Remember to Say, "Thank You"

Source: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/interviewing/sample-thank-you-letter-after-interview 

Writing a thank you letter or email after an interview is another way to help you get the job. - It's best to send an email within 24 hours. If you need to mail a letter, that is okay too, but try to send it as soon as possible!

There are many reasons why it's a good idea to write a thank you letter or email:

• It helps the interviewer remember you. They probably had many interviews and the note will remind them who you are!
• It shows respect for their time. 
• It shows that you really want the job.
  
• You can use your note to remind them about your conversation, provide additional information, or ask questions. 

What to include in your letter/email:

• Subject line (for email). 
• Example: Thank you for your time
• A greeting with the name of the person you interviewed with. 
• Example: Dear Susan, or Hello John, 
• Say thank you. 
• Example: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
• Review your qualifications. 
• Example: As we talked about, my healthcare experience would be a great fit for this position.
• Let them know you would like to talk again. 
• Example: I hope to talk to you again soon.

Here is an example of a full thank you email:

Subject: Thank you for your time

Dear Susan,

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today about the home health aide position. As we discussed, my healthcare experience and training in nursing would be a great fit for this position. I hope to talk to you in the next round of interviews.

Sincerely,

Helena

How to Fill Out a Job Application

Source: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-to-complete-a-job-application-2058589

When you apply for a job, you are usually asked to complete an employment application. You may be asked to complete a job application even if you've already submitted a resume and cover letter. Asking all candidates for the same information makes the job application process the same for everyone.

Also, a job application gives the employer a record of your personal and employment history, signed by you. When you sign the application, you are confirming that all the information on it is true, so it's important to be sure it's correct. 

Information Needed to Complete a Job Application

Whether you complete an online job application or apply in-person, make sure you have all the information you'll need ready. This includes:

• Personal Information
• Name
• Address
• City, State, Zip Code
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Eligibility to work in the U.S.
• Felony Convictions (in some locations)
• If underage, working paper certificate
• Education
• Schools/Colleges Attended
• Training Programs
• Degrees/Diplomas/Certificates
• Graduation Dates(s)
• Employment Information
• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of previous employers
• Supervisor's Name
• Dates of Employment
• Salary
• Reason for Leaving
• References
• List of three references, including names, job title or relationship, addresses, phone numbers 
• Position Applied For Information
• Title of the job you are applying for
• Hours/days available to work
• When you can start work
• Resume
• If you're applying online, there may be an option to upload your resume as part of the application. 

How to Make a Good Impression 

• If you drop off an application in person, make sure you are dressed professionally and ready to speak to a manager if they want to talk to you right away.
• Always follow the directions. Whether on paper or online, read the instructions first.
• Review before you submit. Review your work to make sure everything is correct, including grammar and spelling.
• Notify your references. Make sure your references know that someone might contact them and what kind of job you are applying for. 
• Remember, everything on your application should be true!
  

Would you like to learn more?

Rachel, the Career Navigator, will have a free online class on job applications on Friday, March 12, at 2pm. Please email Rachel to register! rsbuczynski@fcps.edu

Diplomas and Degrees

Do you have a high school diploma or college degree from another country? You might be able to use it in the U.S.!

Vocabulary Tip: In English, when we say, "Do you have a high school diploma?" it doesn't mean the piece of paper. It means, did you graduate from high school? This is the same for a college degree. So, even if you don't have a paper diploma that you would hang on your wall, you can have have a high school diploma or college degree. But you might need some proof, like transcripts or a letter or reference from your school.

Credential Evaluation

Sometimes jobs or universities will ask to have your diploma/education credentials evaluated. That means they want to know that your education was the same level as the equivalent (the same type) in the United States. So, they want to know that your high school education from your country is about the same as a U.S. high school education. (Note: this is a paid service.)

• National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) https://www.naces.org/
• Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE) https://aice-eval.org/
• World Education Services www.wes.org 
  
• Note: Neither the U.S. Department of Education nor USNEI endorses or recommends any individual credential evaluation service.

Do you need to have my education evaluated to get a job?

Maybe or maybe not! High school diplomas and college degrees from other countries can be okay.

