Writing Test: Email & CV Guide
Writing Test: Email & CV Guide
Marking criteria
1. Task fullfilment:
+ The completion of the tasks
+ Relevance and appropriateness
+ Writing style
2. Coherence and cohesion
+ The flow of ideas / the development and connection of ideas
+ The use of cohesive devices (linking words)
3. Vocabulary
+ The appropriateness of word use
+ The range of lexical recourses: the use of uncommon and advanced words
4. Grammar
+ The accuracy
+ The range: the use of various sentence structures
Marking formula
(Task 1 + task 2 x 2)/3
WRITING PRACTICE TESTS
Now, write a covering email to ABC Corporation to introduce yourself and express your
interest in the position you are applying for.
You should write at least 120 words.
You are not allowed to include your own name or address.
Your covering email will be evaluated in terms of Task Fulfillment, Organization,
Vocabulary and Grammar.
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3. BODY
- Paragraph 1: state the position you are applying for, including what it is,
how you know about it and how interested you are in applying for the job.
- Paragraph 2: highlight your education, experience and achievements;
mention specific skills which align with the position
- Paragraph 3: show your interest in working for the company and its values
and missions; also show an interest in an interview
4. COMPLIMENTARY CLOSE
- Best regards
- Signature
EXERCISE 1:
Unscramble the following email.
A. I admire your company’s dedication to sustainable design, and I believe my values
and experience align well with your mission. Please find my résumé attached for your
review. I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you in more detail. 5
C. Over the past three years, I have worked as a junior designer at EcoArt Co., where I
led the branding redesign project that increased client engagement by 30%. I’m proficient
in Adobe Creative Suite and enjoy using design to communicate powerful ideas. 4
D. Best regards, 6
Nguyen Thi Lan
nguyentlan@[Link]
(+84) 912 345 678
F. My name is Nguyen Thi Lan, and I am excited to apply for the Graphic Designer
position at GreenWorks Studio. I came across the job listing on VietnamWorks and felt
it was a great match for my skills and passions. 3
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EXERCISE 2:
Complete the sentences with necessary information.
Suggested position: Project Coordinator
1. I am writing to express my interest in the Project Coordinator position, as
advertised in your company’s website. With a strong background in project
management and a passion for fashion industry, I am excited about the
opportunity to work with your team (be part of your esteemed team).
2. I am writing to apply for the project coordinator position which I heard from
my friend. With a solid foundation in project planning and a strong passion for
fashion, I am eager to join your company (your team).
3. I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration and have over 3 years of
experience working for a multinational corporation. In my most recent role at
Styling, I led a project to rebrand a project range, which I believe can help me
make a good start at your organization. During that time, I proudly joined a
number of projects and achieved great successes, such as a big contract in 2024.
4. I am a business administration graduate, which meets your organization’s
requirement. Besides, with 5 years of experience in project management, I
believe I am able to start working without further training. To specify my
ability, I would proudly mention the employee of the year award I achieved last
year.
5. I have good commands of leadership, and communication. Also, I am a strong
team player and always pay attention to details. I believe those qualities are
what the position specifically demands.
6. As for the skills which I have, I believe my problem-sovling skills and creative
thinking will enable me to carry out my duties properly. Moreover, I work well
in teams and always pay attention to details, which can help me make great
contributions to the success of your organization.
7. What draws me to your company is its commitment to sustainability and
humanity, and that is the environment I have been looking for so that I can use the
best that I have.
8. I strongly value the creativity and updates that your company commit to, and
would appreciate the opportunity to work in a professional environment which
your company offers.
9. Please find my CV attached for your review. I would welcome the opportunity
to further discuss how my knowledge and skills can benefit your organization.
10. I have attached my resume for your consideration. I would be grateful for the
opportunity to discuss how suitably I could fill the vacant position.
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EXERCISE 3:
Use the expressions from the exercises above to complete the writing task.
Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
Read the following job advertisement from the Internet.
WE ARE HIRING
Are you interested in joining us? Would you like to give your career a better
opportunity? Are you hardworking and ready to take any challenges?
