UNIT VII
JOB INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES
Unit objectives
By the end of this unit you will be able to identify the most
successful techniques used during a job interview, using
specific grammar structures and phrases.
You will also be able to make a job description and to use the
specific vocabulary in contexts of your own.
Moreover, you will learn some useful tips before the interview so that you
would be able to manage during the job interview and get the job.
Unit outline
1.
1.1
1.2
2.
2.1
2.2
3
3.1
3.2
3.3
4.
5.
6.
Types of jobs
The indefinite article
Language development
Expressing obligation/ prohibition/
lack of obligation
Job description
Language development
Job interview techniques
Types of questions
General tips
Language development
Send-away assignment
Answer key
Bibliography
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1. Types of jobs
1.1. The indefinite article
We use the indefinite article a / an in front of jobs as in the
example below:
I am an engineer
She is a carpenter
He is a travel agent.
1.2. Language development
drills
s
Exercise 1
Look at the following jobs and use I am a/ an in front of each
job. Provide the rule. Write your answer in the space below.
Then see the solutions in the Answer key section at the end of
this unit.
manicurist. businessman, housewife, opera singer, bank worker, teacher,
gardener, florist, hairdresser, secretary, photographer, waitress, flightattendant, electrician, plumber, piano tuner, mechanic, antique dealer,
broker, optician, solicitor, driver, actor.
listening
Exercise 2
For this activity see Students book, ex.1, tapescript 14, page
27. Listen and fill in the gaps using a, an or the, where
necessary.
Then see the solutions in the Answer key section.
speaking
Exercise 3
Express how you need to be in order to do the following jobs.
Choose from the words below. Work with a partner. Write your
answers in the space below and then see possible solutions in
the Answer key section.
sociable, imaginative, a quick thinker, sensitive, caring, careful,
brave, young, tough, reliable, patient, organised.
Jobs: interior designer, florist, doctor, builder, fire-fighter,
secretary, manager.
....
drills
s
Exercise 4
Read the sentences and fill in the correct adjective from the list
below. Then see the correct solutions in the Answer key
section.
creative, patient, friendly, intelligent, polite, accurate,
courageous, persuasive
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
speaking
Interior designers should be very
Fire-fighters have to be.. as they have a very
dangerous job.
Surgeons should be extremely. and never make
mistakes.
Scholars have to be in order to understand intricate
phenomena.
Advertisers need to be to make people buy the
products.
Shop assistants have to be .. even if they might deal
with fussy customers.
Teachers need to be especially when students take
a longer time to understand the new information.
Receptionists have to be in order to make guests
stay as pleasant as possible.
Exercise 5
Which of these do you think are the most important in a job?
Underline the five most important and the one least important
thing. Then see possible solutions in the Answer key
section.
company car, chances of promotion, flexible schedule, canteen, pleasant
working atmosphere, comfortable working conditions, good pay, job
security, travelling, training, nice colleagues, perks, sociable boss, much
free time, freedom, responsibility, challenging job, health insurance, good
pension, working in a famous company
listening
Exercise 6
For this activity see Students book, ex.1, tapescript 60, page
113.
Listen to the interview and choose the correct verb form. Then
see the correct solutions in the Answer key section.
2. Expressing obligation, prohibition or lack of obligation
2.1.Job Descriptions
Obligation
Structures
must + short inf.
have to
Examples
You must do your duty.
You have to obey your
boss.
You have got to attend
the meeting tomorrow.
You should be more
punctual.
You ought to work long
hours.
have got to
should + Pres. Inf.
ought (to) + Pres. Inf.
Have to expresses external obligation
Must expresses obligation imposed by the speaker.
Prohibition
Structures
mustnt + short inf.
cant + short inf.
to be not to
Examples
You mustnt miss the meeting.
You cant enter this room.(you are
not allowed to enter this room).
You are not to use the companys
car(it is against the rules.)
Lack of obligation
Structures
neednt + short inf.
dont have to
Examples
You neednt write this memo
You dont have to print this.
2.2. Language development
drills
s
Exercise 7
Match the appropriate person for each situation. Write the
answers in the space below. Then see the solutions in the
Answer key section.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
You test peoples eyes.
You teach people how to
drive a car.
You build houses
You write articles in
newspapers
You fix leaking taps
You put out fires
You fix cars
You take photos
a a builder
b a plumber
c a teacher
d a piano tuner
e an optician
f a secretary
g a journalist
h a teacher
9 You do the house-chores
10 You do the letters
11 You instruct children
12 You make pianos sound
right
i
j
k
l
a fire-fighter
a photographer
a mechanic
a housemaid
1 = ; 2 = ; 3 = ; 4 = ; 5 = ; 6 = ; 7 = ; 8 = ;
9 = ; 10 = ; 11 = ; 12 =
writing
Exercise 8
Rewrite the flowing sentences using the word in capitals. Then
see the solutions in the Answer key section.
1. You have to hand in this paper by next Monday.
MUST
2. There is no need to write this in pencil.
HAVE
3.I t isnt necessary for you to work long hours.
NEED.
4. Its not right that bosses are allowed to shout at their
employees.
