Wednesday's Assignment

Thank You Letters

1. Imagine you had a job interview that went well. Write a letter to the interviewer thanking him/her for the opportunity you were given. Remember to restate your key accomplishments/strengths as they relate to the job. 
2. Imagine you had a job interview that did not go well. Write a letter to the interviewer thanking him/her for the opportunity you were given and expressing what you have learned from it. 

Tuesday's Assignment

Cover letters

In a way to practice cover letter writing, choose two of the job posting that you are interested in, and write down a different cover letter for each one.

Check the examples on our blog first, and try to follow the same pattern.

Cover Letter Sample 

Addressing Current Unemployment

 Dear [INSERT HIRING MANAGER’S NAME],

Regarding the [INSERT JOB TITLE] position currently advertised on Monster.ca, please find attached a copy of my resume for your consideration.

Having worked within the industry for over [INSERT YEARS EXPERIENCE], I have developed a wide range of skills that would meet, and exceed the expectations for the role. 

During my career I have had many achievements, including [INSERT KEY ACHIEVEMENT]. I am currently unemployed and would relish the opportunity to immediately bring this level of success to your company.

If you would like to get in touch to discuss my application and to arrange an interview, you can contact me via[INSERT PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS]. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,

[INSERT NAME]

Cover Letter Sample for an Experienced Professional

Dear [INSERT HIRING MANAGER’S NAME],

Regarding the [INSERT JOB TITLE] position currently advertised on Monster.ca, please find attached a copy of my resume for your consideration.

Having worked within the industry for over [INSERT YEARS EXPERIENCE], I have developed a wide range of skills that would meet, and exceed the expectations for the role. In my present role as a [INSERT CURRENT JOB TITLE] for [INSERT CURRENT EMPLOYER] I have had many achievements, including[INSERT KEY ACHIEVEMENT]. 

I would relish the opportunity to bring this level of success to your company. If you would like to get in touch to discuss my application and to arrange an interview, you can contact me via [INSERT PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS]. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
 

Cover Letter Sample for Part-Time Work

Dear [INSERT HIRING MANAGER’S NAME], 

Regarding the [INSERT JOB TITLE] position currently advertised on Monster.ca , please find attached a copy of my resume for your consideration. I'm looking to gain practical experience within [INSERT INDUSTRY SECTOR] and feel that a part-time position within your company would help me to demonstrate the abilities I have.

INCLUDE IF YOU HAVE UNDERTAKEN WORK EXPERIENCE
I have been studying [INSERT RELEVANT DEGREE] and have already gained some experience as a[INSERT JOB TITLE] at [INSERT COMPANY NAME] where I [INSERT KEY RESPONSIBILITY OR ACHIEVEMENT]. 

I believe my skills in [INSERT KEY SKILLS] would make me a positive addition to your team. If you would like to get in touch to discuss my application and to arrange an interview, you can contact me via [INSERT PHONE NUMBER OR EMAIL ADDRESS]. 

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely,
[INSERT NAME]

Monday's Assignment

Good morning everyone,

While looking for jobs, it is so important to know which jobs are regulated, licensed, or unregulated.

Here is one of the links that will help you understand that.

Task 1:

List out two to three jobs that you are looking at and figure out the following:

1. Are they regulated, licensed, or unregulated?
2. If so, which is the regulated body for each one?
3. What are the steps you need to follow to get the license, certificate ... etc.?

Friday's Assignment

Phrasal Verbs

Task 1:

Try to look up the meanings of these phrasal verbs, and then fill in the blanks below.

Practice Exercise 1

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
look after
hold on
do without
take up
run out of
break down
meet up with
check in
turn up
look into

EMAIL 1

TO: Robert Booth

FROM: Amy Cookson

RE: 1 Service Lift

The service lift in the warehouse has (1)____________ (stopped working) again.

Could you please get the Shindler engineer to (2)____________ (investigate) what has gone wrong and fix it as soon as possible?

This is urgent, because we really cannot (3)____________ (manage) it. We are having to move everything upstairs by hand. This is (4)____________ (occupying) a lot of time and soon everyone is going to (5)____________ (have no more) patience.

EMAIL 2

TO: Robert Booth

FROM: Amy Cookson

RE: Mr Senai

We are expecting Mr Senai from Japan sometime this afternoon.

I have rung the hotel, but he has not (6) ____________ (registered) there yet, so he may just (7)____________ (arrive unexpectedly) at the office. If he does, could you (8)____________ (take care of) him and ask him to (9)____________ (wait) until I get back?

I have to (10)____________ (visit) a client at about 3.30, but I should be back by

4.15.

Practice Exercise 2

Phrasal Verb	Meaning
back up
build up
close down
fill in
give up
take up
try out
break down
pick up
put off
meet up with
buy out
turn off
go through
look up
turn up
look after
help out
run out of

1) Did you ____________ your files last week?

2) Keith Sole quickly ____________ his shareholding to 10% of the company.

3) If we don't stop the losses, the company will have to be ____________.