With over 400 brands in over 100 countries around the world, there is no limit to your
global career prospects at ABC Corporation. We are currently looking to hire new
employees for various vacant positions.
Interested?
E-mail us within 10 days of this advertisement, email address: info@[Link].
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further interviews.
Now, write a covering email to ABC Corporation to introduce yourself and express your
interest in the position you are applying for.
You should write at least 120 words.
Dear Mr Nguyen,
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What draws me to your company is its commitment to sustainability and humanity, and
that is the environment I have been looking for so that I can use the best that I have.
I have attached my resume for your consideration. I would be grateful for the opportunity
to discuss how suitably I could fill the vacant position.
Best regards,
Tran Thi Linh
linhtt2739@[Link]
(+84) 912 345 678
Dear Mr Tuan,
My name is Tran Nguyen An. I am writing this letter because I am interested in the help
dev position that your company is recruiting for. I hope you read this email. I am very
ready to work with colleagues in the company.1
I have good integration and learning abilities. Aslo, I can quickly solve problems in data
initialization. I believe that these qualities of mine are what the company needs.
What attracts me to your company is the allowance for employees to be creative; that is
the environment I have been looking for to explore new areas of myself. I have attached
my resume for your consideration. I would be very grateful for the opportunity to discuss
the open position.
Best regards,
Tran Nguyen An
Trnan67@[Link]
(+84) 934 345 666
SAMPLE:
Subject: Application for … Position at ABC Corporation
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Dear Hiring Team,
I am writing to express my interest in the opportunity to join ABC Corporation, as
advertised. With a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence, I am
confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your global team.
Having learned about your vast presence across 100 countries and impressive portfolio of
over 400 brands, I am excited about the prospect of building a long-term career with your
organization. I am eager to bring my skills, dedication, and enthusiasm to a role where I
can continue to grow professionally while adding value to your team.
Please find my resume attached for your consideration. I would welcome the opportunity
to discuss how my background aligns with your needs in more detail.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Read the following job advert from a newspaper.
WHY WAIT FOR A BETTER JOB?
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We are hiring full-time workers for positions in Sales, Marketing, Production, IT,
Maintenance, Operation and others.
Talk to our current staff and discover why we are the best international group to join.
STRUCTURE OF A CV
1. CONTACT INFORMATION
- Your full name: Tran Duc Anh
- Address: Tp Ho Chi Minh-Viet Nam
- Phone number: 0869048893
- Email address: at8020083@[Link]
- Profile page (social media) (if any)
2. PERSONAL PROFILE / CAREER OBJECTIVES
- My name is Trần Đức Anh, a recent graduate in Civil Engineering.
During my studies, I developed a solid foundation in structural design,
construction methods, and project management. I am particularly interested
in becoming a site engineer, as I enjoy the dynamic, hands-on nature of
working directly on construction sites and contributing to the actual
building process.
- I am currently seeking a stable and long-term position where I can
continue to learn, improve my technical skills, and make meaningful
contributions to the company. With a responsible attitude, eagerness to
learn, and adaptability, I believe I can quickly fit into a professional
working environment and meet job requirements effectively.
- Career Objective:
- My career goal is to become a skilled and experienced site engineer,
capable of managing on-site operations efficiently and ensuring
construction quality and safety. In the long term, I aim to advance into a
project management role, where I can take on greater responsibilities and
contribute to the successful delivery of large-scale infrastructure projects.
3. WORK EXPERIENCE
- List your experience in reverse chronological order, including
+ Job title
+ Organization
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+ Time
+ Main responsibilities or achievements
4. EDUCATION
- List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including
+ Degree title
+ Institution
+ Time
+ Relevant course work or honors
5. CERTIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
- List relevant certifications, including
+ Certificate name
+ Issuing institution
+ Date obtained
6. SKILLS
- List key skills and your estimated levels
7. LANGUAGES
- List the languages and your level of proficiency
8. REFERENCES
- You can write
+ References available upon request
+ List 1-2 referees with name, title, institution and contact information
SAMPLE:
CURRICULUM VITAE
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Nguyen Van A
123 Le Duan Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Phone: (+84) 912 345 678
Email: nguyenvana@[Link]
LinkedIn: [Link]/in/nguyenvana
Objective
Dedicated and hardworking professional with over 3 years of experience in sales and
marketing, seeking a full-time position at a dynamic and growth-oriented company.
