Finding a Job for ESL Learners

There is nothing more stressfull then having to find a job. I can only imagine how it could be for an ESL Learner, to have his/her chances of getting hired depending on how they speak a language that isn't their own....GOSH!!! I came across these helpful steps...

The Cover Letter

Notes

1 - Begin your cover letter by placing your address first, followed by the address of the company you are writing to.

2 - Use complete title and address; don't abbreviate.

3 - Always make an effort to write directly to the person in charge of hiring.

4 - Opening paragraph - Use this paragraph to specify which job you are applying for, or, if you are writing to inquire whether a job position is open question the availability of an opening.

5 - Middle paragraph(s) - This section should be used to highlight your work experience which most closely matches the desired job requirements presented in the job opening advertisement. Do not simply restate what is contained in your resume. Notice how the example makes a special effort to show why the writer is especially suited to the job position opening posted above.

6 - Closing paragraph - Use the closing paragraph to ensure action on the part of the reader. One possibility is to ask for an interview appointment time. Make it easy for the personnel department to contact you by providing your telephone number and email address.

7 - Always sign letters. "enclosure" indicates that you are enclosing your resume.

http://esl.about.com/od/businessspeakingskills/a/j_find.htm

The Resume

1. Take detailed notes on your work experience. Include both paid and unpaid, full time and part time positions. Include your main responsibilities, any other activities that were part of the job, the job title and company information including the address and dates of employment. Include everything!
2. Take detailed notes on your education. Include degree or certificates, major or course emphasis, school names and courses relevant to career objectives. Remember to include any important continuing education courses you may have completed.
3. Include a list of other non-work related accomplishments. These may include competitions won, membership in special organizations, etc.
4. Based on your detailed notes, decide which skills are transferable (skills that will be especially useful) to the position for which you are applying.
5. Write your full name, address, telephone number, fax and email at the top of the resume.
6. Include an objective for the resume. The objective is a short sentence describing what type of work you hope to obtain.
7. Summarize your education, including important facts that directly relate to the job for which you are applying. You can also choose to include the education section after you have listed your job employment history.
8. List your work experience beginning with your most recent job. Include dates of employment, company specifics. List your principal responsibilities making sure to focus on transferable skills.
9. Continue to list all of your work experience in reverse order. Always focus on skills that are transferable.
10. Finally list information skills such as languages spoken, computer programming knowledge etc. under the heading: Additional Skills
11. Finish your resume with the following phrase: REFERENCES Available upon request

http://esl.about.com/od/businessspeakingskills/a/j_resume.htm

Interview Basics

Work Experience

Work experience is by far the most important part of any job interview. Employers want to know exactly what you did and how well you accomplished your tasks. This is the part of the interview during which you can make the best impression. It's important to give full, detailed answers. Be confident, and emphasize your accomplishments in past positions.

Qualifications

Qualifications include any education from high school through university, as well as any special training you may have had (such as computer courses). Make sure to mention your English studies. 

Talking about Responsibilities

Most importantly, you will need to demonstrate your qualifications and skills which are directly applicable to the job you are applying for. If past job skills were not exactly the same as what you will need on the new job, make sure to detail how they are similar to job skills you will need for the new position.

http://esl.about.com/od/businessspeakingskills/a/j_interview1.htm

I will have the sample interview questions AND Best Answers on an entirely different post because that is a major concentration.