• If you apply for a job and they ask you for a copy of your transcript or proof of your education, you can ask if they can take an international diploma. 
• Many jobs say, "high school diploma OR EQUIVALENT." Remember, "equivalent" means about the same. So, if you had a similar level of education or some experience, you might not need a U.S. diploma.

You don't have to start over when you get to the United States - you have plenty of experience and education that can help you get a job! Remember, your teachers and the FCPS ACE Career Navigator, Rachel, can help you! Email Rachel at rsbuczynski@fcps.edu if you would like help finding out if your diploma can be used in the U.S. or if you have any questions about diplomas or education requirements.

Grammar for Resumes and Interviews

Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/interview-basics-1210228

 

It is important to use the correct verb tenses on your resume and in a job interview to describe your past and present work, and what you hope to do in the future. This article has more information about how to use different verb tenses in your job search. 

Tense: Present Simple (Use for current job about activities you do all the time)

• Example: I collect data from all of our branches and analyze the information on a weekly basis.
• Explanation: Use the present simple to describe your daily responsibilities. This is the most common tense to use when speaking about your current position.

Tense: Past Simple (Use for past jobs)

• Example: I developed an in-house database for the personnel department.
• Explanation: Use the past simple to describe your daily responsibilities in a former position. This is the most common tense to use when speaking about past jobs.

Tense: Present Continuous (Use for current job about a special project or activity you are working on right now)

• Example: Currently, we are expanding our sales division to include South America.
• Example: Currently, I am designing a new layout for our local branch. I am usually responsible for staff organization, but they asked me to help out with design this time. 
• Explanation: Use the present continuous to speak about current projects that are happening at that moment in time. These projects are limited in time and should not be confused with daily responsibilities. 

Tense: Present Perfect (Use to summarize things you have done up until now)

• Example: I've researched over 300 cases until now.
• Example: I've developed a number of databases using Microsoft Access. Just last week I finished a database for our warehouse.
• Explanation: Use the present perfect to generally describe projects or accomplishments that you have made up to the present moment in time. Remember not to include specific past time references which should be used with the past simple.

Tense: Future Simple (Use for future plans/goals)

• Example: I will be the manager of a medium sized retail outlet.
• Explanation: Use the future simple to discuss your plans for the future. This tense is only used when the interviewer asks you what you plan to do in the future.

There are many more tenses you can use when you're ready, but these five will be a great way to start!

Getting Ready for a Job Fair

One way to learn about many jobs at one time is to attend a job or career fair. These events have many different employers with different types of jobs all together in person or online. You should be ready to share your resume and talk to employers when you attend the fair.

Want to practice or have questions? Contact Rachel, Career Navigator, at rsbuczynski@fcps.edu.

Watch this video for more information on virtual job fairs: https://youtu.be/VyJ-ksaAsFo

Here are more tips for how to attend a job fair.

Job Fair Tips

• Research the companies who will be at the job fair before the event. Think about which ones you would like to talk to. You might not have time to talk to everyone, so make sure to talk to your favorites first. 
• Wear professional clothes, but make sure you are comfortable. If it is in-person, you will be walking around meeting different people. If the job fair is virtual, you will be sitting for a long time.
• Have your resume ready. If you are in-person, bring copies to hand to employers. If you are online, have the file clearly labeled with your name and ready to email. (Need help making a resume? Contact Rachel, Career Navigator, at rsbuczynski@fcps.edu!) 
• Practice what you will say when you meet an employer. Think about how you will introduce yourself and what kind of job you are looking for. 
• For example: "Hi, my name is Rachel, and I am looking for a sales position." Or, "Hi! I have many years of experience in sales and would like to work with your company - do you have any positions open?" 
• Practice interview questions before you attend the fair. You probably won't be asked many questions, since there will be lots of people, but you might get asked things like:
• What kind of job are you looking for?
• What experience do you have?
• When could you start?
• Are you looking for a part-time job or a full-time job?
• Do you have training/education? 
• Take notes! If you speak to many employers, you might forget who said what. Take notes after you speak to each person so you can look at them later.
• If you are attending a virtual/online fair, make sure and log on early to check that your technology is working. Make sure your background is clear and you have good lighting. 
• Remember to act confident and friendly! Make sure to smile and ask questions about the company. 
• After the job fair, email anyone you talked to and say thank you for their time and ask any questions you have.

