1 . Why did James quit his job?

A．To start his own firm.

B．To work for his friend.

C．To go back to school.

2 . It has been five years since I left my staff job and became self-employed. I remember my terror as I walked out of the office for the last time and the excitement when I sold my first piece days later. Working for yourself, setting your own hours and being responsible for your success or failure are exciting. I left my job just as summer was starting, and my first few months were as blissful as the fair days.

When winter came, an office where someone else paid for the central heating and my salary was guaranteed seemed attractive. January is tough for freelancers (自由职业者), and it was no different for me — after masses of work, I earned none. I shared my fears with some businesswomen I knew — what if the reality would be more like what I was experiencing?

Whether through choice or circumstance, the number of freelancers is rising and, if you’re just starting out, it is scary. I’ve been lucky that these women making money their own way shared key lessons about what it takes.

You can’t feel half-hearted about what you do because, at some point, you’re going to have painful days. When that happens, you have to remember why you wanted this life in the first place. Don’t quit your job for something that you think might be more interesting, quit it for something you can’t stop thinking about.

Setting up a business is tough. Rather than waiting until all is perfect, go for the moment when it feels as if momentum (势头) is with you. Look after yourself. There is no sick pay when you are self-employed. You can’t do a bad day’s work and blame it on your boss. You are the backbone of your business and you need to prioritize your health and well-being. Rest regularly and find like-minded people to support you and lift you up when things get hard.

Finally, enjoy it. Freedom is yours and, if you can make it work, there is nothing better.

1. What does the underlined word “blissful” in paragraph 1 mean?

A．Pleasant.

B．challenging.

C．Awful.

D．Boring.

2. What bothered the author when winter came?

A．The cold weather influenced her working performance.

B．She eventually realized freelancing wasn’t to her taste.

C．Masses of freelancing work brought her much anxiety.

D．She couldn’t even earn enough to meet daily basics.

3. According to the author, why should we quit for a new job?

A．To escape from the current pain.	B．To satisfy our temporary interests.
C．To explore where our strength lies.	D．To pursue what we really desire.

4. What’s author’s probable attitude towards becoming freelancers?

A．Critical.

B．Favorable.

C．Cautious.

D．Unclear.

3 . Aptitude Tests Recommendations

Aptitude tests are helpful to job seekers of all ages. While career quizzes explore your values and work style, aptitude tests provide a more objective evaluation of your skills, helping you select a career you’re most likely to succeed in. Below are some of the best aptitude tests out there.

Clifton Strengths

The Clifton Strengths program was created based on research around leadership. The research in question pointed to common strengths among successful leaders, like strategic thinking, adaptability and communication. To complete the test, you must answer around 150 questions, each within 20 seconds. Allen Cheung, a tech blogger, notes that CliftonStrengths is more valuable than your average career test because it includes “tricky questions which aren’t as easily gamed”.

Red Bull Wingfinder

Developed and tested out by psychology experts, the Red Bull Wingfinder assesses your thinking under pressure. Questions include image sorting, logic puzzles and leadership-related questions. Once you complete the test, you’ll receive a nine-page report and career coaching tailored to your results.

SEI Development Report

The SEI Development Report is an extensive EQ aptitude test that has timed right-and-wrong answers that assess eight fundamentals, including emotional literacy, emotional management and empathy. At the end, you’ll receive a 20-page report with recommended courses on workplace EQ development.

CareerOneStop

While it only takes a few minutes to complete, the CareerOneStop Skills Assessment will help you rank both your technical and soft skills. The career suggestions at the end can be sorted by relevance, annual wages, and job outlook, coupled with with professional coaching or consultation improve your skills.

1. What do aptitude tests mainly assess for job seekers?

A．Their work ethics.	B．Their career interest.
C．Their preferred work style.	D．Their professional competence.

2. What is a unique feature of Clifton Strengths?

A．It evaluates leadership skills.	B．It is developed by experts.
C．It includes challenging questions.	D．It offers a comprehensive report.

3. Which test suits a job seeker who prefers categorized suggestions and career coaching?

A．Clift on Strengths	B．Red Bull Wingfinder
C．SEI Development Report	D．CareerOneStop

4 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the man visit the woman?

A．To seek advice on his study.	B．To look for a part-time job.
C．To collect information about university life.

2. What does the man have to do?

A．Change his university life.

B．Support his retired parents.

C．Pay his school fees by himself.

3. What does the woman tell the man?

A．He can’t find a suitable job.	B．He has to balance his time.
C．He should work as long as possible.

4. What can we learn from the conversation?

A．The library job will pay $60 an hour.

B．The man will accept the job in the library.

C．The woman suggests the man work 6 hours a week.

5 . 听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1. What is the talk mainly about?

A．Tips for a job interview.

B．Advice on finding a good job.

C．Rules for newcomers in a company.

2. How should you dress yourself?

A．Wear formal clothing.

B．Dress like others.

C．Follow the regulations of the company.

3. What topic will you be asked about?

A．Dreams.

B．Family.

C．Education.

4. What will you be allowed to do at last?

A．Talk about your thoughts.

