send me more information about a vacancy of a hotel manager and the surrounding area.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Sergej Romanov
3. Read a job advertisement.
STUDENT WANTED
We require a student to help out in our small, friendly hotel during the busy summer months. Duties include reception and serving food.
Write to MRS Turner, Mentmore Hotel, Castle Lane, St. Ives, Cornwall.
4. You`d like to apply for this job but some moments are not very clear to you. Write a letter of enquiry.
