Task 1. Read the title and opening quotation from an article giving careers advice on finding your ideal job. What advice and information do you think the article will give on the following qustions?
1. What do you want work do for you?
2. What do you have to offer?
3. Where can you look for your ideal job?
4. Whats involved in the application process?
Task 2. Read the article and check your answers.
Finding your ideal job its all about you
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 analyse yourself closely: put yourself and your life 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 representative 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 strengths and weaknesses. Asking close friends can be one way, but you gave to be sure theyre being honest. Think about achievements and successes youve had, and analyse 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 your perfect job. If they will, then set about addressing your weaknesses immediately.
The next question: where can you find the ideal job?
The ideal job wont just suddenly arrive youll 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 are interested in? what changes and developments are going to happen? How can you be part of them? Dont be frightened to seize the opportunity it may change your life for the better.
And finally: whats involved in the application process?
The different stages of applying for the 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 you can offer.
One final piece of advice: enjoy the process. If you are enjoying it, then theres more of you involved and that ideal job is first and fore most about YOU.
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Task 3. Explain the meaning of these expressions from the article.
1. Do something worthwhile 5. Look at the bigger picture
2. Put your lifestyle preferences 6. Seize the opportunity
under the microscope 7. Tailor your CV
3. Know your product inside out 8. First and foremost
4. Set about addressing your
weaknesses immediately
Task 4. Work in pairs. Discuss the questions and advice in the article, and try them out on each other.
Examples What do you enjoy doing most with your time?
What achievements and successes have you had?
Task 5. Study the quotation and express your opinion about it.
The best careers advice is quite simple: find out what you like doing best, then get someone to pay you for doing it
Task 6. Study common interview questions and recommendations how to answer them and then practice them with your partner.
Tell me about yourself.
At the onset of any interview, you can be asked to speak about yourself. However, you should remember that you dont have to speak about your personal life beyond the name and interests. Speak about your educational background, previous jobs, your accomplishments etc.
What is your aim in life? What are your short-term and long-term goals in life?
Answering these questions you need to have a clear idea about what you want to achieve in life.
What are your strengths?
You should mention your skills and positive points. Dont forget to back them up with concrete examples. Highlighting your strengths will show you in a positive light. Its good to use such key words like team leader, efficient manager, strong grasp over communication skills etc.
What are your weaknesses?
You have to carefully determine the weak points that you wish to put forward during the interview. While you can safely mention being over-enthusiastic or ambitious; avoid giving details about missing out on a deadline or getting into conflict with your former employer. However, avoid saying that you have no problem area, that might sound suspicious presenting you as an over-confident candidate.
Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?
The ideal answer is one of flexibility. However, be honest. Give examples describing how you have worked in both situations.
Why did you leave your previous company?
This question must be answered very tactfully. Whatever may be the reason for quitting your earlier job, refrain from any negative comments.
