A5003/Unit 5/ 1 ________________________________________________________________________ ______________ ENGLISH FOR TECHNICAL PURPOSES 5 A5003 UNIT 5 Job Interviews
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A5003/Unit 5/ 1______________________________________________________________________________________
ENGLISH FOR TECHNICAL PURPOSES 5
A5003
UNIT 5
Job Interviews
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UNIT 5
Job Interviews
GENERAL AIMS
1. You should be able to prepare for and successfully participate in a job interview.2. You should be able to fill in a job application form.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
At the end of the unit, you should be able to:
1. list questions that may be asked during an interview and prepare appropriate answers2. respond fluently, audibly, comprehensively and confidently to questions at a job
interview3. use appropriate communication skills in creating a good impression4. highlight your strengths in relation to the requirements of the job applied for5. ask relevant questions about specific details such as skills and knowledge required,
wages, job specifications, prospects and benefits given6. read and understand the specific information required in application forms such as
academic qualifications, work experience, citizenship, sex, specific abilities, allergy, references
7. complete a job application form accurately
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The main purpose of a job interview is to exchange information. The interviewer wants to find out if you fit the job and you want to find out if the job fits you. You do this by answering and asking questions. First, you must answer the interviewers questions well enough to impress the interviewers both professionally and personally so that you will be offered the job. Second, you must ask questions to obtain sufficient information on whether or not you wish to join the organisation.
Therefore, before you attend a job interview, it is very useful to sit down and reflect on yourself.
What kind of a person are you?What are your likes and dislikes?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Task 5.1 – 5.4 will help you in this self-assessment. You will not only learn more about your strengths and weaknesses but also how to communicate this clearly to your potential employers.
Complete the following self-analysis questionnaire, designed by John Nicolson, a leading expert in management skills. Work out your score using the specified points system. After that compare your results with that of your partner.
Who Do You Think You Are?
True False 1. I reckon I can do things as well as most people [ ] [ ] 2. It’s not easy being me [ ] [ ] 3. When I have to make a presentation, I’m terrified of making a fool of myself [ ] [ ] 4. It’s not often that I think of myself as a failure [ ] [ ] 5. There are a lot of things about myself I’d change if I could [ ] [ ] 6. I’m rarely bothered by other people’s criticism [ ] [ ]
INPUT
Task 5.1
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7. Other people tend to be more well-liked than I am [ ] [ ] 8. If I have something to say, I usually go ahead and say it [ ] [ ] 9. I don’t often feel ashamed of anything I have done [ ] [ ] 10. When people say complimentary things about me I find it hard to believe they really mean it [ ] [ ]
Score two points for each ‘True’ answer to questions 1, 4, 6, 8 and 9; score zero for every ‘False’ answer. For questions 2, 3, 5, 7 and 10, score two points for each ‘False’ answer; score zero for each ‘True’ answer.
The higher you score, the better the opinion you have of yourself. A score of 14 or more suggests that you are quite confident; not necessarily conceited, but you certainly like yourself well enough, and there’s no danger of other people being made to feel uncomfortable by any sign of self-loathing in you.
A score of 8 or less suggests that you have serious doubts about yourself and your value to the world. It may of course be a temporary state of affairs - perhaps the result of some recent misfortune. But if this is your normal condition, other people are bound to pick it up, and the risk is that they will accept your low estimate of yourself and hence find it difficult to respect you.
Work with a partner (Your partner should be someone whom you know very closely). Fill in the following chart about each other. Once you have finished, compare what you have written about each other. Is what you have written about yourself, similar to what your friend has written about you ? You may use some of the words provided below.
Strengths Weaknessesoutgoing independent nervous impatientconfident thorough arrogant obsessiveenterprising tolerant opportunistic uncaringhumorous caring frivolous nosyambitious prudent ruthless indecisivehelpful focused controlling tunnel-visionedforceful supportive bullying interferingcompetitive generous combative irresponsibleresponsible friendly introverted careless
MYSELFSTRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
1. ……………………………………….
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1. ……………………………………….
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2. ………………………………………. 2. ……………………………………….
Task 5.2
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3. ……………………………………….
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3. ……………………………………….
.................................................................MY FRIEND
STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES
1. ……………………………………….
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1. ……………………………………….
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2. ……………………………………….
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2. ……………………………………….
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3. ……………………………………….
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3. ……………………………………….
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Here is a brief profile of Ahmad. Read the profile and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words from the box below.
I am twenty years old and am studying at the polytechnic. I am an ..........................
person as I am involved in sports and club activities. Because my fellow students think
that I am .......................... and .........................., they have twice elected me as the
President of the Computer Club. Being the secretary of the Career Guidance Club, I have
to be .........................., ..........................and .........................., as the position requires me
to interact with the public and organise career talks.
Being the eldest in a large family I had to help my parents take care of my six younger
siblings. This has taught me to be .......................... and ........................... But being a
very active person I find that I need to improve on ........................... Sometimes I do not
have enough time for my studies. I am also quite .........................., especially when it
comes to speaking in front of an audience. I realise that I am .......................... in English.