Eager to apply my skills, work ethic, and adaptability to contribute effectively to team
success in a global working environment.
Work Experience
Sales Executive
ABC Trading Co., Ltd – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
March 2021 – Present
• Developed and maintained relationships with over 100 clients across southern Vietnam.
• Achieved 120% of quarterly sales targets consistently for the past two years.
• Coordinated with the marketing team to implement promotions, resulting in a 30%
increase in customer engagement.
• Prepared detailed sales reports and presented them to management monthly.
Marketing Assistant
VietGlobal Solutions – Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
January 2019 – February 2021
• Supported the digital marketing campaigns that led to a 40% increase in online sales.
• Handled customer feedback and market research for product development.
• Created marketing content and coordinated events and product launches.
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration
University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City
Graduated: 2018
Relevant Coursework: Marketing Management, Business Strategy, Consumer Behavior
Skills
• Sales and negotiation skills
• Digital marketing tools (Facebook Ads, Google Analytics)
• MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Excellent communication and teamwork
• Time management and multitasking
Languages
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• Vietnamese: Native
• English: Fluent (IELTS 6.5)
Certifications
• Certificate in Digital Marketing – VTC Academy, 2020
• Microsoft Office Specialist – 2019
References
Available upon request.
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WRITING PRACTICE TEST 2
Time: 60 minutes
Number of tasks: 2
Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You decided to look for a job in another country. You have asked an employment agency
to help you find a job. Read part of the email from the employment agency below.
We are glad to help you. In order to find a suitable job for you, we would like to know
more detailed information regarding the reason why you are choosing to work in our
country. We would also like to know the type of work you are looking for and your
previous work experience. In addition, could you please provide us with information
about your qualifications, skills and English level? Also, what is your expected level of
salary?
EXERCISE 1:
Which idea below answers which question in the email?
1. Why you choose to work in our country A, C, F, O
2. What type of work you’re looking for B, H, I, K
3. Your work experience E, G, J
4. Your qualifications, skills, English level D, L, M, N
5. Expected salary P, Q
A. "I'm fascinated by your country’s culture and would love to experience it while
contributing to the local workforce."
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B. "I am open to administrative, customer service, or entry-level roles to begin
with."
C. "Your country offers a stable job market and attractive opportunities in my field."
D. "Proficient in Excel, AutoCAD, ERP systems (e.g., SAP), and Lean Six Sigma
principles."
E. "I managed continuous process improvement projects that improved production
efficiency by 15%."
F. "I have friends/family living there and would like to be closer to them."
G. "I have worked as a process engineer in the manufacturing sector for 2 years."
H. "I'm looking for a fresh start in a new environment."
I. "I am seeking roles in marketing, digital content creation, or social media
management."
J. "I have also volunteered as a part-time English tutor, which helped improve my
communication and teaching skills."
K. "I am looking for opportunities related to engineering/project
management/supply chain management."
L. "Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Lac Hong University."
M. "Strong communication, teamwork, and time-management skills."
N. "My English level is Upper-Intermediate (B2), and I am comfortable in both
spoken and written communication."
O. "I want to gain international work experience and broaden my professional
network."
P. I expect an annual salary of $200,000. / monthly salary of $15,000.
Q. I’m open to a salary which fits my abilities and responsibilities.
EXERCISE 2
Use the suggested words to write the response.
Subject: Re: Job Opportunity Inquiry
Dear Sir / Madam,
1. thank / you / your / kind response and willingness / assist me
Thank you for your kind response and willingness to assist me.
2. I / interested / work / your country / because / want / gain international experience
I am interested in working in your country because I want to gain international
experience.
3. I / like / immerse / new culture / develop / professionally and personally
- I like to immerse to new culture to develop professionally and personally.
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5. I / contribute / meaningfully / your team
- I’m confident that I can contribute meaningfully to your team.
