Mistakes When Applying For A Job & Health And Safety Certificate For The Construction Industry - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS General Training Reading Test 2 · Part 2 · Questions 15–27
Reading Passage
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20.
Mistakes when applying for a job
There are many mistakes that people make when writing their résumé (CV) or completing a job application. Here are some of the most common and most serious.
The biggest problem is perhaps listing the duties for which you were responsible in a past position: all this tells your potential employers is what you were supposed to do. They do not necessarily know the specific skills you used in executing them, nor do they know what results you achieved – both of which are essential. In short, they won't know if you were the best, the worst, or just average in your position.
The more concrete information you can include, the better. As far as possible, provide measurements of what you accomplished. If any innovations you introduced saved the organization money, how much did they save? If you found a way of increasing productivity, by what percentage did you increase it?
Writing what you are trying to achieve in life – your objective – is a waste of space. It tells the employer what you are interested in. Do you really think that employers care what you want? No, they are interested in what they want! Instead, use that space for a career summary. A good one is brief – three to four sentences long. A good one will make the person reviewing your application want to read further.
Many résumés list ‘hard' job-specific skills, almost to the exclusion of transferable, or ‘soft', skills. However, your ability to negotiate effectively, for example, can be just as important as your technical skills.
All information you give should be relevant, so carefully consider the job for which you are applying. If you are applying for a job that is somewhat different than your current job, it is up to you to draw a connection for the résumé reviewer, so that they will understand how your skills will fit in their organization. The person who reviews your paperwork will not be a mind reader.
If you are modest about the skills you can offer, or the results you have achieved, a résumé reader may take what you write literally, and be left with a low opinion of your ability: you need to say exactly how good you are. On the other hand, of course, never stretch the truth or lie.
______________
Read the text below and answer Questions 21–27.
HEALTH AND SAFETY CERTIFICATE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY (H&S Certificate)
Who should register for this course?
The H&S Certificate is aimed at people who work as supervisors within the construction industry (whether or not that is part of their job title), who are required to ensure that activities under their control are undertaken safely.
Course duration
Option 1 - Conversion Course (for those who have a PHS Certificate see below): 10 days, either one day a week or two weeks full-time
Option 2 – Full Course (for all others): 15 days, either one day a week or three weeks full-time
For both options, the written exam and practical assessment take half a day.
About the course
The course provides thorough preparation for the H&S Certificate, which is an award in health and safety specifically designed for the construction industry. It combines theory with practice, ensuring that those who gain the certificate are capable of managing health and safety throughout each stage of the construction process, from planning and design to use and finally demolition.
You may already be one step towards gaining an H&S Certificate
The PHS (Principles of Health and Safety) Certificate can be taken separately or as part of the H&S Certificate. If you gained this qualification no more than five years before entering for the H&S Certificate, it will be recognised as contributing to your Certificate without the need to repeat that unit of the course.
Course content
The H&S Certificate is divided into three units. Unit 1 covers the principles of health and safety (and is identical to the PHS Certificate), Unit 2 covers the identification and control of hazards, and Unit 3 deals with practical applications of health and safety.
How is the course assessed?
Candidates take written examinations for Units 1 and 2. Unit 3 is assessed by a practical examination testing the ability to identify health and safety issues in a construction workplace. Unit 3 needs to be taken within 14 days of a written examination.
A full certificate is issued on successful completion of all three units.
Funding
Candidates from non-EU countries may be eligible for a small number of grants. These cover the cost of tuition, but not examination fees. For details, please contact the Registrar.
Enquiries
For further information please contact our administration office.
Questions
Questions 15–20 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
- It is a mistake to specify your 15 in past positions.
- Do not include a description of your 16 in life.
- Include soft skills such as an ability to 17 successfully.
- Think hard about the position so you can ensure that the information in your application is 18.
- Make the 19 between your abilities and the job you are applying for clear.
- Do not be too 20 about what you can do.
Questions 21–27 Short Answers
Answer the questions below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY AND/OR A NUMBER from the text for each answer.
