Unit 1 Reading Job Advertisements

1554103 English for Job Applications
Prepared by A. Sasiwimon Phlaichum

Unit 1

Reading Job Advertisements

Contents
• Job advertisements

Objectives: Students will be able to

1. distinguish job requirements and select the job opening best suited to
themselves

2. know where to find online job applications
3. identify key parts of job advertisements.
4. read advertised jobs from the Internet or various sources.

Get Started: Getting a job

How do you get a job? Read the advice below, and put it in the right order.

Source: https://www.onestopenglish.com/general-english/everyday-life-job-adverts/555146.article

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Introduction

The business world is moving very fast. Those who are able to present themselves impressively to
the employer-to-be will eventually get an opportunity to be recruited. Language skills are as important as
other specialized skills such as computer and other profession-oriented expertise. It is therefore necessary
to be able to distinguish the type of job offered as well as the requirements of the employer, and to write
an effective job application with an impressive resume. Lastly, the ability to comprehend reading materials
which one might encounter in the office will enhance one’s chances of being promoted as well.

(Rapin Subaneg, 2009)

Checking the Job Market

1. Unadvertised Jobs

Job can be either advertised or unadvertised. Many job vacancies are even filled without being
advertised. This can be due to such factors as an internal candidate filling the position or someone being
notified “word-of-mouth” by an existing employee. For undergraduates and newly-graduated job seekers,
unadvertised jobs can be searched for via;

- campus recruitment programs - Job fairs

- university placement offices - university alumni offices

- university notice board - networking

It involves using the vast number of people that job hunters know –family, friends, neighbors, colleagues,
etc. – as information sources for a job search and as indirect contact with prospective employers.

2. Advertised Jobs

Job vacancy advertisements, either in print or online, are the main sources of information for most
job seekers. Using job vacancy advertisements can be helpful for newly-graduated job seekers who seek
entry-level positions. The two most common places that job seekers can locate advertised jobs are
classified advertisements (classified ads) and the Internet.

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a. Classified Ads

The “classified ads” section of
newspapers is the traditional source of
job listings. Many newspapers, both
national and local, contain job vacancy
advertisements, usually near the back
under the classified section. Classified
ads also be found in magazines,
journals and professional association
publications or even television and
radio.

b. The Internet

A new and more comprehensive source of job listings is the Internet. In fact, job searching on the
Internet is the method that has been receiving the most attention nowadays. The Internet ids filled with
an abundance of job-related information. It provides access to many different websites for online job
searches from companies around the world. Type the name of the company into the search engine, and it
should take you to the appropriate site.

Job hunters can also find job listings through job search websites which can be recruitment or
employment agencies’ websites and newspapers’ websites. Here are some useful Thai job vacancy
websites:

- https://th.jobsdb.com - https://www.thaijob.com

- https://www.jobthai.com - https://www.careerjet.co.th

- https://www.jobtopgun.com - www.prtr.com

- https://www.jobbkk.com - https://adecco.co.th/en/jobs/search

- https://www.linkedin.com

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In order to find the job vacancy you’re interested in, you will normally need to search through an
appropriate job category. You can also specify the type of job, the company, the level, the salary, the
location, the experience, the education, the date, etc. Some websites offer job alert services that will send
you an email when a job vacancy posted matches your profile. It is, however, suggested that you create a
separate e-mail address for the job application process and make sure that your email address is
professional. Use your own name if it is available. If not, try your last name first and mix it up with your
initial or add underscores or periods between the parts of your name.
Here is an example of job categories together with the job titles listed in https://th.jobsdb.com/th

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1554103 English for Job Applications
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Activity 1

Directions: These acronyms frequently appear in job categories. What do they stand for?

