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Paul Curley

Who are we?

We are an international team with extensive experience working in the corporate world in finance, marketing, and recruitment. As English teachers and communication coaches, we've helped hundreds of professionals, both native and non-native English speakers, in all aspects of their careers, from landing a job to delivering great presentations at work.

What's the course about?

Read more

Who are we?

We are an international team with extensive experience working in the corporate world in finance, marketing, and recruitment. As English teachers and communication coaches, we've helped hundreds of professionals, both native and non-native English speakers, in all aspects of their careers, from landing a job to delivering great presentations at work.

What's the course about?

If you ever googled "How to create a resume" or "How to write a covering letter" or "What are the top 10 most common interview questions" then you are not alone. We have all done it. And what do we learn from these searches? That there are no right answers, there are just thousands and thousands of different questions, resume formats and tips on covering letters. And you end up not knowing where to start.

Now add to this problem the fact that English might not be your first language and the role you are applying for requires you to communicate in English every day, then it is no surprise that this entire process is daunting.

What are we going to do?

We will help you change the way you think about the application process - to simplify it and to personalise it; to understand that it is a matching process where you are looking for a job that matches your ambitions and skills, and where the company in looking for people that match their role requirements.

We'll teach you a few simple techniques that will prepare you to answer almost any question in a clear and effective way. We will take you through the application process starting with the most important aspect: you, your skills, your goals; and then we will move on to how to create a brilliant resume and covering letter and how to prepare for and deliver an authentic and confident interview.

We will also give you the key phrases and grammar you need to be successful in each of those steps.

Here are some of the tools we’ll provide you with:

  • Guidelines to identify your key strengths and simple templates to help you organise your thoughts.

  • A sample cover letter that you can easily adjust for your own use and simple tips that cut out all the unnecessary confusion you will find on google searches.

  • The CV that landed me a senior job as a Finance Director in a “Top 100” UK company and advice on what to replicate and modify for your own CV.

  • Explanation of the STARS technique to demonstrate your relevant skills and experiences. Once you master this, you will have a powerful answer for the most important interview questions.

  • Easy-to-follow model answers that you can adjust to suit your story, covering questions such as “tell me about yourself”, “where do you see yourself in 5 years?”, and other such topics.

  • A "cheat-sheet" with examples of small talk you can use, so you don’t panic when there is silence at the beginning of the call or meeting.

  • Tips on the tone you should use, and how formal you should be.

  • Extremely focused grammar and vocabulary review, going straight to the points that are certain to come up in the interview.

This course will give you the advice and language tools to successfully create and execute your own job application strategy.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Easily identify the most important requirements in a job description, and ignore the rest
  • Describe your skills, achievements, values and goals and match them to your ideal role
  • Create a high-impact resume that is relevant to the role and stands out from the crowd
  • Create a high quality covering letter that is natural and professional
  • Give authentic answers to interview questions, applying proven interview techniques
  • Confidently ask questions and discuss salary

Syllabus

Introduction
How to know yourself better so you can find your perfect match!
About me
Language point - Skills, Values, Goals
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides key phrases and grammar tips tailored for non-native English speakers, which can greatly improve their communication during the application process
Offers insights into crafting resumes and cover letters that resonate with international employers, which is crucial for standing out in a global job market
Emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself to find a perfect job match, which helps learners target roles that align with their skills, values, and goals
Includes a section on salary negotiations, providing vocabulary and strategies to confidently discuss compensation and benefits, which is often a challenging aspect of job interviews
Explains the STARS technique for answering interview questions, which empowers learners to demonstrate their skills and experiences effectively using real-world examples
Includes a "cheat-sheet" with examples of small talk, which can help learners feel more comfortable and confident during the initial moments of an interview

