Tuesday 18/9 The World of Work

Exercise One: Preparing for an Interview

Transcript

Philip Hart: So, how many applications did we get, Marcia?
Marcia Boardman: Well...overall we’ve got over two hundred...
PH: That many!?
MB: Yes, but...most of which we can discard right away...people who don’t have the right experience, qualifications that kind of thing...
PH: Of course...
MB: ...and then we get the people who submit ten-page-long CVs, or CVs in comicbook font, or green ink, or they attach a photo of themselves disco dancing...you know the kind of thing!
MB: So, I whittled down the serious candidates to a shortlist of twelve people.
PH: And we’ll interview all of them?
MB: I think we should – but obviously I’ll let you have a look first.
PH: Great...so, who have we got then?
MB: Well, I think we’ve got some pretty strong candidates, two in particular...
PH: They have the right kind of profile?
MB: I’d certainly say so – a strong educational background, experience in multinational sales, language skills...
PH: Good, I look forward to meeting them.
MB: So I’d say we do the standard interview format..
PH: Sure..
MB: A few general questions, then onto specifics...
PH: Yes, exactly – I want to hear specific details of when they’ve solved problems...
MB: Yes and then something about “vision”, as you put it...
PH: Yes...what do you think about a brief presentation?
MB: I think that’s a good idea – we could ask them to give a short presentation on where they see the company going – and how they see themselves taking us there.
PH: Great! You know something? I’m really looking forward to this!

Exercise 2- Writing a cover letter

2520 Vista Avenue
Olympia, Washington 98501
April 19, 2001

Mr. Bob Trimm, Personnel Manager
Importers Inc.
587 Lilly Road


Dear Mr. Trimm,

Please accept this letter as an __________of interest in the position of Areas Sales Manager.

I have ________a copy of my resume for your review. I am familiar with the requirements for success in the Sales profession and believe I ________ the right combination of marketing and management skills.

My current position ____________two local area sales teams has provided the opportunity to work in a high-pressure, _______environment, where it is essential to be able to work closely with my colleagues in order to meet sales deadlines.

Thank you for your time and _________. I would welcome the opportunity to personally discuss my potential ____________to your company with you. Please telephone me after 4.00 p.m. to suggest a time that we may meet. I look forward to your reply.


_________,


Kenneth Beare


1. possess
2. coordinating
3. team
4. expression
5. consideration
6. enclosed
7. Sincerely
8. contributions

Structure of a cover letter

• Opening paragraph - Use one of the following to bring yourself to the attention of the reader and make clear what job you are applying for:

1. Summarize the opening
2. Name the opening
3. Request an opening
4. Question the availability of an opening

• Middle paragraph(s)- Use one of the following in each of your middle paragraphs to provide the reader with plenty of reasons to invite you to an interview:

1. Education
2. Work experience
3. Ability to work with others and/or alone
4. Interest in your field
5. Interest in the company
6. Responsibilities in previous positions

• Closing paragraph - Use the closing paragraph to ensure action on the part of the reader

The last paragraph needs to help ensure that action is taken. You can ask for an interview appointment time, stating that you will be happy to come to the employer's office when convenient. Make it easy for the reader to follow-up by providing your telephone number and email address. 

Useful Key Phrases

• Please accept this letter as an expression of interest in the position of...
•  I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for... 

• I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review. 
•  As you can see from my enclosed resume, my experience and qualifications match this position's requirements. 

• ...and believe I possess the right combination of....skills.
• My current position .... has provided the opportunity to ...
• During ...., I improved (furthered, extended, etc.) my knowledge of...,

• I would welcome the opportunity to personally discuss my potential contributions to your company with you. 
• I look forward to an opportunity to speak with you in person.
•  I look forward to your reply.