6. I / interested / customer service / but / open / other positions
- I am interested in customer service, but I am open to other positions.
7. positions / match / my / skills / experience
- I am seeking positions that match my skills and experience.
8. I / have / 2 years / experience / telesales / after-sales service
- I have 2 years experience in telesales and after-sales service.
9. I / help / customers / fulfill / their needs
- I helped customers fulfill their needs.
Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Employers often go through various steps such as reviewing job applications, interviewing short-listed
candidates so as to recruit good employees to well carry out their assigned jobs and bring benefits to
the company.
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Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own
experience or knowledge to support your answer.
You should write at least 250 words. Your essay will be evaluated in term of Task
Fulfillment, Organization, Vocabulary and Grammar.
EXERCISE 1:
Willingness to Works well with others and Submits reports punctually and
Learn contributes to group efforts. checks for accuracy.
Strong Work Ethic Completes tasks on time and Stays late to finish urgent
works independently. work or helps colleagues
during peak times.
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Cooperation and commitment to doing the report and works to correct it
job well. immediately.
ESSAY STRUCTURE:
INTRODUCTION:
BODY:
For example, …
Particularly, …
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, …
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Việc lựa chọn một nhân viên giỏi (Choosing a good employee) là mối quan tâm rất quan
trọng (an important concern) của nhà tuyển dụng (employer). Họ thường xem xét hồ sơ
ứng tuyển (carefully consider applications) và tiến hành phỏng vấn (carry out interviews)
để tìm ra những người phù hợp nhất (to find the most suitable candidate). Tuy nhiên
(However), việc chọn đúng nhân viên (Making a right choice) không chỉ dựa vào kỹ năng
và trình độ (depends on skills and levels of the candidates) mà còn dựa vào những phẩm
chất (qualities) giúp họ phát triển tốt trong công việc (which help them grow
professionally). Theo tôi, có ba phẩm chất thiết yếu làm nên một nhân viên tốt: tinh thần
trách nhiệm, khả năng giao tiếp tốt và tinh thần làm việc nhóm. (In my opinion, a good
employee should exhibit high responsibility, strong communication skills, and
teamwork.)
Trước hết, một nhân viên giỏi phải có tinh thần trách nhiệm. Điều này có nghĩa là họ coi
trọng công việc của mình và hoàn thành nhiệm vụ đúng hạn, cẩn thận. Những nhân viên
có trách nhiệm không chờ đợi người khác chỉ bảo phải làm gì; thay vào đó, họ chủ động
và đáng tin cậy trong mọi tình huống. Khi xảy ra sai sót, họ sẵn sàng thừa nhận và tìm
cách khắc phục. Nhà tuyển dụng đánh giá cao những nhân viên có trách nhiệm vì họ có
thể tin tưởng giao việc quan trọng mà không cần giám sát thường xuyên.
Firstly, a good employee must be responsible. This means they take their duties seriously
and complete tasks on time and with care. Responsible employees do not wait to be told
what to do; instead, they show initiative and are dependable in any situation. When
mistakes happen, they admit them and find ways to fix them. Employers highly
appreciate responsible staff because they can trust them with important work without
constant supervision.
Thứ hai, giao tiếp tốt là một phẩm chất vô cùng quan trọng trong môi trường làm việc
hiện đại. Nhân viên biết cách giao tiếp hiệu quả có thể trình bày ý tưởng rõ ràng và hiểu
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chỉ dẫn một cách dễ dàng. Giao tiếp hiệu quả giúp tránh hiểu lầm, tiết kiệm thời gian và
nâng cao năng suất làm việc. Một nhân viên giỏi biết lắng nghe tích cực, đưa ra phản hồi
mang tính xây dựng và đặt những câu hỏi phù hợp khi cần thiết. Kỹ năng này củng cố
mối quan hệ với đồng nghiệp và khách hàng, mang lại lợi ích chung cho công ty.