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Reviews summary

Practical english for job applications

According to learners, this course provides highly practical tools and strategies for preparing CVs and interviews in English, particularly benefiting non-native speakers. Students found the content on CV and cover letter writing and interview techniques like the STAR method to be clear and easy to follow. Many reported increased confidence in their job search process. While the course covers essential ground, some students noted that certain sections, particularly on basic interview questions, might be more suitable for beginners or those new to the English job market. Overall, it is considered a solid foundation for navigating the English application process.
Most beneficial for those new to the process.
"If you're new to job hunting or applying in English, this is a great starting point."
"Some parts felt a bit basic if you already have experience with job applications."
"Found it to be a solid introduction, but experienced job seekers might find parts repetitive."
Well-organized and easy to follow syllabus.
"The course structure is logical and easy to follow, guiding you step-by-step."
"Found the progression from self-assessment to CVs, cover letters, and interviews very effective."
"The syllabus covers all the essential aspects in a clear and organized manner."
Increases self-assurance for interviews.
"I feel much more confident about my upcoming interviews after taking this course."
"The detailed breakdown of interview questions and techniques really reduced my anxiety."
"Knowing how to structure my answers and handle common questions made a huge difference in my confidence level."
"Definitely feel better prepared and less nervous about the application process."
Helps non-native English speakers confidently apply.
"As a non-native speaker, the specific language points and vocabulary were invaluable."
"The focus on English phrasing for interviews helped me feel much more prepared and confident."
"The tips on small talk and formal tone were particularly useful for navigating interviews in English."
"This course helped me improve my language skills specifically for job applications."
Provides useful, actionable steps for applications.
"The practical tips and templates for the CV and cover letter were incredibly helpful."
"I found the advice on structuring my answers using techniques like STAR immediately applicable."
"This course gave me concrete strategies I could use right away in my job search."
"Learned practical tools and strategies that I could apply immediately to my work."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CV & Interview preparation in English - Get that dream job! with these activities:
Review Common Interview Questions
Refresh your knowledge of common interview questions to reduce anxiety and improve your response quality during the actual interview.
Show steps
  • Find a list of common interview questions online.
  • Write down your answers to each question.
  • Practice your answers out loud.
Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Create a concise and compelling elevator pitch to effectively introduce yourself and your skills to potential employers.
Show steps
  • Identify your key skills and experiences.
  • Write a short summary highlighting your value proposition.
  • Practice delivering your pitch confidently.
STAR Method Practice
Practice using the STAR method to structure your answers to behavioral interview questions, demonstrating your skills and experiences effectively.
Show steps
  • Review the STAR method framework.
  • Choose several behavioral interview questions.
  • Outline your answers using the STAR method.
  • Practice delivering your answers clearly and concisely.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Revamp Your Resume
Create a high-impact resume that effectively showcases your skills and experience, tailored to specific job descriptions.
Show steps
  • Review your current resume for clarity and impact.
  • Update your resume with your latest achievements.
  • Tailor your resume to match specific job requirements.
  • Proofread your resume carefully for errors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter
Create a high-quality cover letter that highlights your skills and experience, demonstrating your interest in the role and company.
Show steps
  • Research the company and the specific role.
  • Write a personalized cover letter addressing the hiring manager.
  • Highlight your relevant skills and experience.
  • Proofread your cover letter carefully for errors.
Read 'What Color Is Your Parachute?'
Read 'What Color Is Your Parachute?' to gain a deeper understanding of career planning and job search strategies.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'What Color Is Your Parachute?'.
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Apply the book's exercises to your own job search.
Read 'Knock 'em Dead' by Martin Yate
Read 'Knock 'em Dead' to prepare for job interviews and learn how to answer common interview questions effectively.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Knock 'em Dead'.
  • Read the book and take notes on key interview strategies.
  • Practice answering interview questions using the book's advice.