1. CEO stands for ……………………………………………………… 9. ISO stands for …………………………………………………

2. CS stands for ……………………………………………………….. 10. IT stands for …………………………………………………

3. CTO stands for ……………………………………………………… 11. O&M stands for ……………………………………………

4. DBA stands for ……………………………………………………… 12. QA stands for ………………………………………………

5. Devpt stands for ……………………………………………………… 13. QS stands for ………………………………………………

6. F&B stands for ……………………………………………………… 14. MD stands for ………………………………………………

7. GM stands for ……………………………………………………… 15. R&D stands for ……………………………………………

8. HR stands for ………………………………………………………

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What is a job vacancy advertisement?

In pair, discuss the following questions.

1. What’s the purpose of a job vacancy advertisement?
2. What information would you expect to find in a well-written job vacancy advertisement?

A job vacancy advertisement

The main purpose of a job advertisement is Even though there is no specific form of job
to attract the right candidate for a vacant advertisements, there are various items
position. Job advertisements can be found included in job vacancy advertisements. Most
in various forms and places including job advertisements specify job specifications
newspaper, job magazines and online and the top four or five skills that most
advertisements. essential to the job.

Activity 2

Directions: Read the following extracts (1-8). Which ones are job advertisements?

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Source: Parichart Kluensuwan, 2012

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Typical headings in a job advertisement

The following is a list of items most likely found in different sections in job vacancy advertisement.

Employer or Recruitment Agency
Description of the company
Job title
Post Date
Job Responsibilities: job role and purpose, to whom the position reports, other indication of
where the role is in the structure of the organization, etc.
Ideal Candidate Profile: qualifications such as required education, work experience, relevant job
skills, abilities and personal qualities, etc.
Salary Guide and Benefits such as a compensation package, health and life insurance,
performance bonus, training opportunities, annual vacation, etc.
Recruitment Process: response and application instructions
Contact Details such as address, phone, fax, e-mail, etc.

Other items that can be found in some job vacancy advertisements are:

Full-time or permanent or a short-term contract
Base location of advertised job
Job/Advert Reference
Website Address

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Source: Tipamas Chumworatayee, 2018

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1554103 English for Job Applications
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Activity 3

Directions: Use the words and phrase from the box to label the headings of the job advertisement below.

Source: Parichart Kluensuwan, 2012

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1554103 English for Job Applications
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Activity 4

Directions: Read Job Advertisements A-E on pages 15-19 and put the types of sections in job vacancy
advertisements from below list next to the information found in each ad in the appropriate box.

1. Employer or Recruitment Agency 6. Salary Guide and Benefits
2. Description of the company 7. Recruitment Process
3. Post Date 8. Contact Details
4. Job Responsibilities 9. Base location of advertised job
5. Ideal Candidate Profile 10. Website Address

Source: Tipamas Chumworatayee, 2018

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Job Advertisement A

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Job Advertisement B

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Job Advertisement C

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Job Advertisement D

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Job Advertisement E

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1554103 English for Job Applications
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Activity 5

Directions: Find a job advertisement that interests you then label the headings in it.

Words and abbreviations

Employees usually try to shorten information into their job advertisements as much as possible in
order to save costs and spaces. In advertising, therefore, they tend to use abbreviations to describe roles,
skills, and educations in few words.

Activity 6

Directions: Match the words or phrases to their definitions (1-20).

applicant salary duties commensurate remuneration
employer at least skill in person urgent
good command vacancy benefits and welfare apply
recent photo computer literacy experience resume qualifications
able to

1. __________________ = knowledge or skills that a person gets from doing something
2. __________________ = a written record of your education and the jobs you have done, that
you send when you are applying for a job.
3. __________________ = in a correct and suitable amount compared to something else
4. __________________ = an ability, characteristic or experience that makes you suitable for a
particular activity
5. __________________ = a photo which has been taken only a short time ago
6. __________________ = to make a formal request for a job
7. __________________ = a person who applies for a job
8. __________________ = things that employers may offer you in addition to your wages; for
example, health insurance, annual or sick leave, holidays, etc.
9. __________________ = money that employees receive for doing their job usually paid every
month
10. __________________ = tasks or responsibilities that are part of your job
11. __________________ = not less than; at the minimum

