BUSINESS ENGLISH
These websites for business expressions
finance and accounting are recommended by Sophie:
http://www.cwcu.org/youth/financialvocab.htm
http://www.businessenglishsite.com/business-english-accounting.html
You can check some online business English courses to improve your business terminology and to be able to conduct successful business conversations:
From Cherry- Check the following website :
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/
It covers lots of issues related to using Business English in written correspondence as well as discussing business on the phone, in meetings etc. There you can:
- Increase your English Business vocabulary as well as specific modes of expressions and idioms used in business correspondence.
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/category/vocabulary/
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/category/business-idioms/
- Learn how to write business letters , requests and claims.
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/category/business-writing/
- Learn how to conduct meetings and make progress reports.
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/category/meetings/
- Learn how to be representable and go through successful job interviews:
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/category/job-interviews/
- Learn the vocabulary you will be using during business trips.
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/category/travel/
- Learn how to handle complaints and make polite requests as a customer service employee:
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/category/customer-service/
More useful sites:
http://www.vec.ca/english/3/online-business.cfm
http://www.openenglishworld.com/
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/
Here are some alphabetically ordered Accounting & Financial terminology guides and glossaries with the definition of every term:
http://www.nysscpa.org/prof_library/guide.htm
from Cherryhttp://www.ventureline.com/glossary.asp
http://www.businessballs.com/finance.htm
http://www.bestcashcow.com/cash_equivalents/financial_terminology.html
RESUME WRITING
Writing a resume for a particular job isn’t always easy.
The hardest part is probably starting the resume writing itself. So, before you actually start your resume writing you should think about what you want to do, what image you want to project to the employer and how your past experiences relate to your current aspirations.
It is always a good idea to scribble some of your experiences onto a piece of paper.
Remember, the employer is thinking “Why should I speak with the person, how is she/he different from all the other applicants?” Don’t think you have any experience? Then think again. Do a brainstorm and think about,
• Education
• Activities
• Interests
• Work experience
• Honours and awards
• Skills and Abilities
In each heading, think, “What did I do?” and write it down.
Once you have all that on paper you should start focusing on bits that are important to the job at hand. Remember a resume's purpose is to show how well you fit a particular job and NOT your life story.
When writing your resume remember that you have about 30 seconds to impress, so write in clear and concise sentences. Now, in the list you wrote above, write a short and concise sentence for each. Each sentence should be structured so that it is interesting and compelling. You should use actions verbs at the beginning of each of you sentences.
Signs of a great Resume
Below are some features of a great resume and something to look out for when writing your own resume. Never let poor resume writing affect your chance of getting a job.
Targeted: The more targeted a resume is the more chances you have of getting that interview. Employers want to know exactly what you can do for the company. It is important that you tailor each resume to each job (It will only take a few sentence to do this). Get rid of any information that is not required for a particular job. This will alleviate the tendency to over crowd your resume will too much non-related information.
Well written: It is important that your resume makes an impression with the employer. Use action words, such as, established, implemented, created and streamlined. This will add that extra boost to your resume.
Consistent: Be sure that your resume is logical and easy to read. Be consistent with everything, such as the spacing, margins and borders. You should emphasise your important points with text styles such as a different font, italic or underlining.
Summarised Qualifications: This is perhaps the most important section in your resume. The job objective or summary of qualifications will point out your top selling points. Many users will neglect this point and will miss the opportunity to get noticed, fast.
Self-promoting: Don’t be shy; show your employer your accomplishments, skills and abilities. Employers want to too see that you can indeed perform the job at hand. Show them by letting them know about your experiences and how others have benefited from your productivity
Abbreviations: Abbreviations should be avoided. It is unprofessional and many are not universally accepted.
No personal stuff: Personal data such as height and weight is unnecessary and seen as unprofessional.
Grammatically correct: Poor grammar is the quickest way for your resume to end up in the ‘rejection pile’. Do not trust your computer’s spell check. Read every word yourself and get someone to read it as well.
