Similar to describe a person who has a unique job, this topic explores career perspectives but focuses on jobs we’d rather avoid. Let’s examine how to articulate your thoughts effectively.
IELTS Speaking Examiner interviewing candidate about undesirable jobs
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions include:
- What kind of jobs do you find interesting?
- Are there any jobs you would never want to do?
- What makes a job undesirable for you?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“While I respect all professions, I personally would find it challenging to work as a high-rise window cleaner. The main reason is that I’m not comfortable with heights, and the physical demands of the job would be quite overwhelming for me. Additionally, the exposure to extreme weather conditions makes it particularly challenging.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a job you think you would not enjoy doing
You should say:
- What the job is
- Why you wouldn’t like it
- What skills are needed for this job
- And explain how you feel about people who do this job
Professional working in challenging conditions demonstrating undesirable job aspects
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I would not enjoy being a call center agent because it involves dealing with angry customers all day. The job requires working night shifts and following strict scripts. You need to have patience and good communication skills. I respect people who do this job because it’s not easy to handle complaints constantly.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I would find it particularly challenging to work as an emergency room surgeon, despite its noble nature. The job demands making split-second decisions under immense pressure, with lives literally hanging in the balance. It requires exceptional manual dexterity, comprehensive medical knowledge, and the ability to remain calm in crisis situations. While I deeply admire the medical professionals who possess these qualities, I believe the emotional toll and the irregular hours would be overwhelming for someone like me.”
Like describe an activity you enjoy doing outdoors, understanding what we don’t enjoy helps clarify our preferences.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How have job preferences changed in recent years?
A (Band 8-9): “There’s been a paradigm shift in job preferences, with younger generations prioritizing work-life balance over traditional high-paying roles. People are increasingly gravitating towards positions that offer flexibility and personal fulfillment rather than just financial rewards.”
Q: Should people take jobs they don’t enjoy for financial security?
A (Band 8-9): “While financial stability is crucial, there needs to be a delicate balance between earning potential and job satisfaction. Research indicates that prolonged exposure to unfulfilling work can lead to deteriorating mental health and reduced productivity. However, sometimes taking a less enjoyable position can serve as a stepping stone toward more desirable opportunities.”
Similar to describe an unusual hobby you would like to take up, career choices reflect personal preferences and values.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Career trajectory /kəˈrɪə trəˈdʒektəri/ (n): the path or progress of a career
- Job satisfaction /dʒɒb sætɪsˈfækʃən/ (n): the feeling of fulfillment from one’s work
- Occupational hazard /ˌɒkjuˈpeɪʃənl ˈhæzəd/ (n): risks associated with a particular job
- Work-life balance /wɜːk laɪf ˈbæləns/ (n): equilibrium between career and personal life
- Professional burnout /prəˈfeʃənl ˈbɜːnaʊt/ (n): physical or mental collapse caused by overwork
Visual representation of key vocabulary terms in professional context
Remember that discussing undesirable jobs requires tact and respect while maintaining proper language structure and vocabulary range for a high band score.
