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Job applications

Vocabulary

1 In the following exercise, you have to change adjectives to nouns. Two of the most common suffixes for this are -ness and -ity. Complete the table, being careful to think about any necessary spelling changes. If you need help, look at the sentences (1-5) below.

Adjective	Noun
punctual	puvnc+uftli+^
polite
rude
generous	0evoerasi-bj
kind
sincere	sńocerił^
original
courteous
reliable
creative
sensitive
loyal

2 Read the following statements (1 -5) taken from references for job

applicants. Decide whether an adjective or a noun is the correct word in each case.

1    Harriet is an ex\.reme\y(reliable^reliability member of Staff and has shown flexible([lexibilityyLbout working extra hours at weekends.

2    Khaled has introduced a number of original/ońginality measures to try to reduce staff costs and his energy and creatwe/creatiuity have been much appreciated.

3    The department has taken on a number of new members of staff this year and Hiroko has played a key role in helping them. A number of them have commented positively on her helpful/helpfulness and courteous/courtesy.

4    Michael has been a Loyal/loyalty and long-standing member of the company and collegues have often seen him as a source of stable/stability in difficult times.

5    Mohan has considerable expertise in managing difficult situations and shows both sensitive/sensitivity and skill in dealing with staff.

3 The phrases in list A are taken from job advertisements and describe the skills that a successful candidate must have. The phrases in list B are taken from the personal profile section of different CVs.

Match each skill in list A with one in list B.

1    You need the ability to use your initiative.

2    The successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills.

3    You must be PC literate.

4    You need to show attention to detail.

5    You must show good time-management.

6    You must be committed to lifelong learning.

7    The successful candidate will be able to cope with uncertainty.

8    You must be a good team player.

B

a I have good Computer skills.

b I always welcome opportunities for further training and development. c I work well in a group.

d I am able to organise my work timetable and meet deadlines. e I am able to work and take decisions independently. f I am able to complete tasks with precision and accuracy. g I can form good relationships with many different people. h I can adapt to changing circumstances and take calculated risks.

4 Now record the noun form of the following adjectives. The answers are in the exercise above.

Adjective    Noun

precise accurate certain (think!)

UNIT 21 Job applications 47