книги / Business English for Students of Technical Universities

a separate document. If you are not an academic and have work experience, then you will probably put your work experience before your education. The skills section may be divided into subsections (e. g. technical, language) Not everyone mentions their personal interests but these are essential. Not everyone puts references.

Of course, you can use template from websites. However, it is never a good idea to just copy one exactly. Your information is unique and to present it in the most favourable light you will need to make changes to any example you find.

The word résumé is French and means “summary”. It is a concise overview, generally just on one page, of your objectives and main achievements. It covers the same areas (points 1–8 in the previous subsection) as a CV, but presents them in a different way. A CV is more like a technical description of a product (i. e. the candidate), whereas a resume is more like a sales brochure – though a good CV will also try to sell the candidate.

It is not a good idea to send the same CV to different companies / institutes. You need to tailor (customize) your CV for the specific post you are applying for. You could start by drafting a CV that contains everything that anyone could possibly find relevant and interesting. This could require several pages. You then adapt this draft CV to make it read and look as if it was specifically written for that particular company or institute. Adaptation consists of:

•deleting anything that is not strictly relevant. This does not mean removing whole parts from your Education and Work Experience sections, but simply removing elements that are not relevant in any way to that job. This means that you can highlight the key qualifications that you could bring to the post you are applying for;

•modifying the text to make sure that it includes evidence of the skills that you will need for the post you have applied for;

•changing the layout and/or font so that it reflects the same graphic style as the company or institute where you want to work.

If this is the first job that you are applying for, consider the following:

•Am I more interested in a career where I can use my skills or one that will satisfy my interests?

•How would I describe myself in one sentence?

•What are my greatest skills and how might they match the job I am looking for?

•What are my major accomplishments? How might these be relevant for a particular job?

•Do I like working independently or as part of a team? Would I make a good team leader?

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•Do I mind (enjoy) working long hours? How well do I deal with deadlines?

•What are the most important factors I am looking for in my ideal job?

Your answers to these questions should help you first decide what kind of job you would like, and secondly help you to decide the content of your CV.

Vocabulary

•to encourage a recruiter – впечатлить работника кадрового агентства;

•to examine – рассматривать;

•high-level or high-profile jobs – места работы высшего звена или требующие высокой квалификации;

•e. g. – например;

•a subsection – подраздел;

•a layout – расположение.

Task 3. Decide whether the following statements are True (T) or False (F) in relation to the information in the text above. If you think that a statement is false, change it to make it true:

1)Usually, jobseekers send the same CV to different companies, because the CV is created according the current template.

2)In almost all cases your CV should be no longer than two sides of A4.

3)If you see an advert asking for a résumé it’s likely that they have in mind a onepage document with a number of design features such as narrower margins and a smaller font size in order to create more space. In terms of content, a résumé usually covers the same areas as a CV, but with less space to go into detail.

4)The order of the pieces of information in yours CV may be arbitrary, because the main purpose of the CV is to make a positive impression.

5)Not everyone mentions their personal interests and puts references but these are essential.

Task 4. In the text above, find the terms that are defined by the following statements:

1)It refers to what is important (or relevant) to your target positions, or career goals.

2)He/she is a manager who manages the human resources. He/she usually directs, guides, leads the human force of an organisation to achieve the organisational goals and also solves the problems of the workers.

3)It is a file that is created with an overall layout or blueprint with a format to be used for a group of documents or a generic document.

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4)To write down a document for the first time, including the main points but not all the details.

5)It is short and clear, expressing what needs to be said without unnecessary words.

Task 5. Complete the following sentences using the phrases in the box.

1)Professional, __________ individual. Communicates ________ at all levels; demonstrates initiative and confidentiality both independently and within a team environment.

2)Enthusiastic PA with three-year ______ experience. Excellent written and oral communication skills have enabled me to establish a strong network of professional contacts in your area. ________ to meet deadlines and prioritise whilst maintaining consistently high standards. Substantial __________

organising meetings and conferences gained whilst providing PA and secretarial service to main board director.

Task 6. With the help of information given in the following table, explain the difference between CV and Resume.

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Task 7. Complete the text using the words in the box. Make sure the text makes sense.

between of or

beyond in around

Usually three major differences (1) _____ CVs and resumes are the length, the purpose and the layout. A resume is a brief summary (2) ___ your skills and experience over one (3) ___ two pages, a CV is more detailed and can stretch well

(4) ____ two pages. The resume will be tailored to each position whereas the CV will stay put and any changes will be (5) ___ the cover letter.

A CV has a clear chronological order listing the whole career of the individual whereas a resume’s information can be shuffled (6) _____ to best suit the applicant. Therefore, the main difference between a resume and a CV is that a CV is intended to be a full record (7) ___ your career history and a resume is a brief, targeted list of skills and achievements.