Task 5.3
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But I have really tried to improve myself in the last two years. In fact, I am currently
attending extra classes at the polytechnic to improve my speaking skills.
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nervous well-organised prudent independent time-manangementpro-active outgoing trustworthy weak independentindecisive combative tolerant active responsible
Now, using Ahmad’s profile above as a guide, write a brief profile of yourself, outlining your personal qualities and highlighting any strengths and weaknesses you feel you have. You may use some of the words in Task 5.2 and Task 5.3 in your description. Write your profile in the space provided below:
A Profile of Myself
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Task 5.4
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Before the interview it may be useful for you to make a summary of what you have to offer. The following guidelines will help you with your summary.
You must know: to whom you are writing – your potential employer what they would want in a candidate what they are interested in who your key competitors are what you have to offer that your competitors cannot
The following is a summary made by Ahmad who is going to attend a job interview at Motorola, Penang.
Company: Motorola, Penang
Product/Service: Hand-phones
Position/Function: Electronics Technician
1. What is the most important thing I want this employer to know about me? I have good skills in electronics trouble-shooting and maintenance.
2. What is the second most important thing I want this employer to know about me ? (This could support and/or broaden your introductory statement) I have good experience in trouble-shooting and repairing electronic equipment.
3. Key selling points: (statements / accomplishments that support / prove the first two statements)
1. I did a three-year diploma course in Electronics Engineering (Communications) at PUO.
2. I did a six-month industrial training at Motorola, trouble-shooting hand-phones and walkie-talkies.
3. I worked for one year in a computer firm, installing and trouble-shooting computers.
4. Statement of why they should be interested in me / what makes me different from others?
I have the qualifications and experience required for the job. I have worked in a similar capacity before. I have computer skills.
Task 5.5
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5. Any objection the interviewer might bring up, and how I will handle it:
Possible Objection: Why I left my first job.
How to handle: I left my first job to further my studies at the polytechnic.
Now, read the job advertisement you have cut-out from the newspaper and make a summary of what you have to offer
Company: .................................................................
Product/Service: .......................................................
Position/Function: .....................................................
1. What is the most important thing I want this employer to know about me?
.........................................................................................................................................2. What is the second most important thing I want this employer to know about me ? (This could support and/or broaden your introductory statement)
.........................................................................................................................................3. Key selling points: (statements / accomplishments that support / prove the first two statements)
1. ....................................................................................................................
2. ....................................................................................................................
3. ....................................................................................................................
4. ....................................................................................................................
5. ....................................................................................................................
4. Statement of why they should be interested in me / what makes me different from others?
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5. Any objection the interviewer might bring up, and how I will handle it:
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INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Most interviewers ask questions in a planned sequence. They usually ask questions that relate to your:
Education Work ExperienceInterpersonal skills Skills and StrengthsAbility to take initiative and solve problems Career goals
Work in groups/ pairs. The table below contains some questions asked at interviews. Read each question and the given responses carefully and choose the most appropriate response. You have to explain the reasons for your choice.
QUESTIONS RESPONSES
1. How long was your course at the polytechnic ?
a. It was quite long, but we had so much to do that I didn’t realize that the time passed so fast.
b. My course lasted three years, including a six-month practical training in an electronics firm.
2. According to your CV, you have some computer knowledge. Could you tell me more about this ?
a. I did two papers involving computer skills. One was on Computer Applications and the other on Computer Programming. In the Applications paper I had hands-on training in programs such as MS Word, MS Excel and MS Access. In the Programming paper I learnt to program with C++.
I know something about computer applications and computer programming. I have worked with computers for the past five years. I am very interested in computers. In fact I spend hours at
INPUT
Task 5.6
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the Internet café.
3.Why did you repeat your second year?
a. I didn’t do well in Maths and Physics. However, I received extra coaching and put in a lot of effort in my repeat year. With the extra help and effort I improved and passed the two papers.
b. I had some personal problems.
4. Where did you do your practical training and what did you do there?
a. West Star, Ipoh. Mostly accounting work.
b. I did my practical training with West Star Sdn. Bhd. in Ipoh. It is an American company that manufactures rubber gloves. My training was for six months and I was involved in auditing, costing, preparing accounting reports and company budgets.
5. What made you choose this company ?
a. I would like the opportunity to work on the development of new products. I have always been interested in research and development. Besides, the terms of employment are attractive.
b. You work five days a week and the pay is good. Your company is situated near where I live. Two of my friends are working in your company. I heard that you have good facilities for the workers.
6. What is your career objective ? a. It has always been my dream to be the General Manager of a company. I will work as hard as I can and try to rise to the post of General Manager in your company within the next five years.
b. First of all I wish to learn as much as I can as an audit assistant and do my work to the best of my ability. Secondly, I intend to take up part-time studies and obtain a professional qualification in Accountancy.
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Describing the final-year project:One common question at interviews is about the final-year project of students. Often students find it difficult to clearly explain details about their final-year project. In this section, we are going to learn how to describe the final-year project clearly.
In order to describe your final-year project, you usually need to address the following questions:
1. What is the title of your project ?2. What did you have to do ?3. How long did it take you to complete the project ?4. Did you face any problem ?5. How did you overcome the problem/s ?6. What was the result ?
Now, let us see how Ahmad, a final-year student of a Diploma in Electronics course, describes his project.
What is the title of your project ?Maze Mouse
What did you have to do ?
We had to come up with an electronic gadget with the correct circuit so that it can be made to move through a maze using a remote control unit.
How long did it take you to complete the project ?We had to work in pairs and it took us three months to complete.
Did you face any problem ?At first the circuit did not work well. We had trouble finding the right circuit.
How did you overcome the problem/s ?We had to trouble-shoot a number of times and try out different circuits before it finally worked.
What was the result ?We managed to produce the gadget and it worked well with the remote control unit.
At the interview, Ahmad put all the above answers together and described his project in this way:
Task 5.7
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My final-year project was to produce a Maze Mouse. We had to produce an electronic gadget with the correct circuit so that it can be made to move through a maze using a remote control unit. We had to work in pairs and it took us three months to complete. At first the circuit did not work well. We had trouble finding the right circuit. We had to trouble-shoot a number of times and try out different circuits before it finally worked. Finally, we managed to produce the gadget and it worked well with the remote control unit.
Now, try to describe your project:
What is the title of your project ?
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What did you have to do ?
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How long did it take you to complete the project ?
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Did you face any problem ?
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How did you overcome the problem/s ?
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What was the result ?
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Now, put it all together and describe your final-year project to your partner. Some of you will be called upon to describe it to the whole class.
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Expectations Clash: rewards vs requirements
In the following extract from Graduan 2000, four respected employers gave their frank opinions about the performance of fresh graduates at interviews. They are responding to three questions posed to them. In groups of three, read the extract and then do the task that follows. Each person in the group will read the answers to one question only and then discuss in your group to complete the task that follows.
Question 1: In your experience, how well prepared are fresh graduates before coming to interviews ?
Ms Yap Sow Wan,Director of Organizational Development/Head of HR, TIME Dotcom;Generally, most fresh graduates are not well prepared before coming for an interview. They should do more ‘research work’ into the company and the work they are interviewed for. By ‘research work’, I mean checking into company background information, its customers, competitors, suppliers, etc. (they could use the internet, find out from the company’s retail outlets, ask friends, call the company to find out, and other means). In addition, they should also examine the job, the roles and responsibilities, and determine how they could contribute to the success of the company with their capability (knowledge, skills and attitude).
Mr. Tan Hock Ghee,Senior Manager, Samsung Electronics Group, MalaysiaStudents who undergo Industrial Training perform better during interviews because they have had realistic exposure and awareness.
Mr. Sam Fong,Human Resource Director, Giant TMC MalaysiaMost are prepared considering that the interviewers are interviewing fresh graduates only. Interviewers are unlikely to ask overly demanding questions.
Mr Shankar Nagalingam,Staffing Manager, Komag USA (Malaysia)Generally, our graduates are not that well prepared. Some even don’t know what the company is manufacturing. They do not seem to have self-confidence. Our graduates
Reading Passage
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need to SPEAK OUT and not just fumble and mumble among themselves. Some of them speak very well but there is no substance. Don’t try to impress the interviewer. Just be yourself. It would be great if they could practise before the interview. They could do so with their close friends or family members. Trust me, it would help a lot during the interview. Please do take some effort to find out more about the company. The Internet should be the best source and I believe that most have access to it.
Question 2: Please tell us some of the mistakes or ‘disasters’ made by fresh graduates during interviews.
Ms Yap:How they present themselves or how they project themselves. Most fresh graduates are unsure of themselves, lack confidence and some are not articulate (especially in spoken English).
Mr. Tan:Unrealistic expectations. Also, graduate engineers prefer Research and Development activities.
Mr. Fong:Resumes copied from the Internet or Microsoft Windows. Poor spoken English which happens very often. Overly ‘calculative’ questions – relating to perks and pay. Don’t apply for too many jobs – they should have a focus on which industry they want to be in.
Mr. Nagalingam:Don’t try to imitate others. Please be yourself. When you try to imitate somebody else, the interviewer will be able to detect it. Make sure that you read your resume first before attending the interview. The resume will be a base used by the interviewer to get more information. Therefore it is very important to ensure that you submit correct information in your resume. Do not try to add some ‘spice’ to the resume. You do not want to be embarrassed when asked to elaborate. This will thus reduce your chances of getting the job. Before coming in for the interview, look through the job responsibilities and requirements in the advertisement and prepare yourself according to it. It should provide you with some clues on possible questions and the expectations of the company.
Question 3: What tips would you suggest for fresh graduates to improve their interview performance ?
Ms. Yap:Research and study the company and job thoroughly. Reflect upon and recall all your past school/university activities. Use your experience from your successful teamwork activities to position yourself as a team player and/or a team leader. Recall and use a specific incident that proves that you are a good team player/leader. (It would be an
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added advantage if you have been a team leader before) Polish up your ‘presentation’ skills, speak clearly or be articulate. Use ‘selling techniques’ to promote yourself. Identify your key strengths – areas that you are best at and recall specific incidents that you can use to demonstrate evidence of the strengths that you possess (e.g. analytical skills –when you worked on resolving the Java issues; speed learning capability – when you did research and self-study and developed something great for your project). Plan, prepare, research, practise and rehearse. Get feedback from people who had successful interview experiences. Note: there is no shortcut to preparation and practise for an interview.
