‘CV and Interview Skills’ Seminar - IELTS Listening Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Recent Actual Test 1 Academic Listening Test 4 · Part 2 · Questions 11–20
Audio
Questions
Questions 11–17 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS for each answer.
'CV and Interview Skills' Seminar
- The speaker suggests that the students use the 11 when they begin writing résumés.
- The students should be sure not to keep the CV 12.
- A 13 cover letter is useful when applying for a job and should be included.
- The speaker believes the CV should have a beautiful 14.
- The CV should not have any spelling and grammar 15.
- The words in a CV can describe your 16.
- Don't forget to put down a 17 on the CV.
Questions 18–20 Multiple Choice (Three Answers)
Choose THREE letters, A-G, and write them next to questions 18-20.
What THREE details should job applicants know in the interview?
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q11 | Internet | But let me tell you that there are dozens of great websites on the Internet. These will give you all the suggestions you need | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that there are many helpful websites on the Internet that provide all the advice necessary for writing a résumé. Answer Explanation: The answer refers to the global computer network where people can find websites and information. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is chosen because the speaker explains that since he cannot cover everything about writing a résumé in one session, students should look at websites found on the Internet for help and suggestions. He even provides them with a list of the most popular sites to get them started. |
| Q12 | too long | One is that your CV or résumé should not be too long | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explicitly tells the listeners that a CV should be brief and not have an excessive length. Answer Explanation: The answer "too long" means that a person's resume or CV should be short and should not include too much information or many pages. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "too long" because the speaker directly advises the students on the length of their resume. The speaker mentions that managers in HR (Human Resources) departments are very busy and do not have time to read long documents, so a CV should be kept to about one page. |
| Q13 | typed | Also, when you send that CV, be sure to include a typed cover letter | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that when a person sends their CV to a company, they should definitely add a letter that is written on a computer. Answer Explanation: The answer "typed" means the document should be written using a computer or a keyboard, rather than written by hand. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "typed" because the speaker tells the students that they must include a cover letter with their CV and that this letter must be typed. The speaker mentions that companies only read letters that are made this way, even if a person has very nice handwriting. |
| Q14 | layout | Another point about CVs is you should try to have an attractive layout | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript suggests that a person should try to make sure their CV has an "attractive layout," meaning the way the information is put on the page should look nice and professional. Answer Explanation: The answer "layout" means how words, pictures, and colors are arranged on a page to make it look organized and professional. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "layout" because the speaker advises that a CV should look good to the person reading it. The speaker uses the word "attractive," which has a similar meaning to "beautiful." They specify that this visual design or arrangement is called the "layout." |
| Q15 | errors | Whatever layout you decide to use, however, avoid all spelling and grammar errors | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that no matter how your CV looks, you must make sure there are no mistakes in the spelling of words or the way you use grammar. Answer Explanation: The answer "errors" means mistakes in writing, such as using the wrong letters to spell a word or using incorrect sentence rules. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "errors" because the speaker explicitly advises the audience to "avoid all spelling and grammar errors." The speaker emphasizes this point by explaining that as a former HR manager, they would throw any CV with a mistake into the garbage, meaning the person would not get the job. |
| Q16 | skills and experiences | Something you write in a CV is a description of your skills and experiences in an interesting way | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript explains that a CV should contain details about what you know how to do and where you have worked before, written in a way that gets the reader's attention. Answer Explanation: The answer "skills and experiences" refers to the special abilities you have learned (skills) and the work you have done in the past (experiences). Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "skills and experiences" because the speaker explicitly states that these are the things you write about in your CV. By giving a clear description of what you have done and what you are good at, you show the manager why they should hire you. |
| Q17 | contact number | Finally, speaking of CVs, it's sad. But some people actually forget to provide a contact number | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that some people make the mistake of not including their phone number on their resume, which makes it impossible for companies to get in touch with them. Answer Explanation: The answer "contact number" means a phone number that a company can use to reach you and talk to you. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is based on the speaker's advice about the end of the CV. The speaker explains that even if a CV is excellent, it is useless if the hiring manager cannot call the applicant. The speaker uses the word "forget" to warn students not to leave this information out. "Contact number" is used as a synonym for "phone number" in this context. |
| Q18 | — | — | |
| Q19 | — | — | |
| Q20 | C / E / F | It is important, however, to get a feel for how much you'll be paid. You should make sure the salary range is commensurate with what you're worth, and if you're not, you can move on to better opportunities. Being sure you're going to make what you want to live on is much more important than issues like your pension – you're all so young that your pension is not going to matter for quite a long time. You should find out about what skills you must know for the job and what they'll teach you. In addition, if the company will provide training, you should find out how long the training period is and whether it is paid. Beware of any jobs that want you to train for a long time without appropriate compensation. Speaking of compensation, find out about holidays as well | Excerpt/Transcript Explanation: The transcript states that it is very important to know how much money you will be paid (salary range). It also tells job seekers to ask about the skills they will learn (training) and any time off they might get for vacations or personal days (holidays). Answer Explanation: The answer identifies that during an interview, an applicant should focus on finding out about the salary range, the details of any required training, and the policy for holidays. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is derived from the section of the seminar discussing interview strategies. The speaker highlights that while some topics like working hours, promotions, and location can be discussed later, it is 'important' to understand the salary range to ensure it matches one's worth. Furthermore, the speaker explicitly tells applicants they 'should find out' about potential training and 'find out about holidays as well.' In contrast, the speaker dismisses pension as not being important for young people and suggests that other details like the location can wait until after these main issues are resolved. |
Transcript
Welcome everyone to today's seminar on "CV and Interview Skills". Remember, your CV is probably the most important document you will ever write. It opens the door to your career! And that job interview is probably the most important meeting you will ever attend. It's like stepping through that open door. So let's roll up our sleeves and get down to work, shall we?