Career center

Learners who complete CV & Interview preparation in English - Get that dream job! will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Career Counselor
Career counselors guide individuals in exploring career options, preparing for job searches, and developing professional skills. This course’s focus on self-assessment, resume and cover letter creation, and interview techniques, directly aligns with the core services a career counselor provides. The course teaches techniques for identifying strengths and matching them to ideal roles, which are fundamental steps in career guidance. A career counselor could use the course's frameworks for answering interview questions, particularly the STAR technique, to teach clients how to present their experiences. Additionally, the emphasis on clear and effective communication with key language and grammar may help a career counselor better serve clients.
Talent Acquisition Specialist
A talent acquisition specialist focuses on finding and attracting candidates by using various methods to recruit for a company. This course’s focus on the candidate experience, from self-assessment to interview, may be beneficial for a talent acquisition specialist. Understanding how candidates frame their skills and goals, as taught in this course, may allow the specialist to better evaluate candidates. The course’s emphasis on creating compelling resumes and preparing for interviews could provide a talent acquisition specialist with insights into the preparation of a candidate. By internalizing what the course teaches, the talent acquisition specialist may be able to attract higher quality candidates.
Communication Coach
A communication coach helps individuals improve their verbal and written communication skills for various professional or social purposes. This course may help a communication coach, particularly because it offers advice on grammar, vocabulary, and key phrases used during job applications. The course provides frameworks for structuring answers to interview questions, like the STAR technique, which can be used by a coach when training clients. This course touches on language for small talk, for asking questions, and for negotiating salary. Because of this, the course fits a communication coach's goals well, and such a coach may find the language tools detailed in this course useful.
Human Resources Specialist
A human resources specialist manages various aspects of employee relations, including recruitment, onboarding, and professional development. This course’s emphasis on the entire application process, from resume writing to interview delivery, may help an HR professional understand the candidate journey. By understanding the importance of matching candidate skills and ambitions with job requirements, as taught in this course, an HR specialist can refine their strategies for talent acquisition. The course's approach to effectively communicate skills, achievements, and goals can also help an HR specialist better understand the job market. The course’s focus on authentic and confident communication during interviews may be valuable for HR professionals who conduct interviews.
Recruiter
A recruiter aims to identify, screen, interview, and select job candidates, matching their skills and goals with employer needs. This course, with its focus on identifying key strengths, matching skills to roles, and creating compelling resumes and cover letters, provides insights into the candidate perspective that recruiters will find invaluable. Understanding how applicants present themselves and prepare for interviews, as taught in this course, helps a recruiter refine their search and assessment processes. The course’s emphasis on effective communication, including mastering the STAR technique and handling challenging questions, may help a recruiter more effectively interview candidates.
English Language Teacher
An English language teacher instructs students in English language skills such as reading, writing, speaking and listening. This course, which teaches job application skills in English, may help an English language teacher better understand the needs and goals of their students. The course gives key phrases and grammar points for professionals using English in job applications and interviews, which a teacher may find valuable. The course's modules on resume writing, cover letter structure, and interview preparation may provide an English language teacher with more material to teach their students. The course’s focus on confident and authentic communication could serve as an example for an English teacher.
Corporate Trainer
A corporate trainer develops and delivers training programs for employees within a company, covering a range of topics to improve professional skills. This course may be helpful to a corporate trainer because it provides practical insights into job application skills, which the trainer may incorporate into their training programs. The course’s focus on creating high-impact resumes, cover letters, and delivering effective interviews may help a trainer design workshops for employees seeking career advancement. By understanding the application process firsthand, a trainer could create training materials that relate directly to the needs of employees. The emphasis on clear communication and key language tools would be particularly useful to a corporate trainer.
Training and Development Specialist
