2. Formal Writing Skills

Transkript

1 2. Formal Writing Skills Curriculum Vitae Curriculum vitae provides key information about a person s life, skills, experience, education and qualifications. The term curriculum vitae, abbreviated to CV, is of Latin origin and can be loosely translated as a course of life. Thus, shortened form vita is sometimes used. The main purpose of a CV is to provide future employer with data about us necessary for gaining some position. Curriculum vitae are commonly used in Europe, the Middle East, Africa or Asia when seeking a job, whereas in the United States and Canada CV is primarily used when applying for academic, education, scientific or research positions. CV in the European sense is in these countries called résumé. Certain attempts to create a model of a standardized CV were made in the European Union. This freely accessible universal CV was included among five documents uniformly called Europass to make person s skills and qualifications clearly and easily understood in Europe. The other documents are freely-accessible Language Passport, Europass Mobility, Certificate Supplement and Diploma Supplement the last three issued by education and training authorities. Look at the Instructions for filling in the Europass CV (source - European Union, ). Read the titles of the parts and match each to its text. Always adapt your CV to suit the post you are applying for Be clear and concise Check your CV once you have filled it in Concentrate on the essentials Pay attention to the presentation of your CV Before you start: Five basic principles for a good CV 1. Employers generally spend less than one minute reading a CV before deciding to reject it, or to shortlist it for detailed consideration. If you fail to make the right impact, you missed your chance. If applying for an advertised vacancy, always ensure that you comply with any application process entirely. The vacancy notice might specify: how to apply (CV, application form, online application), the length and/or format of the CV, whether a covering letter is required, etc. Be brief: two A4 pages are usually more than enough, irrespective of your education or experience. Do not exceed three pages. If you hold a degree, include your secondary school qualifications only if relevant to the job in question. Is your work experience limited? Describe your education and training first; highlight volunteering activities and placements or traineeships. 2. Use short sentences. Avoid clichés. Concentrate on the relevant aspects of your training and work experience. Give specific examples. Quantify your achievements. Update your CV as your experience develops. Don t hesitate to remove old information if it does not add value for the position. 3. Highlight your strengths according to the needs of the employer and focus on the skills that match the job. Do not include work experience or training which is not relevant to the application.

2 Explain any breaks in your studies or career giving examples of any transferable skills you might have learned during your break. Before sending your CV to an employer, check again that it corresponds to the required profile. Do not artificially inflate your CV; if you do, you are likely to be found out at the interview. 4. Present your skills and competences clearly and logically, so that your advantages stand out. Put the most relevant information first. Pay attention to spelling and punctuation. Print your CV on white paper (unless you are asked to send it electronically). Retain the suggested font and layout. 5. Correct any spelling mistakes, and ensure the layout is clear and logical. Have someone else re-read your CV so that you are sure the content is clear and easy to understand. Do not forget to write a cover letter. Cover letter Cover letter, or covering letter, also referred to as motivational letter or letter of motivation, is a letter sent to a future employer when applying for a job. It is a way of introduction of the applicant and explaining suitability for the desired post. Basically, cover letters are one page at most in length, divided into a header, introduction, body, and closing. The employer s address is listed below your contact information. Look at this outline of a layout of a cover letter. Complete each box with the missing information (a-g) th May John Smith 2. Yours faithfully, 3. John Smith, VD 26 Orange Street Great Manchester United Kingdom 5. Dear Sir or Madam 7. McDonald s Farm 15y Green Street Abingon, Oxfordshire United Kingdom 8. Enclosure: Curriculum Vitae Letters of Reference 9. I welcome the chance to meet with you to discuss my knowledge, experience and qualifications beneficial for McDonald s Farm. I can be reached at anytime or smithjhn@gmail.com anytime of the day in order to arrange an appointment at a time convenient for you. 10. With these qualifications, I am an excellent match for the advertised position. 11. I graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow in June 2009 and have worked full-time since then on the school farm of the University. During my internships and former employment, I have gained extensive skills which are desirable in your company, such as

3 inspecting livestock animals to identify poor health, injury or disease or giving medical treatment, mainly administering medications and vaccinations. 12. I am applying for the position of Animal Husbandry Worker on McDonald s Farm with reference to your fresh advertisement on a. b. c. d. e. f. g. h. i. j. k.

