EL Civics #33 Advanced - Student Guide - Fall 2016

Student Guide El Civics # 33 Apply for a Job

Advanced Teacher’s Name: _________________ Student’s Name: __________________

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

Fall 2015

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Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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To the Student: EL Civics is a federally funded program that helps newcomers to the United States find success in their new communities. Thanks to this program, you are going to study some lessons that can help you get a job or get a better job. You’ll prepare for a job interview and you will also practice filling out job applications.

After you complete the lessons, you will take a test. There are two parts for the test: 1. Speaking test: The student will play the role of a job applicant in a job interview. The examiner (teacher) will play the role of the employer.

2. Writing test: Fill out an authentic job application.

Use your smartphone to scan the QR code above for video demonstration of assessment

Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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Job Interviews A job interview can be a nerve-racking experience. However, you will feel less nervous if you are prepared. In this unit you will learn what to expect during a job interview in the United States. You will also practice talking about yourself so that you will be confident at your next interview.

1. How do you feel about job interviews?

Circle the words that describe your feelings. terrified confident

excited insecure

hopeful pessimistic

hopeless optimistic

anxious

relaxed

unprepared

ready

Note: If you are worried about an interview in the future, you will probably feel much better after completing these lessons!

2. What do you already know about interviews?

Talk about the picture with your class.

Who are these people?

What are they talking about?

What are they doing?

3. In a small group, discuss the following questions. Then, report to the class. a. What is the job interview process like in your native country? b. Have you ever had an interview for employment in the United States?

Tell your classmates about it. c. What questions do you think employers ask in a job interview? d. What is the difference between boasting and *selling yourself in an interview? e. How would you prepare if you had a job interview next week?

*selling yourself = convincing the employer that you are the best person to hire

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Successful Job Interviews: An Example Sara Sanchez applied for a receptionist position at a small company. She filled out the online application and sent them her resume. A week later, she was invited to interview for the position.

1. Read the interview below.

Employer:

Hello. I’m Jeffrey Walden.

Applicant:

Hello. I’m Sara Sanchez. It’s nice to meet you.

Employer:

Nice to meet you, too. Please, have a seat.

Applicant:

Thank you.

Employer:

How are you today?

Applicant:

I’m fine, thank you. And you?

Employer:

I’m fine thanks. OK. Let’s begin. Please tell me about yourself.

Applicant:

Sure. I would enjoy working as a receptionist because I like working with people. I’m also very organized and attentive to details. I can operate multi-line phones, and can use MS Word and Excel. I know how to follow procedures well. In my last job, I handled the front desk and some clerical duties. I worked there for five years. I’m motivated to work in a clerical position again.

Employer:

All right. That sounds good. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Applicant:

I’d like to work as an administrative assistant after gaining more experience as a receptionist.

Employer:

OK, and why did you leave your last job?

Applicant:

Business slowed down and, unfortunately, I was laid off.

Employer:

Oh, that’s unfortunate. How do you think your peers or co-workers would describe you?

Applicant:

They would say that I was dependable and friendly. They might also say that I was very patient and helpful. Sometimes they would ask me to call some of our more demanding customers because I was comfortable working with them. I like to look for the best in people. I also helped my co-workers with clients who don’t speak English well.

Employer:

That’s great. How are your English skills?

Applicant:

I’ve been successful communicating with clients in person and on the phone, but I’m still taking English classes. Currently I’m attending an Advanced English class and I’m improving every day. I’m sure I can handle this position and I’m motivated to learn more.

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Employer:

Fine. Do you have any questions for me?

Applicant:

Yes, if I were offered a job, how soon would you like me to begin?

Employer:

Training will begin the first of the month. We’ll notify you of our decision next week. Well, it’s been a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for coming in today.

Applicant:

I’ve enjoyed meeting you, too. I look forward to hearing from you.

Use your phone to listen.

2. Evaluate Sara’s Interview. Talk with a classmate about the interview.

What did the employer ask her? ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ What did you like about Sara’s answers? ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ Do you think she will get the job? Why or why not? ______________________________________________________________________ 3. In the following lessons you will prepare for a job interview. Write the job title of the position that you would like to prepare for.

Job Title: _________________________________________ Job Title = Name of Job (teacher, nurse, cook, receptionist)

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A Successful Job Interview: Discussion In a small group, discuss what an applicant should do to insure a successful interview experience. Write your group’s ideas in the chart. 

What should an applicant do before going to a job interview?



What should an applicant do during an interview?



How about after the interview?

Before

During

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After

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Successful Job Interviews: Vocabulary You are going to read some advice about job interviews. Before you read, learn some important words that you will see in the text.

Use the sentences below to determine the meaning of the underlined words. Write what you think the word(s) mean.

