5. Demonstrating your interests

The things you like doing in your free time say a lot about you as a person, and your personality is relevant to every job application.

It can be more effective to present your interests in terms of who you are, instead of what you like doing, using adjectives and nouns to describe yourself.

Vocabulary 11a. Add more words and phrases to each column in the following table.

Adjectives		Nouns
Active	former	ballroom dancer	rock guitarist
Avid	keen	blogger	sailor
Committed	proficient	jewellery maker	ski instructor
Dedicated	qualified	Mountain climber	stamp collector
Experienced	regular	English speaker	tennis champion
Expert	successful	reader

11B. Match the adjectives with the nouns to make true phrases for you.

SPEAKING 12. In pairs, take turns to talk about your personal interest. Encourage your partner to highlight the skills that their personal interests demonstrate.

WRITING 13. Think of a job you would like to apply for and write the interests section of your CV. Use examples from this unit to help you.

6.Providing references

References provide further evidence to potential future employers that you are who you say you are, and that you have done what you claim to have done for previous employers. It is highly likely that your referees will be contacted if you are shortlisted, so it is essential to select them carefully.

SPEAKING 14a. Discuss the following questions.

1. Why are references important?

2. How many referees do you need, and who should you choose?

3. When is a referee no longer useful?

4. What happens if you don’t get on with the most obvious choices for your referees?

5. Is it OK to use someone you know well who works for the organisation where you are applying for a job?

6. Do you have to give your current employer?

7. How can you find out what a reference says about you?

14B. Match the questions (1-7) to the following expert advice (a-g). Do you agree with the advice?

a. Usually two – an academic one and either an employer or a personal / character referee. They should be of professional standing so that they can comment on your suitability for the job. Do not use a relative; a family friend is OK. Always ask permission before using someone as a referee. Provide them with a copy of your CV and an indication of the jobs you are applying for. Let them know how you got on, and thank them afterwards. .

b. Yes, but they may feel uncomfortable, so be sensitive. They are putting their reputation on the line. .

c. You can’t easily – that’s the point of a confidential reference. If you suspect a poor reference is causing you problems, try changing your referee. .

d. It is normal to ask your current employer not to be contacted yet. Offer another referee. Ask to be alerted before your employer is contacted. .

e. When they don’t remember who you are or become uncontactable. .

f. Choose another who will represent you in the best light. .

g. References provide confidential information about your character, skills and experience. A positive recommendation will greatly support your application. .