First of all, I cannot possibly tell you everything you need to know about writing a résumé in the time we have. But let me tell you that there are dozens of great websites on the Internet. These will give you all the suggestions you need. If you look at the paper I gave you, you will see a list of the dozen most popular sites.
I can mention a couple of important points, however. One is that your CV or résumé should not be too long. A page is about right. Why? HR departments do not have time to read long documents. Too many people are sending too many CVs! After all, the economic crisis of 2008 is still very much alive. Everyone needs a job now.
No matter how short you make that résumé, though, you do not want to forget to tell HR how to contact your references. References are people who will give you a recommendation for a job. That's usually an ex-boss or a professor who knows you well. Do not use relatives! I don't care how much your mum loves you.
Also, when you send that CV, be sure to include a typed cover letter. A cover letter is a letter where you, basically, are asking for a job. It's like introducing yourself. Make it brief. The real information about you is on that CV of yours. And, please make sure the letter is typed! It doesn't matter if your handwriting is beautiful or not. Companies only read typed letters.
Another point about CVs is you should try to have an attractive layout. Maybe use different typefonts or colours to highlight information. Some people include a photo. You can find dozens of examples on the Internet. Whatever layout you decide to use, however, avoid all spelling and grammar errors. I used to be an HR manager. If I saw a mistake, that CV went into the garbage.
Something you write in a CV is a description of your skills and experiences in an interesting way. Mention training, too. I mean these are what get you hired! Do not just say, "I have lots of experience." or "I have many skills." Tell that boss what you did, for what company, and when. Better, tell him how well you did it! Don't just say, "I sold houses." Say, "I sold two million pounds worth of houses in my first year." That is, say something to make the person reading excited and curious.
Finally, speaking of CVs, it's sad. But some people actually forget to provide a contact number. That's pretty silly. You wrote a great CV, you have HR dying to meet you... and they don't know how. You forgot your phone number! Oh sure, if you apply online, they have your e-mail address. But you just showed them you're forgetful. Why are they going to want to talk to you after that?
Alright, moving on to the actual interview, I'll go over what you need to know by the end of it, and what you can discuss and negotiate on later once it looks like you'll be offered the job. First, there's working hours. It's not that necessary to hammer out the hours off the bat, especially since it's easy to come off as lazy when the first thing you bring up is how much you're going to have to work. You can also find out more about possible promotions later on. It is important, however, to get a feel for how much you'll be paid. You should make sure the salary range is commensurate with what you're worth, and if you're not, you can move on to better opportunities. Being sure you're going to make what you want to live on is much more important than issues like your pension – you're all so young that your pension is not going to matter for quite a long time.
You should find out about what skills you must know for the job and what they'll teach you. In addition, if the company will provide training, you should find out how long the training period is and whether it is paid. Beware of any jobs that want you to train for a long time without appropriate compensation.
Speaking of compensation, find out about holidays as well. Do you get paid vacation time? Are you allowed to take personal days? Do you have to work on national holidays?
Once you work out these main issues, you can move on later to details like the location and expected attire and whatnot.
Wow, that's a lot of information! Let's take a break so you can think everything over and ask any questions you may have. Don't hesitate to come and see me if you need any clarification on all this stuff!