1. Interviews can be intimidating, so it is normal to be nervous. intimidating _______________________________________________________________ 2. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll have a better chance of landing the job. to land a job ___________________________________________________________ 3. Pick up a brochure at the human resources department to find out as much as you can about the position and the company. brochure ______________________________________________________________ 4. Think about the needs of the company, and start to formulate any questions you have for the interviewer. to formulate _____________________________________________________________ 5. Some questions, such as “Tell me about yourself.”, are open-ended. open-ended _____________________________________________________________ 6. The closer your skills and traits are to the job description, the better chance you have of landing the job. traits _________________________________________________________________ 7. When an employer says, “Tell me about yourself,” he or she doesn’t want a literal answer about your personal history. literal _________________________________________________________________ 8. The interviewer will react favorably if you ask intelligent questions. favorably _____________________________________________________________

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9. Confirm plans in which you depend on someone else. Just in case, have a back up plan in place. back up plan _____________________________________________________________ 10. Smiling expresses friendliness and enthusiasm. enthusiasm ______________________________________________________________ 11. Check to be sure that your clothes are clean and pressed. pressed __________________________________________________________________ 12. Make sure you have good posture, which will communicate that you’re interested and excited about the job. posture __________________________________________________________________ 13. Feel free to gesture with your hands but avoid fidgeting, which communicates nervousness. to gesture ________________________________________________________________ 14. Feel free to gesture with your hands but avoid fidgeting, which communicates nervousness. to fidget __________________________________________________________________ 15. It’s important to be diplomatic – never make negative statements about previous jobs or employers. to be diplomatic ___________________________________________________________ 16. Make sure you have a have a well-groomed professional appearance. well-groomed _____________________________________________________________ 17. Don’t look away from the interviewer. Sustain eye contact. to sustain _______________________________________________________________ 18. Sustain eye contact and refrain from chewing gum. to refrain from ____________________________________________________________

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Successful Job Interviews: Reading An organization in Washington state called Seattle Jobs Initiative offers advice about how to have an effective job interview. After reading the text, write additional tips from your chart on page 5.

Tips for a Successful Interview Interviews can be intimidating, but with thoughtful preparation, you’ll have a much better chance of landing the job. Here are some tips for success: Preparation Pick up a brochure at the human resources department, and spend some time researching on the Internet, to find out as much as you can about the position and the company. While you’re researching, think about how your experience will match the needs of the company, and start to formulate any questions you have for the interviewer.

Think about how you would answer open-ended interview questions such as, “Tell me about yourself.” The employer is looking for information related to work and the job opening. Don’t make the mistake of answering this question literally by giving your life history. Instead, know what you can offer the company by making lists of what your skills and traits are. Try to match them to what the company is looking for in an employee.

The closer your skills and traits are to the job description, the better chance you have of landing the job.

Prepare questions of your own. Employers are as interested in your questions as they are in your answers. And they'll react favorably if you ask intelligent questions about the position, the company and the industry.

Make travel arrangements for getting to the interview and make certain that you know exactly how to get there. If you plan on driving, make certain ahead of time that you have enough gas in your car. If you’ve never been to the location before, you may want to drive there the day before to avoid any potential confusion.

Confirm child care plans and any other plans in which you depend on someone else. Just in case, have a back up plan in place.

Make sure that you print out several clean copies of your resume to take with you.

Decide what you will wear and check that it is clean and ironed with no missing buttons.

The Interview If your interview is in the morning, get up with sufficient time to get ready, eat breakfast, and even take a walk. This will help you wake up and be able to think more clearly.

Arrive at the interview a few minutes early, but no more than 10 minutes early. When you © Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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meet the interviewer, remember that body language is extremely important. Introduce yourself by saying, "Hello, my name is ________." Use your first and last name. Look the person in the eye, speak clearly and enunciate carefully. Being heard and understood is more important than speaking quickly. Offer a firm, solid handshake, and don’t be afraid to smile! Smiling expresses friendliness and enthusiasm.

Don’t be surprised if the employer begins the interview with small talk. A good interviewer will try to put you at ease this way. Throughout the meeting, make sure you have good posture, which will communicate that you’re interested and excited about the job. Listen to the interviewer when they talk – don’t interrupt. If you listen carefully, it will help you formulate more thoughtful and appropriate responses. Avoid looking around the room while you’re talking because that can communicate nervousness. Feel free to gesture with your hands or use them while you talk, but do so in moderation. Also avoid fidgeting, which communicates nervousness.

It’s important to be diplomatic – never make negative statements about previous jobs or employers. No matter how bad your last job or boss was, there is probably something good you learned from the experience, so emphasize the positive. Also, be prepared to talk about your weaknesses in a positive way.

Most interviewers form an initial impression within the first five minutes of meeting you, so make sure that you:      

smile often have a well-groomed professional appearance use makeup, jewelry or strong scents conservatively introduce yourself in a relaxed and confident manner sustain eye contact refrain from chewing gum

At some point, the employer will probably ask, “Do you have any questions for me?” Be ready to pose a few questions about the company or the position. At the end of your interview, don’t be afraid to say, "I really want this job; I know I could make a real contribution."

After the interview, write a thank-you note to every person you met at the company. In your letter(s), be sure to re-emphasize the skills you would bring to the position. Thank them for their time and ask if it would be acceptable to call later in the week to learn how their search for a candidate is progressing. That candidate may well be you!

Copyright © 2008, Seattle Jobs Initiative. All rights reserved.

Adapted by permission from http://www.seattlejobsinitiative.com/jobs/resources/pages/interviewtips.html

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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Tell Me about Yourself: Personal Qualities We all have good points, but should we talk about them? Many of us grew up with the idea that it is impolite to talk about our best personal traits. However, in the United States, you are expected to be able to talk about your best qualities in a job interview. If you can identify your good points now, you will be ready when an employer says, “Tell me about yourself.”