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q15 | duties | The biggest problem is perhaps listing the duties for which you were responsible in a past position: all this tells your potential employers is what you were supposed to do | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the most serious mistake is writing a list of the work tasks (duties) you were given in an old job, because that information only shows what you were expected to do, not how well you actually did it. Answer Explanation: The answer means you should not write down a list of the tasks you were expected to do in your previous jobs. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'duties' because the text states that the 'biggest problem' (or mistake) when writing a job application is 'listing the duties' you had in a past position. The text suggests that instead of just listing these tasks, you should focus on your actual skills and the results you achieved. |
| Q16 | objective | Writing what you are trying to achieve in life – your objective – is a waste of space | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage points out that explaining your personal life goals, also known as your objective, takes up space without helping you get the job, because the employer is more focused on their own needs. Answer Explanation: The answer 'objective' refers to your personal goals or the things you hope to achieve for yourself in the future. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'objective' because the passage explicitly states that writing about what you want to achieve in life is a waste of space on a job application. The text explains that employers are more interested in what they need rather than what you personally want or hope to do, so including an objective is considered a common mistake. The word 'objective' is defined in the text as what someone is 'trying to achieve in life.' |
| Q17 | negotiate | However, your ability to negotiate effectively, for example, can be just as important as your technical skills | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that being able to talk to people to reach an agreement is a very useful and important skill for work. Answer Explanation: The answer means having the skill to talk with others to reach an agreement or deal. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'negotiate' because the text mentions that people often forget to include 'transferable' or 'soft' skills on their resume. It provides 'negotiate effectively' (which means to do it successfully) as a specific example of such a skill that is just as valuable as technical 'hard' skills. |
| Q18 | relevant | All information you give should be relevant, so carefully consider the job for which you are applying | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that before you write your application, you must look at the job details. You should only include information that is important for that specific position. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the facts you include in your job application must be useful and related to the specific job you want. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "relevant" because the text says that when you apply for a job, you must think about that job carefully. Then, you should make sure every bit of information you share fits that job perfectly. In the text, the author uses the words "carefully consider the job" to mean that you should think hard about the position so that the information you provide is useful for that specific role. |
| Q19 | connection | it is up to you to draw a connection for the résumé reviewer, so that they will understand how your skills will fit in their organization | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that the person applying for the job is responsible for showing the link between their skills and the new company so that the person reading the application understands why they are a good choice. Answer Explanation: The answer 'connection' means a link or a way to show how two things are joined or related to each other. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'connection' because the passage states that if a person applies for a job that is different from their current one, they must show the person reading the résumé how their skills are a good match. The text uses the word 'connection' to describe this link that the applicant must create to help the employer understand how their abilities fit the new role. The passage also mentions that the person reviewing the application 'will not be a mind reader,' meaning you must clearly show this link yourself. |
| Q20 | modest | If you are modest about the skills you can offer, or the results you have achieved, a résumé reader may take what you write literally, and be left with a low opinion of your ability: you need to say exactly how good you are | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that if you don't speak highly enough of your skills (if you are modest), the person reading your application might think you have low ability. It tells you that you must clearly show how good you are. Answer Explanation: The answer 'modest' refers to being too shy or humble about your own skills and achievements. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'modest' because the passage advises against being too humble when describing your skills. It explains that if you are modest, the person reading your CV might take it literally and believe you are not very good at your job. Therefore, the text suggests you should avoid being modest and instead state clearly how good you are. |
| Q21 | supervisors / supervisor | The H&S Certificate is aimed at people who work as supervisors within the construction industry (whether or not that is part of their job title), who are required to ensure that activities under their control are undertaken safely | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that this certificate is meant for people who lead or manage workers in the construction business to help them ensure the work environment is safe. Answer Explanation: The answer identifies the specific job role of the people who should sign up for this certificate training course. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is identified in the section titled 'Who should register for this course?'. The text states that the H&S Certificate is for people who work as supervisors in the building industry. These individuals are responsible for making sure that all work is done in a safe way. |
| Q22 | 15 days / 15 / fifteen | Option 2 – Full Course (for all others): 15 days, either one day a week or three weeks full-time | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that Option 2 is for everyone else who does not have the PHS certificate and that this course lasts for 15 days. Answer Explanation: The answer is the number of days a student who does not have a PHS Certificate must attend the course. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 15 because the text describes two options for course duration. Option 2 is the 'Full Course' meant for 'all others' (anyone who does not have a PHS Certificate), and it clearly states that this option takes 15 days. |
| Q23 | demolition | from planning and design to use and finally demolition | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage lists the different steps involved in building work and names demolition as the final part of that sequence. Answer Explanation: The answer is the official term for tearing down or destroying a building when it is no longer needed. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'demolition' because the text explains that the course covers health and safety management through every single 'stage' of construction. The list of stages starts with planning and design, continues with use, and ends with 'finally demolition.' The word 'finally' indicates that it is the last step in the process mentioned. |
| Q24 | 5 years | If you gained this qualification no more than five years before entering for the H&S Certificate, it will be recognised as contributing to your Certificate without the need to repeat that unit of the course | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that if you finished the PHS qualification in the last five years, it will help you earn your H&S certificate without you having to do that work again. Answer Explanation: The answer means that if you got your PHS certificate within the last five years, it is still useful and can be used to help you get the H&S Certificate. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is five years because the text states that if you finished the PHS course no more than five years ago, it counts towards your new certificate. This means you do not have to study that part of the course again. |
| Q25 | hazards | Unit 2 covers the identification and control of hazards | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the second part of the course teaches students how to see and manage dangerous items or situations. Answer Explanation: The answer "hazards" refers to things that are dangerous or could cause harm to people. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the 'Course content' section of the text. It explains exactly what each of the three units covers. For Unit 2, it specifically mentions that it is about the 'identification' (finding) and 'control' (dealing with) of dangers. |
| Q26 | practical | Unit 3 is assessed by a practical examination testing the ability to identify health and safety issues in a construction workplace | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the score for Unit 3 is based on a hands-on test that checks if a person can find health and safety dangers in a building area. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the test for Unit 3 involves doing tasks or showing skills in a real-world setting, rather than just writing answers on a paper. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'practical' because the text explains how each part of the course is tested. While Unit 1 and Unit 2 have written exams, the text specifically states that Unit 3 is tested with a 'practical' examination to see if students can find safety problems at work. |
| Q27 | tuition | These cover the cost of tuition, but not examination fees | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that the grants pay for the cost of classes, but they do not pay for the tests. Answer Explanation: The answer means the money from a grant is used to pay for the cost of classes or instruction. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is tuition because the text explains how the grants work for certain students. It clarifies that these specific funds pay for the educational costs of the course, but they do not cover other things like exam fees. |