4) After you've ____________ the form, can you leave it with Fiona, my secretary?

5) We've ____________ trying to get business from small companies.

6) Marvin Steel is in the process of ___________ many of the smaller shareholders.

7) Could you ask Paul to ____________ with arranging the company BBQ at the weekend?

8) If you don't know the meaning of a word, you should ____________ in a dictionary.

9) My plane gets in at 10.30. Could you ____________ at around 11?

10) The meeting has been ____________ until 17 April.

11) Have you had an opportunity to ____________ our evaluation software yet?

12) Don't forget to ____________ the air-conditioners when you leave the office this evening.

13) I'm afraid to say that the photocopier's ____________ yet again!

14) I think I'll ____________ Roger before I go home this evening.

15) During the recession, the company ___________ some difficult times.

16) Mary has decided to ____________ an offer from another company.

17) Whatever you do, don't ____________ to the meeting late.

18) Who will ____________ my children if I have to work full-time?

19) I ____________ John last night.

20) Please call Jane if you ____________ any stationery items

Task 2:

Create a short story of your own and use five to six phrasal verbs from the two lists above in it. Ask your peers to proofread it before you publish.

CN Tower Field Trip on April 30th

Meeting time at the Ticket Office of CN Tower: 9:45 a.m. (Please do not be late!).

Entrance fees should be prepaid to your instructor by Friday April 24:

• Adult (13+): $20
• Child (4 - 12): $15
• Senior (65+): $15

Those who do not prepay may still join the tour but will pay the regular price.

Those who don't wish to tour CN Tower can have the free option of signing in at the meeting time and then checking out the picturesque neighbourhood , including Rogers (Skydome) Centre, Ripley's Aquarium, Steam Whistle Brewery, Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Harbourfront Canoe & Kayak Centre, HTO Park, and much more! What a photo opportunity for all, eh? 

Tuesday's Assignment

Good morning everyone,

Having learned about the different types of resumes, now it is time to put it into action. So let's follow these steps below:

Task 1:

Locate three job advertisements you would like to respond to.

Task 2:

Write a different career objective statement/career summary, depending on which type of resume will be suitable for your experience and field, related to the advertised position. Click on this link to help you come up with one customized for yourself. Make your objective statement brief, specific and relevant to your skills and attributes.

Task 3:

Ask two of your peers to edit it for you, and you do the same thing for them.

Monday's Assignment

One of the ways to recover a culture shock is networking and most importantly professional networking. Linkedin is a business-oriented social networking service that extends your network circle.  

Task 1:

As discussed in our class, use the ten points accomplishments you have accomplished in your profession life and create your ‘Power Statement’ now. Make sure to follow the three steps we have discussed earlier.

Task 2: 

Click on this link and create your own profile. Make sure to use your ‘’Power Statement” to impress employers!

Task 3:

After creating a profile, try to connect with at least ten from your classmates together with your instructor today. 

Friday Afternoon's Assignment

Isn't this the job you always wanted?

CLB8W Write an email to a human resources manager in response to a job advertisement and request an interview. If you don't think you have any direct experience for the job, focus on your transferrable skills from your real previous working life and your educational experience. On your blog, draft, edit, and publish your response to this ad:

STORE GREETER NEEDED - URGENT! Exp min. 1 yr. Must love pets. Send application to: Ms. Feline Pushpa, Meowow Concepts INC. Email: hrm@meowow.ca

Once you have finished, check out your classmates' blogs, and leave a response email in the form of a comment. In your comment, state if the applicants' claimed skills and experience match the requirements of your firm.

Wednesday's Assignment

Job Advertisements

One way to find out about jobs that are available is to search job advertisements, also called job postings. Job advertisements can be found in newspapers, at employment resource centres and on job listing websites. 

Task 1:

Look for three job ads from any of the work-related resources page on top of our blog. Then, find the answers to the following questions.

1.     How does someone apply for the job?

2.     What are the main duties for that job?

3.     What are the employment requirements for the job you are looking for?

4.     How would you find out more about this occupation?

5.     What is the last day to apply for this job?

6.     Make a list of the soft and hard skills this job requires, according to the posting.

Task 2:

Compare between the websites that you have used in terms of the following aspects:

• Clarity
• Organization
• Simplicity
• Accuracy

Tuesday's Assignment

National Occupational Classification

 The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system of organizing information about occupations in Canada. Every occupation in Canada has a NOC job description, which provides listings of the main duties, employment requirements and job titles. These descriptions are identified by a four-digit code called the NOC code.

Task 1:

Click on this link and list the 10 sectors that the first digit of the NOC code refers to. In small groups, brainstorm three occupations for each sector.

0.                                                         5.

1.                                                         6.

2.                                                         7.

3.                                                         8.

4.                                                         9.

Task 2:

Imagine that you want to apply for a position as a cashier in a grocery store. Find the NOC information related to this position. Answer the questions below.

a) How many Major Groups are listed in this sector? What are they?

b) What Major Group is the Cashier occupation listed under?

c) What types of occupations are within this Major Group (represented by the three-digit code)?

d) What is the four-digit NOC code for a cashier?

e) Click on the NOC code for the cashier and read the NOC description. What kind of information can you get from the NOC description?