1. Read the list below. Check five of your best personal qualities:

I am…….

 neat and orderly

 adaptable, willing to make changes

 patient

 attentive to details

 persistent

 attentive to keeping costs down

 professional

 careful

 punctual

 cooperative

 responsible

 creative

 sensitive to the feelings of others

 dependable or reliable

 thorough

 energetic

 well organized

 flexible

I …………

 friendly and cheerful

 ask questions when I don’t understand

 a good listener

 like working with people

 good at following instructions

 like to learn new things

 good at getting things done

 take initiative

 good at working on a team

 take pride in my work

 hard-working

 work quickly and efficiently

 honest

 work well under pressure

 motivated

 work well independently

2. Think about a job that you would like to have. Choose three of your qualities that match that job well.

Tell me about yourself.

I am thorough and organized. I also work well under pressure.

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Tell Me about Yourself: Practice with Personal Qualities Read the employee statements below. Write the personal quality or qualities that match the employee. There may be more than one correct answer.

1. I don’t mind doing different things at work. I can change easily. ________________________________________________________________________ 2. I enjoy working with people and I get along with everyone. I’m ready to help my coworkers whenever they need it. ________________________________________________________________________ 3. If I see something that needs to be done, I don’t wait for someone to tell me to do it. ________________________________________________________________________ 4. I am careful with my work. I check it twice to be sure that it is complete and accurate. ________________________________________________________________________ 5. I work well alone, and I am not afraid to make decisions. _________________________________________________________________________ 6. I always complete my work, and I’m never late. _________________________________________________________________________ 7. I do the most important tasks first, and I keep my things in order so that I can find what I need quickly. _________________________________________________________________________ 8. If something is difficult, I ask questions and try different ways until I get it right. _________________________________________________________________________ 9. I have handled money and merchandise responsibly. I never take something that isn’t mine, and I care about protecting the company. _________________________________________________________________________ 10. I don’t get upset when someone is angry. I stay calm, and I listen.

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1. Write about yourself. Start with a personal quality. Then write an example from your personal or professional life that shows that you have this quality.

I ____________________________________________________________.

For example, ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Also, I _______________________________________________________.

For example, ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Finally, I ______________________________________________________.

For example, ___________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

I am thorough and well organized. I like to do everything in the most efficient way possible. I also work well under pressure. You can count on me to meet difficult deadlines.

2. Practice speaking at a job interview with a classmate or in a small group. Use the information above, and repeat the practice until you don’t need to read your paper.

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.

Applicant:

______________________________________________________.

(Talk about your personal qualities.)

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Tell Me about Yourself: Transferable Skills In addition to telling an employer about your good personal qualities, you must explain your transferable skills. Transferable skills are skills that you can use at any job, even if you have never worked before.

1. Look at the list of skills below. Check the skills that you have.  communicate orally and in writing in English

 teach others  solve problems

 speak, read and write in two or more languages

 manage my time well

 am familiar with Microsoft Word

 listen well to help people with their needs

 use MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint

 handle many responsibilities

 use the Internet to find information

 work well in a multi-cultural environment

 drive a car and I have a California driver’s license

 make and meet goals

 use tools to fix things

 follow procedures

 troubleshoot technical problems

2. Say complete sentences about your skills.

I am able to…

I know how to…

Tell me about yourself.

I can…

I am good at ________ing …

I know how to______, and I am good at _______ing.

Also, I can ________.

3. Practice speaking at a job interview with a classmate or in a small group. Name three of your skills. Repeat the practice until you don’t need to read your paper.

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.

Applicant:

______________________________________________________.

(Talk about three of your skills.)

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Tell Me about Yourself: Experience, Education, and Training Your past experience and training are very important to include in a job interview. A general question such as, “Tell me about yourself. Why should I hire you?” is an opportunity to explain what you have studied and where you have worked in the past as well as your plans for the future.

1. Which of these sentences apply to you? Complete only the sentences that describe you best.

Past: a.

In my country, I studied ________________________________________________.

b.

In my last job, I was a/an ______________________________________________.

My responsibilities were _____________ing, ______________ing, and ________ing.

c.

I worked at ________________________ for ______________ years. (place)

My responsibilities were _____________ing, ______________ing, and ________ing.

Present: a.

Right now, I am a __________________________ at ________________________. (place)

b.

Now I’m studying ______________________ at ____________________________.

c.

I really like __________________________________________________________.

Future: a.

I would like to _________________________________________________.

b.

My short-term goal is to _______________________________________________.

c.

This job will be an opportunity to _________________________________________.

d.

My long-term goal is to work as a _______________________________________.

2.

Show your work to a classmate and your instructor to check for correct grammar and spelling.

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Tell Me about Yourself: Experience, Education and Training 1. Using the previous page as a guide, write two or three statements about your past and present experience, interests, and future goals.

Past _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

Present _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

Future _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

I was an accountant in my native country. I worked there for ten years.

Now, I’m studying English. My shortterm goal is to gain business experience in the U.S.

2. Practice speaking about your experience and education at a job interview with a classmate or in a small group. Repeat the practice until you don’t need to read your paper.

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.

Applicant:

______________________________________________________.

(Talk about your past, present and future goals.)

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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Successful Job Interviews: Body Language

Research shows that an applicant’s body language is very important for making a good impression. Learn below how to make a good impression non-verbally.

Listen to your teacher. Fill in the missing words. Study these tips and practice them with your instructor.

