Job advertisements
1 2
Complete the chart with
data from the ads above.
skills & method of
position employer experience personality
qualifications application
Source: http://esol.britishcouncil.org/content/teachers/lessons-and-activities/work Prof. Ana Laura López
A cover letter 6 Freeland St.
Greenwich
London
Look at this job advertisement and read Jenny’s letter of application.
9th April, 2010
Blue Line Cruises
24 Cavendish Grove
London
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have seen your advertisement
for photographers in ‘The Evening
News’ (1) ____.
My name is Jenny Curtis, and I
am 20 years old. At school, I (2)___,
and two B passes (Spanish and French)
at Advanced level. Since I finished
school two years ago I have been
working as a photographer’s assistant
Choose the appropriate phrase below to complete the gaps in the for a local newspaper.
letter. (3) ____and I really like to
- and I thought that’s the job for me! travel; I would welcome the
- and I am writing to apply for the post. opportunity to work on a cruise
- obtained A-B grades in 7 final exams. ship.(4)____ and I enjoy working with
- ended up with 7 A’s and C’s. people very much.
- I have always been interested in photography. I would be available for an
- I’ve always enjoyed taking photos of my family and cats. interview at any time and(5)____. I
look forward to hearing from you.
- My friends think I’m really funny, I’ve always been popular.
- I think I am a very self-motivated and hardworking person. Yours faithfully,
- I can supply you with the names of two references.
- If you want, you can phone two of my friends – they said Jenny Curtis
they’d be references.
Jenny Curtis
Justify your choices. Think about the following :
• Contractions Informal punctuation
• Irrelevant information Words/expressions used in everyday speech
Read the letter again. Match the descriptions below with each paragraph of the letter (write the number of the paragraph)
a. ………… Availability, references. c. ………… Reasons for writing.
b. ………… Relevant qualifications and experience. d. ………… Reasons for wanting the job.
Now that you have completed the letter, answer the following questions:
a. What’s the name of the company and where is it located? Did Jenny study photography?
b. What sort of person is needed for the job? Do you think Jenny is suitable for the job? Why?
My qualifications include… I read your advertisement… I am writing in connection to…
I am writing because I am interested in… I would welcome the opportunity to… I would be happy to attend an interview…
Beginning and ending
▪ If you don’t know the name of the person, start with Dear Sir or Dear Madam and end Yours faithfully.
▪ If you are given a name, use it in full, for example Dear Mr. Banks, and end Yours sincerely.
▪ Finish it with your signature and full name written under it.
Linking Words
▪ Opinion: I think, I believe, I insist
▪ Listing points: First of all, Secondly, Also, Next, Then, After this/that, Last(ly), All in all
▪ Cause/effect: Because (of this), So, As a result
▪ Examples: For example, such as, especially
▪ Contrast: But, However, Although, Despite
▪ Time: when, before, until, while, after
Source: Wavelength Pre-intermediate Prof. Ana Laura López
A cover letter – layout
Address of the person writing 6 Freeland St.
the letter Greenwich
London
Date
9th April, 2010
Name and Address of the person
or business receiving the letter Blue Line Cruises
(+ name and position if you know it) 24 Cavendish Grove
London
Greeting
Dear Sir or Madam,
Reason why you are writing the I have seen your advertisement for
letter. photographers in ‘The Evening Mail’ and I am
writing to apply for the post.
My name is Jenny Curtis, and I am 20
More details and information. years old. At school, I obtained A-B grades
▪ Name in 7 final exams, and two B passes (Spanish
▪ Age and French) at Advanced level. Since I
▪ Academic information finished school two years ago I have been
▪ Previous experience working as a photographer’s assistant for a
local newspaper.
I have always been interested in
▪ Personality photography and I really like to travel; I
▪ Reasons for wanting the job would welcome the opportunity to work on a
cruise ship. I believe I am a very self-
motivated and hardworking person and I enjoy
working with people very much.
