BUS 301 Ch. 16
____________________ interviews, where interviewers take turns asking questions, are usually conducted by people who will be your supervisors and colleagues.
Panel
____________________ interviews use technology such as webcams to interview job candidates from a distance.
Online
If you are turned down for a position, employment specialists recommend writing a rejection follow-up letter to the potential employer.
T
If you have sent out only one job application or résumé, you must consider yourself an active job seeker.
T
When asked about your greatest strengths, include success stories to back up your response.
T
Hiring managers tend to ask more specific and job-related questions during one-on-one interviews than do representatives from human resources
T
A colleague has told you in confidence that she suspects another colleague of stealing. What would your actions be? is an example of a situational interview question
T
A company has decided to interview several candidates for the same position at the same time to judge their leadership skills. This is an example of a group interview
T
Which of the following statements about screening interviews is most accurate? a. Remember that a screening interview is not as important as a face-to-face interview, so you can relax during it. b. Employers use screening interviews to determine whether a job applicant should move on to the next step in the interview process. c. To be effective, screening interviews must take place in person. d. Screening interviews are not widely used because they are time-consuming and costly.
Employers use screening interviews to determine whether a job applicant should move on to the next step in the interview process.
Avoid smiling during an interview because doing so may make you look immature and unprofessional.
F
Because all interviews are different, it is impossible to anticipate questions and prepare answers effectively.
F
Don't worry about what information is available about you online because this information is irrelevant to the job search.
F
During an interview it is appropriate to talk negatively about previous employers since doing so will show that you are honest.
F
During salary negotiations let the employer know exactly how much money you need each month to cover your personal expenses.
F
If you are asked an inappropriate question during an interview, it is best to refuse to answer it
F
If you put your cell phone number on your résumé, answer your cell phone every time it rings to make sure you don't miss an employer's call
F
If you've been interviewed by more than one person, send one thank-you message for the group to the organization's human resources department.
F
Leon is being interviewed by a panel of three interviewers. When answering questions, he should maintain contact only with the person who asks the question.
F
Online webcam interviews are less formal than face-to-face interviews; therefore, you don't have to take them as seriously
F
The most common type of hiring/placement interview is the online interview
F
The only person you need to impress during the interview process is the interviewer.
F
To be polite, always wait for the interviewer to ask you for questions before asking any.
F
When asked about your plans for the future, discuss both personal and professional goals.
F
When asked about your salary expectations, be sure to give a specific dollar-per-hour amount.
F
When deciding what to wear to a job interview, find out what employees wear to work so that you can dress similarly.
F
When the interviewer asks whether you have any questions at the end of the first interview, be sure to bring up salary and benefits.
F
Writing a follow-up letter after turning down a job offer is unprofessional and unnecessary.
F
____________________ interviews occur when a company interviews several candidates for the same position at the same time.
Group
What comes out of your mouth and what is written on your résumé are not the only messages an interviewer receives from you. ____________________ messages also create powerful impressions on people.
Nonverbal
____________________ interviews allow a candidate to meet with two or more interviewers on a one-on-one basis over the course of several hours or days.
Sequential
____________________ questions help employers test your thought processes and logical thinking by giving you a hypothetical scenario and asking how you would handle it.
Situational
____________________ interviews are meant to test your reactions during nerve-wracking situations.
Stress
Always aim your answers at the key characteristics interviewers seek, including expertise, motivation, and interpersonal skills.
T
Employers often hire people who present themselves well instead of others with better credentials.
T
Even if you discuss your resignation in person with your supervisor, it is a good idea to document your resignation with a formal letter.
T
Initiating a handshake when you meet your interviewer exhibits professionalism and confidence.
T
Interview thank-you messages can be sent by e-mail or regular mail.
T
Nearly all salaries are negotiable, depending on your qualifications.
T
One benefit of researching a company before an interview is that you may uncover information that convinces you that you would not want to work for the company.
