Look at MacMillan Dictionary’s infographic to read the 10 words you need to know when looking for a job.

There are two words I’d like to point out: skilled and probationary.

A skilled job needs someone who has ability and experience. (gelernt)

A semi-skilled job is one which needs some basic skills. (angelernt)

An unskilled job is one that doesn’t need special training, education or experience. (ungelernt)

And a probationary period is a time during which someone who has been given a new job is watched to see whether they can do the job well and stay in the position.

In German, it’s the Probezeit.

Were these words new to you?

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the power to turn a life around.” 
Leo Buscaglia

Sometimes we just need to stop and think. A small gesture can mean so much to someone.

Even if you’re happy with what you’re doing, as I am, you might like to check whether you’re on the right track.

Go to the O*NET Interest Profiler and answer the 60 questions about work activities.

Read each question carefully and decide how you would feel about doing each type of work.

It shouldn’t take you long.

Here are my results:

I’d say they fit perfectly.

My three main strengths are artistic, social and enterprising, including:

• creativity in my work
• work that can be done without following a set of rules
• teaching
• giving advice
• helping and being of service to people
• persuading and leading people
• making decisions
• taking risks for profits.

Are you going to take the Interest Profiler?

If so, you might like to share your results with me.

Imagine you’ve been invited to a dinner party in Britain.

Would you know what to do?

Think about the following:

• What would you take with you for the host?
• When would you arrive?
• Where should the bread plate go?
• How would you eat your bread roll?
• How would you eat asparagus—and peas?
• Where would you place your napkin if you had to leave the table for a short period of time?
• Where would you place your cutlery once you’ve finished your meal?

Now watch this video clip to see what etiquette expert William Hanson has to say.

So how many points did you get?

Imagine someone pays you a compliment.

How do you react? What do you say?

Is it your first reaction to say:

“Oh no, that’s really not true”. 

If so, try accepting the compliment gracefully.

Possible responses

• “Thank you so much. That’s very nice of you.”
• “Thank you, it makes my day to hear that.”
• “Thanks. I’m happy to know that you feel that way.”
• “Thank you so much. It feels great coming from you.”

Or try a witty response.

Say something like, “I told her to say that” if other people are around. Or even, “I love it. Keep going. Tell me more!”

How do you respond to a compliment?

Are you ready to test your spelling?

Scroll down the pages to find MacMillan Dictionary’s tests.

Easy test

Difficult test

So how did you fare?