4 Useful Phrases and Expressions from Formal Correspondence Salutation Dear Sir/Madam Dear Mr/Ms (Brown) Dear Doctor (Brown) Valediction Yours faithfully (not knowing the recipient s name) Yours sincerely (knowing the recipient s name) Kind/Best regards Introduction Following (our phone conversation yesterday ) In reply to (your received ) Thank you for your message of (25th March) With reference to your of (13th June) Further to your telephone enquiry, Giving the reason I am writing to (apply for ) I am pleased (to announce you ) This letter/ is (to thank you ) I regret (to inform you) Asking Could you please (book )/ Would you please (send me ) We would appreciate if you would Would you mind Apologizing I apologize for (the delay ) I am sorry about (the misunderstanding ) Closing Please contact us again if Please let me know if Additional information is available upon request Thank you for your time and consideration Thank you for taking the time to I look forward to hearing from you I look forward to meeting you Enclosure (letter) I enclose (a copy of ) Please find enclosed Attachment ( ) Oslovení Vážený pane/paní (bez udání jména) Vážený pane/paní nebo slečno Brown Vážený doktore Brown Závěrečné rozloučení S pozdravem S pozdravem S úctou/pozdravem V návaznosti na (náš včerejší telefonní rozhovor) V odpovědi/reakci na ( , který jsem od Vás obdržel ) Děkuji za vaši zprávu ze dne (25 března) S ohledem na váš ze dne (13. června) Na základě našeho telefonického rozhovoru Vysvětlujeme důvod Píšu Vám, abych (požádal o ) Je mi potěšením (oznámit Vám ) Tímto dopisem/ em chci poděkovat ) S lítostí (vám oznamuji ) Žádáme Mohl byste, prosím, (zamluvit, poslat ) Ocenili bychom, kdyby Vadilo by Vám Omluvy Omlouvám se za (zpoždění ) Je mi líto (nedorozumění ) Závěrečné fráze Prosím kontaktujte nás znovu, pokud Prosím, kontaktujte nás, pokud Další informace jsou k dispozici na vyžádání Děkuji za Váš čas a pozornost Děkuji za Váš čas věnovaný Těším se na zprávy od Vás Těším se na stekání s Vámi Příloha (dopis) Přikládám Přikládám Příloha ( ) Note: Ms is used as a formal title in front of the name of a woman, whether she is married or not, when talking to her or about her. Madam is used for talking politely to a woman whose name you do not know x Madame is used as a title for a woman who is married or no longer young in countries where people speak French.

5 Vocabulary part 1. Match the following headings in the left column of the CV with the relevant information in the right column. I. Annexes A. Excellent knowledge of all procedures and medications II. Education and training B. Emergency and Critical Care Veterinarian, South London Emergency Veterinary Centre III. Job applied for C. Veterinarian Intern, London Veterinary Clinic Assistant Veterinarian, Hyde Park Veterinary Centre in London IV. Managerial skills D. German A2, French C1 V. Mother tongue E. Copy of University Diploma, Employment Testimonial VI. Other language(s) F. Master of Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College London VII. Personal skills G. Avoiding Miscarriage in Dogs in Medical News Today (2012) VIII. Publications H. English IX. Work experience I. Recruiting, training and supervising neuter clinic staff 2. Choose the right word. 1. He has... knowledge of Russian language. a) mild b) modest c) moderate d) modern 2. For this position you must have strong.. skills both in-person and over phone. a) articulation b) presentation c) monologue d) speech 3. My new colleague is.. to learn. a) willing b) wanting c) longing d) hooked 4. I cannot apply for the job. I haven t got a full.. driving licence. a) pure b) spotless c) clear d) clean 5. My supervisor s mother.. is French. a) tongue b) language c) speech d) dialect 6. You can put your.. on your CV but it is not obligatory. a) marriage status b) family status c) marital status d) personal status 7. I wish to be considered as an applicant..the position of veterinary technician. a) in b) for c) to d) at 8. I have gained extensive.. in the field of livestock nutrition. a) experience b) experiences c) information d) consciousness 9. The below-.. data are not valid. a) said b) mentioned c) written d)seen 10. I presented the board.. the strategic plan. a) to b) with c) on d) over