T
Some companies use online virtual communities to hold virtual job fairs and to screen job applicants.
T
Tell me about a time when you showed initiative and took the lead is an example of a behavioral interview question.
T
Well-prepared candidates have rehearsed success stories that they can use to sell their strengths during an interview.
T
What is your native language? is an example of an inappropriate question.
T
When asking a reference to provide a recommendation letter, give the recommender a copy of your résumé, as well as details about the position, its requirements, and the recommendation deadline.
T
Effective interview preparation techniques include practicing answers to possible questions, preparing to explain problem areas on your résumé, deciding what to wear, and a. informing your current employer of your plans. b. preparing success stories. c. writing a resignation letter to your current supervisor. d. purchasing a gift for the interviewer.
b. preparing success stories.
If an interviewer asks Why do you want to work for us?, you should a. briefly summarize problems at your current job that require you to change employers. b. show that you understand the company and its culture. c. explain that as a recent graduate you want to work for any company that needs a person with your skills and background. d. simply tell the truth about your reason for seeking this job; for example, you are unemployed, you just graduated, you need better benefits, or you have bills to pay.
b. show that you understand the company and its culture.
Prepare for ____________________ questions, such as Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
behavioral
What is the most accurate statement about employers using Google and social networking sites to screen job candidates? a. Employers rarely use Google or social networking sites to screen job candidates because these tools are not effective. b. Employers use Google and social networking sites exclusively to weed out candidates they don't want to hire. c. A top reason cited for not hiring an applicant after an online search is that the candidate talked negatively about current or previous employers, colleagues, or clients. d. It is illegal for employers to use Google and social networking sites to screen job candidates.
c. A top reason cited for not hiring an applicant after an online search is that the candidate talked negatively about current or previous employers, colleagues, or clients.
Which of the following is an example of an inappropriate, and potentially illegal, interview question? a. Are you a U.S. citizen? b. Are you available to work on weekends and holidays? c. Do you have adequate child-care arrangements? d. All of these questions are inappropriate and potentially illegal.
c. Do you have adequate child-care arrangements?
Landslide Marketing, Inc., is interviewing several candidates for a leadership position that requires strong communication skills. What form of interview will the company most likely use to interview for this position? a. A one-on-one interview conducted by the human resources director b. A stress interview conducted by the head of the marketing division c. An online interview to test the applicants' technical skills d. A group interview in which the company interviews several candidates at the same time
d. A group interview in which the company interviews several candidates at the same time
Before Puya's job interview, she wants clean up any digital dirt that an employer might locate about her through a Google or Facebook search. What should she do? a. Remove any questionable online content that would make her look unprofessional b. Set up a professional networking page on a social networking site such as Facebook c. Be selective about who is on her list of friends d. All of these choices
d. All of these choices
For a job candidate, the job interview is an opportunity to a. convince the employer of your potential and expand on information in your résumé. b. find out more about the job and whether it suits your career goals. c. learn more about the company to decide whether you would fit into the company culture. d. All of these choices.
d. All of these choices.
When writing a resignation letter to notify your employer of your intentions, you should a. allow more than the standard two-week notice if you have a high or responsible position within the company. b. offer thanks and end with a forward-looking statement. c. remind the employer of your contributions. d. All of these choices.
d. All of these choices.
Are you married? is an example of a(n) ____________________ (or illegal) question.
inappropriate
In ____________________ interviews, you can expect to sit down with a company representative and talk about the job and your qualifications.
one-on-one
After your interview you should alert your references that they may be contacted by the employer. You might also have to request a letter of ____________________ to be sent to the employer.
recommendation
If you didn't get the job and you think it was perfect for you, send a(n) ____________________ follow-up letter.
rejection
When you decide to leave your position, it is a good idea to write a formal ____________________ letter to your supervisor.
resignation
During ____________________ negotiation don't inflate your current earnings just to get a higher offer.
salary
Before an interview rehearse ____________________ stories, which are specific examples of your educational and work-related experience that demonstrate your qualifications and achievements.
success
After a job interview, you should always send a(n) ____________________ message, also called a follow-up message.
thank-you
Everyone feels some level of anxiety during a job interview.
