English -- the CV
Professional communication skills in English
Looking back over your portfolio and the course as a whole, what have you learned (about yourself/your strengths/weaknesses/the job application process/employer expectations/interviews etc.), and what ideas/information will you use in future internship and job applications? Why? (If you feel you have not learned anything, please explain why you feel that is, and explain what would have changed that).
One of the most important things I have learned this semester is the difference between casual and professional English. When communicating with English language speakers on a casual level, I often find it easy to be understood, provided that my intention is sincere. Friends are willing to overlook bad grammar and poor choice of vocabulary. I can restate what I mean, use body language and gestures, and laugh at my own lack of comprehension. During a job...
In many ways, someone speaking English as a second language has two hurdles to overcome: the first is to prove his or her competency as an employee, the second to demonstrate he or she is as fluent in life as stated on the job application.
In terms of my personal strengths and weaknesses, I would say that my greatest strength is my willingness to work hard. I am willing to work diligently and to apply myself day in and day out to learn what I need to learn. Learning a language requires a great deal of repetition and consistency to make new words and unfamiliar grammar feel natural. I will bring this same diligence to whatever job I chose to do as an employee. My greatest weakness is my self-confidence. Sometimes when I know what I am talking about and feel confident that I understand what the speaker is saying, I will begin to
doubt and second-guess myself. I begin to falter and stutter. A sense of self-confidence is a very important quality to possess in the modern workforce.
When compiling a CV, thoroughness…