1. Smile! Try to keep your face and words _________________________ throughout the interview.

2. Shake hands ______________________, but don't break the interviewer’s wrist. A "wet fish" (weak) handshake will suggest a weak character.

3. Wait to be _____________________________ to sit down.

4. Try to relax. Don’t sit on the ________________________ of your chair, but sit up reasonably _______________________________ and still. Keep your arms relaxed.

5. Don't sit with your arms ______________________________.

6. Maintain good eye __________________________ with the interviewer, but don't __________________________________ at them all the time.

7. Listen carefully and don’t ___________________________________.

8. Avoid _____________________________ with your hands or playing with your hair.

9. Speak ______________________________, and not too fast.

10. Nod your head in __________________________________ to show that you understand what the interviewer is telling you.

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Successful Job Interviews: Body Language 1. Reread the advice about body language from the text, “Tips for a Successful Interview”.

When you meet the interviewer, introduce yourself saying, "Hello, my name is ________." Use your first and last name. Look the person in the eye and speak clearly. Offer a firm, solid handshake, and don’t be afraid to smile! Smiling expresses friendliness and enthusiasm.

Throughout the meeting, make sure you have good posture, which will communicate that you’re interested and excited about the job. Avoid looking around the room while you’re talking because that can communicate nervousness. Also, avoid fidgeting, which communicates nervousness.

2. Now you’re ready to role-play a complete response to “Tell me about yourself” that includes your qualities, skills and experience.

Give this page to a classmate. Your classmate will be the employer. After the interview, your classmate will use the checklist to give you feedback.

1. Stand in front of your classmate.

2. Make eye contact, smile, introduce yourself and shake hands.

3. Wait for an invitation to sit down. Say a complete response to, “Tell me about yourself.”

Good

Needs Practice

Hand Shake





Smile





Posture





Clear, Audible Speech





Eye Contact





Personal Qualities





Skills





Experience





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Successful Job Interviews: Additional Questions 1. Employers usually ask several questions in an interview. Unscramble the words below to correctly form common interview questions that you should prepare for.

1.

do / here? / you / to / want / work / why

________________________________________________________________ 2.

did / job? / you / your / why /

last / leave

________________________________________________________________ 3.

you / to / tell / a / situation / about / handle. / difficult / had / me

________________________________________________________________ 4.

do / five / see / where / years? / yourself / you / in

________________________________________________________________ 5.

co-workers / how / your / you? / or / describe / would / peers

________________________________________________________________ 6.

and / your / what / weaknesses? / are / strengths

________________________________________________________________ 7.

English / are / your / skills? / how

________________________________________________________________ 8.

to / or / you / work / nights / weekends? / available / are

________________________________________________________________ 9.

you / questions / have / any / me? / for / do

________________________________________________________________

2. Talk about the questions and possible answers with your teacher

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Successful Job Interviews: Positive Answers 3. Applicants who show preparation, confidence, and a positive attitude have a better chance of getting a job. The sentences below are responses to the questions on the previous page. Check the better answer for each question.

1.  I really need to work. I’ll work anywhere.  This position matches my skills and interests. I’d like to work for a successful company like yours. I think I could contribute a lot here.

2.  I had the chance to come to the United States. There are better opportunities for my family here.  I didn’t like it, and anyway I came to the U.S. 3.  When I first came to this country, it was really hard. We were alone and scared. I was depressed for a long time. Somehow we have survived.  When I came to this country, the adjustment was difficult. However, I like to learn new things.

I know I can handle challenges by setting goals and working hard.

4.  I prefer not to look too far ahead.  Five years from now I will have more education and I’d like to have a more responsible position at work.

5.  I think they’d say that I’m hardworking and easy to get along with.  I usually keep to myself, so I’m not sure what they would say.

6.  My weakness is I’ve never worked before, but I’d be happy if you’d give me a chance.  I haven’t had much employment experience, but I’ve managed a lot of responsibilities at home and school. I’m dependable and I’m sure I can learn quickly.

7.  Well, not as good as I would like, but I get along all right.  I’m sure I can communicate well enough to do this job, and I’m improving every day.

Currently, I attend an advanced English class.

8.  Yes, I am, if I have to.  Yes, I am available nights and weekends.

9.  No, thank you.  Yes, could you tell me about the training you offer for new employees?

4. Work with your classmates to make another positive answer for each question.

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Successful Job Interviews: The Law Do you know that some questions are illegal for employers to ask? It is against the law to discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, marital status, nationality and religion. Therefore, an experienced employer will not ask about these topics. You should not offer information about your family, age, or religious beliefs because it could make the employer uncomfortable.

How old are you?

What is your religion?

Do you go to church?

Are you pregnant?

Are you married?

How is your health?

Do you have children?

Are you planning to have children?

How tall are you?

When were you born?

Where were you born?

Successful Job Interviews: Questions to Ask the Employer Job counselors remind us that an interview is a conversation or two-way street. This means the applicant should be prepared to ask questions, too. Your questions will indicate that you are prepared and serious about the job. Usually an employer will give you a chance to ask questions near the end of the interview. The following questions are considered appropriate to ask: 

Does this job usually lead to other positions? Which ones?



What are the opportunities for advancement?



How would you describe a typical day for this position?



How are employees evaluated in your company?



If I were offered a job, how soon would you like me to begin?



What is the next step in the interview process?

Counselors typically advise against asking about salary, vacations, or benefits. Also, be patient and don’t ask right away if you got the job. Choose two questions to memorize.