Mr. Tan:Be prepared with the nature of job the company is offering – understand the job descriptions. Speak with confidence and stay focused on the job requirements.
Mr. Fong: Improve your English. Must be enthusiastic during the interview. Don’t lie!
Mr. Nagalingam:As mentioned, practice is THE most important assignment that needs to be done. I understand that there are tons of books and magazines on How to attend an interview/How to write resumes, etc. Even if you read up, try to apply it through a practice/simulation session either with a close friend or any family member. Your body language and intonation is important. Eye contact is important as well. Take the initiative to find out as much information about the company. Find out the culture of the company too.
Now that you have finished reading the extract, work in groups of 3 to make a list of Do’s and Don’ts for a Job Interview. Some examples are given. You may add some of your own. Be prepared to present your ideas to the whole class.
DO’S DON’TS
1. Prepare well. Do more research on the company and the job. Use the Internet and other sources. Practise before the interview. Find out about the culture of the company.
1. Don’t try to impress the interviewer. Just be yourself.
2. 2.
Task 5.8
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3. 3.
4. 4.
5. 5.
6. 6.
7. 7.
8. 8.
9. 9.
10. 10.
Now that you have learn about what employers are looking for, you can prepare for the interview by trying to anticipate the questions the interviewer is likely to ask.For example:
Personal Background- Tell us about yourself.
INPUTGetting ready for the Job Interview – anticipating questions and preparing replies
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- What would you say is your greatest strength / quality as an individual ? - What are your hobbies? What do you normally do to pass your time?- What about your greatest weakness?- What would you say is your greatest achievement?- According to your resume you were not very active in sports/co-curricular
activities during your school and college days, why ? ( if you were really not active in sports )
- According to your resume you were very active in sports/co-curricular activities during your school and college days, how did you manage your time between your studies and activities? Has being active in extra-curricular activities helped you in any way? ( if you were really active in sports )
- Are you a team worker?
Qualifications- What was your favourite subject at the Polytechnic ? Why ?- What did you enjoy most about being a student?- Tell us more about your final year project.- What were the most important things you learned at the polytechnic?- Do you think that your training at the polytechnic has adequately prepared
you for the position you are applying for?- Your exam results are not very impressive, why do you think I should take a
chance in hiring you?
Work Experience- Have you worked before? / Do you have any work experience?- Did you work while waiting for your SPM results ? If yes, tell me what you
have learned from the job ? If no, why ?- What would you say were some of the most important things you have learnt
during your practical training ?- You mention here in your resume that you have worked with company ABC.
Could you tell us briefly what you did there?- Why did you leave your last job/the job at company ABC? - You don’t have much work experience, why do you think I should take a chance in
hiring you?- What do you think of doing overtime on a regular basis?- What about shift work?- Would you prefer working alone or with others?- Can you work under pressure? What makes you say that (if your answer is
‘yes’)?- In a supervisory role, how do you think you can motivate your staff?- How would you deal with a subordinate who takes sick leave frequently?
The Company and the Job- What do you know about us ?- How did you manage to know so much about us ?- What do you know about the job ?
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- What qualities do you think a candidate should have in order to succeed in the job?
- What is it about the company that appeals to you most ?- What is your career objective ? Where would you like to be, career wise, in
5 years’ time ?- Some people have problems coping with work stress. What would you do if
work became very stressful for you?- Is money, in this case salary, very important to you? What other things would
you say are important to you?- Would you say you are prepared to have long-term commitment to the
company?
Others- Do you intend to further your studies ?- What do you think if we send you to one of our branches in East Malaysia? ( Assuming that you do not want to go there )- What is your expected salary ?- Would you like to ask us anything ?
Below are some tips on answering some of the above questions:
Question : Tell me what you know about our company.
You will not be able to answer the question without first doing some homework. You can get information about a firm by :a) visiting the firm a few days before the interview. Talk to some of the employees, browse through the company magazines in the lobby, look at the notice boards etc.b) reading the company's annual reports. These can sometimes be found in the local library.You should look for information such as directors' names, subsidiaries and branches, products, financial standing, age of company, profit and loss, recent company development and happenings, competitors etc.
Question : Why do you want to join us?
It is probably a good idea to be frank in this case. You could say : I have just finished my studies and I would like to get a job and be financially independent.or, The pay and benefits are good. or, There are opportunities for overseas training.or, The company provides excellent facilities for those who intend to take up professional courses.
But do not forget to add 'interest', for example : Most importantly I have decided to go into the field of ____________ and the company would be a good place to start.
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I am very interested in __________ and I believe that I can achieve much if I could start my career with this company.
Question : Tell me what you know about the job.
Study the job advertisement carefully to understand the requirements of the position (look out for SPECIFIC requirements) you are applying for. As in the first question, a bit of homework will definitely help.