T
If you feel extremely nervous about a job interview, bring a friend or relative along with you to help put you at ease.
F
To show your interviewer how successful you are, leave your cell phone on during the job interview.
F
During ____________________ interviews companies save time and money by eliminating less-qualified candidates before scheduling face-to-face interviews.
screening
After an interview you should always wait for the interviewer to contact you first.
F
Before an interview clean up any ____________________ dirt in case the company uses Google or social networking sites to screen applicants.
digital
What is the most common type of hiring/placement interview? a. Online interviews b. Panel interviews c. One-on-one interviews d. Stress interviews
c. One-on-one interviews
Lucas is preparing several success stories prior to his job interview for a marketing position. Which of the following scenarios would result in the best success story for this position? a. A story about a lemonade stand that Lucas ran when he was a child b. A story about working as part of a team in college to prepare a classroom presentation about a company's history c. A story about volunteering for a local food bank over the holidays d. A story about developing a new sales technique that increased his customer sales by 30 percent over a six-month period
d. A story about developing a new sales technique that increased his customer sales by 30 percent over a six-month period
A colleague has already agreed to be one of your references. What should you do after a job interview? a. Nothing. Your colleague will let you know if he or she is contacted. b. Send your colleague a check to compensate him or her for the time it will take to serve as your reference. c. Write an e-mail message to your colleague to tell him or her about the position and company and to review what you would like him or her to stress to the prospective employer. d. Ask your colleague to call the employer immediately so that your reference comes in before anyone else's.
Write an e-mail message to your colleague to tell him or her about the position and company and to review what you would like him or her to stress to the prospective employer.
How should you close an interview? a. Briefly review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what the next step will be. b. Be confident and say, This job sounds great! When do I start work? c. Ask about salary and benefits. d. Invite the interviewer to lunch to show your appreciation.
a. Briefly review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what the next step will be.
3. Which of the following does an employer try to do during the job interview? a. Decide whether you will fit into the organization b. Find out who can be hired for the lowest possible starting salary c. Frighten the job candidate d. Become good friends with the job candidate
a. Decide whether you will fit into the organization
You want to be prepared if you are asked about your salary expectations during a job interview. What should you do? a. Do research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying in your geographic region. b. Determine what you would like to earn per hour so that you can give an exact dollar amount when asked. c. Create a budget that details your personal expenses so that you can show the employer exactly how much you need to earn to cover your bills. d. All of these choices
a. Do research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying in your geographic region.
Which of the following is an example of a situational interview question? a. If you were aware that a coworker was submitting false data, what would you do? b. What is your ideal work environment? c. What do you predict for the future of our industry? d. Tell me about a time that you dealt with confidential information.
a. If you were aware that a coworker was submitting false data, what would you do?
When filling out a job application, what should you do? a. Look over all questions before starting. b. Leave any unrelated questions blank. c. Fill out the application in pencil so that you can erase any mistakes you might make. d. To keep your options open, write Anything or Open when asked what position you desire.
a. Look over all questions before starting.
Ged was interviewed by a team of five people for a management position. What type of hiring/placement interview is this? a. Panel interview b. Group interview c. Stress interview d. Sequential interview
a. Panel interview
If you didn't get a position that you really wanted, what should you do? a. Send a rejection follow-up letter that says you're disappointed but still interested. b. Make a negative posting about the company on Facebook to show how upset you are. c. Nothing. Contacting the employer again will make you look desperate. d. Call the employer at least once or twice a week for the next two months to see whether a position is available.
a. Send a rejection follow-up letter that says you're disappointed but still interested.