Do you have any questions for me?

What are the opportunities for advancement?

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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Successful Job Interviews: Assessment Practice #1 Practice the interview with a classmate. Student A is the employer. Student B is the applicant.

A:

Hello. I’m Mary Brown.

B:

Hello. I’m ___________ _________________. (shake hands) It’s nice to meet you.

A:

Nice to meet you, too. Please, have a seat.

B:

Thank you.

A:

I hope you didn’t have any trouble finding our office.

B:

No, not at all. Your directions were very clear, thank you.

A:

Great. Let’s begin. Please tell me about yourself.

B:

Sure. I _________________________________________________________

A:

All right. That sounds good. Why do you want to work here?

B:

________________________________________________________________

A:

Fine. Please tell me about a difficult situation you have had to handle.

B:

________________________________________________________________

A:

All right. What do you think your weaknesses are?

B:

________________________________________________________________

A:

OK. Are you available to work nights and weekends?

B:

________________________________________________________________

A:

Fine. Do you have any questions for me?

B:

Yes, I do. If I were offered the job, how soon would you like me to begin?

A:

Well, I’m hoping to have a new person with us at the start of next month. So, that concludes our interview. It’s been a pleasure meeting you. Thank you for coming in today. We’ll notify you of our decision next week.

B:

Thank you very much. I’ve enjoyed meeting you, too. I look forward to hearing from you. (shake hands)

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

Use your smartphone to scan the QR code above for video demonstration of assessment

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Practice for a Job Interview – Assessment Practice #2 Directions: Write answers to the questions. Practice several times.

Then give this paper to a classmate. The classmates will ask the questions and check your answers.

Employer: Hello. My name is ________________ _______________. It’s nice to meet you.

Applicant: Hello. I’m________________ ________________. It’s nice to meet you.

Employer: Please have a seat.

Applicant: Thank you.

Employer: Please tell me about yourself.

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ Employer: Why do you want to work here?

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

Employer: Tell me about a difficult situation you had to handle.

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ © Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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Employer: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Employer: How would your peers or co-workers describe you?

Applicant_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Employer: What are your weaknesses?

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Employer: What are your strengths?

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Employer: How are your English skills?

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Employer: Are you available to work nights and weekends?

Applicant:_________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Employer: Do you have any questions for me?

Applicant: ________________________________________________________________ Employer: (Say an answer to the question.) Thank you for coming. It was nice to meet you.

Applicant: It was nice to meet you, too. Thank you for your time.

Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 6/9/2016 11:32 AM

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Successful Job Interviews: Checklist Get together in a small group of three students. Choose a role: A. The employer

B. The applicant

C. The evaluator

The evaluator will watch and listen to two classmates performing Practice #1. Then, he or she will fill out the checklist below in the applicant’s student book. Change roles and repeat.

Good

Needs Practice

Hand Shake





Smile





Posture





Clear, Audible Speech





Eye Contact





Personal Qualities





Skills





Experience





Question #1





Question #2





Question #3





Question #4





Question for the employer





Closing





© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:20 AM

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Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:20 AM

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#33 Advanced

Vocabulary for Job Applications Practice #1 Match the vocabulary word to the best definition. Write the letter of the definition next to the vocabulary word.

1.

d

position

a. to complete a course of study or a school program

2. _____ graduate

b. the person/company you work for

3. _____ references

c. at the present time; now

4. _____ availability

d. the title or name of a job (cashier, mechanic, etc.)

5. _____ employer

e. the occupation a person hopes to have in the future; future work plans

6. _____ most recent

f. correct

7. _____ current

g. people an employer can call to learn more about you

8. _____ long-term employment goals

h. the question/information is not applicable to you

9. _____ N/A

i.

the date you can begin to work

10. _____ high school

j.

nearest to the present time

11. _____ certify

k. guarantee; promise

12. _____ accurate

l.

secondary school

Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

Vocabulary for Job Applications Practice #2 Fill in the blanks with the correct words.

1. Fill out means to _________________________. a. read b. write c. accept 2. Citizenship status does NOT include _______________________. a. naturalized citizen b. native-born citizen c. your name before marriage 3. Your current job is ____________________. a. your second job b. the job you have now c. the job you had before 4. Special skills are ______________________. a. sports b. things you can do well c. parents 5. Previous jobs are jobs ______________________. a. you have now b. you had in the past c. you are looking for 6. Your position in the company is your __________________________. a. location b. ambition c. job title 7. Your military record is a. service in the army b. employer c. business address 8. Your reason for leaving your past job means _________________________. a. why you like your job b. why you left your job c. why you want a job 9. References are _____________________________. a. people who told you about this job b. your family members c. people not related to you that an employer can call to learn more about you 10. Your former employer is __________________________. a. your boss from a past job b. a boss on a farm c. the most important supervisor at your present job Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced Page 1 of 3

Application for Tomas Perez: Reading Practice Use the information in Tomas’ application to answer the questions that follow.

NAME AND ADDRESS Name

Perez

Tomas

,

Last Present Address

S.

First City

1024 Appleton Place #10

Middle Initial

San Diego

Previous Address

City

Phone No.