Sources: TopResume.com, Indeed.com 

 

Where are the Jobs?

There are many ways to look for a job, even while we are staying safe at home. Here are some ideas for
searching for jobs.

1. Do you know which company you would like to work for? You can go directly to that company's website to find jobs. (Hint: Careers are usually under 'About Us' or at the bottom of the webpage). For example, if you want to work for Fairfax County Public Schools, you can go to www.fcps.edu/careers to find the latest job postings. You can make an account and easily apply to many jobs. 
2. Ask your friends and family if their employer is hiring. Knowing someone at a company that is hiring is a great way to get connected for an interview!
   
3. Use social media. If you have a LinkedIn account, you can look at recommended jobs and connect with employers. Some small or local businesses post job openings on their Facebook pages. You can follow local businesses on social media to see when they have job openings.
4. Search the job boards! There are many different websites that have many jobs listed in one place. You can choose location, salary, and more to help your search. Popular sites are www.indeed.com and www.simplyhired.com. A good website for nonprofit/charity jobs is www.idealist.org. There are also many websites provided by local government offices:
   

• Alexandria City’s Job Board: https://wdc.alexandriava.gov/
• Find jobs through the Virginia Workforce Connection: https://www.vawc.virginia.gov
• Arlington County’s Job Board: https://jobboard.arlingtonva.us/ 
• Fairfax, Prince William, and Loudon Counties (VA): https://vcwnorthern.com/ 
• Montgomery County (MD): https://worksourcemontgomery.com/
• Prince George’s County (MD): https://www.employpg.org/
• Department of Employment Services (DC): https://does.dc.gov/

Common Job Interview Questions for ESL Learners

Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/example-interview-questions-1210229 

By Kenneth Beare | Updated August 13, 2018

The first impression you make on the interviewer can decide the rest of the interview. It is important that you introduce yourself, shake hands, and be friendly and polite. The first question is often a
"breaking the ice" (establish a rapport) type of question. Don't be surprised if the interviewer asks you something like: 

• How are you today?
• Did you have any trouble finding us?
• Isn't this great weather we're having?

This type of question is common because the interviewer wants to put you at ease (help you relax). The best way to respond is in a short, friendly manner without going into too much detail. Here are some examples of correct responses:

Common Interview Questions - First Impressions

Interviewer: How are you today?
You: I'm fine, thank you. And you?

OR

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?
You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

OR

Interviewer: Isn't this great weather we're having?
You: Yes, it's wonderful. I love this time of year.

OR 

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?
You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

Here are some examples of incorrect responses:

Interviewer: How are you today?
You: So, so. I'm rather nervous actually.

OR

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?
You: As a matter of fact, it was very difficult. I missed the exit and had to return via the highway. I was afraid I was going to be late for the interview.

OR

Interviewer: Isn't this great weather we're having?
​You: Yes, it's wonderful. I can remember this time last year. Wasn't it awful! I thought it would never stop raining!

OR

Interviewer: Did you have any trouble finding us?
You: No, the office isn't too difficult to find.

Getting Down to Business

Once the pleasant beginnings have finished, it's time to begin the real interview. Here are a number of the most common questions that are asked during the interview. There are two examples of excellent replies given for each question. Following the examples, you will find a comment describing the type of question and important things to remember when answering that type of question.

Interviewer: Tell me about yourself.
Candidate: I was born and raised in Milan, Italy. I attended the University of Milan and received my master's degree in Economics. I have worked for 12 years as a financial consultant in Milan for various companies including Rossi Consultants, Quasar Insurance and Sardi and Sons. I enjoy playing tennis in my free time and learning languages. 

Candidate: I've just graduated from the University of Singapore with a degree in Computers. During the summers, I worked as a systems administrator for a small company to help pay for my education.

Comment: This question is meant as an introduction. Do not focus too specifically on any one area. The above question will often be used to help the interviewer choose what h/she would like to ask next. While it is important to give an overall impression of who you are, make sure to concentrate on work-related experience. Work related experience should always be the central focus of any interview (work experience is more important than education in most English-speaking countries).

