How To Prepare For An Interview Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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

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

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

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

5. Be ready to talk about your .............. for the development of your career.

6. Explain any .............. that there are in your work record and clarify how you used the time to improve your skills.

7. Questions about .............. should be delayed until a later stage.
 

How To Prepare For An Interview  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-7)

Type of question: Sentence Completion

In this question type, you are required to fill in the blanks in a given sentence with words or phrases taken directly from the passage. These questions test your ability to understand specific details and information presented in the text.

How to best answer: 

• Read the sentence carefully to understand the context.
• Identify keywords or clues that can help you find the answer in the passage.
• Scan the passage for relevant information, focusing on the area around the blank.
• Choose the answer that fits grammatically and contextually.
• Verify your answers and finalise them.
   

Reference: From Paragraph A: “If you’re well prepared, you will have more confidence, and this will affect the way you come across”.

Explanation: This line highlights that preparation leads to increased confidence, which positively influences how a candidate presents themselves during an interview. Since the question asks about what will help in presenting oneself well, "confidence" is the correct answer.

Reference: From Paragraph B: “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”.

Explanation: This line suggests that candidates should explore the company’s website to gather useful information. Since the question asks where candidates should look for company details, "website" is the correct answer.
 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “Ask for a job description or specification. This will tell you the duties that go with the job.”.

Explanation: This line states that a job description or specification provides details about the tasks associated with the job. Since the question asks what the job description reveals, "duties" is the correct answer.
 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “You can also outline any voluntary work you have done for a charity or any experience of paid work in an unrelated sector”.

Explanation: This line mentions that voluntary work, particularly for a charity, can be discussed during an interview. Since the question asks about unpaid work, "charity" is the correct answer.

Reference: From Paragraph C: “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”.

Explanation: This line indicates that interviewers are interested in knowing a candidate’s future goals and career plans. Since the question asks about discussing career development, "ambitions" is the correct answer.

Reference: From Paragraph C: “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”.

Explanation: This line explains that candidates should be prepared to discuss breaks in their employment history. Since the question asks about missing periods in work experience, "gaps" is the correct answer.

Reference: From Paragraph D: “Don’t ask about salary unless you have been offered the job”.

Explanation: This line advises candidates to avoid discussing salary until they receive a job offer. Since the question asks what should be delayed, "salary" is the correct answer.

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the list of IELTS Reading Vocabulary!