Cuối cùng, khả năng làm việc nhóm tốt cũng là một phẩm chất quan trọng khác. Ngay cả
những cá nhân tài giỏi nhất cũng khó đạt được nhiều thành tựu nếu không thể hợp tác với
đồng nghiệp. Một nhân viên giỏi biết cách chia sẻ ý tưởng, tôn trọng ý kiến khác biệt và
giải quyết xung đột một cách ôn hòa. Khi làm việc như một phần của đội nhóm, họ góp
phần tạo ra môi trường làm việc tích cực và giúp công ty đạt được mục tiêu nhanh chóng,
hiệu quả hơn.
Finally, the ability to work well with others is another important quality. Even the most
talented individuals cannot achieve much if they cannot cooperate with colleagues. A
good employee knows how to share ideas, respect different opinions, and solve conflicts
peacefully. By working as part of a team, they contribute to a positive working
atmosphere and help the company reach its goals faster and more efficiently.
Tóm lại, mặc dù kỹ năng và kinh nghiệm là cần thiết, nhưng những phẩm chất như tinh
thần trách nhiệm, khả năng giao tiếp tốt và tinh thần làm việc nhóm mới thực sự định
nghĩa một nhân viên giỏi. Những yếu tố này đảm bảo nhân viên hoàn thành công việc tốt,
tránh được hiểu lầm và hợp tác hiệu quả với người khác. Do đó, nhà tuyển dụng nên tìm
kiếm những phẩm chất này khi tuyển dụng nhân viên mới để đảm bảo sự thành công lâu
dài cho công ty.
In conclusion, while skills and experience are necessary, the qualities of responsibility,
good communication, and teamwork truly define a good employee. These traits ensure
that workers perform their tasks well, avoid misunderstandings, and collaborate
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effectively with others. Therefore, employers should look for these qualities when
recruiting new staff to ensure long-term success for their companies.
SAMPLE:
First and foremost, responsibility and reliability are crucial. To be more specific,
employers must be able to trust their employees to complete tasks accurately and on time
without constant supervision. These traits create a dependable work environment and
reduce the risk of delays and errors. Another important quality is effective
communication. A good employee should be able to express ideas clearly and listen
actively to others. Therefore, this minimizes misunderstandings and promotes teamwork,
especially in collaborative projects.
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Recruiting qualified employees has always been a topic of concern among many
employers. While some people believe that experience and academic background are the
most important, others argue that personal qualities matter more. From my point of view,
I believe a good employee should possess strong communication skills, adaptability,
responsibility, and a strong work ethic.
First and foremost, good communication skills are essential in any workplace.
Employees who express ideas clearly, listen actively, and respond promptly can build
strong connections and avoid misunderstandings. For example, a worker who explains
project details clearly in meetings and replies to emails on time helps maintain effective
teamwork.
Besides, responsibility and reliability build trust between employers and employees.
Completing tasks on time and checking for accuracy show commitment. For example,
submitting a well-prepared report before the deadline demonstrates a reliable and
responsible attitude.
Lastly, a strong work ethic ensures high performance. Dedicated employees are
punctual, hardworking, and willing to support others. For example, someone who stays
late to meet deadlines or helps a colleague during peak hours shows great dedication.
Commitment to excellence
Commit to excellence
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WRITING PRACTICE TEST 3
Time: 60 minutes
Number of tasks: 2
Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.
You are a final-year student preparing to graduate next month. You are interested in a
position at a company that is recruiting new graduates in your field of study.
Write a cover letter to apply for the position, expressing your interest in the role,
highlighting relevant skills, professional strengths and experience (if any).
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ethic would make me a valuable addition to your team. I am keen to learn, adapt quickly,
and take initiative when needed.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I would be grateful for the opportunity to
further discuss my qualifications with you.
Yours sincerely,
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Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Work plays a crucial role in our lives today, influencing not only our financial stability but also our
personal fulfillment and sense of responsibility. With this in mind, it is essential to understand how to
make the right choice in our career.
EXERCISE 1:
Match the factors and the explanations.
Factors:
A. Personal Interests 1, 5
A person can choose to pursue a career in the field that they enjoy, which gives them
motivation in working.
B. Skills and Strengths 2, 6
Skills and strengths of a person is also a factor that helps them decide on a career.