▪ Availability
I would be available for interview at
▪ References any time and I can, if necessary, supply you
with the names of two references.
It signals the end of the letter.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Complimentary closing:
▪ Yours faithfully Yours faithfully,
▪ Yours sincerely
Jenny Curtis
Signature with full name written Jenny Curtis
under it.
Read the following job advertisement which appeared in yesterday Daily
Newspaper, and fill in the blanks using the following words:
dynamic candidate graduate salary
requires experience resumé cover
In pairs, write one of the following letters of application:
a. Jean Grey, 18. Hard-working, good at Math.
Good grades at school. Wants a job as a
cashier in a supermarket. Experienced. Job
advertised in the ‘Oxford Times’.
b. Scott Summers, 25. Administration and Accounting
degrees from London University. Hardworking. 2 years experience
working as a manager assistant. Wants a work as a secretary in a big company. Job
advertised in the ‘London’s Herald’.
c. Gwen Stacy, 20. Three B’s and one A in her final exams. Loves children. Wants a job
as a teacher’s assistant in a kindergarten. 4 years experience working as a baby
sitter. Job advertised in the ‘The Evening Mail’.
Source: Wavelength Pre-intermediate Prof. Ana Laura López
imagine you are applying for this job →
organize your ideas, complete the chart with the
information you are going to include. You’ll need to create a fictional
background for this task. /8
create an appropriate CV (PRINTED) /10
Write the cover letter to apply (PRINTED) /12
Prof. Ana Laura López
imagine you are applying
for this job →
organize your ideas, complete the
chart with the information you are going to include.
You’ll need to create a fictional background for this
task. /8
create an appropriate CV (PRINTED) /10
Write the cover letter to apply (PRINTED) /12
Prof. Ana Laura López
Curriculum Vitae P ia, Diana and Laura want a job, and
they use different ways to apply.
Name: Pia Marcotti A traditional CV
Age: _________1
Place of Birth: __________2, Italy A) Read the different parts of Pia’s CV
and write the CORRECT SUBTITLES.
235 Rose St. - Boston, USA B) Listen to the 1st part of the interview
(+1)134-220-4200 and tell me if these are TRUE or FALSE:
pmarcotti@gmail.com
1. John showed Pia around the Company.
2. The Company is very big.
• Marketing & Finance Degrees: University of Boston – June 2001 3. About 15 people work at Roscoe Int.
• Bachelor Degree: St. Peter’s High School – June 1996
4. Pia didn’t have her CV.
C) Listen to the 2nd part of the interview
• June 2001 - July 2002: Meals on Wheels ( ______3 year)
Caterers ______________4. Main responsibilities: advertising,
and complete Pia’s CV
leaflets, ______________ __________5 and ____________6. (information is not in order).
• January 2003 - May 2005: Bradford Footwear ( ______7 years)
___________8 company. Worked in ____________9 department.
• Languages: English (native), _________10 (fluent), __________11
(good - ______12 years of study).
• Computing: MS Office (advanced), Photoshop (good).
• Mr. Mark Hanson – Manager at Bradford Footwear
mhanson@gmail.com
• July 2002 - December 2003: Travelled to ______________13,
and _____________14 ( ______15 months).
A Video CV Pia
D) Watch these Video CVs and answer these questions:
1. Do you think Diana and Laura’s CVs are good? Why/why not?
2. What are their similarities and differences?
3. What are the benefits of a video CV?
Diana Laura
E) HOMEWORK: Watch again and complete the chart (some information is missing):
skills &
residences personality experience contact
qualifications
Diana
Laura
Source: adapted from http://esl-lounge.com/ Prof. Ana Laura López Cazarré
A Job Interview
1) Look at the list below. Do you think they are good or bad things
to say in an interview? Put G (Good) or B (Bad) in each sentence.
a. I'm looking for new challenges.
b. I'm really nervous.
c. How much will I earn?
d. My weakness is that I work too hard.
e. In the short-term, I want to develop my sales skills
and gain more experience.
f. I really need this job!
g. My current boss is horrible.
h. Can you tell me more about the day-to-day
obligations of this job?
i. No, I don't have any questions.
j. I work well under pressure. I find it very motivating.
