Preparing for Employment Interview - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From Oxford IELTS Practice Tests Academic Listening Test 4 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–14 Table Completion
Complete the table below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
| Preparing for the interview | |
|---|---|
| What to do | How to do it |
| Step 1:
Prepare things to take. |
Gather all documents, e.g. copies of résumé.
Choose 11 , e.g. designs, drawings, written work. |
| Step 2:
Get more information. |
Check you have pen and paper.
Ask firm for a 12 . See profiles at Chamber of Commerce, library. |
| Step 3:
Focus on you and the job. |
Contact 13 of this or related firms.
Compare yourself with what is required. Imagine likely questions and your answers. Decide how to make up for any 14 you lack. |
Questions 15–20 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
At the interview
Arrive no more than 15 before the time of the interview.
After you hear the question, you can 16 before you reply.
You can 17 if you don't understand what they're asking you.
Wait for them to offer you the job before you say what 18 you want.
Learning from the experience will make you more 19 in future interviews.
Pay attention to your 20 - it shows you have a positive attitude.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | work samples | You could also take some work samples, selecting from what you have designed, drawn or written, for instance | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that candidates can bring examples of their work, choosing from items they have designed, drawn, or written. Answer Explanation: The answer "work samples" means examples of things you have made or done in the past to show an employer your skills. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "work samples" because the speaker lists items to prepare and bring to an interview. She suggests choosing "work samples" from things you have "designed, drawn or written", which matches the notes describing examples like "designs, drawings, written work". The word "selecting" in the talk corresponds to "Choose" in the table. |
| Q12 | job description | Always request a job description from the employer, and research employer profiles at the Chamber of Commerce or local library | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that you should always ask the hiring company to give you the written details of the job. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to an official document from an employer that explains the duties, tasks, and requirements of a specific role. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "job description" because the speaker advises job seekers to "Always request a job description from the employer" when gathering information about the position. In the notes, "Ask firm for a" matches "request ... from the employer." |
| Q13 | employees / employes | You could also try to network with people who work for the company, or with employees of companies associated with it | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that you can connect and talk with people who work at the company or with workers from connected businesses to learn more about the job. Answer Explanation: The answer "employees" refers to the people who work at a company or business. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "employees". When explaining how to get more information before an interview, the speaker suggests networking with people from the target company or with "employees of companies associated with it". In the table, "Contact" corresponds to "network with", and "related firms" corresponds to "companies associated with it", making "employees" the exact missing word. |
| Q14 | experience or skills | If you don't have any experience or skills in a required area, think about how you might compensate for those deficiencies | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that if you lack the necessary practice or abilities for a certain job requirement, you should consider ways to balance or make up for what you are missing. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to having background practice or specific abilities needed for a job. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "experience or skills" because the speaker advises that if you are missing any required abilities or background knowledge for a job, you should plan how to make up for those gaps. In the table, "lack" matches "don't have", and "make up for" matches "compensate for". |
| Q15 | ten minutes | Don't, though, present yourself for the interview too early: ten minutes at most | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript advises the listener not to arrive too far ahead of time for a job interview, saying that ten minutes ahead is the maximum. Answer Explanation: The answer means you should arrive at the interview location 10 minutes early at maximum. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "ten minutes" because Sandy mentions that you should not show up too early for the interview, stating "ten minutes at most". In the notes, "no more than" matches "at most". |
| Q16 | take your time | Take your time in responding and make sure your answers are positive | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that you should not rush when answering a question during an interview, and you should ensure your replies are positive. Answer Explanation: The answer "take your time" means to not rush and to give yourself enough time to do something carefully. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is verified by Sandy's instructions on how to handle interview questions. She advises listeners to "Take your time in responding". In the prompt, the word "responding" matches the synonym phrase "before you reply". |
| Q17 | ask for clarification | If you are unsure of a question, don't be afraid to ask for clarification | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that if a job applicant does not completely understand an interview question, they should feel comfortable asking the interviewer to explain it more clearly. Answer Explanation: The answer means to ask the speaker to explain something more clearly so you can understand it better. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "ask for clarification" because Sandy explains what to do when you do not understand what the interviewer is asking. In the audio, she mentions that if you are "unsure of a question" (meaning you do not understand it), you should not hesitate to "ask for clarification". |