Which of the following statements about nonverbal messages during an interview is most accurate? a. Sit erect, leaning forward slightly, to show interest and confidence. b. Change positions often and gesture frequently to show high energy. c. Lean forward and rest your arms on the desk or table to indicate control. d. Relax back into your chair, slouching slightly, to demonstrate self-assurance.
a. Sit erect, leaning forward slightly, to show interest and confidence.
What should you do after the interview? a. Write a thank-you letter immediately. b. Wait a few days to see if you hear from the employer; if not, write a thank-you letter. c. Call the interviewer to thank him or her. d. Send the interviewer flowers.
a. Write a thank-you letter immediately.
After writing a follow-up message to thank your interviewer, your next step should be a. alerting your references that they may be contacted. b. sending a small gift to the receptionist to show your appreciation. c. calling the company's human resources department to learn more about your competitors for the available position. d. waiting at least one month for a call of acceptance or rejection.
a. alerting your references that they may be contacted.
During the job interview, a. don't criticize anyone or anything. b. ask early on whether vacation and benefits are generally offered to an individual in this position. c. find out what products and services the company provides. d. focus on why you need the job.
a. don't criticize anyone or anything.
Probably the best source for learning about a company's day-to-day culture is a. reading blogs written by company employees. b. visiting the company's Web site. c. reading news articles. d. scanning the company's most recent annual report.
a. reading blogs written by company employees.
After you have accepted a position, it is a good idea to follow up with a job ____________________ letter to confirm the details.
acceptance
Some employers require job candidates to fill out job ____________________ forms instead of, or in addition to, submitting résumés.
application
Bank of America is hiring new tellers. Because tellers often find themselves in nerve-wracking situations when dealing with customers, what form of interview will Bank of America most likely use to interview for this position? a. A one-on-one interview conducted by the bank manager b. A stress interview to test applicants' reactions during nerve-wracking situations c. An online interview to test the applicants' technical skills d. A sequential interview to ensure that managers and vice presidents at all levels approve of the candidates
b. A stress interview to test applicants' reactions during nerve-wracking situations
Travis will be returning an employer's call and wants to make sure that the first conversation is impressive. What should he do? a. Realize that this is just a telephone call, not an actual job interview, so he can relax. b. Before he hangs up, reconfirm the date and time of the interview. c. Wait until after the phone conversation is over to take notes so that he's not distracted. d. Travis should do all of these.
b. Before he hangs up, reconfirm the date and time of the interview.
If an interviewer says Tell me about yourself, what is the best way to respond? a. Give the interviewer a brief chronological history, beginning with when and where you were born. b. Briefly discuss educational, professional, or business-related strengths. c. Provide a few personal or humorous references to get the interview started positively. d. Tell several success stories, making sure to fill at least ten minutes of interview time.
b. Briefly discuss educational, professional, or business-related strengths.
Hannah has been offered a retail management position and will now be negotiating for her salary. What advice would you give her? a. Say that you currently earn more than you do to try to get a higher salary offer. b. Consider the entire compensation package when negotiating salary. c. Make the first salary offer to show the employer that you've done your research. d. Accept the first salary offer because it might be decreased if you try to negotiate.
b. Consider the entire compensation package when negotiating salary.
What is the most effective way to handle an illegal or inappropriate question during an interview? a. Refuse to answer the question because it is your legal right to do so. b. If you find the question harmless and if you want the job, go ahead and answer it. c. Inform the interviewer that the question is illegal and threaten a lawsuit. d. Storm out of the room in anger; after all, you wouldn't want to work for a company with such low ethics.
b. If you find the question harmless and if you want the job, go ahead and answer it.
Which of the following is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety during a job interview? a. Remember that the interviewer is always in charge of the interview situation. b. Prepare thoroughly by researching the company and preparing success stories. c. Dress the way that company employees dress so that you will feel as if you fit in. d. Have a good, stiff drink right before the interview begins.
b. Prepare thoroughly by researching the company and preparing success stories.
