Entrevista de trabajo
Introducción
Welcome to our final class!!
We have come a long way in this English V course for Bachillerato General!
In this opportunity we will:
- Do a final review of all the tenses.
- Use Questions on an interview.
- Talk about relative pronouns and relative clauses.
As usual, we work on all the topics just mentioned and then ask you to do some consignas, but at the end of this lesson there is going to be a final evaluation to integrate all the knowledge and improvements you have made along this course.
So let’s start working on this final lesson.
Desarrollo del tema
Do you remember all the tenses?
If you feel like you could use a review…let’s check some grammar and critical points. For a quick review let’s check the following video:
You can also go to the page: Review of English tenses
In the following image you can see them all at one glance:
Relative Clauses
What is a relative clause? A relative clause is one kind of dependent clause. It has a subject and verb, but can’t stand alone as a sentence. It is sometimes called an “adjective clause” because it functions like an adjective—it gives more information about a noun.
Let´s review the following videos about the topic:
Also relevant is to review the Relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, where, that. A relative pronoun is a pronoun that introduces a relative clause. It is called a «relative» pronoun because it «relates» to the word that its relative clause modifies. There are five basic relative pronouns: who, whom, whose, which, that*
Who (subject) and whom (object) are generally only for people. Whose is for possession. Which is for things. That can be used for things and people only in defining relative clauses (clauses that are essential to the sentence and do not simply add extra information).
Because there are only a few of them, there are also just a few rules for using relative pronouns. Keep them in mind as you write.
Here is an example:
- The person who phoned me last night is my teacher.
In the above example, «who» relates to «The person», which «who phoned me last night» modifies introduces the relative clause «who phoned me last night»
Relative clauses are typically introduced by relative pronouns, and that the relative pronoun can function as a possessive pronoun, an object, or a subject.
When relative pronouns introduce restrictive relative clauses, no comma is used to separate the restrictive clause from the main clause.
In American English, the relative pronoun whom is used rarely. You may notice this in conversations, but it is best to use the term when writing to ensure that your work is grammatically correct.
Let’s check the following videos for more on the topic:
Interviews
It was mentioned before that we planned to review some vocabulary about interviews, most commonly this could be an intimidating subject even in our own language since you are going to have someone asking you about your past, your current yourself and even your future. Preparation is the key to a successful interview.
The impression you make on the interviewer often can outweigh your actual credentials. Your poise, attitude, basic social skills, and ability to communicate are evaluated along with your experience and education.
You and the interviewer must engage in a conversation – a mutual exchange of information and ideas. Only through such a dialogue can you both determine if you, the organization, and the job are well matched. Here are some tips:
- Be on time. This often means 10-15 minutes early. Interviewers often are ready before the appointment.
- Know the interviewer’s name, its spelling, and pronunciation. Use it during the interview. If you don’t know the name, call beforehand and ask the secretary. Also, note the secretary’s name in case you have to call back. Secretaries can influence the hiring decision!
- Have some questions of your own prepared in advance. There is nothing wrong with having a short list of questions and thoughts- it shows you have done your research and want to know more about the organization and the position.
- Bring several copies of your resume. Also, bring a copy of your transcript. Carry your papers in an organized manner.
- Have a reliable pen and a small notepad with you. But do not take notes during the interview. However, immediately afterward, write down as much as you can remember, including your impression of how well you did.
- Greet the interviewer and a smile. Remember to maintain eye contact (which does not mean a stare down).
- Expect to spend some time developing rapport. Don’t jump right in and get down to business. Follow the interviewer’s lead.
- Don’t be embarrassed if you are nervous. As you gain experience, you’ll become more at ease with the interviewing process.
- Focus. On your attributes, your transferable skills, and your willingness to learn; don’t apologize for a lack of experience; describe your strengths in terms of what you can do for the organization.
- Tell the truth. Lies and exaggeration will come back to haunt you.
- Listen carefully to the interviewer. Be sure you understand the question; if not, ask for clarification, or restate it in your own words. Answer completely and concisely. Stick to the subject at hand.
- Never slight a teacher, friend, employer, or your university. Loyalty ranks high on the employer’s list.
- Watch your grammar. Interviewers are interested in candidates who can express themselves properly. Even if you have to go slowly and correct yourself, accuracy is preferred over ungrammatical fluency.
- Be prepared for personal questions. Some interviewers may not know what they can and cannot ask legally. Anticipate how you will handle such questions without losing your composure.
- Wait for the interviewer to mention salary and benefits. To research pay scales, refer to salary surveys and information on the Career Services website in the career library.
- Don’t expect a job offer at the first interview. Often you will be invited to a second or even third interview before an offer is made several weeks later.
- Close on a positive, enthusiastic note. Ask what the next step will be. Thank the interviewer for his/her time and express your interest in the job. Leave quickly and courteously with a handshake and a smile.
- No interview is complete until you follow up with a thank-you note. Express your appreciation for the interview and, if true, reaffirm your interest. This last step can make a difference. Don’t forget it.
Here are some common questions that you can answer to be ready.
Questions for an interview:
- Tell me about yourself.
- Why should we hire you?
- Why should we accept you into our program?
- What is your greatest strength?
- What is your greatest weakness?
- What are your salary expectations?
- What do you expect from our program?
- Why do you want this job?
- Why should we accept you as a candidate?
- What can you offer to this institution?
- What qualities make you the best candidate for this program or job position?
- Can you tell me…?
- Would you mind telling me…?
- Could you tell me…? I was wondering… I wonder…
- Do you mind telling me…?
- Could you share with me…?
For some practice on a job interview check the following videos:
For a little practice you can go to: Job Interview | ESL Video
Do you know the meaning of the body language?
Body language is a range of nonverbal signals that you can use to communicate your feelings and intentions. These include your posture, facial expressions, and hand gestures. Your ability to understand and interpret other people’s body language can help you to pick up on unspoken issues or feelings.
Body language: shake hands, handshake, cross the arms/legs, bow, avoiding/direct eye contact, crinkling nose, pressing lips together, raise eyebrows, biting nails, blushing, eye rolling, eye rubbing, shrugging shoulders up and down, nodding head, leaning forward, deadpan face, personal space.
In which situation would you use such expressions?
Review the following videos:
It is really interesting how our body and gestures say more than our words.
Conclusión
During this class we practiced all four skills in English: reading, writing, listening and speaking. You may know that English is not really something you can achieve immediately, but with hard, efficient work and gradual improvement you should definitely get there.
This has all been for this course.
Congratulations! you have finished this English course. It has been a long ride but hopefully you have improved your English to a B1 level.
- How do you feel about the contents from this course?
- How are you progressing as a learner?
- Do you feel more confident?
Do not give up. Don´t forget to complete all your consignas.
Good luck on your last evaluation.