Preparation for a job interview in English

The whole process of searching for a new job can be extremely stressful with peaks in stress levels occurring at the job interview. When a part or all of the interview is to be conducted in a language which is not your mother tongue then naturally stress levels increase even more. If you have an interview for a job with an international company and English is not your first language then you are likely to find yourself in this exact situation.

If you have even thought of applying for a job in an international company it is likely that you have a good level of English. You may feel confident in normal conversations and business situations. At least you feel able...

Things to take out of your CV.

In my last article, I gave some ideas for structuring a CV and for some of the things which should be included. It is also worth looking at some of the things which should be avoided or taken out if you have them. Your CV may be your first introduction, your first chance to make a good impression, to show off your strengths and to get the attention of the recruiter or the employer. Therefore, careful consideration of the contents is called for, in considerable detail.

Although there are various possible formats, from a brief one-page, highly specific and targeted summary of relevant experience and qualifications to a fully detailed resumé, many CVs end up looking more less the same, with...

Does your CV show you at your best?

Looking for a new job can be a very stressful process. Even for people who are not really looking but who are approached by a headhunter/recruiter and asked if they might be interested in a position, the sudden need to prepare a good personal presentation can be a shock to the system. Everybody wants to make a good impression. The stakes may be high and the competition strong.

Recruiters know exactly what kind of person they are looking for. They have a profile of minimum requirements which include knowledge and experience, skill set, qualifications, etc. A standard CV for all job applications, simply listing previous employment and qualifications, is no longer enough. These CVs are quickly passed over, without a second...

6 Key Questions For Success with English - Part 5: Where and How?

Questions five and six are strongly connected because they can change the way you feel and therefore your performance. Firstly ‘Where?’, or more specifically, ‘Where will you be when you communicate in English?’ Thinking about the different places where you will use English can help you to prepare for any additional challenges that may present themselves. In a private, closed office environment you may feel at your most relaxed and comfortable because you are surrounded by your own things and you are in a familiar space. In a more open office situation there may be considerable levels of background noise which will have an impact on your listening abilities. You may also be more concerned about who is listening to...