Language and assertiveness in recruitment
Assertiveness
In recruitment you are encouraged to be assertive (but not arrogant). This is something that some Australians find difficult too. To be assertive you will need to:
- Give eye contact about 70% of the time
- Give a firm handshake
- Discuss your achievements (not your failures) and make sure you start with your greatest achievement
- Provide actual examples that will help illustrate how/where you have applied your strongest skills and qualities
- Attribute success to yourself (not the team)
- Use language which is positive.
Phrases to avoid Phrases to use
I may be able to ... I can …
I feel … I am …
I think I might … I can ...
I haven’t got these skills ... I am able to learn these skills
Language
Employers will reject students who do not have a good standard of written and spoken English. Mistakes on resumes and in covering letters are enough to prevent you from getting an interview.
Improve your English every day
The best place to learn a second language is in a country in which the language is spoken. This is ideal for you! All you need to do is listen, read and learn. Here are some ideas.
- Speak to Australians as much as possible – at university or in the local shops
- Listen to the Australian radio or watch TV
- Read newspapers
- Read Australian fiction books
- Join clubs and societies
Formal English courses and assistance
At Learning Connection, Learning Advisers run a "Speak Up" series of workshops on each campus. These workshops are aimed to develop confidence in participating in tutorials and with oral presentations.
Learning Advisers also run Academic English Development workshops during the semester breaks. Academic writing courses are also offered to PhD students.
Learning Connection also provides services for people who have language-based disabilities. For example, Disability Advisers can provide access to adaptive technology which has voice and screen reading software.
English language outside of UniSA