| Q18 | salary requirements / salary | Use caution if you are questioned about your salary requirements. The best strategy is to avoid the question until you have been offered a job | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript advises being careful when asked about how much money you expect to make, and states that the best method is to wait until an official job offer is made before discussing pay. Answer Explanation: The answer "salary" means the regular payment or amount of money you earn from your job. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "salary" because Sandy suggests that the best approach is to avoid answering questions about your pay until a job is officially offered to you. In the notes, "say what salary you want" matches the transcript's phrase "salary requirements" and "avoid the question until you have been offered a job". |
| Q19 | confident | Think about the interview and learn from the experience. Evaluate the success and failures. The more you learn from the interview, the easier the next one will become. You'll become much more confident | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that when you reflect and learn from your interview, the next interview will be easier and you will feel much more confident. Answer Explanation: The answer means feeling sure of yourself, your abilities, and having self-assurance. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "confident" because the speaker advises the listener to learn from the interview experience and evaluate their successes and failures. The speaker explains that doing this makes the next interview easier and helps a person become much more "confident". |
| Q20 | appearance | Remember that your appearance is a key indicator of whether you have the right attitude, so it can pay to give some thought to how you look | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that the way you look is an important sign that shows you have the proper attitude, so it is helpful to think carefully about your grooming and clothes. Answer Explanation: The answer means how you look on the outside, including your clothes, hair, and overall grooming. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "appearance" because the speaker advises candidates to care about how they look, explaining that one's appearance shows whether they have the right attitude. In the notes, "Pay attention to your [appearance]" matches "give some thought to how you look" and "appearance is a key indicator of whether you have the right attitude." |
Transcript
PRESENTER Today I have with me Sandy Richardson of the local Workforce Center, and she'll be talking about that critical step towards the goal of employment: the interview. Sandy, what is an interview for, and what's the best way to approach it?
SANDY A job interview is simply a meeting between you and a potential employer to discuss your qualifications and see if there is a 'fit'. The employer wants to verify what they know about you and talk about your qualifications. If you have been called for an interview, you can assume that the employer is interested in you. The employer has a need that you may be able to meet, so it's your goal to identify that need and convince the employer that you're the one for the job. As everyone knows, interviews can be stressful, but when you're well prepared there's no reason to panic. Preparation is the key to success in a job search, and you can begin by collecting together all the documents you may need for the interview, such as extra copies of your resumé, lists of references, and letters of recommendation. You could also take some work samples, selecting from what you have designed, drawn or written, for instance. And make sure you have a pen and pad of paper for taking notes. The next step is to find out about the post. The more you know about the job, the employer and the industry, the better prepared you will be to target your qualifications. Always request a job description from the employer, and research employer profiles at the Chamber of Commerce or local library. You could also try to network with people who work for the company, or with employees of companies associated with it. The next step is to match your qualifications to the requirements of the job. A good approach is to write out your qualifications along with the job requirements. Think about some standard interview questions and how you might respond. Most questions are designed to find out more about you, your qualifications or to test your reactions in a given situation. If you don't have any experience or skills in a required area, think about how you might compensate for those deficiencies.
During an interview it's important that you be yourself. Get a good night's sleep and plan your travel to be there in plenty of time, so that you're not arriving out of breath with 30 seconds to spare. Don't, though, present yourself for the interview too early: ten minutes at most. In the interview, listen carefully to each question asked. Take your time in responding and make sure your answers are positive. It's important to express a good attitude and show that you are willing to work, eager to learn and are flexible. If you are unsure of a question, don't be afraid to ask for clarification. In fact, it's sometimes a good strategy is to close a response with a question for the interviewer. In general, focus on your qualifications and look for opportunities to personalize the interview. Briefly answer questions with examples of how you responded in comparable situations, from either your life or previous job experiences. Something you should avoid are 'yes' or 'no' responses to questions, but don't dwell too long on non-job related topics. Use caution if you are questioned about your salary requirements. The best strategy is to avoid the question until you have been offered a job. Questions about salary asked before there is a job offer are usually screening questions that may eliminate you from consideration, so be warned. On the other hand, it isn't inappropriate to show your enthusiasm if your first impressions of the interview and of the employer are good ones, so, if the job sounds like what you are looking for - say so. Keep in mind that the interview is not over when you are asked if you have any questions. Come prepared to ask a couple of specific questions that again show your knowledge and interest in the job. Close the interview in the same friendly, positive manner in which you started. When the interview is over, leave promptly. Don't overstay your time. Think about the interview and learn from the experience. Evaluate the success and failures. The more you learn from the interview, the easier the next one will become. You'll become much more confident. To close, here are a few more tips. First, maintain good eye contact throughout the interview, and be aware of nonverbal body language. Second, dress a step above what you would wear on the job, go to the hairdresser's, have a shave, et cetera. Remember that your appearance is a key indicator of whether you have the right attitude, so it can pay to give some thought to how you look. And, finally, don't be a clock watcher!