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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Write at least 250 words.

Model Answer 1: [Disagreement]
Some people point out that employers ought to put emphasis on the personal attributes of prospective job candidates rather than their academic credentials and experience. I strongly disagree with this view and believe that academic qualifications and experience suggest that the candidates have job-specific skills and knowledge.

Academic qualifications refer to the evidence that a candidate has knowledge and competence in a particular field of study. This means that the job seeker has attained a foundational comprehension of the subject matter, and has acquired necessary skills through assignments, coursework and exams. This suggests that the individual possesses the knowledge and skills to perform well in the role. A software development firm seeking to appoint a programmer, for instance, may put more focus on a job applicant with a computer science degree. The degree demonstrates the fact that the candidate has acquired a certain level of programming languages, algorithms and competencies required for the job.

Likewise, individuals gain experience through internships, and part-time or full-time jobs, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. People, in fact, develop practical competencies, problem-solving skills and a comprehension of workplace dynamics through experience. Therefore, an experienced candidate has more practical ability, knowledge and skills than his counterparts. For example, in the field of software development, a company recruiting developers may prioritize job applicants who possess relevant coding experience. The experience indicates their practical knowledge of how to carry out coding projects.

In conclusion, I believe that academic credentials and practical experience are important when it comes to hiring a candidate for a job because academic qualifications prove that the candidates have a certain level of knowledge and skills pertinent to the job, while experience showcases their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings.

Model Answer 2: [Agreement]
In today’s competitive job market, the traditional emphasis on academic credentials and professional experience is increasingly being challenged. Some argue that personal qualities, such as adaptability, communication skills, and integrity, are more important than formal qualifications. I firmly agree with this view, as strong character traits often determine an individual’s long-term success in the workplace.

One compelling reason to prioritise personal attributes is that academic qualifications do not always guarantee practical competence. Many graduates possess theoretical knowledge but struggle to apply it effectively in real-world scenarios. In contrast, candidates with strong interpersonal skills and a proactive attitude can adapt quickly to new challenges and contribute meaningfully to an organisation. For instance, numerous successful entrepreneurs, such as Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, lacked formal degrees but excelled due to their creativity, resilience, and leadership abilities.

Additionally, hiring based on personal qualities fosters a more dynamic and cohesive work environment. Employees with strong emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and a collaborative mindset enhance workplace efficiency and morale. Studies have shown that companies that focus on hiring individuals with positive attitudes and strong work ethics tend to have lower employee turnover rates and higher productivity levels. This is particularly relevant in customer-oriented industries, where empathy and effective communication are crucial for business success.

In conclusion, while academic qualifications and experience provide a foundation, they should not be the sole criteria for hiring decisions. Personal qualities such as adaptability, integrity, and teamwork play a far more significant role in ensuring professional success. Employers should, therefore, focus on these attributes to build a capable and resilient workforce.

Idea Generation for this IELTS Essay

Essay Type: Opinion Essay (Agree/Disagree).

Main Question:

Should employers prioritise personal qualities over academic qualifications and experience when hiring employees?

Arguments in Favour of Prioritising Personal Qualities

Adaptability and Problem-Solving Are More Valuable in the Workplace: 
Academic knowledge often does not translate directly into practical skills. The ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations is crucial in modern, fast-changing industries. For example, many successful business leaders, such as Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, did not have formal degrees but excelled due to their creativity and resilience.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills Are Essential for Teamwork:
Strong communication and emotional intelligence foster a productive work environment. Employees with good interpersonal skills improve teamwork, leadership, and customer relations. Example: Sales and customer service roles require persuasion, empathy, and emotional intelligence, which cannot be taught in a classroom.

Work Ethic and Integrity Determine Long-term Success:
Hard work, honesty, and dedication are more important than just having a degree. Employees with a strong sense of responsibility and ethics contribute positively to an organisation’s reputation. Example: Many companies value employees who show initiative, accountability, and reliability over those with just academic excellence.

Diversity of Thought and Creativity Drive Innovation:
Hiring individuals based on personal qualities brings different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Creativity and innovation are often more valuable than textbook knowledge in competitive industries. Example: The technology industry thrives on innovation, and many breakthrough ideas come from individuals without formal academic backgrounds.

Creativity and Innovation Drive Competitive Advantage:
Many industries, especially in technology and design, require innovative thinking rather than textbook knowledge. Employers seek individuals who can think outside the box and challenge conventional methods to improve efficiency and productivity. Thus the success of companies like Tesla and Facebook is largely attributed to creative individuals who introduced groundbreaking ideas rather than relying solely on academic knowledge.

Arguments in Favour of Prioritising Academic Qualifications and Experience

Academic Qualifications Indicate a Strong Knowledge Base: 
Formal education ensures a foundational understanding of key concepts in fields like medicine, law, and engineering. Some jobs, especially technical ones, require specialised knowledge that cannot be replaced by personal qualities. For example: a surgeon or an engineer must have the necessary academic training to perform their job safely and effectively.

Experience Demonstrates Practical Competence:
Candidates with prior work experience are more likely to perform well in their roles. Experienced employees require less training, reducing costs and increasing efficiency for employers. For example: A company hiring a software developer may prefer someone with years of coding experience over a fresh graduate with strong soft skills.

Personal Qualities Are Hard to Measure Objectively:
Unlike degrees and work experience, personal traits are subjective and difficult to assess accurately in a short interview process. Employers may struggle to differentiate between genuine and exaggerated claims of personal strengths. For example, a candidate may claim to be hardworking and adaptable but fail to deliver results when hired.

Structured Education Develops Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills:
Academic training enhances analytical thinking, research skills, and structured problem-solving approaches. Many universities incorporate case studies and real-world applications to prepare students for workplace challenges. For example, business schools teach strategic planning and decision-making, which are essential for leadership roles in corporate environments.

Credentials Enhance a Company’s Reputation and Credibility:
Hiring employees with recognised degrees from reputable institutions boosts an organisation’s credibility. Clients and investors often trust businesses that employ highly qualified professionals. For example, a law firm with employees from prestigious universities is more likely to attract high-profile clients than one that hires based on personal traits alone.

Model Answer 3: [Disagreement]
Some suggest that employers should prioritise personal qualities over academic qualifications and experience when hiring someone. Personally, I do not agree with hiring someone solely based on personal quality and soft skills as it can negatively impact job performance and workplace dynamics.

To begin with, academic qualifications and experience provide a foundation of knowledge and technical skills that are indispensable for many positions. Formal education ensures that candidates possess the theoretical understanding necessary for their roles, while experience demonstrates their ability to apply this knowledge in practical settings. For example, in fields such as engineering, medicine, and law, specialised training and a track record of relevant experience are crucial for ensuring competence and adherence to professional standards. Without these qualifications, the risk of errors and inefficiency increases, potentially leading to serious consequences.

Moreover, hiring someone solely based on personal qualities may decrease output and negatively affect workplace dynamics because it can lead to a mismatch between the individual's capabilities and the technical demands of the job. Personal attributes like charisma and communication skills are important, but without the requisite knowledge and technical proficiency, an employee may struggle to perform essential tasks efficiently. For example, in a software development company, hiring a candidate solely for their teamwork and problem-solving abilities without considering their coding skills could result in subpar project outcomes and increased workload for other team members who must compensate for the skill gap.

In conclusion, while personal qualities are important, they should not overshadow the value of academic qualifications and experience when hiring someone. Therefore, I disagree with the idea that hiring someone should be based on personal qualities. 

• IELTS Essay
• Agree/Disagree Essay
• IELTS Writing Task 2
• IELTS Essay Sample
• Opinion Essay

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