STUDENT MATERIAL Interview Skills www.bspelling.com
2 902 57 52 49
# SECTION A GRAMMAR 3
4 902 57 52 49
# SECTION B - VOCABULARY a) PHRASAL VERB 5
b) DAILY WORD 6
# SECTION C EXCERCISES EXERCISE 1 Complete the sentences. Use for or since 7
EXERCISE 2 Complete the sentences with the present perfect. Add since and for where it belongs 8
# SECTION D TEXT It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed. With every new encounter, you are evaluated and yet another person's impression of you is formed. These first impression can be nearly impossible to reverse or undo, making those first encounters extremely important, for they set the tone for all the relationships that follows. So, whether they are in your career or social life, it's important to know how to create a good first impression. This article provides some useful tips to help you do this. Be on Time. Someone you are meeting for the first time is not interested in your "good excuse" for running late. Plan to arrive a few minutes early. And allow flexibility for possible delays in traffic or taking a wrong turn. Of course physical appearance matters. The person you are meeting for the first time does not know you and your appearance is usually the first clue he or she has to go on. 9
But it certainly does not mean you need to look like a model to create a strong and positive first impression. (Unless you are interviewing with your local model agency, of course!) For business and social meetings, appropriate dress also varies between countries and cultures, so it's something that you should pay particular attention to when in an unfamiliar setting or country. Make sure you know the traditions and norms. Appropriate dressing and grooming help make a good first impression and also help you feel "the part", and so feel more calm and confident. Add all of this up and you are well on your way to creating a good first impression. The good news is you can usually create a good impression without total conformity or losing your individuality. Yes, to make a good first impression you do need to "fit in" to some degree. But it all goes back to being appropriate for the situation. If in a business setting, wear appropriate business attire. If at a formal evening social event, wear appropriate evening attire. And express your individuality appropriately within that context. QUESTION ABOUT READING 1. Have you ever had a job interview? 2. What happened? 3. Did you get the job? 4. What do you think are good and bad things to do at a job interview? 10
# SECTION E LISTENING TEXT 1 James: I am looking for a new chef. Can you tell me about your restaurant experience? Anna: Anna: Sure, I have been a line cook at El Norte Restaurant for the last five years. I also owned my own café in Mexico City. And before that, I worked at a couple of restaurants in Mexico for several years. James: So, why do you want to leave El Norte? Anna: Well, I ve worked there for five years. It s a very good restaurant, but I m ready for a change. And your restaurant has a great reputation. 11
QUESTIONS ABOUT LISTENING TRUE OR FALSE Anna is a line cooked at El Norte Anna owned a restaurant in Mexico city Anna is unhappy at El Norte Anna wants to be a manager at PJ s TEXT 2 When you interview for a job it s natural to be a little nervous. You re meeting an employer for the first time. These are some suggestions; Arrive on time Dress appropriately Make eye contact Watch your body language Speak up During the interview try to be yourself and show enthusiasm. Make it clear that you want the job and that you will work hard. Interviewers look for employees who are dynamic and hardworking. 12
QUESTIONS ABOUT LISTENING 1. What does it mean to make a good impression? 2. What are some things that are good to do in an interview in the United States? 3. Were some of the ideas in the listening the same as the ideas in the reading article? 4. Can you add any other suggestions to the make a good first impression list? 13
# SECTION F SOLUTIONS EXERCISE 1 Complete the sentences. Use for or since Mark has worked at H&M for six months. I haven t heard for them since May. We ve been out of town for three weeks. Soo Jin has been a sales manager for many years. They have helped us since the beginning of the year. 14
EXERCISE 2 Use the present perfect and the verbs in the parentheses 1. Example: Awa has waited on (wait on) tables in a restaurant for the last year. 2. Edgar has made (make) a living in construction since 2005. 3. Jean Paul has worked (work) as a computer programmer for the last year. 4. I have not taken (take)a vacation since 2006. SOLUTIONS LISTENING TRUE OR FALSE Anna is a line cooked at El Norte Anna owned a restaurant in Mexico city Anna is unhappy at El Norte Anna wants to be a manager at PJ s (true) (true) (false) (false) 15