6 Grammar part - Past tenses Key points The past simple describes completed actions in the past, such as the main events in the narrative. It can also describe habits and routines in the past. The past continuous (also called progressive) are used when giving background description and depicting actions in progress, often contrasted with a sudden event. Past continuous also implies that the depicted events were not completed at a particular time. Used to is used to describe past habits or states. A time expression is not necessary. Would is used to describe person s typical activities. It cannot be used to describe states. The past perfect describes a past event which took place before another past event. If before or after is used, the past perfect is optional. Past perfect is frequently used in sentences with conjunctions when, because, that or which, who.! Continuous with always We can use a progressive form with always and similar words to express complaints or criticisms. The structure is also used to talk about repeated but unpredictable or unplanned events in the past. e.g. The letters were continually being sent to the wrong address.! was thinking, wondering, hoping We can use the past continuous with the verbs think, wonder and hope to give a polite or uncertain meaning. e.g. I was thinking of inviting you to our newly opened food industry workstation. 1. Read the joke and fill in the gaps with the proper verb form (pas simple or continuous). A local business 1. (look) for office help. They 2. (put) a notice on the door, stating the following: "JOB VACANCY. Must be able to type, must be good with a computer and must be bilingual. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer." After a short time, a dog 3. (run) past door, saw the advertisement, 4. (stop) for a second and 5. (go) inside. He 6. (look) at the receptionist and 5. (wag) his tail, then 6. (walk) over to the notice, 7. (wink) at it and 8. (give) a bark. The receptionist 9. (get) the idea and 10. (call) for the office manager. The surprised manager 11. (lead) the determined animal into the office. There, the dog 12. (leap) onto the chair and 12. (look) at the manager. The manager 13. (respond) "I can't hire you. The advertisement says you have to be able to type." The dog 14. (jump) down, 15. (find) the typewriter and 16. (type) out a perfect letter. He 17. (take) out the page and 18. (give) it to the shocked manager. Then he 19. (jump) back on the chair. The manager 20. (be) totally stunned, however 21. (tell) the dog "the sign says you have to be good with a computer." The dog 22. (jump) down again and 23. (move) to the computer where he perfectly 24. (enter) and 25. (execute) a complicated PC program. By this time the manager 26. (appear) totally bowled over by the animal! He 27. (look) at the dog whispering "I realize that you are a very intelligent dog and have some interesting abilities. However, I still can't give you the job." The dog 28. (point) with his paw to the sentence that 29. (promised) being an Equal Opportunity Employer on the copy of the advertisement. The manager 30. (smile) "yes, but the sign also says that you have to be bilingual." The dog 31. (take) innocent look at the manager and 32. (open) his mouth, "Meow!"

7 2. Translate the following sentences using all past tenses. Opozdil jsem se, takže když jsem dorazil na úřad, úředníci už odešli. Nesplňoval jsem podmínky, tak jsem se o tu práci neucházel. Všiml si, že někdo nechal vzkaz na mém záznamníku. Když jsme čekali na budoucího zaměstnavatele, zahlédl jsem svého kamaráda. Přinesl jsem kopie všech diplomu a osvědčení, jak mi při prvním telefonickém rozhovoru poradili. Měla na sobě kostýmek, který si koupila loni na dovolené. Nemohla jsem si koupit jízdenku, protože jsem doma zapomněla peněženku. Nikdy jsme nejezdívali na dovolenou do zahraničí, když jsem byl malý. Když byli ještě kolegové, chodívali spolu na oběd každé pondělí. Tatínek mě vždycky vozil do školy autem. Stará farma stávala před válkou na kraji vesnice. Večer jsem byla velmi unavená, protože jsme celé odpoledne vedli pohovory s uchazeči. 3. Speaking. Pair work. Ask your partner about these data from the past starting the question with WHEN. Then change your roles. Example: Driving licence When did you get your driving licence? School leaving examination University studies Last examination Decision to study this degree programme Read English book or journal Write CV Be in a laboratory Give PPT presentation Look for a part-time job Pay a fine Come late

8 Vocabulary abbreviate (v) /əˈbriːviˌeɪt/ zkrátit administer (v) /ədˈmɪnɪstə(r)/ podat (lék) annexe (n) /ˈæneks/ příloha break (n) /breɪk/ přerušení cliché /ˈkliːʃeɪ/ klišé, oblíbená fráze comply (v) /kəmˈplaɪ/ splnit, vyhovovat concise (adj) /kənˈsaɪs/ stručný, výstižný convenient (adj) /kənˈviːniənt/ vhodný, příhodný course (n) /kɔː(r)s/ průběh, cesta (života) essential (adj) /ɪˈsenʃ(ə)l/ nezbytnost, základní prvek exceed (v) /ɪkˈsiːd/ převýšit, překročit find out (v) /faɪnd / prokouknout, odhalit former (adj) /ˈfɔː(r)mə(r)/ minulý, předchozí highlight (v) /ˈhaɪˌlaɪt/ zdůraznit impact (n) /ˈɪmpækt/ dopad, účinek, vliv inflate (v) /ɪnˈfleɪt/ zveličovat irrespective (adv) /ˌɪrɪˈspektɪv/ bez ohledu na layout (n) /ˈleɪaʊt/ rozvržení, dispozice meet with (v) /miːt / setkat se s (někým) neuter (v) /ˈnjuːtə(r)/ vykastrovat placement (n) /ˈpleɪsmənt/ pracovní stáž presentation (n) /ˌprez(ə)nˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ přednesení, představení reach (v) /riːtʃ/ zastihnout, sehnat recruit (v) /rɪˈkruːt/ provádět nábor shortlist (n) /ˈʃɔː(r)tˌlɪst/ užší seznam traineeship (n) /ˌtreɪˈniː.../ stáž, praktický výcvik transferable /trænsˈfɜːrəb(ə)l/ přenosný, převoditelný vacancy (n) /ˈveɪkənsi/ volné místo (pracovní) value (n) /ˈvæljuː/ hodnota, význam, cena