How should you respond if an interviewer asks Why should we hire you when other applicants have better credentials? a. Admit that you are less qualified to show that you're honest, but stress that you will work more cheaply than applicants with more experience or training. b. Show your confidence in your own ability by stressing strengths such as your openness to new ideas and your knowledge of the latest methods and equipment. c. Identify a major weakness and describe how you are correcting it; this will prove to the interviewer your strong work ethic and determination. d. Don't answer the question because it is clear that you're not going to get the job.
b. Show your confidence in your own ability by stressing strengths such as your openness to new ideas and your knowledge of the latest methods and equipment.
You are asked on a job application why you left your previous position. What is the best response to this question? a. Confidential b. To accept a position with more responsibility c. For personal reasons d. Didn't get along with coworkers
b. To accept a position with more responsibility
Patricia has just been offered and accepted a full-time position over the phone. What is the best thing for her to do now? a. Nothing until she shows up the first day of work. b. Write a job acceptance letter to confirm the details and formalize the acceptance. c. Send her new boss a gift to show her appreciation. d. Show up for several days before her official start date to show her eagerness.
b. Write a job acceptance letter to confirm the details and formalize the acceptance.
. If the interviewer begins a question with Tell me about a time when you ..., you should a. recognize that this is a trick question and tactfully refuse to answer. b. describe a situation or task, tell what action you took, and emphasize a positive result. c. politely explain that you have never experienced such a situation. d. make up any answer and wish that you had been better prepared.
b. describe a situation or task, tell what action you took, and emphasize a positive result.
You are trying to decide what to wear to a job interview. What should you do? a. Buy the most expensive suit you can afford so that you can impress your interviewer b. Call the company to find out how employees dress, and dress the same to look as if you fit in c. Dress professionally, regardless of how company employees dress d. Don't worry about what you wear; it is what you say during the interview that counts
c. Dress professionally, regardless of how company employees dress
Tanisha is actively looking for a job and knows that she may soon receive phone calls from prospective employers. What is the best advice you can give her so that she'll make a good first impression? a. Inform your children that they must answer the phone promptly to avoid missing any job calls. b. Don't use voice mail to screen calls because doing so is considered rude; therefore, answer the phone every time it rings. c. If caught off guard by a call, ask whether you can call back in a few minutes. d. Use a computer-generated voice-mail message to ensure that it sounds professional.
c. If caught off guard by a call, ask whether you can call back in a few minutes.
During the job interview, you are asked What is your greatest weakness? What is the best way for you to respond? a. Tell the interviewer that you are a perfectionist because all employers want employees who are perfectionists. b. Be completely honest with the interviewer and talk about several employment weaknesses that you have to prove your integrity. c. Mention a previous weakness and demonstrate how you have corrected it or have learned from it. d. Say that you don't think you have one, but a picky supervisor once noted that you were sometimes a couple minutes late to work.
c. Mention a previous weakness and demonstrate how you have corrected it or have learned from it.
If an interviewer asks if you have any questions at the end of an interview, which of the following would not be an appropriate response? a. What do you like best about working for this organization? b. When do you expect to make a decision? c. No, I have no questions at this time. d. May I have a tour of the facilities?
c. No, I have no questions at this time.
Sungmin has been asked to interview for an associate position with a law firm. Because he will interact frequently with clients, the interview will take place over a meal. What is the best advice you can give him? a. Order a glass of wine to show that he is mature. b. Insist on paying the check. c. Order food that is easy to eat. d. Sungmin should do all of these.
c. Order food that is easy to eat.
What is the most accurate statement about job interviews? a. During a job interview, only the interviewee is being evaluated. b. Only those who are not qualified feel stress during a job interview. c. Preparation often determines who gets the job. d. Interviewing is much more significant when you are searching for your first job than when you are already in the workforce and striving to change jobs.
c. Preparation often determines who gets the job.
