II. While Reading Tasks
Word Inference
1…your résumé objective shouldn’t say, “to make dough.”
dough |dō|-noun-1 a thick, malleable mixture of flour and liquid, used for baking into bread or pastry.-2 informal money: lots of dough.
2…while they probably caught the attention of their potential employer, chances are they didn’t land the job.
land |land|-noun• informal succeed in obtaining or achieving (something desirable), esp. in the face of strong competition: she landed the starring role in a new film.
3…and while they probably caught the attention of their potential employer…
potential |pəˈtenCHəl|-adjective [ attrib. ]-having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future: a two-pronged campaign to woo potential customers.
4. These blunders did, however, earn them a spot on…managers’ most memorable résumé missteps.
blunder |ˈbləndər|-noun-a stupid or careless mistake.
5. These job seekers are probably trying to be clever and stand out, but it often backfires…
backfire |ˈbakˌfī(ə)r|-verb [ no obj. ]- (of a plan or action) rebound adversely on the originator; have the opposite effect to what was intended: overzealous publicity backfired on her.
6. For instance, one applicant wrote about her family being in the mob…
mob |mäb|-noun-• (usu. the Mob )the Mafia or a similar criminal organization.
7…some applicants include outlandish or inappropriate content to stand out from the crowd of candidates.
outlandish |outˈlandiSH|-adjective-looking or sounding bizarre or unfamiliar: outlandish brightly colored clothes | the most outlandish ideas.
8. With technology, it is so easy to just click and send a résumé out, but if you take the time to tailor it, it will get more time for review…
tailor |ˈtālər|-verb [ with obj. ] (usu. be tailored)-• make or adapt for a particular purpose or person: arrangements can be tailored to meet individual requirements.
9…you should only include relevant and appropriate information.
relevant |ˈreləvənt|-adjective-closely connected or appropriate to the matter at hand: the candidate’s experience is relevant to the job.
10. When asked what would make them automatically dismiss a candidate from consideration…
automatic |ˌôtəˈmatik|-adjective-done or occurring spontaneously, without conscious thought or intention: automatic physical functions such as breathing | “Nice to meet you,” he said, with automatic politeness. automatically |-ik(ə)lē|adverb.
Source: New Oxford American Dictionary
Reading Comprehension
True / False
- F- Unless you’re applying for a job at a pizzeria, your résumé objective shouldn’t say, “to make dough.”
- F- Nor should it be decorated with pink rabbits or include texting slang like “LOL.”
- F- These job seekers are probably trying to be clever and stand out, but it often backfires.
- T- Modifying your résumé for each position to showcase your achievements and professionalism is a good idea.
- F- You want to go easy on the eye.
- T- It’s not always bad to be creative…But you want to be creative in a smart way.
- T- Hiring managers have a big pile of résumés to review, and they are always looking for a reason to put you in the ‘no’ pile.”
- T- When asked what would make them automatically dismiss a candidate from consideration, employers pointed to résumés with typos…
- F- The bottom line is that your résumé is often where you make your first impression on a hiring manager.
- F- Referring to yourself as a genius is a bad idea.
• Grammar Focus
Structure and Usage
I. With technology, it is so easy to just click and send a résumé.
II. And you should only include relevant and appropriate information.
III. But you want to be creative in a smart way.
IV. Listening Activity
Video: 5 Mistakes to Avoid for Job Interviews
• Pre-listening
Listening for New Vocabulary or New Terms
attitude |ˈatiˌt(y)o͞od|-noun-a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior: she took a tough attitude toward other people’s indulgence.
ethic |ˈeTHik|-noun [ in sing. ]-a set of moral principles, esp. ones relating to or affirming a specified group, field, or form of conduct: the puritan ethic was being replaced by the hedonist ethic.
enthusiasm |enˈTHo͞ozēˌazəm|-noun- intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval: her energy and enthusiasm for life.
analytical |ˌanlˈitikəl|-adjective-relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning: analytical methods.
rambling |ˈramb(ə)liNG|-adjective- (of writing or speech) lengthy and confused or inconsequential.
prior 1 |ˈprīər|-adjective [ attrib. ]-existing or coming before in time, order, or importance: he has a prior engagement this evening.
sabotage |ˈsabəˌtäZH|-verb [ with obj. ]-deliberately destroy, damage, or obstruct (something).
Source: New Oxford American Dictionary
• While Listening Tasks
Sentence Fill-ins
1. According to Lori Blake from the USC Career Center the top 5 skills employers are looking for are___.
a- having a great attitude, a strong work ethic, great communication skills, enthusiasm and analytical skills.
2. The first mistake people make is___
c. talking too much and rambling.
3. Candidates should never___
a. talk over the interviewer.
4. The second biggest mistake is___.
b. not knowing enough information about the company.
5. You should learn as a much as you can about the company___.
a. prior to the interview.
6. The third mistake candidates often make is___.
b. arriving late to the interview.
7. the best reason to give the interviewer for being late is___
c. none. Don’t be late.
8. The fourth mistake is___.
a. talking about money too soon.
9. The fifth mistake is___
b. dressing too casually.
10. Being prepared for an interview will make you feel___
a. cool, calm, and confident.
:
