IELTS Speaking Lesson about Getting a Job
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Table of Contents
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary: Finding a job
Looking for a job
- Look for job openingsÂ
- Look for available positionsÂ
- Find a gigÂ
A gig is a short-term contract for freelancersÂ
A freelancer is a self-employed person who works for various clients
The gig economy is the labour market for freelancers and short term contracts
When you don’t have a job (but you want one)
- I am unemployedÂ
- I’m on the dole (U.K.)
- I am between jobs
- I’m going to enter the job market
- I’m a job seekerÂ
- I’m a job hunter
Where to look for a job
- Job centre
- Job fairÂ
- Career fairÂ
- Online – a job search site
- Online job boardsÂ
- HR recruiting websitesÂ
More useful phrases
- To look for a job
- To seek a jobÂ
- To apply for a jobÂ
- To create a resume / CV
- To send off your resumeÂ
Speaking and Listening: Job hunting
Jason’s Experience Job Hunting
Full script
See full script I’m Jason, and I’d like to tell you about my experience of looking for a job. So, I was unemployed, on the dole, for a few months after I graduated from college. It was a tough (difficult) time, but I knew I had to keep looking for a job. Actually, I used a number of (several) methods to look for jobs, such as online job boards, and, oh yes, I also went to a couple of job fairs, and I yes, did some networking; I tried to connect with a few people on LinkedIn. I was told that it was important to tailor (customise / adapt) your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for as this shows that you’re interested in the specific company and position, and sure enough (say this when you expect something and then it happens), I found this to help a lot. I interviewed for a few job openings before I finally got an offer. The interview process was nerve-wracking (something makes you very nervous), but I did a fair bit of (quite a lot of) preparation. I tried to ask some insightful (intelligent) questions at the end and finally I got the job. Lucky me!
Job hunting tips
- Develop the soft skills you need
- CommunicationÂ
- Working in a teamÂ
- Leading a group of peopleÂ
- Present an ideaÂ
- PersuadingÂ
- Solving problems
- Research companies you are interested inÂ
- Tailor your resumeÂ
- Network – ask for an introduction or a referralÂ
How to introduce yourself in an interview
In a job interview, here is the first question you may be asked and how you can answer it in English
‘Tell me about yourself!’
1. Polite commentÂ
Thanks for giving me this opportunity to interview
2. NameÂ
My name is ____, and I am from ____
3. Experience + working skillsÂ
I am a [nurse]
I’ve been working in [nursing] for over x years
I’ve worked in a number [hospitals]
I’ve got a wide experience in ___
I have a lot of experience in ___
4. Feelings about work
I love being a [nurse]
My work is challenging but rewarding
I enjoyed my previous job, but I wanted to do more
5. Aptitudes (abilities – soft skills)Â
I am good at problem solvingÂ
I’d say I’m a results-oriented kind of personÂ
I have a strong background in ______
I enjoy tackling challenges head on (directly)Â
I thrive (work well) under pressureÂ
I think I have a good track record (positive experience and results) of doing _____
I’m very comfortable with _____
I consider myself a very adaptable kind of personÂ
Then make sure you have examples!Â
I am good at problem solving. In my previous job, once we were about to lose a contract, but I managed to get some inside information by networking with staff in that company and eventually it saved the day.
- Say ‘I did___’ [focus on you]Â
- Show the resultÂ
Remember, first impressions count (are important). So remember to sell yourself, and play up your attributes (=qualities)
But…keep it simple!Â
I asked ChatGPT for an answer and it suggested…
‘My diverse experiences have equipped me with a unique flexibility and understanding of different workplace dynamics.’
But this sounds terrible! Avoid empty words. You should keep it simple and natural.
Also try to show you are good, but with blowing your own trumpet (boasting) or trying to appear perfect.
Talking about qualifications
Qualifications are an important baseline for a job.Â
Many recruiters will filter resumes (select) and CVs based on you having or not having key qualifications.
- To be qualified = have the experience and qualifications / certificatesÂ
- To be over-qualified = to have too many qualifications for a job
- To be under-qualified = to not have enough qualifications for a job
I think you are over-qualified for this job, do you agree?
Maybe but, I can bring a wealth of experience to this role.
Fitting in
- The interviewers are also asking themselves if you will fit into their organisation and team.
- Will your working style and personality be a good fit for them?
Why do you think you are a good match for this post?
I think I’m a good match for this post because….
Talking about your strengths and weaknesses
- Sometimes interviewers may ask you about your strengths and weaknesses in the interview.
- They want to know how self-aware you are.Â
- If you say you have no weaknesses, they will think you are not self-aware and so unable to learn and improve.Â
- It’s a good idea to identify a real weakness you have, but show that it can also be an advantage.Â
- Also show that you are working to improve that weakness.
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Sometimes, I am slow to fit into a new team, but that’s because I want to build deep relationships so we can work better in that team.
Some people say I am a perfectionist, but that’s because I just want to do a good job, and in the end results are usually great.
Speaking and Listening: Job interviews
Keith applying for a job as a teaching manager
Full script
See full script Hello and thanks for coming in today. So we are looking for someone to be a teaching manager in our school in Milan. Let’s begin, shall we? First of all, tell me about yourself. So yes, I think I have a strong background in education. I’ve been working in international education for around ten years. I’ve worked as a teacher, as a teacher trainer. I’ve worked as a teaching manager as well. Sorry, I’m a bit nervous. I guess my most relevant experience is where I worked as a teaching manager for three years in a school in London. There, I managed about ten teachers. I oversaw the quality of the classes and ensured that students were really satisfied with the courses that they would rejoin and also passed any tests that they were taking. Actually, we got a 95% pass rate on the exams. So naturally there were a few challenges in that job and I enjoy tackling challenges head on. For instance…. Well, maybe I won’t go into detail, but generally speaking, I wouldn’t say I thrive under pressure, but I can handle pressure pretty well. I’m very comfortable with unexpected setbacks, putting out fires (solve sudden urgent problems) quickly, but focusing on the long term important work. Okay, so why do you think you are a good fit for this role? Well, I would say I’m a good match because as I understand it you’re looking for somebody who is dedicated to quality teaching and superb customer support or student support. I know that you take that very seriously in your organisation and to be honest, these are aspects that I excel in. (really good at) Great. Thanks. Now, if I asked your last boss what your weaknesses are, what would they say? Yes, that’s a tough question. What do you mean exactly? Well, I mean, if I asked your last boss what your weaknesses are, what would they say? All right, well, I think he would say if there were a weakness, he would point out, he would probably say that I’m a perfectionist. Sometimes that sometimes slows me down, but that’s because I want to do things perfectly. I want people to have a great experience. And sometimes I go into a bit too much detail. But in the end, normally the results are very positive. And this is something I’ve been working on to improve continuously as I develop as a professional. Okay, that’s fine. Finally, do you have any questions for me? No, I’m all good, thanks. Well, maybe if I could ask… what are the goals for the coming year that I might be expected to achieve? Well, we haven’t worked out the nitty gritty (the details) of that yet, but obviously we expect students to be very happy and we want to see student numbers grow. Okay, let’s finish up here. That’s great. Thank you so much. I look forward to hearing from you. Bye.
Job interview tips
- Getting a job is 30% about qualifications, 40% about your skills, and 30% about your energy, personality and fitting in.
- Check the dress code
- Check the time of the interview and be punctual   Â
- Check what you should take? (Portfolio, certificates…)
- Research company values, mission (notice their words and use them in the interview)
- Ask insightful questions (you want to stick in the interviewer’s mind), …
- But only ask these questions if they haven’t been answered, if it feels appropriate, and try to be positive, not critical.Â
Questions to ask in an interview
- How would you describe the culture of this company?
- What are the key goals of this role for the coming year?
- Can you tell me more about the team I might be working with?
- Why do you enjoy working here?
- What will be the next steps after today?
Find out more insightful questions to ask here
https://www.coursera.org/articles/questions-to-ask-hiring-manager
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