Question : Tell me about your first job/practical training.
You should be able to tell the interviewer what you have learned. Do not forget to mention how the training has helped you develop as an individual. Do try to be SPECIFIC. Mention the job functions instead of just giving a general picture.
Question : Do you intend to further your studies?
Do not answer with just a 'yes' or 'no'. If you are applying for a job it would not be wise to tell the interviewer that you wish to continue your studies at a university. Tell him that you wish to work and take professional examinations.
Question : What is your career objective?
The interviewer wishes to see if you really know what you want. Answers like 'I haven't decided on anything yet.' or 'I haven't thought about it.' would go to show that you do not have any aim. You should tell him WHAT you hope to achieve and HOW you intend to achieve it.
Question : What is your expected salary?
It is all right to tell the interviewer what you expect. You should, however, find out the range of salary for a person with your qualification and experience. That should give you a good idea as to how much you are worth.
Question : Would you like to ask us anything?
It’s all right to ask questions about the job and the company. You can and should use the opportunity to talk about your achievements which the interviewer did not ask about. (especially if you have already prepared for it).
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Life After Redundancy
Job Seeker’s Viewpoint
A game with no winners
I am shocked by graduate recruitment techniques. As a recent graduate. I have begun this year’s milk-round and so far most companies have complied with a standard and defective format for recruitment.
The buzz-phrase now is “controlled management scenarios”. Here, a group of candidates (up to 30) are invited to a two or three-day “assessment centre” where they are put through their paces while under constant observation. Supposedly, an applicant could maintain a facade for a day, but two or even three days is designed to see everyone shed their “interview images” and the monsters are revealed.
The day might normally begin with a presentation and an introduction to our “assessors”. Then it steps up a gear and the real work begins; we are usually given two to three hours of personality, numerical and verbal tests. A short break and we are split up into groups of about six and given group tasks to perform. Again, there will be one or two “observers” in the room to watch the interaction between candidates, and to see who displays leadership characteristics.
These “controlled management scenarios” (or team games as a rather less with-it company explained) are also designed to identify the all-important team players from the loners. It is not unusual for an external management consultant to be brought in to design and organise the games. This may be fine in theory, but what happens in practice?
The most common “controlled scenario” I have encountered is building a “tower” using pieces of card and cello tape within a time restraint (some companies prefer Lego). My team has also been asked to compile four-letter words using Scrabble pieces (within a time limit). One company even got us to prepare a cabaret to present to the management after dinner (I must add here that I have been applying for an engineering discipline and not the Royal Shakespeare Company).
These games normally go on for a couple of days and it is not unknown to be given a half-four interview to add a personal touch to the proceedings before you leave.
Reading Passage
Task 5.9
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It is this essential human approach which I feel is lacking in these centres.
The games are farcical, not just in concept but in practice; put five candidates into such a situation while under observation for a job and the response is anything but controlled. Inevitably a battle for domination of the proceedings ensues, and to maintain silence when unfamiliar with a particular aspect of an exercise will result in the candidate being listed as either introverted or plain useless. Teamwork is alien to such proceedings.
At the end, there is normally a one-to-one feedback session where we are asked to make objective comments on the “assessment centre” as a whole and in particular on the games. I have yet to meet any candidate who has been honest or courageous enough to voice a negative opinion. As a result, most assessment centres begin their presentations by telling us how popular past “centres” have been with candidates.
The old-fashioned interview, where there was an opportunity for both the interviewer and the candidate to exchange ideas, and for the applicant to be openly questioned about past experiences and achievements, is dead. The only winners I can see are the management consultants.
Edwin Bowater
Taken from The Times, February 23, 1995
The following questions refer to the passage above.
1. What is the meaning of defective (1st paragraph)?
Does it describe another word?Is it something positive or negative? How do you know?
2. What do the underlined words mean?
Focus on Vocabulary
Words! Words!
Task 5.9
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Understanding the text 1.What is "controlled management scenarios"? What is another name for it? Why does the writer call it a buzz-phrase?
2. Put the stages of Controlled Management Scenarios in the correct order.
Stage ? Candidates go for 2 to 3 hours of Personality, numerical and Oral Tests.
Stage ? A Short Break.
Stage ? Candidates are given a half-hour Personal Interview.
Stage ? Candidates are divided into groups and given group tasks to perform.
Stage ? Candidates watch a presentation given by the company.
Stage ? Candidates are observed while performing the tasks.
Stage ? Candidates are introduced to the people who are going to assess them.
3. According to the writer, why does the interview take two or three days?4. What is the purpose of having "controlled management scenarios"?5. Is the writer happy with the system? Underline the sentences/words which tell you the answer.6. Do you agree with the writer? Why? Think of yourself both as the interviewee and the interviewer.7. Do you think that the writer has been successful at his interviews?8. Give some examples of leadership characteristics.
A5003/Unit 5/ 25______________________________________________________________________________________
The Situation
It's approximately 2.30pm, 5th October and you have just crash-landed in a float plane on the east shore of Laura Lake in the subartic region of the northern Quebec-Newfoundland border. The pilot was killed in the crash, but the rest of you are uninjured. Each of you are wet up to the waist and have perspired heavily. Shortly after the crash, the plane drifted into deep water and sank with the pilot's body pinned inside.