B．Raise some questions.

C．Join a programme.

6 .

FAQs on preparing your Application
Q: Should I target my Application to a specific Job Opening (JO)?
A: Yes. Naturally, a customized cover note will also help you focus on the key aspects of your Application that relate to the JO, but it is also in your interest to target the Application according to the responsibilities and competencies of the position.
Q: What’s the difference between duties and achievements?
A: Duties describe the specific responsibilities of your job. They accurately reflect what you are doing or have done in each of your previous jobs. In other words, it is the “what you do” of your job. Achievements describe in specific terms “how well” you did in your job.
Q: Many of my achievements are team-based, how do I draft them in my Application?
A: You should include your team-based achievements in your Application. Indicate that you were part of a team, and describe your specific role in reaching the goal.
FAQs on general Application guidelines
Q: Can I save my Application?
A: Yes. You should save your Application when you make changes and/or update it. It is recommended that you save different versions of your Application in Word format and then edit the Application online according to the post for which you are applying.
Q: Can I update my Application to apply for a new JO?
A: Yes. Each time you apply for a new JO, we recommend that you review your Application and update it, if appropriate, or target it to better reflect your suitability for the new JO. Your updates will not affect the content of Applications previously submitted against other JOs.
Q: Must I use up all the available characters in each section of my Application?
A: No. In fact, doing so may result in an unnecessary lengthy Application. Unless you have an enormous range of experiences, there is no reason to use up all the space given. Applicants are encouraged to list their duties and achievements in a clear and brief manner.

1. Which of the following descriptions best shows your achievements?

A．I’ve developed various interests, ranging from oil painting to designing model.

B．I’m good at creating proposals for new product ideas aimed at a specific market.

C．I’m in charge of the clearance, production and distribution of information material.

D．I succeeded in directing a video presentation, assisting our group to win the first prize.

2. If you want to apply for another JO, you’d better __________.

A．target your focus on your interest in the JO

B．save your latest application in Word format

C．prepare one application with all your competencies

D．update your application to match new requirements

3. Applicants are expected to __________ in their applications.

A．introduce what JOs they have previously applied to

B．list the greatest achievements they have made in detail

C．give key information about their experiences and achievements

D．provide the results of their tests, assessments and examinations

7 . Do you need a career launch plan? It isn’t absolutely essential but it can be extremely helpful! A well-created plan is not just about landing a job; it is about entering the professional field with a competitive edge. Beyond that, it’s a strategy.     1     Therefore, a career launch plan is your survival guide, helping you avoid the traps and seize the right opportunities. So why not follow the following tips to create a right career launch plan?

    2     If you were to plan out your travel routes, what would you do? You’re not just randomly moving; you’re intentional about where you want to go and what you want to achieve. So is a career plan. It involves outlining specific and achievable goals that give direction to your career trajectory (轨迹).

Develop relevant skills. Once you’ve identified the qualifications and skills demanded in your ideal profession, it’s time to acquire them! Sign up for courses, pursue certifications, or gain hands-on experience to enhance your skill set.     3    

Start your job hunt. Your approach to job applications should be more like a precision strike than a messy explosion of arrows in all directions.     4     It’s not just about quantity; it’s about quality. Tailor each application to the specific role and company, emphasizing how your skills and experiences agree with their needs.

Stay flexible and agile (机敏的). The job market is changing, and being adaptable is an invaluable ability.     5     Develop a mindset of continuous improvement — always seeking ways to enhance your skills, knowledge, and approach to stay relevant in the ever-evolving professional landscape.

A．Set your goals.

B．Research your options.

C．So, what should you do to deal with it?

D．To achieve this, develop a systematic approach to your job search.

E．By doing these, you’re essentially improving your techniques!

F．The job market can be a jungle, especially when you’re just starting.

G．The goal is to create a foundation that’ll guide your career decisions.

8 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. What do the speakers mainly talk about?

A．Which university to go to.

B．What to choose as a job.

C．Where to earn more money.

2. Why does the woman make her decision?

A．She needs more money to support her family.

B．Her family live far away from the city.

C．The villages are short of good doctors.

3. What will the man probably be in the future?

A．A researcher.

B．A teacher.

C．An officer.

4. What should they do before they fulfill their plans?

A．Go to consult with their parents.

B．Do well to pass the H.S.C Examination.

C．Get admitted to the famous university.

9 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. When did the woman start architecture studies?

A．Last week.

B．Last month.

C．Last year.

2. What can we learn from the conversation?

A．English is very useful in the woman’s job.

B．The woman will work in England after graduation.

C．The woman’s English is very good.

3. What has made the woman choose architecture as a career?

A．Her teacher’s suggestion.

B．Her parents’ expectation.

C．Her personal qualities.

10 . 听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1. Why does the man make a phone call?

A．To offer the woman a job.

B．To ask the woman some questions about work.

C．To tell the woman about the time of an interview.

2. What does the woman have to do?

A．Inform her boss of her quitting.

B．Take up her new position next Monday.

C．Find a replacement for her present position.