E-mail

( 858 ) 455-3489

tperez3@yahoo.com

4606 Garden Ave #33

State State

Los Angeles

CA

94196

In case of emergency, contact:

Mariana Perez

(858) 455-3489 Phone number

859-50-1010

Sex X Male ___Female

Naturalized Citizen

Zip Code

Social Security Number

Mexico

Citizenship Status

92117

CA

Name PERSONAL INFORMATION Place of Birth

Zip Code

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

X

CA

Yes ___ No

EMPLOYMENT INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY: Position or type of work you are looking for: Date you can start:

Cook

If yes, what state?

Preferences: X Full-time

___ Part-time

November 5

X Day ___ Night If so, may we inquire of your present employer?

X Yes ____ No

Are you employed?

X Yes ____ No

EDUCATION Name of School

Location

Course of Study

Instituto Mexico

Tijuana, Mexico

General

1400 Park Blvd San Diego, CA

9/2012 - present Advanced ESL

High School

College

N/A Other

San Diego Continuing Education, Centre City

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced Page 2 of 3

EMPLOYMENT GOALS AND SKILLS Describe your long-term employment goals:

I want to be a cook.

Skills Cooking Languages spoken:

Spanish and English

GENERAL INFORMATION Hobbies, interests:

Fishing, cooking and volunteering for Meals on Wheels

U.S. Military or Naval Service

Rank

N/A

N/A

PAST EMPLOYMENT (List last two jobs, beginning with your current or most recent job) Date (mo/yr) Position Reason For Leaving Company/Employer’s Name and Address From 1/2011 To Present From 9/2008 To 12/2010

Pizza House 4341 University San Diego, CA 92105 Los Angeles Times 202 W. 1st St. Los Angeles, CA 90012

OTHER INFORMATION Do you have any physical limitations?

If yes, explain:

____ Yes

X

Pizza Delivery Person

still employed

Newspaper Delivery Person

moved to San Diego

No

Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor since age 18? ___ Yes If yes, explain:

X

No

REFERENCES (Give the names of two persons not related to you who know you well) Name Address & Phone Number Business/Occupation Years Acquainted

Ron Jones

Ruby Merced

4606 Cahuengo #27 Los Angeles, CA 94196 (310) 445-6776 1029 Gates St. San Diego, CA 92117 (619) 256-8021

LA Times Distribution Manager

2

Restaurant Manager

2

I certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct.

Signature

Tomas S. Perez

Date

October 22, 2014

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced Page 3 of 3

Application for Tomás Perez: Comprehension Questions 1. Read the statements. Circle True (T) or False (F). Look at the job application that Tomas filled out to find the answers.

1. Tomas has a middle name.

True

False

2. He wants to be a deliveryman.

True

False

3. He didn’t go to college.

True

False

4. Tomas was born in the United States.

True

False

5. Tomas previously lived in Los Angeles.

True

False

6. Tomas worked for Pizza House before he worked for the Los Angeles Times.

True

False

7. Tomas is currently unemployed.

True

False

8. He has a California driver’s license.

True

False

9. He doesn’t have a criminal record.

True

False

10. Tomas is bilingual.

True

False

2. Answer the questions. Find the answers in Tomas’ application.

1. Is Tomas currently employed? ________________________________ 2. What does he like to do during his free time? ___________________________ 3. What position is he applying for? _________________________ 4. When can he start? ______________________ 5. Where did he go to high school? _______________________________ 6. Why did Tomas quit his job with the Los Angeles Times? __________________ __________________________________________________________________ 7. What are his schedule preferences? __________________________________

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced Page 1 of 2

Application for Isabel Lopez Use this form to answer the questions on the next page.

1. Name

Soc. Sec. No. (Last Name First)

2. Address

Telephone

3. How long at that address?

Are you 18 years or older?

4. What kind of work are you applying for?

EDUCATION 5. Last school attended (Name and address) 6. Circle last year completed: Grade 5 6 7 8

High School 9 10 11 12

College 1 2 3 4 5

7. Special Training and Skills EXPERIENCE (List the most recent employer first.)

Name and Address of Company

Date From To

8

9

10

Duties

Salary

12

11

Reason for Leaving

13

14 15 MILITARY SERVICE 16. Branch

Duties

17. Rank at time of discharge BUSINESS REFERENCES Name Address

Business

Years Acquainted

18.

20.

21.

19.

22.

23. Do you have any physical limitations that will affect your work?

24. Signature

Date

Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced Page 2 of 2

Application for Isabel Lopez Where should she put the information?

Work with a partner. Read about Isabel Lopez in the box below. Decide where she should put the information on her application.

Isabel has a part-time job. She’s a seamstress*at Best Tailoring. She has worked at her present job at for two years. Before that, she was an assembler but she was laid off. Now she wants to fill out an application for another job. She needs more money and she wants to be a full-time seamstress, but Isabel has a problem. She has a bad back so she needs to stand up every two hours at work. At the interview she will say, “Don’t worry. I can still do this job well.”

Isabel is confident about her English because she is in an advanced ESL class at West City Center.

Write the number of the space where she should put the information.

1.

8

Where should Isabel write the name of the company she works for now?

2. ______ Where should Isabel write the name of the company she worked for before as an assembler?

3. ______ Where should Isabel sign her name: Isabel Lopez?

4. ______ Where should Isabel write: 562-08-9354?

5. ______ Where should Isabel write: 1475 Bancroft St., Spring Valley, CA 91977?

6. ______ Where should Isabel write: Lopez, Isabel?