Training and development specialists create and conduct training programs for employees to improve their skills and performance. This course may be useful as it teaches effective job application strategies and equips individuals with tools to succeed when applying for positions. The course's focus on self-assessment may help a training specialist develop programs that cater to specific skill gaps within an organization. The modules on creating resumes, cover letters, and delivering confident interviews could be adapted into training materials, useful for talent development. The course's tips on language, grammar, and interview techniques may also be useful for a training and development specialist to advise staff.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer creates educational materials and programs for various purposes, including corporate training and online courses. This course, which has a very clear structure, may be useful to an instructional designer because the course itself provides a good example of what an effective learning program may look like. The course’s module structure, learning objectives, and tools offered may serve as a model for an instructional designer. The course's strategy of focusing on clear, actionable advice and simple techniques might also be helpful to incorporate into other educational materials. The course's emphasis on effective communication and its step-by-step approach to the application process may inform the methods of an instructional designer.
Academic Advisor
An academic advisor guides students on their educational paths, including major selection, course planning, and career readiness. This course may be helpful to an academic advisor as it emphasizes career-related skills such as resume building and interview preparation. The course's focus on identifying an individual’s strengths and matching them to their ideal role may help an advisor guide students towards suitable career options. The methods taught in this course, especially the STAR technique for framing interview answers, may benefit students seeking internships and job placements. The course may help an advisor teach students how to communicate their value to employers.
Business Development Manager
A business development manager works to develop relationships with clients and drive business growth. This course's approach to communicating one's skills, goals, and value may be helpful to a business development manager who needs to clearly articulate the value of their company. This course focuses on techniques for effectively communicating skills, achievements, and values, all of which are necessary to a business development manager when presenting new deals. The interview techniques in the course, like using the STAR method, may translate to effectively pitching ideas and handling objections. The course's advice on small talk and building rapport may also prove valuable for the kind of networking that a business development manager engages in.
Sales Representative
A sales representative focuses on selling products or services for a company, building relationships with clients to drive sales. The communication skills emphasized in this course may be helpful to a sales representative. The course focuses on presenting one's skills and value, and these skills may be directly applied to selling products or services. The course also includes advice on small talk, asking questions, and presenting information, skills that may be critical to success in sales. The interview techniques, in particular the STAR method, may also help a sales representative present their value to clients. The course's emphasis on clear goals and strong communication may be useful for sales.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages an organization's public image, communicating with the media and stakeholders. The course's emphasis on effective communication and presentation may be helpful for a public relations specialist, whose main goal involves communicating clearly and confidently. The techniques for framing one's skills, as taught in the course, may be adapted to communicating an organization’s goals and achievements. The course's focus on understanding needs and tailoring communication may be useful for a public relations specialist. The aspects of the course focused on small talk and building rapport may also be useful for a public relations specialist.
Project Manager
A project manager plans, executes, and closes a project, working within a set scope, timeline, and budget. While this course is not directly about project management, its approach to structuring a job application may be useful to how a project manager works. In particular, the course's emphasis on goal setting, identifying requirements, and using structured communication may be applied within a project manager’s work. Understanding how to break down complex tasks and understand requirements, as the course does for the job application process, can translate to a project manager’s responsibilities. The course's focus on clear communication, like effective interviewing, may help a project manager communicate with the project team and stakeholders.
Marketing Specialist
A marketing specialist focuses on branding, advertising, and promoting the value of products and services. While this may not be directly related to the course, a marketing specialist needs to communicate value, just as a job applicant does using the skills taught in this course. The course teaches a method to effectively describe one's skills, achievements, and goals, which are all necessary to sell a product or service. The emphasis on understanding client needs and communicating value may align with the responsibilities of a marketing specialist. The course's structured approach to a job application may also inform the kinds of campaigns developed by a marketing specialist.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in CV & Interview preparation in English - Get that dream job!.
Practical guide to acing job interviews. It provides sample answers to common interview questions and offers advice on how to present yourself confidently. It is especially helpful for preparing for the interview stage of the job application process, which key focus of this course. This book is best used as a reference tool to help you craft effective and authentic answers to interview questions.
Comprehensive guide to job hunting and career change. It provides valuable insights into self-assessment, skills identification, and job search strategies. It is particularly useful for understanding your strengths and matching them to suitable roles, which aligns perfectly with the course's focus on self-awareness and matching skills to job requirements. This book is best used as additional reading to provide a broader perspective on career planning.

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