ESL Basics

This post is in response to this blog post about cover letters from imediaconnection.com. In the article, there are 5 great points about writing a cover letter and how it can affect the entire application process. If you are applying for a job that requires a cover letter, this article is a must read.

Also, keep in mind that the job you are applying for may not require a cover letter. When in doubt, use a cover letter. But, most importantly, show the employer that you are creative and let your personality shine. Right now I work for a large corporation and I didn't include a cover letter with my resume because it does not demonstrate my personality. I was hired for this job because I matched the personality and the required skills they were looking for, not because I submitted a well written cover letter.

What jobs have you applied for that required a cover letter?

Part of being a successful business person has to do with how well we manage the money we have been given.  This post deals more with personal finances, but it is important to rethink the way we spend money no matter what the circumstance.

The holiday season is a busy time and if you are not careful, can be an expensive time. I wanted to share with you, this link from Investopedia.com. On this page they have "8 easy ways to slash your holiday budget." In addition to their information, I wanted to give you a few more tips on how to spend your money wisely this holiday season, so you are not kicking yourself in January. 

• Instead of buying expensive wrapping paper, use the comics from your local paper or magazine pages with holiday advertisements. This will not only save you money, but will also add a nice twist to the gift.
• Go shopping for next year's decorations in January. You will find the decorations that were being sold at the beginning of December for 50%-70% off in the beginning of January.
• Instead of going out to the movie theater with your family and friends, have a talent show. Everyone is responsible for 1-4 sketches, songs to sing, talents to perform, etc. and this way everyone is involved and you will be surprised just how talented your family and friends are. Sing karaoke with one of your favorite English songs!
• Turn your leftover food into a new meal. Check out this website with tips on what to do with your leftover turkey.

Here is a great article I just found over at Business Spotlight. The article talks about the importance in the workplace of conversational skills. The main point of the article is that employers are looking for someone who can carry on a conversation and establish relationships with clients more than they are looking for someone who is grammatically accurate.

I think the author, Ian McMaster, brings up a great point that should encourage you in your English learning to speak as often as possible. Get together with some other friends or co-workers who are learning English, sign up as a part of a local group of people who meet to speak and learn English, or go to a local university or school to find some students learning to speak English and ask them if they would want to meet for coffee to improve their conversational skills. The point is, that the more you can practice speaking English, the better you will become at conversational English... which will lead to more substantial and long-lasting relationships in the workplace.

I was reading over at Business English Pod and I came across this podcast (Part 1) about pitching an idea to your boss or co-workers. If you get the chance, go listen to the podcast, it is really helpful for walking you through presenting your good idea to your co-workers.

I come from a long line of problem solvers, my dad is a systems analyst for State Farm Insurance, my grandpa was a mechanical engineer, woodworker, and much more, and the same story goes for my great-grandpa. So naturally, my brain tends to solve problems. This is especially true for me in business situations. I can think of solutions to problems all day. But, a solution to a problem is only useful if you can do something about it, so if you can't convince the decision makers to move forward with your solution, or work hard to solve the problem yourself, your idea won't make a difference at all and you would have just wasted your time. 

So it starts like this... you are at work and realize that your company is wasting time or money with a certain business practice. Take time to think of some different solutions to the problem and think of all the possible benefits and drawbacks to each solution compared to the current business practice. I have a mentor who always tells me to "ask the next question." So, when you are thinking through the benefits and drawbacks, ask the next logical or apparent question to take your understanding even further.

Once you have found all the possible outcomes for each solution, choose one that makes the most sense and organize the benefits and drawbacks side-by-side to the benefits and drawbacks of your company's current practice. I find this best because you are just presenting the facts, and if it is a good solution, you won't need to do much convincing. Also, think of a simple plan to implement the solution, this will help the decision makers even more because they won't even need to come up with the plan to implement.

Once you have done this, ask to meet with your boss or schedule an appointment if your boss is busy. Then just present the facts to your boss and let them know of your implementation plan as well. This will show your boss that you have given this a lot of thought, and that you are committed to the success of the company. If your boss thinks the idea is good and it would not take too much effort to implement, I assume they will ask you to speak to your co-workers about the solution as well. Once this happens, you should feel confident in your plan because you have the support of your boss.

The podcast gives more specific examples of how to frame your presentation in light of your companies situation to your co-workers, with that, again I would present the facts to your co-workers and let the truth speak for itself. Also, keep in mind not to feel offended or upset if/when your idea is not considered or used. Your boss is busy and has a lot on his/her plate, so don't give up right away if they don't use it, wait a few months and bring it up again... if it is a good idea, soon enough it will be used.