Task 3:

Here is another very useful website which is JobFutures. This is a Canadian government website that provides information about 300 occupational groups. For each occupation, you can learn about average earnings, job duties, unemployment, and education requirements. The strength of this website is that it provides up-to-date information about the work prospects or employment outlook for each occupation. This information can help you decide what kind of work to look for. Use these both website to look for an occupation that interests you. Read the description in both site for this occupation.

Then, prepare a short presentation for the class about this occupation. Include the following in your presentation:

• Main duties
• Unemployment rate
• Annual average earnings
• Employment requirements
• Related job titles

Monday's Assignment

Culture Shock

What were your first 36 hours like in Canada? What differences did you notice between the culture here and the one you left? How did they make you feel?

I. Watch the following video clip and identify five things that make for culture shock.



Task 1:

Write down five significant differences between cultures in the video. Discuss your list with a partner.

Task 2:

Read this article and focus on its list of stages of culture shock. Write short answers to the following questions:

1. List the five stages proposed for culture shock.
2. In what ways do you agree with the author?
3. In what ways do you disagree?
4. How does your experience compare with the author's five stages?
5. At which stage would you place yourself?
6. What factors helped move the author from one stage to the next?
7. What factors have helped you move from one stage to the next?

Task 3:

Write an email to a friend here advising him/her on how to move on from Stage Two to Stage Three. List all the suggestions or recommendation you can propose to them. 

Friday's Assignment

Your assignment for this morning is here.

There's a lot to do, which some of the other class have done already. Be sure to work in teams and use your limited time wisely.

If you need a data cable, ask "Hala" for it.

Wednesday's Assignment

Information Interviews

Information interviews are considered an integral part of a job search. They are interviews that you (the job seeker) arrange with people who are already working in the occupation you are interested in so that you can gather information about employment trends, possible jobs/career paths to explore, and further sources of information to research. Information interviews can help you find out more about the field you want to work in, practice your interviewing skills, build confidence in your ability to discuss your work expertise, interests and goals, and build your contact network. It is important to be prepared and professional during information interviews: always make an appointment and be punctual, have a list of questions you want to ask, take notes if needed, and keep records of the contact information you gather. After an information interview, it is a good idea to send a thank-you note and acknowledge the person’s time and the advice they gave you.

Task 1:

Click on this link and listen to two conversations in which job seekers request information interviews. For each conversation, answer the questions below.

1. How does a job seeker connect himself/herself to the interview contact?
2. What information about himself/herself does the job seeker provide?
3. What does the job seeker request?
4. How does the job seeker react to his/her contact’s response?
5. How effective was each job seeker’s request?

Task 2:

When making a telephone call to request an information interview, you can create a telephone script to guide you. Prepare a dialogue using the prompts below.  Record yourself on this link, save it, copy the link, and then publish it on your blog for your instructor’s feedback.

• Introduce yourself
• Explain to your contact how you heard of him or her
• Give details about yourself and your situation
• State the purpose of your call Arrange a meeting
• Thank the contact

Task 3:

There are a lot of useful websites when it comes to looking for a job. Click on this link, type in the name of an occupation, and then select a location. Read the information about the occupation. Give a short presentation of your findings to the class. Discuss which parts of the tool you found useful and why.

On your presentation, you need to elaborate on the following areas:

1. Education requirements
2. Experience needed
3. Salary
4. Main duties
5. Any other aspect that you have found useful for you

Tuesday's Assignment

Good morning everyone,

We are still trying to assess our skills and part of that is to identify your soft and hard skills.

Task 1:

Sort the following skills into two categories as soft or hard skills. Write SS for soft skills and HS for hard skills:

1. Patience
2. Proficiency in a foreign language
3. Leadership Skills
4. Persuasion
5. A degree or certificate
6. Typing speed
7. Time Management
8. Machine operation
9. Teamwork
10. Computer programming
11. Communication
12. Flexibility
13. Motivation

Task 2:

Now click on this link and decide which of these skills are soft and which are hard skills. 

Task 3: 

Think of two or more of your hard skills and soft skills, then write them down, and provide one example for each skill as how you have demonstrated this skill on the job.

Wednesday's Assignment

Good morning everyone,

In order to make our speech/writing more colourful and vivid, we need to learn and practice the use of descriptive adjectives and adverbs.

Click on this link, go over the list there, and then answer the following questions:

Task 1:

Use at least 10 of these adjectives to describe yourself in a short paragraph.

Task 2:

Ask two of your classmates to read it and tell you his/her opinion and then they can add or change any adjective(s) that they feel is/are not relevant to you.

Task 3:

Look at this picture below and describe the person in it. You need to describe the surroundings, what she is thinking of, what you think is her emotional state, and what might have been going in her life. Write all in third person speaker (he/she/it).