Objectives

Level 1-2

Jobs

• Identify different kinds of jobs
• Identify duties associated with these jobs
• Identify areas of interest
• Interpret help wanted sign
• Interpret employment ads

Finding a Job

• Identify ways to get a job
• Identify basic application vocabulary
• Copy personal information onto simple application form
• Fill out an application form
• Ask for help when don’t understand form
• Express preference

Interviewing for a Job

• Respond to basic personal questions
• Respond to basic personal questions restated several ways
• Respond to basic questions re:work history
• Describe past jobs/duties and length of time at jobs
• State present job
• Make an appointment for an interview

Levels 3-4

Jobs

• Discuss different kinds of jobs
• Discuss duties associated with these jobs
• Discuss areas of interest
• Identify personal skills

Finding A Job

• Discuss ways to get a job
• Fill out different types of applications
• Understand function and organization of resumes
• Write a basic personal resume

Interviewing for a Job

• Request info about a job ad
• Describe previous job history with detail
• Give reasons for leaving past jobs
• Give reasons why you should get the job
• Describe personal strengths and weaknesses
• List questions to ask the interviewer
• Follow up on job interview

Work Relations

• Request a letter of reference
• Discuss common and cross-cultural problems at work
• Find solutions
• Leave note to boss about personal need
• Give detailed excuses for absence using telephone
• Respond to complex instructions
• Inquire about day-off and shift change
• Report intention of resigning
• Discuss reasons to lose a job

Oxford Picture Dictionary

Basic Oxford Picture Dictionary (red book)

• Occupations and Workplaces I, p.82-3
• Occupations II, p.84-5
• Occupations III, p. 86
• A Construction Site, p. 87
• At Work, p. 88-9

Oxford Picture Dictionary (black book)

• Jobs and Occupations, p. 136-9
• Job Skills, p. 140
• Job Search, p. 141
• An Office, p. 142-3
• Construction, p. 149

Web Resources

All Levels

• ESLflow.com - Jobs & Careers - Links to lesson plans

Levels 1-2

• Work Images - Go to "At Work and in the Office" section

Levels 3-4

• Jobs/Occupations Conversation Questions - Conversation starters like "Do you think it's fair for your boss to ask you to work overtime for no extra pay?"
• Boogle's World Worksheets - Links to Word docs with Job Interview questions

Resources at Kestrel

All Levels

• Writing Warm-Ups, p. 49 (instructions) & 54, "Job Charts." Read 3 job descriptions and extract relevant information, categorizing it into a chart (pay, hours, pros, cons). Could be adapted to various levels.

Level 1-2

• Taking Off: Beginning English: Unit 11, "What's Your Job?" (p. 134-144. Introduces vocabulary for different types of jobs (taxi driver, receptionist, cook, cashier) and the constructions "I can..." and "I can't..."
• English ASAP: Connecting English to the Workplace. This entire series is geared toward job-related English. On our shelves are:
  • Workbook 1: Unit 10 "Career Development" introduces Classified Ads, discusses "skills" and "experience," and revisits job application forms (see also simple job application form on p. 7).
  • Student Book 3: Unit 10 on "Career Development" has a more sophisticated treatment of classified ads, job descriptions, etc. Level 2-3.
• Basic Grammar in Action, Basic Book. Ch. 11, "Applying for a Job" (p. 148-167). Occupation vocabulary, simplified job applications, job interview practice dialogue.
• Lifeprints: ESL for Adults, Literacy Level. Ch. 6 "I Want a Job", p. 55. Very basic, emphasizing present tense conjugation of want, read, talk, look for.
• Lifeprints: ESL for Adults, Book 2. Ch. 1, "Getting a Job", Chapter 2, "On the Job." Classified ads, practice with "I can..." and "I can't...," rules at work, sample dialogue for calling in sick.
• Going Places 1. Unit 18, "What does Sue Do?" p. 111. Jobs and duties vocabulary.
• Taking Off: Beginning English Workbook. Unit 11, "What's Your Job?" Practice reading want ads, filling out simple job application, reading paycheck, more.
• Basic Oxford Picture Dictionary Workbook p. 82, 84-89.

Level 3-4

• Forms. Chapter 2, "Job Application", p. 17-24. Two page job application form with lengthly explanation.
• Passages: An upper-level multi-skills course. Unit 9: "Putting the Mind to Work," p. 74-81. Activites focused around "jobs that demand creativity." Grammar focus is reduced relative clauses (i.e. "Originality is an important quality for a person who is working as a screenwriter" can be reduced to "Originality is an important quality for a person working as a screenwriter."
• At Work in the US. Chapter themes include Personal Information; Job Procedures and Benefits; Job Safety; the U.S. Workplace. (Level 2-3).
• Book of Forms for Everyday Living. Application for Employment, p. 8.
• English in Everyday Life: Book 2. Unit 8, "Finding a Job" includes: "Looking for a Job," p. 154-5; "Applying for a Job," p. 156-7; "Wages and Benefits", p. 158-9. Unit 9, "Life At Work" continues with Starting A New Job, Instructions at Work, etc.
• The New Grammar in Action, Book 3. Ch. 9 "Job Performance," p. 108-117. Emphasis on present perfect tense ("He has attended training classes", etc.), adverbs of frequency, and use of "ever" ("Have you ever used a computer?").
• Oxford Picture Dictionary Beginning Workbook p. 136-143.
• Oxford Picture Dictionary Intermediate Workbook, p. 136-143.