2) Now, complete the article with statements from activity 1.
Do you agree with the article?
3) Here are some tips for a successful job interview,
complete the infographic and add two more tips.
a. Be punctual.
b. Be yourself and show your personality.
c. Bring copies of your CV.
d. Bring pen and paper.
e. Dress appropriately.
f. Know the company/business you’re
applying for.
g. Know your strengths/weaknesses.
h. Prepare your answers to common job
interview questions.
i. Silence your phone.
j. Take care with your body language.
4) There are four types of interview questions. Match the type of question with the explanation below.
a b c d
Personal Out-of-the-box Situational Behavioral
• Professional goals. • Creativity • Decision-making • Past behavior
• Qualifications • Critical • Confidence • Attitude &
• Work style thinking • Hypothetical motivation
• Interest in the • World view situations • Work ethics
company
These questions present the These questions invite the These questions give insight These questions give an idea
candidate with an imaginary candidate to recall a past in the candidate’s personality, about a candidate's creativity
situation and ask them what experience and describe motivations and interest in and thought processes.
they would do. how they handled it. the position.
Classify these 1- Can you sell me this pen? ____ 3- Tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem. ____
examples: 2- Can you list your strengths? ____ 4- What would you do if there was a blackout in your shop? ____
Source: Attending a job interview - https://www.linguahouse.com Prof. Ana Laura López Cazarré
1. What can you tell us about a- I love to learn new things. I’m very organized, and I
follow directions exactly, but I can be creative when I
yourself? need to.
2. What salary are you b- I want this job because it emphasizes sales and
seeking? marketing, two of my greatest skill sets.
c- I would definitely choose jeans. They are very
3. Why do you want this job? versatile, and go with any kind of top, formal or casual.
Also, they look good even if you rip them!
4. How would you manage a
customer who isn’t happy d- I would talk to my boss about it, but only if I thought
with your service, even if the error would be bad for the company.
he is wrong?
5. If you know your boss is e- Last New Year our restaurant was full and there
100% wrong about were a lot of people waiting for a table. I asked the boss
something, what would if we could serve free soda to the people waiting, so
you do? everybody was happy.
6. Tell me of a time you had
f- Try 888 + 88 + 8 + 8 + 8 = 1,000.
to leave a job.
g- Two years ago, I worked in a small clothing store in
7. Give me an example of Michigan. The work environment was nice, but I felt
your biggest achievement. that I couldn’t use all my skills. I needed a bigger
challenge, so I looked for another position.
8. Tell me about a difficult h- Well, in my last job I changed the store arrangement
challenge you faced. How to show some products better. Our sales went up 20%
did you solve it? in the next quarter, it was a great achievement!
9. How can you add eight i- Well, no matter if the client is right or wrong, I
would listen to their concerns and try to solve the
eights to reach 1000? problem.
10. What piece of clothing do j- What I’m really looking for is something around
$35,000. I believe that’s the average salary in Sales, and
you identify with? it’s one I’m comfortable with.
Source: Attending a job interview - https://www.linguahouse.com Prof. Ana Laura López Cazarré
11. Do you have any k- Actually, I Googled you. I wanted to find out
questions for me? more about your company before I applied.
12. What are your goals for l- I see myself as a top-performing employee in a
the future? well-established restaurant like this one.
13. What are your greatest m- I would be an egg. They are perfect; they contain
everything you need to be healthy. They are very
weaknesses? versatile and easily adaptable for different dishes.
14. How would you deal with
n- I would note the mistake and learn from it. All
pressure on the
dishes must be perfect.
workplace?
15. What would you do if the o- If I had a cook who is not working right, I would
work of one of your cooks first try to investigate why he or she is having a
wasn’t good? problem, and if I can do something to help.