PART 3. PREPARING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW

Job interviews are like first dates. Good impressions count; awkwardness can occur; and outcomes are unpredictable.

American saying

Task 1. In pairs, discuss the following tips for preparing for an interview. Which ones do you think are the most important? Which ones would you do first?

1)Try to predict the questions you are likely to be asked during the interview.

2)Do some research into the company you would like to work for.

3)Find out exactly what duties and responsibilities the job position involves.

4)Analyse your skills, experience, and identify the areas they match the job requirements and the company needs.

5)Rehearse the interview.

6)Decide what you are going to wear.

7)Prepare the list of questions to ask the company representatives at the end of the interview.

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Task 2. Read the text and tell your groupmate which steps are usually taken before, during and after the interview. Can you add some more ideas for improving efficiency of your meeting with an employer?

How to prepare for a job interview

Do you have a job interview on your schedule? There are a number of steps you can take before and after the interview to ensure that you make a terrific impression on your potential employer.

1. Analyse the Job

An important part of interview preparation is to take the time to analyse the job posting, if you have it. As you review the job description, consider what the company is seeking in a candidate. Make a list of the skills, knowledge, and professional and personal qualities that are required by the employer and are critical for success in the job.

2. Make a Match

Once you have created a list of the qualifications for the job, make a list of your assets and match them to the job requirements. These might include your skills, qualities, certifications, experiences, professional qualifications, abilities, computer skills, and knowledge bases. You can bring up some of these assets when you explain to the employer why you are a great fit for the job. Also, think of examples from past work experiences that show you have these qualities. This way, if the interviewer asks you to describe a time when you demonstrated a particular skill or ability, you will be ready. Review the job requirements, your list of assets, and your examples prior to the interview so that you’re prepared to share them during the interview.

3. Research the Company

Before you go on a job interview, it’s important to find out as much as you can about not only the job, but also the company. Company research is a critical part of interview preparation. It will help you prepare to answer interview questions about the company and to ask the interviewer questions about the company. You will also be able to find out whether the company and the company culture are a good fit for you. For a concise understanding of the company, check out the company website, specifically the “About Us” page. Get a sense of how the company compares to other organizations in the same industry by reading articles about the company in industry magazines or websites. You can also check out company reviews from clients and current and former employees. Also, spend time

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tapping into your network to see if you know someone who can help give you an interview edge over the other candidates.

4. Practice Interviewing

Take the time to practice answering interview questions you will probably be asked during a job interview. This will help give you a chance to prepare and practice answers, and will also help calm your nerves because you won’t be scrambling for an answer while you’re in the interview hot seat.

Practice interviewing with a friend or family member ahead of time and it will be much easier when you’re actually in a job interview. Try to conduct the practice interview in the same format as the real interview. For example, if it is a phone interview, ask a friend to call you to practice answering questions over the phone. If it is a panel interview, ask a couple of friends to pretend to be a panel.

5. Get Your Interview Clothes Ready

Don’t wait until the last minute to make sure your interview clothes are ready. Have an interview outfit ready to wear at all times, so you don’t have to think about what you’re going to wear while you’re scrambling to get ready for a job interview. Regardless of the type of job you’re interviewing for, that first impression should be a great one. When dressing for an interview for a professional position, dress accordingly in business attire.

If you’re applying for a job in a more casual environment, such as a store or restaurant, it’s still important to be neat, tidy, and well-groomed, and to present a positive image to the employer. It is also important to think about your makeup and accessories when dressing for an interview.

6. Decide What to Do With Your Hair

How you style your hair for a job interview is almost as important as the interview clothes you wear. After all, the interviewer is going to notice everything about you, including your interview attire, hairstyle, and makeup, and you only have seconds to make a great impression.

7. What to Bring to a Job Interview

It’s important to know what to bring (and what not to bring) to a job interview. Items to bring include a portfolio with extra copies of your resume, a list of references, a list of questions to ask the interviewer, and something to write with. It’s also important to know what not to bring, including your cell phone (or at least turn your phone off), a cup of coffee, gum, or anything else beyond yourself and your credentials.

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8. Practice Interview Etiquette

Proper interview etiquette is important. Remember to greet the receptionist, your interviewer, and everyone else you meet politely, pleasantly, and enthusiastically. During the interview, watch your body language; shake hands firmly and make eye contact as you articulate your points. Pay attention, be attentive, and look interested. This is something you can work on in your practice interviews. There are also specific etiquette tips depending on the type of interview you have, for example, a lunch or dinner interview, a panel interview, a phone interview, or a video interview. The more positive an impression you make, the better you’ll do during the job interview. These job interview etiquette tips will help you make the best impression on the hiring manager.