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12. __________________ = 1554103 English for Job Applications
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showing that something needs to be done immediately

13. __________________ = to do by yourself; with the personal presence or action of the individual
specified

14. __________________ = the ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have
practiced it

15. __________________ = the ability to use computer

16. __________________ = a good knowledge of something; an ability to do or use something
especially a language

17. __________________ = a job that is available for somebody to do

18. __________________ = payment for work that has been done or services that have been
provided; an amount of money or other things given to somebody for
work they have done

19. __________________ = a person or company that pays people to work for them

20. __________________ = can or must be

Activity 7

Directions: Complete the following sentence (1-13) with words or phrases from the box.

applicants responsibilities benefits (x2) experience
in person at least skills commensurate
remuneration resume
good command salary

1. In return for some caretaking duties, we are offering a free apartment and a small _________________.
2. People who are interested in applying for the job should send their _________________.
3. This position needs a person who has 2 years _________________ in Marketing.
4. Salary will be _________________ with experience.
5. There were over 500 _________________ for this position.
6. Although the salary was less than I wanted, I took the job because it had excellent ________________.
7. Your _________________ will include setting up a new computer system.

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8. This position requires a person who has _________________ 3 years experience in Hotel Management.

9. We don’t accept application letter. Please come to our company and apply _________________.

10. I learn my office _________________ while volunteering in the school office.

11. Applicants will be expected to have a ____________________ of English.

12. A sales representative gets a basic _________________ plus commission.

13. Apart from salary, the company also provides the employees attractive _________________ for
example free health insurance.

Source: Parichart Kluensuwan, 2012

Activity 8

Directions: Choose the most appropriate word from the list to complete the following information (1-10)
in the Salary Guide and Benefits found in the job vacancy advertisements.

allowance commensurate
compensation expenses
fund
fringe
insurance opportunities
performance vacation
Source: Tipamas Chumworatayee, 2018

1. A contributory provident __________________

2. A remuneration package __________________ with experience and qualifications

3. An attractive __________________ package

4. Annual __________________

5. Car maintenance __________________

6. __________________ benefits

7. Health and life __________________

8. __________________ bonus

9. Petrol and expressway __________________

10. Training __________________

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Activity 9

Directions: Write the original terms of the following abbreviations (1-32) using the words in the box and
guess the meanings.

1. Max. =__________________________ 2. EXP =__________________________
3. WPM =__________________________ 4. CV =__________________________
5. HR Dept. =__________________________ 6. B.Acc. =__________________________
7. Co. Ltd. =__________________________ 8. Min. =__________________________
9. Cert. =__________________________ 10. Dip. =__________________________
11. M.B.A. =__________________________ 12. B.B.A =__________________________
13. B.Eng. =__________________________ 14. ASAP =__________________________
15. B.A. =__________________________ 16. B.I.D. =__________________________
17. B.Ag.=__________________________ 18. B.F.A =__________________________
19. B.Ed.=__________________________ 20. B.Sc.=__________________________
21. B.H.Econ =__________________________ 22. M.Sc. =__________________________

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23. B.Arch. =__________________________ 1554103 English for Job Applications
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24. Ph.D. =__________________________

25. M.A. =__________________________ 26. B.Econ. =__________________________

27. R&D =__________________________ 28. AGY =__________________________

29. FT =__________________________ 30. PT =__________________________

31. pref. =__________________________ 32. req. =__________________________

Source: Parichart Kluensuwan, 2012

Activity 10

Directions: Read the FIVE job adverts. Answer the questions.