Interviewer: What type of position are you looking for?
Candidate: I'm interested in an entry-level (beginning) position.
Candidate: I'm looking for a position in which I can utilize my experience.
Candidate: I would like any position for which I qualify. 

Comment: You should be willing to take an entry-level position in an English speaking company as most of these companies expect non-nationals to begin with such a position. In the United States, most companies provide many opportunities for growth, so don't be afraid to start from the beginning!

Interviewer: Are you interested in a full-time or part-time position?
Candidate: I am more interested in a full-time position. However, I would also consider a part-time position.

Comment: Make sure to leave open as many possibilities as possible. Say you are willing to take any job, once the job has been offered you can always refuse if the job does not appeal (not interest) to you.

Interviewer: Can you tell me about your responsibilities at your last job?
Candidate: I advised customers on financial matters. After I consulted the customer, I completed a customer inquiry form and cataloged the information in our database. I then collaborated with colleagues to prepare the best possible package for the client. The clients were then presented with a summarized report on their financial activities that I formulated on a quarterly basis.

Comment: Notice the amount of detail necessary when you are talking about your experience. One of the most common mistakes made by foreigners when discussing their former employment is to speak too generally. The employer wants to know exactly what you did and how you did it; the more detail you can give the more the interviewer knows that you understand the type of work. Remember to vary your vocabulary when talking about your responsibilities. Also, do not begin every sentence with "I". Use the passive voice, or an introductory clause to help you add variety to your presentation

Interviewer: What is your greatest strength?
Candidate: I work well under pressure. When there is a deadline (a time by which the work must be finished), I can focus on the task at hand (current project) and structure my work schedule well. I remember one week when I had to get 6 new customer reports out by Friday at 5. I finished all the reports ahead of time without having to work overtime.

Candidate: I am an excellent communicator. People trust me and come to me for advice. One afternoon, my colleague was involved with a troublesome (difficult) customer who felt he was not being served well. I made the customer a cup of coffee and invited both my colleague and the client to my desk where we solved the problem together.

Candidate: I am a trouble shooter. When there was a problem at my last job, the manager would always ask me to solve it. Last summer, the LAN server at work crashed. The manager was desperate and called me in (requested my help) to get the LAN back online. After taking a look at the daily backup, I detected the problem and the LAN was up and running (working) within the hour.

Comment: This is not the time to be modest! Be confident and always give examples. Examples show that you are not only repeating words you have learned, but actually do possess that strength.

Interviewer: What is your greatest weakness?
Candidate: I am overzealous (work too hard) and become nervous when my co-workers are not pulling their weight (doing their job). However, I am aware of this problem, and before I say anything to anyone, I ask myself why the colleague is having difficulties.

Candidate: I tend to spend too much time making sure the customer is satisfied. However, I began setting time-limits for myself If I noticed this happening.

Comment: This is a difficult question. You need to mention a weakness that is actually a strength. Make sure that you always mention how you try to improve the weakness.

Interviewer: Why do you want to work for Smith and Sons?
Candidate: After following your firm's progress for the last 3 years, I am convinced that Smith and Sons are becoming one of the market leaders and I would like to be part of the team.

Candidate: I am impressed by the quality of your products. I am sure that I would be a convincing salesman because I truly believe that the Atomizer is the best product on the market today.

Comment: Prepare yourself for this question by becoming informed about the company. The more detail you can give, the better you show the interviewer that you understand the company.

Interviewer: When can you begin?
Candidate: Immediately.
Candidate: As soon as you would like me to begin.

Comment: Show your willingness to work!

The above questions represent some of the most basic questions asked on any job interview in English. Probably the most important aspect of interviewing in English is giving detail. As a speaker of English as a second language, you might be shy about saying complicated things. However, this is absolutely necessary as the employer is looking for an employee who knows his or her job. If you provide detail, the interviewer will know that you feel comfortable in that job. Don't worry about making mistakes in English. It is much better to make simple grammar mistakes and provide detailed information about your experience than to say grammatically perfect sentences without any real content.