An interview for a job - PAU 2004

>Exámenes selectividad inglés Galicia resueltos

Some employers recruit graduates after a half hour personal interview. This is done in a formal setting, between two people, one of whom controls the conversation. There are always parts of interviews which are different from what is expected. The interviewer may not start at the beginning, and this can be difficult. You will have to order and clarify your thoughts quickly as the interviewer jumps from one point to the other. “Situational questions” are where the interviewer describes a work situation and asks for your solution. Generally you are recommended to think aloud - identify the key points and clarify the information, adding a dash of common sense.

In some cases, you will encounter panel interviews, where you will meet two, three or more interviewers at the same time. It is usual in such cases for the question topics to be split up between the interviewers, so that for example one will cover your academic record, the second concentrating on your reasons for wanting the job, and so on. You will have to build up rapport with each interviewer, adapt to his/her style, and concentrate on the abrupt change of topic. You should try and remember who is who - not their names, but their job or position, so that your answers are given at an appropriate level.

Remember that an interview is a two way process, and you should use the opportunity to ask questions. At the end of the interview you should have enough information to make a decision, if the job is offered to you.

RESPUESTAS

READING COMPREHENSION

1. Write a title in English which best summarises the text and justify your answer (25-40 words).

The best title for this text is “An interview for a job” because the author describes the different kinds of interviews for jobs and the best way to prepare yourself for an interview and answer the questions well.

2. Explain in English the meaning of the following expressions as used in the text

a) to be split up: This means “to be divided” or “to be shared”.

b) a dash of common sense: This means “a little common sense”.

3. Complete the second sentence of each pair so that it has the same meaning as the first one:

a) The interviewer may not start at the beginning.

• Perhaps the interview will not start at the beginning.

b) You are recommended to think aloud.

• Thinking aloud is recommended.

4. Answer the following questions in your own words. The information must be taken from the text:

a) Which kinds of interview are mentioned in the text?

They mention personal interviews and panel interviews in the text.

b) What is the advice given for panel interviews?

They advise the interviewee to make a good relationship with each interviewer, adapt to his/her way of behaving, and concentrate on the sudden change of topic, to try and remember which person is which - not their names, but their job or position, so that the answers are given well.

WRITING

5. How would you prepare yourself in order to get a job? (Minimum 80 words, maximum 100 words)

In order to get a job I would first pass all of my exams in my studies. Secondly, I would try to practise my speciality in a company where they need an employee, and finally I would look for a job with a good salary near my home. However, if I could not find it I would look for one on the Internet or in the newspapers in another city or country. I think I would try to prepare the interview well, as the text says, as it is very important, and wear good clothes for it.

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