CLASSROOM ACTIVITIES

Looking For a Job

The reward for work well-done is the opportunity to do more.
J. Salk

Aim: To practise writing letters of application.

Objective: By the end of the lesson the students should be able to write a letter of application.

Revision: Present Simple and Present Continuous in comparison.

New language: part-time/full-time job, wages/salary, night/day shift, outgoing, good command of English, keen on, persuasive.

I. Warm-up

1. Have you ever had a part-time or full-time job?
2. What was it?
3. Was it well-paid?
4. Did it need any qualifications/training?
5. Did you have prior experience in this type of work?
6. What hours did you have to work?
7. What qualities did your part-time job require?
Choose: adaptable, persuasive, patient, outgoing, polite, hard-working, helpful, accurate, caring, sympathetic.
8. Did you get a salary or wage? What’s the difference?
9. How did you find your job?
10. Have you ever written letters of application?

II. Now read this letter of application and say why Paulo’s applying for the job advertised in a sport magazine.

Rua de Gloria 10
3000 Coimbra, Portugal
15th April 2001

The Manager,
Sundance Health Club,
Harbour Lane,Sussex,
Po1@JE

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in reply to your advertisement in “Health and Fitness” magazine for general part-time work in your health
club.
I am a 20-year-old Portuguese student and I come from Coimbra in the north of Portugal. At present I am still studying at college but I am taking my final exams in May. I have studied English for six years but I want to spend some time in England in order to improve my spoken English.
I am interested in sport and fitness and at home I go to a sports center three times a week. I am also a member of the college swimming team. I get on very well with people and I like making new friends. I don’t mind doing any sort of work including cleaning, washing up and helping in the gym.
I am prepared to work any hours but ideally I would like to work in the afternoons and evenings so that I can attend English classes in the mornings. I have friends who live in Chichester, so accommodation is not a problem. My term ends on 28th May, so I would be able to start on 1st June.
I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours faithfully,
Paulo Freitas

III. Find the sentences in Paulo’s letter, which match these parts of the advertisement:

keen on sport
outgoing
part-time work (including late-hours)
June to September
good command of English
must be adaptable

IV. Grammar Review

a) Find in the text the sentences with Present Simple Tense.
b)Find in the text the sentences with Present Continuous Tense.
c) What do these grammar constructions express?
d) Sum up (students make up their conclusions in a rule).

V. Give information about your friend or relation.

Example: My brother is a student and has part-time job as a programmer. He lives and works in Moscow. He’s currently working on a…

VI. Let’s turn to the letter of application once more.

What parts does it consist of?
(Discussion in groups followed by a plan how to write formal letters of application.) Here is one possible plan.

Plan:

1. A clear statement regarding the job you are seeking.
2. A description of your training (education and experience). Show how your experience and education fit the job requirements.
3. A brief summary of why you are applying.
4. A special request for an interview.

VII. If you want to get a job remember the following:

1. Remember that first impressions are important.
2. Write clearly and neatly on good paper, unlined if possible.
3. Check for spelling mistakes. Use a dictionary if you are not sure of a word.
4. Describe yourself, your qualifications and your experience clearly.
5. Address the letter and the envelope clearly.

VIII. Work in groups.

Three adverts are suggested. Students discuss in groups what qualifications prior experience and qualities are required.

Examples:

Efficient shorthand typist secretary needed for small friendly company. Apply to office managers, Ann Harper Ltd, 6 Newport Road, Boston RS1 4 X.

Teacher required for private language school. Teaching experience unnecessary Apply: The Director of Studies, Instant Language Ltd. 279 Canal Street, Roston.

Manager for small newsagents. Applicants must have experience of running a small shop. Good knowledge of accounting desirable. Age 25-40.

Apply in writing to:

Personal Manager
Chambers Wren
Hight Street,
Barbury BA 610S

Home task: Find an advert and write your own letter of application.

Compiled by Liliya Teplyakova, Arkhangelsk