The pilot was unable to contact anyone before the crash. However, he told you just before the crash that you are about 20 miles from your destination, Schefferville, which is the nearest known habitation. Schefferville is only reachable by air or rail. Your party was originally due to arrive in Schefferville on 19th October.
The immediate area is covered with small evergreen trees (1.5 - 4 inches in diameter). Scattered in the area are a number of hills having rocky and barren tops. The area is also surrounded by long, narrow lakes which run northwest to south east. Many streams and rivers flow into and connect the lakes (see map).
Temperatures are -10 to -20 °C, and winds can bring temperatures down to -30 °C. The surrounding area is covered with 3' to 5' of snow.
All of you have warm clothing and heavy snow boots. You also have a map of the area.
N
Schefferville lake
lake lake
20 miles
lake Crash Site
rivers hill
hill
lake
lake
The Map
Team Work
A5003/Unit 5/ 26______________________________________________________________________________________
You managed to salvage some items from the plane before it sank. They are:
1. a magnetic compass 9. a waterproof sleeping bag per person
2. a gallon of maple syrup 10. a 20' x 20' piece of heavy duty canvas
3. an operating 4 battery flashlight 11. a bottle of water purification tablets
4. a bottle of brandy 12. 15 wood matches in a waterproof container
5. 3 pairs of snowshoes 13. an aircraft inner tube for a 14 inch wheel
6. an alarm clock 14. 250 ft. of 1/4 inch nylon rope, 50 lb. test
7. a hand axe 15. a book entitled, Northern Star Navigation
8. safety razor shaving kit with mirror
The task
Imagine that you are the actual people in the situation. Work as a team and decide which
6 items out of the 15 are most useful to you, giving clear reasons for your choices. You
must come to an agreement in 20 minutes. Any one of you will be asked to present the
group's decision and defend it in front of the class.
The rules
Imagine that you are from different countries and the ONLY common language you speak is English. You
CANNOT use other languages.
DO NOT forget that you are working as a TEAM. If you cannot agree on the items after
20 minutes, the WHOLE group fails. Below are some of the Do's and Don’ts of working
together:
DO give everyone an opportunity to speak.
DO listen when others speak.
DO back other people's ideas (e.g. I agree with that; I think John has a good point).
DO be friendly and polite.
DO disagree in a nice way (e.g. That idea is good if ......., but in this situation ..........).
DON'T be rude.
DON'T force others to accept your ideas, persuade them by giving sound reasons.
DON'T raise your voice
Task 5.10
A5003/Unit 5/ 27______________________________________________________________________________________
DON’T FORGET!This is part of your job interview. This is a Controlled management Scenario. You will be observed to see if you can work with other people in a team and if you display leadership qualities. If you keep quiet, you will most probably NOT get the job. It’s all right if you speak spoken English, as long as the others can understand you.
Filling In A Job Application Form
A5003/Unit 5/ 28______________________________________________________________________________________
Before or after a job interview you may be asked to fill in a job application form. Nowadays application forms look very much like a curriculum vitae.
In most situations you will have to fill in the application form yourself. However, sometimes the company may get someone to assist you to fill in the form.
Work in pairs. One of you be the personnel officer and the other the job applicant. The personnel officer will ask questions from the job applicant to fill in the job application form on the next page.
Useful expressions
For the personnel officer who assists you to fill in the form:
Now, I’ll need some information from you to fill in this job application form.
Let me help you fill in this job application form.
Could I have your full name please? and your address?
I’m afraid I’ll need to know your age/date of birth.
Thinking aloudDo you ask: What is your health? What is your marital status?
If not, how do you frame the questions?
Questions you might want to ask the personnel officer:
Could you help me please? How do I fill in this section? I’m sorry, but I’m not sure how I should fill in this section.
Filling in a Job Application Form
Task 5.11
A5003/Unit 5/ 29______________________________________________________________________________________
ÂÂ Sdn Bhd - for a better future
Application for Employment
Attach Passport-sized Photograph
Position Applied For:
PERSONAL PARTICULARSName: I.C. No. Date of birth: Citizenship: Sex:Home address:Mailing address:Telephone No.: Marital status:Height: Weight: Health:Physical Impairment or chronic ailments, if any:Driving licence (Class): Vehicle owned, if any:Are you willing to work shift?:Preferred location for work: 1st choice: ______________ 2nd choice: _______________(Note: RR Sdn Bhd has branches in Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang and Kuantan.)Have you ever been arrested: What was the charge:Spoken languages:Written languages:EDUCATIONSchool/College/University Period Qualifications obtained
Other full-time or part-time educational experiences:
Short hand speed: Typing speed:List school or college activities, awards/prizes received etc.:
A5003/Unit 5/ 30______________________________________________________________________________________
EMPLOYMENT RECORD (Begin with the latest)Name & Address ofEmployer
Period Position held Salary Job Description
1.
2.
3.
4.
REFERENCES (Give two)Name Address Occupation Telephone No.1.
