Mistakes When Applying For a Job Reading Answers

Jun 11, 2026

The answers for "Mistakes when applying for a Job " include 6 questions and are part of the assessment framework for the IELTS General Reading test. Candidates are allotted 10 minutes to complete the reading responses concerning "Mistakes when applying for a Job." This portion of the IELTS reading exam consists of various question formats, including Do the following statements agree with the information given?

The answers for "Mistakes when applying for a Job" offer a comprehensive overview of the passage, explaining that the passage explains common mistakes people make when writing resumes or job applications, such as focusing only on duties instead of achievements and skills. It emphasizes the importance of giving relevant, measurable information, highlighting both technical and soft skills, and presenting abilities confidently but honestly. For additional practice with similar reading assessments, candidates can refer to the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

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Mistakes when applying for a Job Reading Answers

Topic: Mistakes when applying for a Job

There are many mistakes that people make when writing their resume (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 resumes 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 resume 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 resume 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.

Questions 15-20

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.

15. It is a mistake to specify your…………….. In past positions.

Answer: duties

Supporting statement: “listing the duties for which you were responsible in a past position”

Keywords: duties, responsible, past position

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, Line 1

Explanation: The passage states that many applicants make the mistake of listing only their duties from previous jobs. This only explains what they were expected to do, not how successfully they performed. Employers are more interested in achievements and skills.

16. Do not include a description of your ………………… in life.

Answer: objective

Supporting statement: “Writing what you are trying to achieve in life - your objective - is a waste of space.”

Keywords: objective, waste of space

Keyword Location: Paragraph 4, Line 1

Explanation: The writer explains that adding personal objectives in a resume is unnecessary. Employers care more about what the applicant can contribute to the company. Therefore, a career summary is considered more useful.

17. Include soft skills such as an ability to ……………….. Successfully.

Answer: negotiate

Supporting statement: “your ability to negotiate effectively”

Keywords: negotiate, effectively, soft skills

Keyword Location: Paragraph 5, Line 2

Explanation: The passage highlights that soft skills are important in a resume. One important soft skill mentioned is the ability to negotiate effectively. This skill can be as valuable as technical knowledge in many jobs.

18. Think hard about the position so you can ensure that the information in your application....................

Answer: relevant

Supporting statement: “All information you give should be relevant”

Keywords: information, relevant

Keyword Location: Paragraph 6, Line 1

Explanation: The writer advises applicants to include only information related to the job they are applying for. Relevant details help employers understand the applicant’s suitability for the position.

19. Make the …………………. between your abilities and the job you are applying for clear.

Answer: connection

Supporting statement: “it is up to you to draw a connection for the resume reviewer”

Keywords: draw, connection, resume reviewer

Keyword Location: Paragraph 6, Line 2

Explanation: Applicants must clearly explain how their previous experience and skills match the new job. The employer may not automatically understand this relationship, so the connection should be made obvious in the resume.

20. Do not be too …………….. about what you can do.

Answer: modest

Supporting statement: “If you are modest about the skills you can offer”

Keywords: modest, skills, offer

Keyword Location: Paragraph 7, Line 1

Explanation: The passage warns that being too modest can create a negative impression. Applicants should confidently explain their abilities and achievements so employers understand their true potential.

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