In the previous lesson you looked at job ads and writing CVs as part of the job application process. In this lesson you will work on other aspects of the process – writing letters of application and application forms.
This activity focuses on expressions related to the words job (n.) and work (n.). These words are sometimes interchangeable, but very often each one is used differently.
e.g.

‘Well done, that was good work.’

In these examples, work and job can be used to mean the same thing i.e. tasks performed well. NB – the article ‘a’ is used with job.

‘Well done, that was a good job.’

 

‘I don’t really enjoy my work.’ 

Again, these examples show work and job being used to express a similar meaning.

I don’t really enjoy my job.’

 

‘Look at this painting – it’s a very interesting piece of work.’

Here piece of work refers to the painting. This expression is often used when talking about art. (We don’t say: piece of job).

‘It’s a good job you didn’t tell him you were going to resign.’

‘It’s a good job you didn’t tell him...’ means the same as
‘It’s lucky/fortunate you didn’t tell him...’ (NOT ‘It’s a good work...’).
Complete these sentences with either job or work.

e.g.


‘I’m sorry, I’m going to be late for work today.’

1.01
‘I’m bored being an accountant. I want a new _______________ .’

1.02


‘I’m leaving _______________ early today. Let’s meet up for a coffee this afternoon.’

1.03


‘Unemployment is a major problem. It’s especially hard to be out of ______________ at the age of 50.’

1.04


‘I saw the perfect _______________ for you advertised in the newspaper today.’

1.05


‘Excellent. I love it. You’ve done a really great _______________.’
Many organisations ask you to complete an application form when you apply for a job. It is quite common now for employers to ask you to complete these forms by referring to the competencies required to do the job well.
Competencies are the skills, qualities, qualifications and experience necessary for the job.
Read the descriptions of different competencies and match them to the correct competency heading.

Flexibility

Client focused

Analytical thinking

Achievement

Professional confidence

Team working

2.01

Achievement

2.02

 

2.03

 

Makes significant progress in the long term performance of the organisation. Sets out to be the best – has own measures of excellence and works to these.

Looks at data and identifies key issues. Identifies causes and effects, by using ‘if A … then B’ thinking, and uses this to prioritise issues.

Demonstrates willingness to change ideas or perceptions based on new information or evidence.  Is open to new ideas and listens to other people’s points of view.

 

2.04

 

2.05

 

2.06

 

Actively includes others in team activities. Spends time helping others think through issues.  Speaks positively of others. Takes time to learn about and understand other organisations and cultures.

Takes time to question and understand the real needs of customers.  Establishes systems to collect feedback.  Focuses resources on priority areas and key customer groups.

Gives opinions from his or her own area of expertise.  Makes decisions without always asking others. Is decisive necessary. Has the confidence to admit when they do not know a fact or cannot give an opinion without more research.
Which of these competencies are required for your job?
Are there any that you feel you would need to develop to get a job that required these competencies?
Can you think of examples from your own experience that you could give to show you possess these competencies?
This activity helps you to distinguish between some of the terms used in job applications.
Put the ideas into the correct groups.

Qualifications

Qualities

Experience

Duties

MBA

 

 

 

 

hard-working

 

 

/hard-working/  /MBA/                     /to lead a team of designers/               /good team worker/     
/work placement at St. Mary’s Hospital/          /self-employed/ /Diploma in Art and Design/
/2 years with UNDP/                /original thinker/                      /to schedule training sessions/
/Degree/                      /to maintain computerised records/                 /line-manage Admin staff/
/MEd/              /professional/               /software Developer with an ICT training company/

Read the following memo and fill the gaps with the appropriate words and expressions form the box below.
Dear Juan
Further to our meeting yesterday re the post of Hospital Manager, here are some points to consider:
1. Qualifications
The successful candidate should have the relevant ?qualifications. As this is a high level management post, we would expect a minimum of a _______________ level qualification and ideally a _______________ e.g. MBA.
2. Qualities
The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate a high level of understanding of the issues facing the Health Service at the moment. They should also prove their _______________. They must have strong _______________ qualities as well as being able to work _______________ . We need someone with excellent _______________ skills and good _______________.
3. Experience
The candidate must demonstrate considerable experience in _______________ as the hospital will have to run on a very limited budget due to the latest cuts in government funding. Experience of _______________ as well as private sector work would be a big advantage.
4. Duties
The main challenge for this post is to maintain a high quality service at the same time as being able to _______________. We cannot compromise on health and safety standards and the post holder will be _______________ for ensuring that the hospital continues to run smoothly.

           balance the budget              flexibility        leadership                 organisational          
relevant      independently                      financial management                     Master’s                    
time management                responsible                degree                       public sector
Three candidates have applied for the position of Hospital Manager mentioned in Activity 4. Read the summaries of their qualifications, qualities and experience. Then write the strong and weak points for this post of each candidate. Bear in mind the duties mentioned in Activity 4.

NB – Age and sex should not be an issue here. Qualifications, experience and personal qualities are much more important
Norman Epstein (26) – Male
MA in Business Studies
Recently qualified with distinction; 6 months’ work placement at Public health Dept.
Confident, enthusiastic, keen to learn, intelligent.
Good references
Father works as Director of a private hospital in London.
(irrelevant)
Julie Rainier (35) – Female
BA in Business Administration
3 years as Asst. Manager in an Edinburgh teaching hospital
1 year at a field hospital in Ethiopia
Has just had her first child
(irrelevant)
Currently studying for a Postgraduate Dip. In Health & Social Policy online
Excellent references
Not available for another 3 months – maternity leave.
(only relevant if job needs immediate start)
Confident, pleasant personality
Susan Willis (48) – Female
MBA
Several health related in-service Certificates and Diplomas
Hospital manager in Manchester for last 18 years
Leaving present post because of “a clash of personalities with a consultant surgeon”.
(need to check references – not necessarily relevant)
Very experienced
Confident, organised, professional

 

Strong points

Weak points

Norman Epstein

 

 

 

 

Julie Rainier

 

 

 

 

Susan Willis

 

 

 

 
Now write a short message to the head of the selection panel with your decision, outlining your reasons for making this choice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
In this lesson you have:
looked at some of the competencies required many professional jobs
analysed the qualifications, qualities, experience and duties often listed in a job advert or job profile
explored part for the selection process in relation to competencies and job requirements
In the next e-m@il lesson you look at the interview stage of the job application process.