7. ______ Where should Isabel write: Yes, back injury. I need to stand up every two hours. ?

8. ______ Where should Isabel write: N/A (because she wasn’t in the military)?

9. ______ Where should Isabel write: West City Center, 3890 Modoc Street, San Diego, CA 92117?

10. ______ Where should Isabel circle: 8 (because she went to school in Mexico for eight years)?

11. ______ Where should Isabel write: Bob Jones? (He’s her supervisor and can say nice things about her.)

12. ______ Where should Isabel write: present (because she is working at a job right now)?

13. ______ Where should Isabel write: sewing jeans, cleaning machines (because those are her current job duties)?

* Seamstress- a person who sews professionally. A seamstress makes clothes and can also tailor clothes to make them fit better.

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

Job Application Practice #1 Fill out an application for Cristina B. Miller. Use a form at the end of your booklet.

Cristina B. Miller 2015 B Street San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 233- 9986 cbmiller@yahoo.com

OBJECTIVE to obtain a position as an office assistant SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS     

Six years experience in an office environment Dependable, detail-oriented, team player Computer Skills: Microsoft Office Suite Good oral and written communication skills Bilingual: English and Portuguese

RELATED WORK EXPERIENCE Secretary, Ibex Corporation Rio de Janiero, Brazil  Word processed correspondence and documentation  Maintained file system, retrieved files on request  Answered phones, provided general information

2/2006 – 5/2011

ADDITIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE Cashier, Lenny’s Restaurant, San Diego, California  Provide friendly customer service  Handle cash and credit transactions accurately  Operate a computerized register

6/2011 - Present

Clerk, Rio Department Store Rio de Janiero, Brazil

6/2005 – 1/2006

EDUCATION Advanced ESL San Diego Continuing Education, Centre City Campus San Diego, California

9/2011 - Present

Dom Feliciano High School Rio de Janiero, Brazil © Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

Additional Information for Cristina B. Miller Use this additional information about Cristina B. Miller to complete her job application. 

Social Security Number: 695-01-2528



Wants full-time work; prefers day shift



Wants to work as an office assistant



Place of birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil



Legal resident in the U.S.



Date of Birth: January 9, 1985



Wants to start work immediately



May 2011 - Left job at Ibex Corporation in Brazil; moved to the United States to get married.



January 2006 - Left job at Rio Department store to get a better job at Ibex Corporation.



Has a car and a California driver’s license



Never served in the U.S. military



No physical limitations



Never convicted of a felony or misdemeanor

Employer Contact Information:

Personal References:

Lenny’s Restaurant 2018 E. St. San Diego, CA 92101

Melissa Block Manager, Lenny’s Restaurant 2018 E Street San Diego, CA 92101

Ibex Corporation 345 Rua Projetada Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 20730

(619) 298-6574

Carl Kenny, ESL Teacher Instructor, San Diego Continuing Education 3210 10th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101

(619) 433-8772

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

Job Application Practice #2 Fill out an application for Sen Vang. Use a form at the end of your booklet.

Sen Vang 1234 Tyler Rd., #3C Los Angeles, CA 90021 (310) 345-2468 senv1@gmail.com

OBJECTIVE: to obtain a position as an auto service manager QUALIFICATIONS  

Experienced, detail oriented, hardworking and honest Bilingual: English and Vietnamese

EMPLOYMENT Assistant Manager, Auto Services Central Rent-a-Car, Los Angeles, CA  supervise ten mechanics  order all supplies  handle customer service

06/2009 - Present

Auto Mechanic 05/2007 – 05/2009 Jack’s Auto Shop, Los Angeles, CA  performed routine maintenance and repair services  troubleshot and diagnosed mechanical problems  maintained clean and orderly shop

EDUCATION Computer Technology courses City Community College, Los Angeles, CA

2011 - Present

High school graduate Jackson High School, Los Angeles, CA

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

35

#33 Advanced

Additional Information for Sen Vang Use this additional information about Sen Vang to complete his job application. 

Social Security Number: 621-84-1140



He was born on July 3, 1988.



Sen can start a new job two weeks from now.



It is OK to call his present employer.



He has a valid driver’s license from California.



He would like a full-time position.



He wants another job because he wants more opportunity for advancement.

He goes to school in the evening, so he needs daytime hours.



Currently he earns $18.25 an hour. He would like to earn $20.00 an hour to start with a possibility to advance.



Sen has never applied to this company before.



Sen’s friend, Jason Enders, told him about this job opening.



Sen went to elementary school in Saigon, Vietnam.



He has never been in the military.



He has never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor.



He left Jack’s Auto Shop because he found a better opportunity.



He is a legal resident of the U.S.



He has no physical limitations.

Employer Contact Information:

References:

Central Rent-a Car 416 Lincoln Ave Los Angeles, CA 90041

Dennis Horn, Instructor of Industrial Education, City Community College 3282 Culver Drive Los Angeles, CA 90041 (310) 430-9234

Jack’s Auto Shop 214 Los Alamos Drive Los Angeles, CA 90024

Jack Carter, owner of Jack’s Auto Shop 214 Los Alamos Drive Los Angeles, CA 90024 (310) 399-2323

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

36

#33 Advanced

Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

Find the Mistakes Your application tells a future employer more than your personal and employment history. It shows if you understand English and can follow instructions. It also shows how much you care about doing a job well. An excellent application is your “ticket” to getting an interview!