A

IT Recruitment Officer
We are looking for recent graduates who would like to work with some of the most important
companies in the digital industry. This post is based in Dubai. Once you have received training
on our computer system, you will be responsible for:
- liaising with recruiters to create job descriptions
- advertising jobs
- sourcing possible candidates
- updating the database
We are looking for someone with passion, drive and commitment. Recruitment Resourcers must
be able to work under pressure and be self-motivated and people-focused. These qualities will
help you progress within the company. Recruitment Resourcers who are willing to learn can train
to become Account Managers and Account Directors.
- Competitive basic salary plus commission

B

Logistics Associate
Our company is looking for someone to work in the sales and customer service department to
ensure that customers have a professional service from the moment they place an order until
they receive their shipment. The job is for 27 hours per week. Hours are negotiable.
Opportunities for overtime are likely.
Your responsibilities will include:
- placing and processing orders
- keeping accurate records
- processing returns and refunds
The successful candidate will:
- be educated to degree level
- be able to work efficiently and to deadlines in a high pressured environment
- have good IT skills
Candidates should have experience in business logistics, purchasing and supply management or
operations management.

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C

Insurance Telesales
Do you have previous sales experience? Are you available from January 6th until the end of
March?
We are currently looking for someone to deal with insurance renewals sales. The role will involve
calling existing customers and asking them if they intend to renew their policy, and if necessary,
discuss how we can keep them as a customer. The role is a 3-month fixed term contract. The
hours of work will be 8:45am until 5pm Monday to Friday. We are looking for a hard worker who
is computer literate and has a good telephone manner.

D

Data Analyst
As a Data Analyst you will join a team that analyses research data for anomalies and presents
findings to people within and outside the company. A graduate with an eye for detail and a love of
working with figures would be ideal. Confident communications skills are also vital. If you enjoy
problem solving, have an investigative and enquiring mind, have a good knowledge of word
processing and spreadsheet software, and excellent numerical skills, this could be a great career
opportunity for you.
A great benefits package is available including health cover and gym membership.

E

Project Assistant
Reporting to the Project Manager, you will undertake property surveys, site inspections and
attend site meetings to ensure that work undertaken by our contractors is being carried out
properly. You must have initiative, as you will be required to work on your own. It is essential that
you have your own transportation. An allowance will be provided. Candidates should have: Good
keyboard and IT skills, an organised and methodical approach, good written and verbal
communication skills.
REQUIREMENTS
* Minimum 2-year Construction related qualification.
* Minimum of two year's relevant experience or transferrable skills from a relevant background.

Source: https://www.examenglish.com/B2/b2_reading_people.htm

Questions: Which job …………………………………………? Answer
1. requires applicants to have their own car?
2. is temporary?
3. is part-time?
4. is located abroad?
5. offers people the chance of promotion?
6. is suitable for a mathematician?
7. requires the employee to work alone?
8. gives employees the opportunity to earn more by making sales?
9. gives employees the opportunity to earn more by working extra hours?
10. requires experience in the building trade?
11. offers perks?

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Questions: Which job …………………………………………? 1554103 English for Job Applications
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Answer

Activity 11
Directions: Read the advertisement below. Then answer the questions.

1). What is the position required in this advertisement?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
2) What is the name of the employer? Where is the company located?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
3) How can an applicant apply for this position?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4) How many years of experiences are required for the position?
___________________________________________________________________________________________
5) Is it necessary for an applicant to communicate in English?
___________________________________________________________________________________________

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1554103 English for Job Applications
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Activity 12

Directions: Read the advertisement below. Then mark the statements T (true) or F (false).

1. _________ There are 2 positions offered by this
company.

2. _________ This company is located overseas.

3. _________ A person who cannot use a computer
can apply for the position of Accountant.

4. _________ Mr. Smith hold a Bachelor’s degree in
Marketing can apply for the position of Sales
Executive.

5. _________ Salary and benefits are mentioned in
this advertisement.

6. _________ Interested applicants can send resume
through the company’s email address.

7. _________ This company requires an applicant
who has at least one year experience.

8. _________ An applicant can make a phone call to
ask for more information.

9. _________ A person who wants to apply for the
position of Sales Executive must speak English
fluently.

10. _________ An applicant for these positions must
not be older than 30 years old.

Source: Parichart Kluensuwan, 2012

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