SHOULD..
5. Its important to solve this matter soon.
OUGHT
6. It is obligatory for secretaries to be careful.
HAVE
7. Its against the rules to use the companys car.
ARE ..
drills
s
Exercise 9
Choose the best alternative to fill each gap. Then see the
solutions in the Answer key section.
1.
A doctor is a person who has to ..patients.
a. treat; b. talk to; c. see
2.
All the members of our . are expected to work hard.
a. personnel; b. gang; c. band
3.
An actor is required to .........
a. repeat his lines; b. to be patient; c. to solve problems.
4.
A trainee has to do several months
a. education; b. training; c. coaching
5.
Applicants have to .. an application form.
a. fill down; b. fill on; c. fill in
6.
I have all the necessary . to get this position.
a. degrees; b. qualifications; c. certificates
7.
If you want this job you have to for it.
a. demand; b. request; c. apply
speaking
Exercise 10
Work with a partner and decide what you have to do in the
following jobs. Write your answers in the space below. Then
see possible solutions in the Answer key section.
a dentist, a secretary, a teacher, a school caretaker, a priest, a
babysitter.
3. Job interview techniques
3. 1. Types of Questions
Yes and No questions
Are you an engineer?
Does she work as a sales agent?
Can you type this letter?
N.B. The word order is: auxiliary + subject+ verb.
Wh questions
What do you need to be a good bank worker?
Where can I find a reliable job?
When is the interview?
Which skills do you need to have for this position/
Whose application is this?
Why do you want to change your job?
How long are you going to stay with the company?
N.B. The word order is: question word + auxiliary + subject t+ verb
Questions for the applicant
Why do you want this job?
What kind of experience do you have for this job?
What qualities do you think will be required for this job?
What can you contribute?
Why do you want to work for this company?
What do you know about the company?
What interests you about our service (product)?
What can the new company offer that your company
cannot offer?
Why are you leaving your present position?
How long would you stay with the company?
Which are your biggest accomplishments?
Can you work under pressure?
Are you a good team-worker?
How much money do you want?
What would you like to be doing five years from now?
Questions to ask the interviewer
What will be my responsibilities?
Who will I report to?
Where does he/she fit in the company structure?
Who will report to me?
What will be my salary?
Will I be given free days for working long-hours?
Is there a company canteen for lunch breaks?
Will travelling be required in this position?
What do you expect me to do in the first 6 months?
What training do you provide?
What level of performance do you expect from me?
Where is the company going? Upwards? Expansion
plans?
When will you decide on the appointment?
What is the next step?
3.2. General tips
Have a positive attitude.
Re-read you application.
Prepare answers to possible questions.
Prepare proper questions to ask.
Show interest in the company and position.
Find out everything you can about the company.
Have a clear sense of purpose.
Use convincing ideas.
Be motivated.
Dress smartly.
Dont be arrogant.
Leave home earlier.
Job interview body language: give out the right signals.
Never lie.
Do not slouch in your chair
3.3. Language development
drillss
Exercise 11
Fill in a word in order to ask grammatical questions. Then see
the solutions in the Answer key section.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
speaking
you drive a car?
...... time is the interview?
...do I start work?
much money do I get?
.. do I need to be a good interpreter?
.. is the managers office?
you aware of the responsibilities of this position?
are you leaving your present job?
... will I report to?
.. experienced is she?
Exercise 12
Work with a partner: look at he picture below and express the good points
that could make the applicant be given the job. Write your answers in the
space below and then see the possible solutions in the Answer key
section.
..
.
.
4. SAA
You will have to spend about 45 minutes for this assignment,
provided you have completed all the tasks required by the unit. Use the
information above as well as the bibliography included in this unit.
The assessment criteria will focus on the following requirements: the
identification of successful interview techniques (55%), and the
appropriate use of these techniques in contexts of your own (45%).
Send the assignment by post to your tutor.
A.
Identify which of the following questions should be answered by the
applicant and which ones should be answered by the interviewer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Why do you want this job?
Who will report to me?
Who will I report to?
What can you contribute?
Can you work under pressure?
What training do you provide?
How much money do you expect?
What will be my salary?
What do you know about the company?
Is there a company canteen?
B. Read the following interview and underline the typical questions that
may be asked during an interview.
Interviewer: Good morning. Whats your name?
Applicant: Good morning. My name is Steve Jameson.
Interviewer: Sit down, Mr Jameson. How old are you?
Applicant: I am 34 years old.
Interviewer: Are you married, Mr. Jameson?
Applicant: Yes, I am. My wifes name is Sandra and we have three
children: a girl and two boys.
Interviewer: What are the childrens names and ages?
Applicant: Hellen is 3, and the twins are 5.
Interviewer: Why do you want this job, Mr. Jameson?
Applicant: I think my qualifications are appropriate for this type of job.
Interviewer: What can you contribute?
Applicant: In my previous position I have coordinated the R & D
department .
Interviewer: Why do you want to work in this company?
Applicant:
I have read a lot about your company and I know that you
pay much attention on the quality of your personnel and of your services.
Interviewer: Any questions?
Applicant: Well, I have a few questions. First of all