9. Get Directions

It’s important to know where you need to go for your job interview – ahead of time. That way, you’ll avoid running late to the interview. Use Google Maps or another app to get directions if you’re not sure where you are going. You also may want to confirm the interview time and place, just to be sure you’re heading in the right direction.

10. Listen and Ask Questions

During a job interview, listening is just as important as answering questions. If you’re not paying attention, you’re not going to be able to give a good response. It’s important to listen to the interviewer, pay attention, and take time, if you need it, to compose an appropriate answer. It’s also important to discuss your qualifications in a way that will impress the interviewer. Also, be ready to engage the interviewer. You want there to be a give and take in the conversation, so you’re building a relationship with the interviewer rather than just providing rote responses to questions. Have questions of your own ready to ask the interviewer. Towards the end of the interview, let the recruiter know that you believe the job is an excellent fit and that you are highly interested.

You’ll know if the interview went well if it runs longer than 30 minutes, you discuss salary, or you get an invitation for a second interview.

11. Follow Up With a Thank You Note

Follow up a job interview with a “thank you note” reiterating your interest in the job. Consider your thank you letter as a follow-up “sales” letter. Restate why you want the job, what your qualifications are, how you might make significant contributions, and so on. This thank you letter is also the perfect opportunity to discuss anything of importance that your interviewer neglected to ask or that you neglected to answer as thoroughly, or as well, as you would have liked.

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Task 3. Read the text again and match the phrases a-k with the parts of the text 1–11 according to their meaning.

a)prepare a self-presentation

b)dress appropriately

c)be polite, even after the interview

d)make a rehearsal

e)create a proper look

1f) review employer requirements

g)plan the route in advance

h)collect data about the employer

i)keep the dialogue

j)bring nothing extra except of necessary items

k)behave according to the type of interview

Task 4. In the text, find the words with opposite meaning for the words below:

•to relax — …

•to disprove — …

•to deprive — …

•to disengage — …

•negligible — …

•agree — …

•unsuitable — …

•negligently — …

•weakly — …

Task 5. Match the words with their definitions:

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Task 6. Watch the video “Interviewing: Tips for before, during and after a job interview” https://youtu.be/732No0T4-sU and answer the following questions:

1)What step of the interview do the following actions relate to?

a)Review the main topics you have discussed at the interview. _______

b)View the employer’s career site. _____

c)Come up with the questions you want to ask the interviewer. ______

d)Be nice to everyone, including the people coordinating the event and helping you sign in. ______

2)What are the transferable skills mentioned in the video? Which of these skills do you consider to be the most necessary? Why?

Task 7. Answer the interview questions. Which of the questions do you find the most difficult to answer?

1)Why did you choose to study your degree subject?

2)What skills did you develop at the university?

3)How will your degree help you in your future job?

4)Tell us something about yourself.

5)What do you like doing in your spare time?

6)Why should we hire you?

7)What can you bring us at this position?

8)What will you do if you don’t get this job?

9)What are your strengths/weaknesses?

10)What attracted you to our company?

11)What do you think of our website?

12)How do you typically approach a new project?

13)What sorts of things do you like to delegate?

14)How do you handle stress?

15)In what environment do you work best?

16)Describe a situation when you had to take a risk. What was the result?

17)Where do you see yourself in five-year time?

18)Do you think you are overqualified for this position?

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19)You seem not to have too much experience in X. Dou you think this would be a problem?

20)Do you have any questions you would like to ask us?

Task 8. Be ready to participate in a model (role play) of a job interview. Think through some details in your clothing, hairstyle, makeup, etc., some questions you might be asked and those you would like to ask the interviewers. You can use the questions from Task 7 and add your own ones.

PART 4. MAKING A PRESENTATION

It takes one hour of preparation for each minute of presentation time.

Wayne Burgraff, 18th century American philosopher

Task 1. Read the quote above and answer the questions:

•What do you think this quote means?

•Do you agree or disagree with it? Why?

Task 2. Before reading the text “10 Dos and Don’ts for an Effective Presentation”, answer the following questions. Discuss the main ideas on the topic with your partner:

1)How often do you give presentations in your job / study?

2)Who do you usually present your projects to?

3)When was the last time you gave a presentation in English? Was it a success? If yes, why? If not, why not?

4)How do you feel about giving a presentation in foreign language?

5)Think of an excellent (or terrible) presentation that you have attended. What made it good (bad)?

6)What are the key factors of a good presentation? Give some of your own ideas.

Task 3. Read the following text. Compare its statements with your own ideas given as the answer to the question 6 in Task 2.

10 Dos and Don’ts for an Effective Presentation

What are the key factors of a successful presentation? A well-structured text, quality images, and great public speaking skills, to name a few. According to some

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