A Sample Resume with Summary of Qualifications
FirstName LastName
eg Lee Smith
6647 RUN ROAD
LAKE WORTH, FL. 33463
PHONE: 111-111-1111
EMAIL: abc@xyc.com
Workforce Development Professional
Summary of Qualifications
Certified Workforce Development Professional with 14 years experience as a Career Specialist. Provide career counselling, coaching, and job seeker services. Identify values, develop possible career paths, and develop strategies for entering a career. Develop individual employment plans, goal setting strategy, and networking skills. Provide job search and resume writing assistance, soft skills vs. hard skills analysis, and instruction on completion of career portfolios. Successful employment placement rate. Proficient with Microsoft office programs, and use of database programs.
Work Experience
4/2005 - Present
Arbor Education and Training
Boynton Beach, FL
Workforce Investment Act Career Specialist
Provide career management services to the universal population with a focus on helping customers obtain employment. Duties include a combination of the following intake, interviewing, eligibility verification, referrals to supportive services, employer services, career coaching, job search and orientation/classroom instruction, and regular follow-up in executing client's individual employment plan. Facilitates customer access to supportive services, social services, training, education, and employment services, as well as job search mechanics ie: Job search techniques, Resume writing, and Interview Skills. Assesses client aptitude, values, interest inventories and training needs in assessing job readiness and preparing client for entry/re-entry into the workforce. Serves as a liaison with instructors, businesses and other client resources. Strong understanding of labor market, vocational systems, internet, One-Stop services and One-Stop referral system. Possess strong customer/goal orientation, and excellent Interpersonal, communication and PC skills. Ensures that customer file documentation meets regulatory guidelines and are completed in a timely manner.
7/2004 - 4/2005
Arbor Education and Training
West Palm Beach, FL
Project Support Associate Specialist / Team Leader
Provide training opportunities for students in areas of enhanced educational skills as Identified, provide students the opportunity for program improvement and advancement. Perform a variety of business, educational, and community service duties. Effectively communicate, orally and in writing, necessary information and ideas to staff, students and parents. Implement all strategies associated with internal operations. Act as liaison between staff, students, parents and managers of student services.
2/2001- 6/2004
Arbor Education and Training
Lake Worth, FL
Eligibility Career Specialist
Conduct intake interviews and complete screening forms and budgets with customers to determine if they meet financial and life circumstances criteria to be eligible for public assistance services. Provide initial and follow up support to clients, coordinate the schedule of applicants for eligibility review and the resolution of eligibility issues. Enter and maintain documentation of all related activities in data base system as well as hard copy case file, pull reports on activities and complete a self monitoring review of caseload. Provide customers with referrals to community based partners and agencies and other duties as required.
Education
B.A., Business Administration
Fort Lauderdale College/ Florida Metropolitan University, Fort Lauderdale Florida
A.S., Hotel and Restaurant Management
State University of New York at Delhi, Delhi, New York
Florida Certified Workforce Professional Certified Professional - Job Seeker Services
Dynamic Works Institute, Rockledge, Florida
Citizen Contact Skills
Institute of Government Palm Beach Community College, Lake Worth, Florida
Dealing With Angry People
Institute of Government Palm Beach Community College, Lake Worth, Florida
Association Memberships
Dynamic Works Institute- DWI
National Association of Workforce Development Professionals -NAWDP
South Eastern Employment and Training Association-SETA
Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/od/sampleresumes/l/blsummaryres.htm
A SAMPLE OF A COVER LETTER TO BE ATTACHED TO YOUR RESUME
John Citizen
1 Main Street
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000
Mobile: 0555 555 555
Email: jcitizen@jcitizen.com.au
30/10/2007
Jane Smith
HR Manager
XYZ Corporation
1 Big Street
Melbourne, Victoria,
3000
Dear Ms. Smith,
I wish to apply for the position of Call Centre Supervisor as advertised on MyCareer on 30 October 2007. The job reference number is 12345. I have enclosed my resume to provide you with an overview of my experience and training. I have ten years experience working in call centres and a solid commitment to this important customer service field. My most recent position has provided me with 2 years supervisory experience as team leader of twenty staff.
I wish to build on my achievements and take on a management position in this area. To assist me in this goal I have recently completed a six-month course titled Managing Customer Service Centres. As a result, I can offer you a combination of practical experience and up to date theoretical knowledge.
I would be very pleased to discuss my application further with you at your convenience. Please contact me at the above address so that I can provide you with any additional information you may require.
Yours sincerely,
Sign your name hereJohn Citizen