Job Hunting Basics

Grammar: should, need to, have to, must

This week is about job hunting.
You will learn how to give advice, talk about obligation, and understand how to write a simple CV and cover letter.

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LESSON 1

1. Warm-up

Answer these questions.

1. Is job hunting easy or difficult?
2. What do you do first when you want a job?
3. What should you do before an interview?
4. What must you check before sending an application?

2. Grammar

should = advice
need to = necessary
have to = obligation
must = very important obligation

Examples:

• You should read the job advert carefully.
• You need to write a clear CV.
• You have to arrive on time.
• You must check spelling.

3. Reading

Good Advice for Job Hunters

Looking for a job can be stressful, but a few simple ideas can help. First, you should read the job advert very carefully. You should check what the company wants and what skills are important. Then, you need to write a clear CV with your name, contact details, experience, and skills. You also need to write a short cover letter.

If you get an interview, you have to be on time and answer questions clearly. You have to listen carefully, too. You must check your spelling before you send your application. You must be polite and positive. A good application is simple, clear, and honest.

4. Match the modal and the meaning

1. should
2. need to
3. have to
4. must

a. very important obligation
b. advice
c. obligation
d. necessary

5. Complete with should / need to / have to / must

1. You __________ read the job advert carefully.
2. You __________ write your phone number on your CV.
3. You __________ arrive on time for the interview.
4. You __________ check spelling before you send the email.
5. You __________ wear clean clothes for the interview.
6. You __________ answer the interviewer’s questions.
7. You __________ be polite and positive.
8. You __________ prepare before the interview.

6. Put the words in order

1. should / read / you / the advert / carefully
2. need to / write / a clear CV / you
3. have to / on time / arrive / you
4. must / spelling / check / you
5. should / polite / be / you
6. have to / answer / the questions / you

7. Find the correct ending

1. You should
2. You need to
3. You have to
4. You must

a. be on time for the interview.
b. write your contact details.
c. check spelling.
d. read the advert carefully.

8. Speaking

Work with a partner.

Ask and answer.

• What should you do before an interview?
• What do you need to write in a CV?
• What do you have to do in an interview?
• What must you check before sending an application?
• Should you wear smart clothes?
• Do you need to write a cover letter?

9. Writing

Write 4 tips for a friend who wants a job.

Use:

• one sentence with should
• one sentence with need to
• one sentence with have to
• one sentence with must

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LESSON 2

1. Review

Complete the sentences.

1. A good job hunter should ____________________.
2. In a CV, you need to ____________________.
3. In an interview, you have to ____________________.
4. Before sending an application, you must ____________________.

2. Grammar transformation

Change to the negative and the question.

Example:
You should read the advert carefully.
→ You should not read the advert carefully.
→ Should you read the advert carefully?

Now do the same.

1. You should read the advert carefully.
2. You need to write your contact details.
3. You have to arrive on time.
4. You must check your spelling.
5. You should prepare for the interview.
6. You need to write a cover letter.
7. You have to answer clearly.
8. You must be polite.
9. You should wear smart clothes.
10. You need to send your CV by email.

3. Reading

How to Write a CV and a Cover Letter

A CV is a short document with your personal and work information. It should be clear and easy to read. At the top, you need to write your name, phone number, and email address. Then you can write about your work experience, education, and skills. Keep the information short and true. You do not need to write long paragraphs.

A cover letter is different. It is a short message to the employer. In the cover letter, you should say which job you want and why you are a good person for it. You can also say where you saw the job advert. The letter should be polite and positive. You must check spelling and grammar before you send it. A good CV gives facts. A good cover letter gives a short personal message.

4. Reading comprehension

1. True or False: A CV should be long and full of paragraphs.
2. True or False: In a cover letter, you should say which job you want.
3. What do you need to write at the top of your CV?
   a) your favourite hobbies
   b) your name and contact details
   c) your family details
4. A cover letter is:
   a) a short message to the employer
   b) a list of school subjects
   c) a long story about your life
5. What is the difference between a CV and a cover letter?
6. Why must you check spelling and grammar?

5. Complete the table

CV	Cover letter
__________	__________
__________	__________
__________	__________

Write information from the text.

6. Speaking

Ask and answer with a partner.

• Have you ever written a CV?
• What should a good CV include?
• Do you need to write a cover letter for every job?
• What do you have to do before an interview?
• What must you check before you send your application?
• What skills can you write on your CV?

7. Writing models

Simple CV model

Name: Ana López
Phone: 600 000 000
Email: ana@email.com

Profile:
Friendly and hard-working person. Good with people. Looking for a job in a café or shop.

Experience:
Shop assistant, Blue Market, 2024–2025

Education:
Secondary school

Skills:
Good communication, basic English, teamwork

Simple cover letter model

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the café assistant job. I saw your advert online. I am friendly, hard-working, and I like working with people. I have experience in customer service. I would like to work for your company.

Kind regards,
Ana López

8. Write your own

A. Write a simple CV profile

Write 4–5 lines about:

• your name
• experience
• education
• skills

B. Write a simple cover letter opening

Write 4–5 lines. Include:

• the job you want
• where you saw the advert
• why you are a good person for the job

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HOMEWORK

Complete with should / need to / have to / must

1. You __________ read the job advert carefully.
2. You __________ write your name and email.
3. You __________ be on time for the interview.
4. You __________ check spelling before sending the CV.
5. You __________ prepare your answers.
6. You __________ wear clean, smart clothes.
7. You __________ write a short cover letter.
8. You __________ answer questions clearly.
9. You __________ be polite to the interviewer.
10. You __________ read your CV again.
11. You __________ send the application before the deadline.
12. You __________ give true information.

VIDEO ZONE

EnglishBot is going to help you write your own CV and covering letter.