Read information on this application carefully. Circle eleven mistakes.

APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT Name

Chao

Pamela

,

M.

Last Present Address

First

City

State

Previous Address

City

State

10 Street

San Diego

th

321 Oak Street

Phone No.

( 619 )

Middle Initial Zip Code

CA

92101

Zip Code

91941

In case of emergency, contact:

606-10-10

Jason Yee

_______________ Phone number

Name

PERSONAL INFORMATION Place of birth

Social Security Number

Hong Kong

599-60-1005

Citizenship Status

Sex

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

Legal resident

___ Male ___Female

If yes, what state?

CA

X Yes ___ No

EMPLOYMENT INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY: Position or type of work you are looking for:

Date you can start:

9/01/12

Personal Fitness Trainer Are you employed?

X

Yes

______ No

Preferences: X Full-time __ Part-time X Day

__ Night

If so, may we inquire of your present employer?

X

Yes

______ No

OTHER INFORMATION Do you have any physical limitations?

If yes, explain:

____ Yes

____ No

Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor since age 18? ___ Yes If yes, explain:

X

No

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

EDUCATION Name of School High School

Location

Course of Study

Hong Kong

College Prep

Hong Kong

Physical Education

San Diego, CA

ESL

Lingnan Secondary School Hong Kong University

College Other

EMPLOYMENT GOALS AND SKILLS Describe your long-term employment goals:

I want to be a physical education teacher.

Subjects of special study or special training/skills:

Physical Education, Computer Literacy

Languages spoken:

I speak China and English

GENERAL INFORMATION Hobbies, interests:

volunteering at the local elementary school, dancing, playing the violin

U.S. Military or Naval Service

Rank

None

N/A

PAST EMPLOYMENT (List last two jobs, beginning with your current or most recent job.)

Date (mo/yr) Company/Employer’s Name and Address Position Reason For Leaving From Macy’s cashier

9/2012 To

9/2014 From

9/2014

To

Present

5500 Grossmont Drive La Mesa, CA 92941

Bob’s Restaurant 3211 University Avenue San Diego, CA 92105

waitress

currently employed

REFERENCES (Give the names of two persons not related to you who know you well.)

Name

Address & Phone Number

Mary Lou

1031 12th Avenue La Mesa, CA 91941 (619) 896-9876 1135 B Street San Diego, CA 90211 (619) 343-8521

Cynthia Baker

Occupation

Physician

Teacher

I certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct.

Signature

Date

Pamela Marie Chao © Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

8/15/16 37

#33 Advanced

Š Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

PRACTICE APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT Fill out the application. Use the information about other people provided for you.

Application for Employment Name _____________________________, Last

_________________ First

Present Address

City

____________________ Middle Initial State

Phone No. ( )

Zip Code

Email Address

PERSONAL INFORMATION Are you 18 or older?

Social Security Number

Are you legally able to work in the U.S.?

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

Sex ___ Male ___Female

__ Yes ___ No

If yes, what state? __________

EMPLOYMENT INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY Position or type of work you are looking for:

Date you can start:

Preferences: __ Full-time ___ Part-time ___ Day

___ Night

EDUCATION Name of School

Location

High School

College or University

Vocational School or Continuing Education Program

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

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#33 Advanced

PAST EMPLOYMENT (List last two jobs, beginning with your current or most recent job.)

Date (month & year)

Company/Employer’s Name and Address

Position

Reason For Leaving

From

To

From

To

OTHER INFORMATION Languages spoken:

U.S Military Or Naval Service _____Yes

Years of Service:

_____No

Do you have any physical limitations?

If yes, explain:

____ Yes

____ No

Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor since age 18? ___ Yes ___ No If yes, explain:

REFERENCES (Provide the names of two persons not related to you who know you well.)

Name

Address & Phone Number

Occupation

I certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct.

Signature

Date

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

40

#33 Advanced

PRACTICE APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT Fill out the application. Use the information about other people provided for you.

Application for Employment Name _____________________________, Last

_________________ First

Present Address

City

____________________ Middle Initial State

Phone No. ( )

Zip Code

Email Address

PERSONAL INFORMATION Are you 18 or older?

Social Security Number

Are you legally able to work in the U.S.?

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

Sex ___ Male ___Female

__ Yes ___ No

If yes, what state? __________

EMPLOYMENT INTEREST AND AVAILABILITY Position or type of work you are looking for:

Date you can start:

Preferences: __ Full-time ___ Part-time ___ Day

___ Night

EDUCATION Name of School

Location

High School

College or University

Vocational School or Continuing Education Program

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

41

#33 Advanced

PAST EMPLOYMENT (List last two jobs, beginning with your current or most recent job.)

Date (month & year)

Company/Employer’s Name and Address

Position

Reason For Leaving

From

To

From

To

OTHER INFORMATION Languages spoken:

U.S Military Or Naval Service _____Yes

Years of Service:

_____No

Do you have any physical limitations?

If yes, explain:

____ Yes

____ No

Have you been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor since age 18? ___ Yes ___ No If yes, explain:

REFERENCES (Provide the names of two persons not related to you who know you well.)

Name

Address & Phone Number

Occupation

I certify that the information provided on this application is true and correct.

Signature

Date

© Continuing Education, San Diego Community College District, EL Civics Program, 2015 7/1/2015 11:21 AM

42