MODULE 6. PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION.
Unit 1. Applying for a Job. Stages in Job Application.
Active vocabulary
1. (To) advertise ['ædvətaɪz] ,
2. Advertisement [əd'vɜːtɪsmənt] ,
3. Applicant ['æplɪk(ə)nt] , ( )
4. Application form [æplɪˌkeɪʃ(ə)n'fɔːm] ,
5. (To) apply for (a job)
6. (To) appoint [ə'pɔɪnt]
7. Background ['bækgraund] ,
8. Cover letter (AmE) ['kʌvə'letə]
Covering letter (BrE) ['kʌvərɪŋ'letə]
9. CV, Curriculum Vitae (BrE) ,
[ˌsiː'viː][kəˌrɪkjələm'viːtaɪ]
10. Employee [ˌɪmplɔɪ'iː] ,
11. Employer [ɪm'plɔɪə]
12. (To) fill in an application form (BrE)
13. (To) hire ['haɪə]
14. Position [pə'zɪʃ(ə)n] / Post [pəust] ,
15. Qualification [ˌkwɔlɪfɪ'keɪʃ(ə)n] ,
16. Referee [ˌrefə'riː] ,
17. Reference ['ref(ə)rəns] , 18. Resume (AmE), résumé ['rezjuːmeɪ] ,
19. Skills [skɪlz] ,
20. Vacancy ['veɪkənsɪ] ,
21. Work experience [ɪk'spɪ(ə)rɪəns]
Reading
Exercise 1. A) Teresa Fernandez is applying for a job in civil engineering. Match the extracts (a─h) from the documents and conversations to the stages in the job application process. Then put the stages into the most logical sequence.
__ Sending a cover letter __Making interview small talk
__Sending a CV/resume __ Reading a job advertisement
__Sending a follow-up letter __Researching the market
__Responding to interview questions __Researching yourself
a) _____________________________
Teresa?
Yes. Hello.
Good afternoon. My names Alan Cassidy. Sorry to keep you waiting.
Thats all right. Ive been enjoying your company brochure. It all looks very impressive. Its nice to meet you at last.
Thanks. Have you travelled far to us today?
Quite far. I am not currently based in London, so I came on the train this morning.
b) _____________________________
| INFRASTRUCTURE DESIGN ENGINEER, London £45,000 per annum plus package Job type: Permanent Civil, Structural & Environmental Consulting Engineers based in London with projects currently across the UK for both the public & private sectors seek to appoint an additional Design Engineer with experience in roads & drainage design for residential developments. Responsibilities will include: full surface & sub-surface drainage design; undertaking flood risk assessments; highways design; site surveying; contributing to design team & project meetings with Clients, Architects & Local Authorities. Computer literate, you should be competent in AutoCAD, etc and be active and seeking to further develop as an engineer. |
c) _____________________________
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I am a recent graduate with first-hand experience of civil engineering. I would like to apply for the position of Infrastructure Design Engineer, as advertised in The Guardians.
I find the prospect of working for your company very attractive because it will enable to put my deep theoretical knowledge into a very practical context in a successful firm.
d) _____________________________
I am writing to thank you for giving me the opportunity of an interview today. Everyone in your office was friendly and made me feel very welcome.
As we discussed during the interview, I believe my skills and experience would enable me to make a very useful contribution to your team.
e) _____________________________
What would you say are your main weaknesses?
Well, I didnt use to be very well-organized. Nothing very serious, but for example I used to forget my friends birthdays or try to rush university assignments to get them done at the last minute. But in the last few years Ive learnt some nice tricks to help me organize my life ─ simple things like writing down all my tasks for the day and not relaxing until Ive done everything I need to do.
f) _____________________________
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g) _____________________________
Academic qualifications
20072012 Birmingham North University
BA (Hons) Civil Engineering
20032007 Birmingham South College
A levels - Maths (A), English (B), Physics (D)
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h) _____________________________
Good afternoon. Civil, Structural & Environmental Consulting Engineers. How can I help you?
Hello. My names Teresa Fernandez. Could I speak to Mr Cassidy, please?
Im afraid hes in a meeting. Can I take a message?
Im not sure. I was calling to see if there are any vacancies of an infrastructure design engineer in your company. Im a recent graduate, and Im very keen to work for a company like yours, because of your excellent reputation.
Actually, I think there is a vacancy. There was an advert in The Guardian last week. Have you seen it?
No, I must have missed that. Do you have a copy of the advert that you could send me?
Of course, but youll have to be quick: the closing date is tomorrow.
B) Read the extracts again. Which extract(s) mention(s):
1) details of Teresas work experience? _______
2) details of Teresas studies and qualifications? _______
3) the job salary? _______
4) Teresas weaknesses? _______
5) where the vacancy is advertised? _______
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6) a compliment from Teresa about the company? _______
7) evidence of Teresas research into the company? _______
8) teamwork? _______
Researching yourself
The first thing you need to do when starting job-hunting process is a self-assessment of your own strengths and weaknesses.