Select the best statement to include in the interview thank-you message. a. Thank you for taking the time to interview me. b. I enjoyed interviewing with your company for the available position. c. Talking with you on Tuesday, April 25, about the marketing associate position was both informative and interesting. d. I really hope that I hear from you soon.
c. Talking with you on Tuesday, April 25, about the marketing associate position was both informative and interesting.
The interviewer says Describe a time when you worked successfully as a member of a team. Which of the following is the best way to respond? a. Reply that you have worked successfully as a team member so many times that no particular instance stands out. b. Say that you enjoy teamwork such as group problem solving, but that you also work well independently. c. Tell a success story about a group project, describing your contributions and the results. d. List the names of the work teams on which you have been a member, and stress that all of these teams have been successful.
c. Tell a success story about a group project, describing your contributions and the results.
Which of the following is an example of a behavioral interview question? a. Who in your life has most inspired you and why? b. An irate customer is demanding her money back. How would you handle the situation? c. Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem. d. Describe your ideal work environment.
c. Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
Yasmin knows that nonverbal messages can create powerful impressions on people during a job interview. What should she do to ensure that her nonverbal behavior impresses her interviewer? a. Chew gum because doing so will make her look casual and relaxed. b. Avoid direct eye contact to show respect to the interviewer. c. Turn off her cell phone before the interview. d. Smile the entire time to demonstrate her friendliness and enthusiasm.
c. Turn off her cell phone before the interview.
Which of these responses is the best answer to the question Where do you see yourself in your career five years from now? a. I see myself in your job is the best because this response shows a good sense of humor. b. I see myself as the president of this company is the best because this response shows ambition. c. I hope to be running my own business is the best because this response shows self-motivation. d. As a member of your team, I will have grown and learned enough to advance to a position in management is the best because this response shows that you want to grow with the organization.
d. As a member of your team, I will have grown and learned enough to advance to a position in management is the best because this response shows that you want to grow with the organization.
Mahmoud sent a follow-up e-mail to his interviewer five days after the interview. Several weeks later, Mahmoud has still not heard from the employer. What action should Mahmoud take now? a. Assume that no decision has been made yet and that a call could come soon. b. Send the interviewer a rejection follow-up letter. c. Show his frustration and determination by calling the employer at least once or twice a day for the next two weeks. d. Assume that he didn't get the job and continue his job search.
d. Assume that he didn't get the job and continue his job search.
What is the best advice for answering interview questions? a. Use the interviewer's name and title every time you answer a question to show respect. b. To be concise, answer questions with a simple yes or no whenever possible. c. To make yourself look human, reveal weaknesses in some of your answers. d. Clarify vague questions when necessary.
d. Clarify vague questions when necessary.
The day of his important job interview has finally arrived, and Shingo wants to make sure that everything goes smoothly. What would you tell Shingo to do? a. If something unexpected happens that will cause you to be late, don't waste more time by calling the employer; just get to the interview as quickly as possible. b. Use a lot of cologne to cover up any possible offensive odors. c. Worry only about how you appears to the interviewer; after all, the interviewer will be making the hiring decision, not anyone else in the office. d. Initiate a handshake with the interviewer.
d. Initiate a handshake with the interviewer.
Thomas has an interview with a large company in his hometown, and he knows that one of the most important steps in effective interviewing is gathering detailed information about a prospective employer. What information should he find out about the company before his interview? a. The company's history, mission, and goals b. The company's customers and competitors c. The company's reputation in the community and financial condition d. Thomas should find out all of this information about the prospective employer.
d. Thomas should find out all of this information about the prospective employer.
What is the best answer to the interview question Why do you want to work for us? a. Because I heard that you pay really well and offer a solid benefits package. b. I'm broke, and I really need a job so that I can pay my bills and support my children. c. Everyone says that you treat your employees really well and provide a laid-back work environment. d. Your high-quality products and your commitment to our community are impressive, and I would like to be a part of helping you meet your goals.
d. Your high-quality products and your commitment to our community are impressive, and I would like to be a part of helping you meet your goals.