ENGLISH FOR EMPLOYMENT: A
PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR STUDENTS
E-Notes prepared by: Dr. Loi Chek Kim and Ms. Lau Yoke LianWHY LEARN ENGLISH FOR EMPLOYMENT
Based on the synopsis of the course (UB00202), upon completion of the course, students will be able to
i. communicate ideas effectively in English using accurate language in appropriate workplace settings.
ii. read, comprehend and prepare a range of formal business
documents.
GUIDELINES FOR:
interview meeting Proposal
presentat ion
Promotio
nal video
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Here are 5 tips for a successful job interview!
(i) Be punctual at your interview. It is
mandatory to be on time at a job interview.
(ii) Do your research on the company.
(iii) Don't forget about nonverbal communication.
(iv) Be polite with everyone.
(v) Be prepared for your interview
YWCA Y Des Femmes Montreal (n.d.)AT THE INTERVIEW
(i) Expect an open-ended question to start with (ii) Steer it toward your personal story
(iii) If the questions are irrelevant, it is your answers that count
(iv) Use clarifying questions to steer conversation to your evidence
(v) Pause- take time to think before answering
Source: Mark Efinger of Interview Skills Coaching
Academy (ISCA)
LANGUAGE NOTES FOR INTERVIEW
•Here's what I can do for you. ...
•I'm both a team player and self sufficient. ...
•I know how to do the job. ...
•You can rely on me. ...
•I play well with others. ...
•I'm motivated and enthusiastic. ...
•I want this job.
MEETING
Procedures of a meeting
Before a meeting - Prepare the agenda During the meeting
-Read, make amendments and confirm the minutes of the last meeting -Introduce the agenda and request members to talk about matters arising Ending the meeting
- other business, summarise the meeting After the meeting
- Prepare and type out the minutes of the meeting
LANGUAGE NOTES FOR MEETING
Mr. Lim, could you brief us on our most recent project?
I have been negotiating with ABC company and will seal a deal by two weeks’ time.
I move that the motion be accepted I second the motion
I am afraid I can’t accept the proposal.
Let’s shelve the matter until further discussions.
We will table the matter of funding by tomorrow.
We have reached a unanimous decision to collaborate with XYZ company.
PROPOSAL PRESENTATION
1.Optimize your presentation time from the start.
2.Have a clear agenda.
3.Open up with the customer’s problems and challenges.
4.Pause and ask questions.
5.Lead with stories, not data.
6.Don’t read off of your PowerPoint slides.
7.Present your solution — and sell them a vision.
8.Establish a clear follow-up timeline at the end of the meeting.
ASPECTS TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO PROPOSAL
PRESENTATION
Who is my audience?
What do they already know about the topic that I am going to present in my proposal?
What would pique the audience’s interest?
Are they familiar with the terminology I will use in my presentation? If not, I will need to give the definition and explanation.
What visual aids will be effective in helping the audience to understand the subject matter better?
What do I need to do to boost my confidence level during my presentation?
What is the negative body language that I should avoid during my proposal presentation?
PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
Tips for Shooting a Promotional Video 1.Know your audience
2.Plan the shoot
3.Script, but don't over script
4.Production value can make or break a video
5.Consider using a musical score 6.Be aware of your surroundings 7.Keep it to the time limit given
8.Be creative in your video production
FORMAL BUSINESS DOCUMENTS
Applicati
on Letter Resume Intervie
Question w
s
JOB APPLICATION LETTER
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MyJobMag (2022)
RESUME
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A functional resume highlights your skills and talents and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.
Often, the skills you have are the same ones described in the job posting. This
type of resume is best for people working in technical or skill base professions, or
who are transitioning into a new career.
Resume.io (n.d.)
By using the chronological format, you are telling a
story in reverse order.
Resume.io (n.d.)
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Examples of job interview questions:
(i) Tell us about yourself
(ii)How will you contribute to this field with the specific interests you mentioned in your resume?
(iii) Could you tell as more about your previous work experience?
(iv) What do you know about our company?
(v)Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
(vi) What are your strengths?
(vii)Could you tell me about yourself and describe your background in brief?
(viii)How did you hear about this position?
(ix)What type of work environment do you prefer to work in?
(x)How do you deal with pressure or stressful situations? .
(xi)Do you prefer working independently
or on a team?
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A Notice of Meeting informs a
company's shareholders, directors, or other interested parties of the
time, date, and place of a corporate meeting.
This document can be attached to
the minutes of a meeting and can be used as evidence that notice was
provided.
Administration (2021)
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Meeting minutes are notes that are recorded during a meeting.
They highlight the key issues that are discussed, motions
proposed or voted on, and
activities to be undertaken.
Yumpu (n.d.)
Yumpu (n.d.)
Yumpu
*n.d.)
Yumpu (n.d.)
PROPOSAL WRITING
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The standard format of a proposal (Samsiah Abdul Hamid, 2019)
(i)Title
(iv)Proposed Project
(vii)Operational
Cost/Budget (viii)Anticipated
Results/Benefits/Impact (v) Goals and
Objectives
(ii)Introduction (iii)Problem/Need Analysis
(vi)Description of the Proposed
Project/Business/Progra m
(ix)Appendix/Suppleme ntary Materials