2.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Apart from the specialised qualifications and training which you have stated earlier, please give a brief description in your own handwriting, of what you consider to be the strong points contributing to your career development to date:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
I UNDERSTAND THAT IN THE EVENT THAT ANY OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IF FOUND TO BE UNTRUE, I AM LIABLE FOR IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL.
Signature:
A5003/Unit 5/ 31______________________________________________________________________________________
Date:
How did you know about this vacancy?
[ ] Advertisement in Newspaper[ ] Malaysia-On-Line[ ] Star Cyberstaffing[ ] Our Web Site[ ] Graduate Opportunities[ ] Others, please state: ________________________
A5003/Unit 5/ 32______________________________________________________________________________________
MOCK JOB INTERVIEW
Conduct a mock interview in groups of four. There should be three interviewers and one job applicant at any one time.
Procedure :
1. Each student takes turn to be an interviewer 3 times (Int 1>Int 2> Int 3) and a job
applicant (JA) once. The students rotate their positions or roles they play in a
clockwise direction as follows:
Int 1 Int 2 Int 3 (S4) (S1) (S2)
JA (S3)
2. At the start of the interview, the ‘Job Applicant’ will pass his/her file and
scoresheets to the respective interviewers and wait outside until he/she is called.
(The ‘Job Applicant’ should have written his name and registration number in all
the three copies of the scoresheets earlier.
3. The interviewers will go through the file, noting the ‘job applicant’s’ details from
his resume and other documents in the file. The interviewers award marks for the
file. Marks are awarded by each interviewer individually without any discussion.
4. Once the marks for the file are awarded, Interviewer 2 collects three copies of the
questions from the lecturer and distributes them among themselves.
5. Call in the ‘job applicant’.
6. Interview starts. Only Interviewer 2 will read out the questions, loud and clear.
All three Interviewers will award marks independently. Put a tick in the
appropriate box in the score sheet immediately after the answer. If there are any
follow-up questions, award the marks after the follow-up question. Any
A5003/Unit 5/ 33______________________________________________________________________________________
interviewer can ask the follow-up question but keep it to a minimum of one or two.
7. When it is the ‘Job Applicant’s’ turn to ask questions, Interviewer 2 will answer
the questions based on the job the applicant is applying for (refer to the Job
Advertisement in the applicant’s file).
8. At the end of the Interview:
Interviewers: Check that you have awarded marks for all the questions. There
is no need to add up the marks. Sign at the bottom of the scoresheet and write
your name and circle whether you are Interviewer 1, 2 or 3. Pass the completed
scoresheet to Interviewer 2.
Interviewer 1: Move over and assume role of Interviewer 2.
Interviewer 2: Collect all the 3 completed scoresheets and return them to the
lecturer. Then move over and assume role of Interviewer 3.
Interviewer 3: Assume role of ‘Job Applicant”. Collect your file and
scoresheets and hand them over to the interviewers . Then wait outside until you
are called.
Job Applicant: Collect your file from the Interviewers and put it away. Move
over and assume role of Interviewer.
9. At the end of the whole interview, after every group member has played all the
roles, the group members will provide feed-back to each other on the performance
of each ‘Job Applicant’.
After that the marks will be transferred to Scoresheet 2 and the marks will be
added up.
A5003/Unit 5/ 34
Assessment Bands :
Band DescriptionV. Poor
Award
1 or 2
No attempt to answer Yes/No or one-word answers B.M words or phrases
Poor
Award
3 or 4
Short answer Very little details A lot of pauses Lacks confidence No enthusiasm
Fair
Award
5 or 6
Insufficient details Hesitant A lot of pauses Not so confident
Good
Award
7 or 8
Relevant information with necessary details Can speak fairly confidently Good , clear speech Polite
Exellent
Award
9 or 10
Relevant information with necessary details and explanations Can speak very confidently Very good and very clear speech Very enthusiastic Very polite
A5003/Unit 5/ 35
INTERVIEW SCORE SHEET
MOCK JOB INTERVIEWSCORE SHEET 1
Name of Candidate: …………………………………………………….Reg No………………………
V. Poor Poor Fair Good Excellent
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Greeting/Handshake
Dressing
Sitting/Posture
Body Lg/Eye Contact
File
Question 1
Question 2
Question 3
Question 4
Question 5
Question 6
Question 7
Question 8
………………………………Name:
Interviewer 1 / 2 / 3
MOCK JOB INTERVIEWSCORE SHEET 2
A5003/Unit 5/ 36
Name of Candidate: ………………………………………………………………………
Reg. No: ………………………………………….. Class: ……………………………MARKS BY
INTERVIEWERS1 2 3
20%
File Greetings/Handshake Dressing Sitting/Posture DivideBody Lg/Eye Contact Total by 3 X 2/5
Total: 1*
80%
Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 Question 4 Question 5 Question 6 Question 7 Divide Question 8 Total by 3
Total: 2* 3*GRAND TOTAL: 4*
*2&3 should contain same total figure. ……………………………………………..*4 is the sum total of 1 & 3. Name:
Interviewer 1 / 2 / 3 (Circle)
SELF-TEST
Reading Passage
A5003/Unit 5/ 37
10 Common mistakes job-seekers makeWhen applying for a job, it is easy to slip and give the wrong impression.
Eva Wong consults the experts.
