Part 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

How to prepare for an interview

Why prepare?

There are three main reasons.

One: Although you can’t guess every question you might be asked, if you are prepared you can tailor your answers to fit.

Two: If you’re well prepared, you will have more confidence and this will affect the way you come across.

Three: Attitude matters. Prospective employers will choose a not-quite-perfect but willing candidate over a brilliant one who obviously isn’t bothered.

What to prepare?

Find out about the organisation

• Visit the website and read any materials that you have been sent. If nothing has been sent,phone the company to ask for any reading matter they may have.

• Talk to anyone you know who works there already.

Find out about the job

• Ask for a job description or specification. This will tell you the duties that go with the job.

• Talk to anyone you know who is familiar with the work you may be doing.

Find out what the employer is looking for

• Make a list of the skills specified in the job advertisement.

• Think of examples to back up claims that you have these skills.

You can then answer most of the questions that will come up, such as ‘Tell me more about how you work in a team’.

Add in a few ‘lessons learned’ – what you did and how you might have done it better. You can also outline any voluntary work you have done for a charity, or any experience of paid work in an unrelated sector.

Preparing for other kinds of questions

Interviewers are also looking for someone who is likely to stay with the organisation and progress within it. Prepare to answer questions about your ambitions for the future.

You may also be asked to account for gaps in your career history. if you have any.Be positive and accentuate the learning or experience you gained during these periods.

Preparing your own questions

• Do ask technical questions about software, systems and structures and how things are done.

• Do ask about possibilities for training.

• Don’t ask about salary unless you have been offered the job.

When you’ve prepared as much as this,you’ve got a good chance of success.

Good luck!

Questions 15 – 21

Complete the sentences below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in each gap.

By preparing for your interview, you will gain 15__________ which will help you present yourself well.

Read through any documents you have received about the company and also go to their 16__________.

Check the job description to find out what 17__________ are involved in the post you have applied for.

Interviewers may be interested to hear about any unpaid help you have given to a 18__________.

Be ready to talk about your 19__________for the development of your career.

Explain any 20__________ that there are in your work record and clarify how you usedthe time to improve your skills.

Questions about 21__________ should be delayed until a later stage.

Questions 22 – 27

Complete the sentences below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer. Write your answers in each gap.

Step 1:

Decide who you are going to sell to and compare yourself with the 22__________you are going to have.

Step 2:

Consider how you will market your product and your method of 23__________.

Step 3:

Decide if you will have to find 24__________ to work in, or buy equipment.

Step 4:

Think whether you will need to take on staff as your business grows .

Step 5:

Make sure you deal with the accounts and other essentials in accordance with the 25__________.

Step 6:

Calculate all the 26__________ involved in your business when deciding how much to charge.

Step 7:

Calculate the turnover you are aiming for in order to make a profit in the first three years.

Step 8:

Consider if you require any 27__________ to start your business, and where to find it.