Exercise 2. The mind map below can help highlight the strengths and weaknesses. Complete the sentences (a-j) using the prepositions in, to and at. Then complete the headings (1-6) on the mind map using the words in the box.
| Achievements Experience Knowledge Languages Personal characteristics Skills |
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Exercise 3. A) Read a conversation of two friends, Federico and Jack, talking about Federicos strengths and weaknesses.
Jack: So, Federico. Whats all this about you moving jobs?
Federico: Well, yes, Ive just decided to start looking for a new job. I love my current job, and my colleagues are great, but if Im going to get more experience, Ill have to go somewhere else.
Jack: Sure you cant get that experience where you are?
Federico: No. Our companys too small. I need to go somewhere bigger.
Jack: Any idea? Where?
Federico: Well, Ive got a few companies in mind.
Jack: And have you got the skills and experience these companies are looking for?
Federico: Well, Ive got the qualifications theyre looking for. When it comes to skills and experience, I think I can demonstrate that Im very adaptable. I dont mind working late or at weekends, and Ill have a go at anything, I pick things up very quickly.
Jack: Thats true.
Federico: Im also good at coming up with new ideas and suggesting alternative solutions.
Jack: Yeah. I remember when we used to work together, you used to stick notes with new ideas everywhere. Your desk was such a mess and you never knew where anything was. The desk of a creative genius, I guess!
Federico: Well, the desk is still a mess, but at least I know where everything is now!
Jack: Well, it sounds like youve got a lot to offer.
Federico: Yes, although the main company Im interested in is looking for someone who can speak English and a bit of German. I speak English fluently, but German Ive never even been to Germany. Id love to be able to speak German, though.
Jack: So, what are you going to do about it?
Federico: Well, actually Ive already started taking lessons, and Ive started listening to German language podcasts while I travel by bus. I hope that my commitment might help convince the company to take me on.
Jack: Thats impressive. Hows it going?
Federico: Its tough, but if I want to get a job, Ive got to make an effort.
B) In pairs, discuss the questions.
1. What has Federico recently decided to do?
2. Why has he made this decision?
3. What does Federico claim to be good at?
4. What would Federico really like to be able to do?
5. What is Federico doing in order to achieve this aim?
C) Underline the personal characteristics below that best describe Federico. In pairs, discuss your answers using evidence from the conversation to support your opinion.
Creative Disorganized Flexible Decisive
Impatient Reliable Successful Persuasive
Exercise 4. A) Match the personal characteristics to the questions.
1. Creative a) Do you always do what you say youll 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. Organized d) Are you able to plan ahead successfully?
5. Persuasive e) Are you able to cope with last-minute changes?
6. Reliable f) Are you good at coming up with imaginative solutions?
B) In pairs, take turns to ask and answer the questions above. Discuss your individual strengths and weaknesses giving specific evidence.
e.g. A: Do you always do what you say youll do?
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B: Yes, Im reliable. Im always on time to work, classes and meetings, and when I cant make it, I let people know ahead of time.
Exercise 5. Complete the phrases with the ideas that are true for you.
Strengths Weaknesses Positive characteristics
Im excellent at Im not very good at I try to
Im able to I could be better at Negative characteristics
Im interested in Im reasonably good at I can sometimes be
I recently managed to I would like to be able to I can be a little bit
Exercise 6. A) Match the skills to the examples of professional behaviour.
| 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. I am good at making decisions. |
| 2. Creativity | b) I understand my own strengths and limitations. I demonstrate an interest in an understanding of my own and other cultures. I actively seek feedback on my performance and consider it. |
| 3.Seft-confidence | c) I am good at getting a good deal. I am good at developing and managing relationship with others. I am able to persuade, convince and gain support from others. |
| 4. Commu-nication skills | d) I am able to formulate new ideas to solve problems. I am able to think ahead to spot or create opportunities. |
| 5. Indepen-dence | e) I can work with determination on my own. I can find ways to overcome obstacles to set myself achievable goals. |
| 6.Interpersonal skills | f) I am good at data analysis. I am excellent at interpreting data to see cause and effect and I am able to use this information to make effective decisions. |
| 7.Negotiational skills | g) I am able to express myself effectively. I am able to make my opinions totally clear and I am rarely misunderstood. I produce clear, well-written reports that can be easily understood. |
| 8.Self-awareness | h) I am good at working cooperatively. I am good at working and communicating within a team to achieve shared goals. I am a good listener. |
B) Write your own examples of behavior for the following skills.
Leadership skills: I am good at.
_________________________________________________________
Organizational skills:
__________________________________________________________ Teamworking skills:
__________________________________________________________
Exercise 7. Complete the phrases demonstrating skills using the correct verbs in brackets.