16. Suppose a dish that you p- Well, I can’t sit still for extended periods of
prepared got sent back. time. That’s why I’m looking for a job where I can
What would you do? be on movement. A kitchen job is perfect for me.
q- Well, in a kitchen you must work as a team, but
17. Tell me of a time you sometimes it can be difficult. In my last job one of
worked in sales. the cooks was having problems, so I helped him to
improve his work.
18. Give an example of how r- I would focus on my job and my daily
you worked on a team. obligations. I wouldn’t let the pressure to affect me.
19. If you were food, what s- Yes. As you can see from my CV, I worked part-
time as a sales assistant for a big department store.
food would you be? I really enjoyed that position.
20. What was the last thing t- Yes. Can you tell me more about the day-to-day
you Googled? responsibilities of this job?
Source: Attending a job interview - https://www.linguahouse.com Prof. Ana Laura López Cazarré
Final activity: Job Hunt Project
Prof. Ana Laura López
PARTICIPANTS: 2 students (3 at the most) DATE:
TOPIC: Students must recreate the complete Job Hunt process
Job Search Job Interview
1- Create a job advertisement. It must include: position, 4- Roleplay the Job Interview
employer, requirements (personality, qualifications, skills), it must include at least:
method of application (include employer’s address)
• 4 personal questions,
Make a copy in A4 size
• 1 situational question,
Job Application • 1 behavioral question,
• 1 out-of-the-box question.
2- Create a Curriculum Vitae. It must include: personal info,
contact, qualification (studies), skills, experience You must hand in the Script
3- Write a Letter of application. It must follow the format we
studied. Try to include what you listed in the CV.
ASSESSMENT
• Job Advertisement (10 p.) Curriculum Vitae (20 p.) Letter of Application (20 p.)
• Job Interview (44 p.) - includes SCRIPT
▪ Presentation → up to 12 pts. ▪ Grammar/Vocabulary → up to 12 pts.
▪ Content → up to 12 pts. ▪ Extras → up to 8 pts. (important: Costumes/Props/Set design)
Assessment Rubric for the Roleplay
Poor Fair Good Excellent
Presentation 1-2 pts 3-6 pts 6-9 pts 9-12 pts
Clarity/ St. was unable to speak St. showed great difficulty Sts. were able to perform Sts. were able to perform
Fluency during the role play. in performing the role play the role play with little the role play clearly with
St. reads from the script. but was able to complete difficulty. no difficulty.
(12 points)
the task. St. has the script at hand St. doesn’t have a script.
St. sometimes uses the but doesn’t read.
script as a guide but
doesn’t read.
Grammar 1-2 pts 3-6 pts 6-9 pts 9-12 pts
Vocabulary Numerous grammar Average grammar control Good use of language, Effective grammar use of
mistakes. but with some incorrect only a few grammar the language patterns
(12 points)
Totally Inadequate and use of expressions studied mistakes. Sts. use taught in class.
inaccurate use of in class. grammar forms taught in Rich use of vocabulary and
vocabulary according to Somewhat adequate and class. Adequate and appropriate use of
the St.’s level. accurate use of vocabulary accurate use of idiomatic expressions.
vocabulary. Some voc. Uses language taught in
taught in class is included. class.
Content 1-2 pts 3-6 pts 6-9 pts 9-12 pts
The role play lacks a The role play was Information is connected role play has a good
(12 points)
central theme, clear point disjointed in content; to a theme. Details are narrative flow. Events are
of view, and logical however, the narrative can logical and actions and presented in a logical
sequence of information. be followed by the viewer. dialogue is relevant order, with relevant
throughout most of the action/dialogues that
role play. support the ideas.
Extras 0 pts. 1-3 4-6 7-8
No extras whatsoever A few minor props, no Sts. bring props and Sts. create a set, bring
(8 points)
costumes. costumes. props and costumes.
