You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT Reading Sample – “Should you pay someone to write your CV?” & “Starting a new job”
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20.
Should you pay someone to write your CV?
In my view, the belief that the individual is the best person to write their own CV is not always true. Although many people can write their own CVs, and do it well, others struggle with a variety of problems initially, such as not knowing how to structure a CV or how to highlight their most relevant strengths.
Through in-depth consultation, a professional CV writer can help identify exactly what is necessary for a particular role, cut out unnecessary or irrelevant details, and pinpoint what makes the individual stand out. This level of objectivity is one of the major benefits of working with a professional writer. It’s often difficult to stand back from your own career history to assess what’s relevant or not, or to choose the most appropriate qualities.
If you do choose to work with a professional CV writer, here are some tips:
Ask for a CV writer who has experience in your sector. HR professionals and recruiters with relevant experience can also have valuable insights into what companies are looking for.
Look for someone who’s prepared to take the time to find out your core qualities, who can choose exactly the right words for maximum impact and who understands what and where to edit. Ask to see samples of their work or use personal recommendations before you choose a CV writing service.
You’ll probably need to answer an in-depth email questionnaire or be interviewed before any writing actually starts. The more you can give your CV writer to work with, the better, so the promise of a quick turnaround time isn’t always going to result in the best possible CV. Take the time to think about and jot down your career aims, your past successes, and the value you bring, before you start the whole process. Your CV will probably be used as a springboard for questions at interview, so you need to make sure you feel happy with the way it’s being written and with the choice of words. Being involved in the writing process means your CV sounds authentic.
Questions 15-20
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
15. Some jobseekers have difficulty with their CV because they have not learnt which qualities they should ……………….. .
16. Professional CV writers know which ……………….. are best left out of the CV.
17. CV writers with knowledge of a particular field of work often provide useful ……………….. about the skills firms expect from job applicants.
18. It is advisable to request ……………….. of what a professional CV writer has previously produced.
19. Professional CV writers often ask jobseekers to work through a ……………….. as a first step.
20. If the jobseeker assists the professional writer, the tone of the CV will be ………………..
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
Starting a new job
First impressions really do last, so it’s important you perform well on your first day in the new job. Here are our top tips that will help you sail through your first day with ease.
A new job is a great opportunity to hit the reset button. If you got into the habit of skipping breakfast at your last job, fit it in now or experiment with getting a workout in before going to the office. Having a routine you like and sticking to it definitely impacts on your overall happiness.
You’ve probably already been into the office for an interview, so you’ll have some idea of what the dress code is. While you definitely want to feel comfortable, it’s best to play it safe, leaning towards a smarter and more polished look on your first day.
You don’t want to be late, but getting to the office way too early can also potentially upset not only your schedule but other people’s too. A good rule of thumb is to try and arrive 15 minutes ahead of the agreed start time.
Accepting an invite to lunch with your boss and co-workers will allow you to get to know the people you’ll be working with on a more personal level. It will also help you get a handle on personalities and work styles. To ensure the lunch goes well, have a few conversation starters in mind. That way, if the talk dries up, you can get it going again.
One of the big outcomes of going through a job search is you learn loads about yourself. In particular, you learn what you want and don’t want, and what skills you bring to the table. With this new-found understanding, take some time over the initial period to think about what goals you have for your new role. In identifying these early on, you’ll be one step closer to positioning yourself for success.
It’s important that you approach your new job with an open mind, and that you’re ready to soak it all in. Be patient with yourself as you figure out how you fit in, and make sure you understand the way things are done before rushing into giving suggestions on improvements.
Remember they hired you for a reason, so smile, relax a little and enjoy the first day of your next big thing.
Questions 21-27
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your reading answer sheet.
How best to tackle a new job
The first day
• Before arriving at work
– try out a different morning 21 ……………….. that will create a sense of well-being.
– make sure your chosen outfit conforms to the company’s 22 ………………. .
• If you eat with colleagues at midday:
– it will provide information on their 23 ……………….. and the way they operate.
– it may be wise to prepare some 24 ……………….. to help the interaction flow.
During the first few weeks
• Work out some 25 ……………….. and how to go about fulfilling them.
• Try to keep a completely 26 ……………….. as you settle into the post
• Avoid making proposals at 27 ……………….. too soon.
Answer:
15. highlight
16. details
17. insights
18. samples
19. questionnaire
20. authentic
21. routine
22. dress code
23. personalities
24. conversation starters
25. goals
26. open mind
27. improvements