1. Analytical skills (analyze / conduct / identify)
a) _________ a mistake b) _________ data c) _________ a survey
2. Creativity (invent / solve / suggest)
a) _______ a machine b) ________ an alternative c) _______ a problem
3. Communication skills (explain / give / write)
a) _________a report b) _________an idea c)________a presentation
4. Interpersonal skills (listen / resolve / work)
a) _________ a dispute b) _________to a point of view
c) _________ with difficult people
5. Leadership skills (chair/ delegate / motivate)
a) _________ a meeting b) _________ a team c) _________ tasks
6. Organizational skills (decide / implement /meet)
a) _________deadlines b)_________on priorities c) _________ a plan
7. Teamworking skills (contribute / discuss / support)
a) _________an issue b)_________to a meeting c)________a colleague
6. Negotiation skills (change / convince / negotiate)
a) ___________ someones mind b)____________ with someone
c) ___________ someone to do something
Exercise 8. Identify three skills of your own which you have used at university or will use at work. Tell about your skills giving examples of your behavior.
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Exercise 9. A) Read the list of the essential duties and responsibilities of a civil engineer below. What skills are necessary to perform these duties and responsibilities?
1. to provide detailed fact finding, research and analysis;
2. to provide support for less experienced staff;
3. to develop computer models, including detailed and potentially complex spreadsheet analyses;
4. to assist with engagement planning activities including the development of draft work plans and budgets;
5. to prepare client communication for senior level review.
B) Work in small groups. Discuss what other responsibilities civil engineers can have. What skills do you need to become a civil engineer?
Exercise 10. Read about different stages of the job application process.
APPLYING FOR A JOB
If you look for a job, you can look in the situations vacant pages of your local newspaper, where companies advertise for several positions. Then you can apply for the job by completing an application form and send it in.
Harry is an engineer. He saw a job in the appointments pages of one of the national papers. He made an application, sending in his CV (curriculum vitae) and a covering letter explaining why he wanted the job and why he was the right person for it.
Note: Situation, post and position are formal words often used in job advertisements and applications.
Selection Procedures
Dagmar Schmidt is the head of recruitment at a German telecommunication company. She talks about the selection process, the methods that the company uses to recruit people:
We advertise in national newspapers. We look at the background of applicants: their experience of different jobs and their educational qualifications. We dont ask for handwritten letters of application as people usually apply by e-mail. We invite the most interesting candidates to the company and have individual interviews with each candidate. After this, we shortlist three or four candidates. We check their references by writing to their referees: previous employers or teachers that candidates have named in their applications. If the references are OK, we ask the candidates to come back for more interviews. Finally, we offer the job to someone, and if they turn it down we have to think again. If they accept it, we hire them. We only appoint someone if we find the right person. (from Business Vocabulary in Use)
Exercise 11. Look at the pairs of words and expressions in bold and decide which one is best in each situation. In some cases, both words are correct.
Part 1
When a company has a (1) vacancy / vacant for a job, and it needs to (2) hire / recruit a new member of (3) crew / staff, it usually (4) publicises / advertises the (5) post / position. A job advertisement has to give an accurate (6) describing / description of the job and what the company needs and expects from the (7) applicant / application (the person who is (8) applying / appalling for the job). These (9) requirements / requisitions might include (10) qualifications / qualifiers (academic or professional), (11) experience / experiences in similar lines of work, and personal (12) qualifications / qualities.
Part 2
If somebody is interested in the job, they are asked to send their (1) curriculum vitae / résumé (which should give details of their education and any skills or interests relevant for the job they are applying for). This should be accompanied by a (2) cover / covering letter which should explain briefly why they are applying for the job and why they think they would be (3) suiting / suitable for it. They might be asked to (4) fill in / fill out an (5) application / applicant form and (6) submit / send it to the company. The managers of the company will read these and then make a (7) short-list / small-list of the people they would like to attend an (8) interrogation / interview. At the same time, they will (9) reject / turn down those who they feel are unsuitable.
The people who are responsible for choosing a new employee will consider the different aspects of the (10) candidates / applicants to decide whether they have the correct (11) potency / potential for the job. They might have special (12) skills / abilities (for example, are they computer (13) literate / numerate, can they drive, or do they speak any other languages?) and (14) interests / hobbies (what do they like doing in their free time?). They might also consider their family (15) backing / background. The person who most closely (16) suits / matches the (17) profile / criteria will then be accepted for the job. Before somebody is (18) offered / suggested the job, s/he is asked to provide (19) referees / references from people who know him / her (usually a former (20) employer / employee, a (21) colleague / co-worker, or a teacher or college tutor).
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Speaking
Exercise 12. Work in pairs. Make up a dialogue using the questions.
1. What criteria do you think people use when they choose their future profession?
2. What has inspired you to choose your profession?
3. What is your future speciality?
4. Are people who have civil engineering training in demand in modern society?
5. Are computer sciences and foreign languages in the focus of the civil engineering curriculum nowadays?
6. What subjects do you consider to be the most important for you to gain your professional skills?
7. Will the knowledge of any foreign language promote your career?
8. What kinds of companies can employ you?