You are determined to land your choicest job, but the route to success can be fraught with pitfalls.
Some job-seekers unwittingly commit even the most obvious job-hunting blunders, which can jeopardise their chances of getting the job. The pressures that come with job-hunting and interview sessions can bring out the worst in a person.
When under pressure, the worst an applicant can do is lie especially when facts can be easily found out with a little probing. Said Ms Shirley Low, a consultant with PA Consulting Group. A management consultancy firm. Many job-seekers fall into the trap of glossing over less pleasant facts, from having been sacked from their jobs, to having taken long breaks from work, to why they are late for an interview.
They have to learn to sell themselves, but it does not mean twisting the facts. It might mean choosing the right words to describe yourself and your past duties, said Mrs. Low, who can go through as many as 50 job-application letters a day.
Here are some of the more common mistakes that job-seekers make. Take heed!
THE APPLICATION
1. _______________________
Some job-seekers just wait for ads to appear in the papers, or hope their friends will look out for vacancies for them. You should use your contacts and call up the human resource departments of companies to ask for job opportunities. Or send unsolicited applications to register your interest in the company.
2. _______________________
A lack of knowledge of the industry and the company shows up easily in the application letter and interview. Doing your homework says you are well-prepared for and have a genuine interest in the job. Take the initiative to make friends with those in similar positions in the industry to find out what the job entails. Find out the workings of the industry from annual reports or attend talks or meetings held by the companies.
3. _______________________
A5003/Unit 5/ 38
Job-seekers often neglect the qualifications and experience spelled out clearly in the job advertisement. Some want to give it a shot anyway despite missing the requirements by a mile.This wastes both applicant’s and the employer’s time. Read the requirements carefully and apply only if you think you stand a good chance
4. _______________________There is much room for error where these documents are concerned. Some of the common errors to be avoided at all cost using the same cover letter for different positions: spelling errors, outdated and unpolished language: insufficient descriptions and dates of past job experiences or worse an outdated CV and forgetting to sign cover letter or include your contact number.
5. _______________________Relating your academic and work history in the cover letter makes reading it tedious. Instead, use the letter to sell your strengths and your suitability to the position and the company . If the reader needs details he will refer to the CV. And don’t enclose copies of all your certificates and testimonials from school principals dating back 20 years. They can be verified at interview.
6. _______________________It sounds very obvious, but late applications don’t stand much of a chance getting read. Try getting them in within 10 days of the advertisement. And most important, don’t turn up late for an interview without prior notice – and you had better have a good reason.
THE INTERVIEW
7. _______________________For a woman, the clothes and make-up can be too plain or too fussy for the job . You should look smart but never overdressed. It is more difficult for a man to go wrong. The main complaints are that the colour of his socks does not match his trousers, or his hair is uncombed.
8. _______________________Trying too hard to impress the interviewer can come across as boasting or worse, lying. By all means. Sell yourself confidently and polish the truth, but refrain from exaggerating.
9. _______________________The polar opposite of overselling means the interview will get a warped picture of you as well. It doesn’t pay to sound humble here nor to conceal your achievements. And don’t hope that the interviewer will probe. Bring up past achievements and contributions while discussing your suitability for the job. And if you have taken some time off from work to do missionary work or just to see the world, say so. The interviewer may be impressed at least by your honesty.
A5003/Unit 5/ 39
10. _______________________Spending your valuable minutes with the interviewer discussing the remuneration, salary scales and increment policies just won’t do. Neither should you inflate your current pay in hope of being offered more. Turn your attention to the nature of your work, your expectations of the new company etc. the salary can be discussed in passing. And besides, your current pay can easily be found out.
Answer these questions based on the passage you have read.
1. Below is a list of sub-headings. Match each sub-headings with the respective numbered paragraph.
Paragraph No.
Punctuality
Understating
Overselling
Salary
Dressing Code
Knowledge about job requirements
Initiative in job searching
Knowledge about job
Irrelevant information
Application letters and resumes
2. The article spells out some of the mistakes made by applicants when they apply for a job. Can you identify them?
a. ____________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________
c. ____________________________________________________________
d. ____________________________________________________________
e. ____________________________________________________________
f. ____________________________________________________________
g. ____________________________________________________________
h. ____________________________________________________________
A5003/Unit 5/ 40
SELF-TEST – ANSWERS
Paragraph No.
Punctuality 6
Understating 9
Overselling 8
Salary 10
Dressing Code 7
Knowledge about job requirements 3
Initiative in job searching 1
Knowledge about job 2
Irrelevant information 5
Application letters and resumes 4
3. The article spells out some of the mistakes made by applicants when they apply for a job. Can you identify them?
a. Using the same cover letter for all jobs
b. Spelling errors
c. Using outdated and unpolished language
d. Sending an outdated CV
e. Forgetting to sign the Cover Letter
f. Not including a contact telephone number
g. Insufficient description and dates of past experience
h. Relating academic details and work history in Cover Letter
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