Understand how to complete the work experience section of a job application
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Week of Dec. 15/25
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The lesson includes interactive vocabulary activities, a short video, and reflection questions to…
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Lesson plan overview
| Task | To learn the basic vocabulary related to the work experience section on a typical job application. |
| CLB level | CLB Stage I (CLB 3-4) |
| Delivery method | Online |
| Class size | 10-15 students (vary the number of activities according to your class size) |
| Estimated time | 1.5 to 2 hours (depending on class size) |
| CLB Skills and Competencies | Speaking: Interacting with others Sharing information Listening: Interacting with others Comprehending information Reading: Comprehending information |
| Language focus | Learn the vocabulary needed to understand this topic. Use the appropriate grammar structures and vocabulary to respond personally to the reflection questions. (Encourage students to respond in full sentences.) |
| Cultural focus | Students discuss how whether how employers view non-Canadian work experience and brainstorm some strategies to increase their Canadian experience (e.g., volunteering). |
| Specific task learning objectives | Students will focus exclusively on the work experience part of a work application form. Students will understand the vocabulary needed to fill in this section of job application forms. Students will practice using these words and phrases in an open-ended job application. |
| ESL Directions original video (🎥) and audio (🔊) activities? | This lesson includes original video (🎥) and audio (🔊) activities. |
| Resource attribution | ESL Directions original resources are marked below with an asterisk (*). Feel free to use these, but please give credit to ESL Directions. |
Lesson plan
Warm-up: Introducing the topic and defining our terms
- Today, we’re going to learn about filling in the “work experience” section of a job application.
- What is a job application form?
- What does “work experience” mean?
- What are some other words for work experience?
Skill-building activities
- Vocabulary: Flashcards* 🔊
- Let’s listen to the vocabulary again* 🔊 (Pay attention to how to say the words or phrases and what they mean.)
Skill-using tasks
FEATURED CONTENT
- Open the box*
- Pair or no pair* (Match the words and definitions.)
- Job interview: Asking about work experience* 🎥 (Watch an employer and an applicant discuss the applicant’s work experience during a job interview.)
- Gap fill*
- Who says what?* (Put the questions and answers in order under the correct speakers. Ask students to tell you what each question and response means.)
Assessment/review tasks
- Let’s practice: Take turns filling in the work experience section of a job application* (Use the expandable tiptiles as a way to review vocabulary before filling in the table.)
- Random cards* (Students explain each term or question.)
- Vocabulary review questions*
- Looking for a job crossword*
Reflection questions
- Is applying for a job different here from in your home country?
- Have you ever filled out a job application form? How did that go for you?
- Why is it important to list your employment history in a job application form?
- Do Canadian employers value your non-Canadian work experience?
- Has anyone here done volunteer work? (Volunteer work can be a way to get paid employment in Canada.)
- What are some other ways to increase your chances of getting a job in Canada?
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ESL teacher, movie buff, constant reader, and former editor and communications pro. Now a graduate of the Teaching English as a Second Language program at the University of Manitoba and a TESL Canada certified ESL teacher in Edmonton, Alberta, I specialize in teaching online classes of beginner ESL students.
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