C. Job Market Opportunities 3, 7
D. Work-Life Balance Preferences 4, 8
E. Financial Goals 9
Explanations
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1. A student who enjoys storytelling and reading may be drawn to a career in
journalism or creative writing.
2. Someone who is highly skilled in logical thinking and mathematics may feel most
confident working as an engineer or data analyst.
3. An individual may choose a career in healthcare or IT because these fields are
expected to have high demand in the future.
4. A person who values time with family might avoid high-stress or overtime-heavy
jobs, even if they pay well.
5. A student interested in environmental protection may pursue a job in renewable
energy or conservation.
6. An individual with excellent communication and leadership skills might pursue a
management or public relations role.
7. Someone may choose to work as a software developer due to the consistent job
openings and strong future growth in the tech industry.
8. A new graduate might choose a job that allows flexible hours or remote work to
maintain a healthy personal routine.
9. An individual aiming to earn a high salary might choose to work in finance, law,
or technology regardless of personal interest.
10. A person may decide to follow a career path that offers good promotion
prospects and bonuses in order to achieve long-term financial stability.
EXERCISE 2:
Translate the following sentences into English.
1. Công việc đóng vai trò rất quan trọng trong cuộc sống hiện đại.
Work plays a very important role in modern life.
2. Việc lựa chọn nghề nghiệp phù hợp ảnh hưởng đến sự ổn định tài chính và sự hài
lòng cá nhân.
Choosing the right job affects financial stability and personal satisfaction.
3. Yếu tố đầu tiên cần xem xét là sở thích cá nhân.
The first factor to consider is personal interest.
4. Khi làm công việc mà mình yêu thích, con người thường cảm thấy hạnh phúc và
có động lực.
When doing work you love, people are often feel happy and motivated
5. Kỹ năng và thế mạnh cá nhân cũng là yếu tố quan trọng trong việc chọn nghề.
Skill and personal strengths are also important factors in choosing a career.
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6. Hiểu rõ khả năng của bản thân giúp chúng ta lựa chọn công việc phù hợp và đạt
hiệu quả cao.
7. Cơ hội việc làm và nhu cầu thị trường lao động nên được cân nhắc cẩn thận.
Job opportunities and labor market demand should be carefully considered
8. Những ngành có xu hướng phát triển mạnh sẽ mang lại cơ hội nghề nghiệp bền
vững hơn.
9. Một số người chọn nghề dựa trên sự cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống cá
nhân.
Some people choose jobs based on work-life balance.
10. Lựa chọn nghề nghiệp đúng đắn cần sự kết hợp giữa đam mê, năng lực và tính
thực tế.
Choosing the right career requires a combination of passion, ability and pẩcticality
SAMPLE:
Selecting a suitable career is one of the most significant decisions in a person’s life, as it
affects not only financial stability but also long-term satisfaction and personal
development. While many aspects can influence this choice, three key factors stand out:
personal interests, skills and strengths, and job market opportunities.
First and foremost, personal interests are crucial in choosing a career. To illustrate this,
when individuals pursue work that they genuinely enjoy, they are more likely to stay
motivated, perform well, and find long-term fulfillment. For instance, someone
passionate about helping others may find great satisfaction in careers such as nursing,
social work, or counseling.
Secondly, a person’s skills and strengths should align with their career choice. To be
more specific, knowing what one is good at, be it communication, problem-solving, or
working with numbers, helps in selecting a profession where these abilities are valued
and utilized. This alignment leads to higher confidence, better performance, and greater
job satisfaction. For example, a person with a good command of communication can
successfully pursue a career in customer service or sales.
Lastly, job market demand and future opportunities must be taken into account. A career
may be interesting and suited to one’s skills, but if the job prospects are poor, it can result
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in frustration and financial difficulty. Researching industries with growing demand
ensures that the chosen path is both practical and sustainable. For instance, industrial
cities are full of positions in the field of production or engineering while cities with
tourism prospects of tour management or tourist guide posts, which should be considered
by job seekers.
In conclusion, while choosing a career can be complex, focusing on personal interests,
strengths, and job market trends provides a solid foundation for a fulfilling and successful
professional life.
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