Business Communications pt.3
Which of the following is an example of an inappropriate, and potentially illegal, interview question? Are you a U.S. citizen? Are you available to work on weekends and holidays? Do you have adequate child-care arrangements? All of these questions are inappropriate and potentially illegal.
Do you have adequate child-care arrangements?
Which of the following is a reason that employers have cited for not considering an applicant after an online search? The applicant exhibited poor communication skills. The applicant revealed a current or previous employer's confidential information. The applicant posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information. Employers have cited all of these as reasons for not considering an applicant after an online search.
Employers have cited all of these as reasons for not considering an applicant after an online search.
Which of the following is an example of a situational interview question? If you were aware that a coworker was submitting false data, what would you do? What is your ideal work environment? What do you predict for the future of our industry? Tell me about a time that you dealt with confidential information.
If you were aware that a coworker was submitting false data, what would you do?
What is the most accurate statement about employers using Google and social media sites to screen job candidates? Employers rarely use Google or social media sites to screen job candidates because these tools are not effective. Many employers use Google or social media sites to screen candidates, but very few report finding information that impacts their decision about a candidate. In one recent study, nearly half of the employers who used Google or social media to screen candidates indicated that they occasionally found information that kept them from interviewing or hiring a candidate. It is illegal for employers to use Google and social media sites to screen job candidates.
In one recent study, nearly half of the employers who used Google or social media to screen candidates indicated that they occasionally found information that kept them from interviewing or hiring a candidate.
When filling out a job application, what should you do? Look over all questions before starting. Leave any unrelated questions blank. Fill out the application in pencil so that you can erase any mistakes you might make. To keep your options open, write Anything or Open when asked what position you desire.
Look over all questions before starting.
What should you do immediately after leaving the interview? Text the interviewer a thank-you message. Make notes of what was said in case you are called back for a second interview. Call your references. Cancel any scheduled interviews with other companies.
Make notes of what was said in case you are called back for a second interview.
During the job interview, you are asked What is your greatest weakness? What is the best way for you to respond? Tell the interviewer that you are a perfectionist. Reveal several employment weaknesses that you have to prove your integrity. Mention a previous weakness and demonstrate how you have corrected it or learned from it. Say that you can't think of a weakness at the moment.
Mention a previous weakness and demonstrate how you have corrected it or 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? What do you like best about working for this organization? When do you expect to make a decision? No, I have no questions at this time. May I have a tour of the facilities?
No, I have no questions at this time.
To ensure that your résumé retains its formatting and cannot be altered by a reader, you should send it as a(n) ________. Word document PDF file plain-text document HTML file
PDF file
Which of the following acronyms can help you in answering behavioral interview questions? SMART STAR HIRE SKILL
STAR
If you didn't get a position that you really wanted, what should you do? Send a rejection follow-up letter that says you're disappointed but still interested. Post on social media that you're holding out for a job with that company. Do nothing because contacting the employer again will make you appear unprofessional. Call the employer once or twice a week for the next few months to see if a position is available.
Send a rejection follow-up letter that says you're disappointed but still interested.
What should you aim to do in an interview follow-up message? Let the employer know your preferred start date. Show that you really want the job and that you are qualified for it. Build up the interviewer's ego. All of these.
Show that you really want the job and that you are qualified for it.
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? Chew gum because doing so will make her look casual and relaxed. Avoid direct eye contact to show respect to the interviewer. Turn off her smartphone before the interview. Smile the entire time to demonstrate her friendliness and enthusiasm.
Turn off her smartphone before the interview.
Max has just accepted a full-time position over the phone. What is the best thing for him to do now? Do nothing until he shows up the first day of work. Write a job acceptance letter to confirm the details and formalize the acceptance. Thank his employer on social media. Visit the office several days before his official start date to show his eagerness.
Write a job acceptance letter to confirm the details and formalize the acceptance.
After writing a follow-up message to thank your interviewer, your next step should be ________. alerting your references that they may be contacted sending a small gift to the receptionist to show your appreciation calling the company's human resources department to learn more about your competitors for the available position waiting at least one month for a call of acceptance or rejection
alerting your references that they may be contacted
Personal branding involves ________. deciding what makes you unique and desirable in the job market coming up with a tagline that describes what you do and who you are preparing a professional-looking business card and an elevator speech all of these
all of these
Tyler is developing a list of references for his job search. Whom should he include on this list? Instructors Current and previous employers Colleagues and subordinates All of these
all of these
Before Puya's job interview, she wants clean up any digital dirt that an employer might locate about her through a Google or social media search. What should she do? Remove any questionable online content that would make her look unprofessional. Set up a professional social networking page or create her own website. Be selective about who is on her list of friends. All of these choices
all of these choices
Simin knows that her résumé will be read by an applicant tracking system (ATS). What should she do to maximize "hits" as her résumé is scanned? Focus on nouns in three categories: job title, technical skills, and certification or experience. Incorporate specific keywords and keyword phrases from the advertisement or job description. Use variations of the job title. All of these choices
all of these choices
Which of the following statements about illegal and inappropriate interview questions is accurate? Inappropriate questions become illegal only when a court of law determines that the employer is asking them with the intent to discriminate. In addition to federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination, many state and city laws prohibit employment discrimination based on factors such as sexual orientation. Most illegal interview questions are asked innocently by inexperienced interviewers. All these statements are accurate.
all these statements are accurate
Which of the following statements uses an action verb to highlight an aptitude? Competent in development of innovative and interactive websites Developed innovative and interactive websites Ability to develop innovative and interactive websites Innovative and interactive website development
develop innovative and interactive websites
Antonio is looking for a job. Creating an effective LinkedIn profile can help him ________. build and leverage his professional network research a company get recruited by hiring companies do all of these
do all of these
Glassdoor is a helpful tool when researching companies in preparation for interviews because it ________. provides salary information about different positions within a company showcases employees' own reviews of what it's like to work for a company includes sample interview questions posted by candidates who have been interviewed at a company does all of these
do all of these
Lori sent her résumé to a company she'd really like to work for. It's been several weeks, and she hasn't heard anything. She has decided to send a résumé follow-up message to the company. Sending this message will ________. jog the memory of the personnel officer allow her to emphasize her qualifications or add new information demonstrate her serious interest do all of these
do all of these
To minimize stress during a job interview, ________. prepare well by learning as much as you can about the process and the company remember that you are evaluating the employer, just as the employer is evaluating you become familiar with different types of interviews and their purposes do all of these
do all of these
Which of the following statements about today's job market is accurate? Today the emphasis is on what the applicant wants. Career paths today tend to be linear, which means that new hires will start in a job and steadily rise through the ranks. Employers are most interested in how a candidate will add value to the hiring organization. A professional résumé is not as integral to the job search process as it once was.
employers are most interested in how a candidate will add value to the hiring organization
When writing a resignation letter to notify your employer of your intentions, you should ________. allow more than the standard two-week notice if you have a high or responsible position within the company offer thanks and end with a forward-looking statement remind the employer of your contributions follow all of these tips
follow all of these tips
Craig has been a collegiate athlete and therefore has limited professional experience related to the field he hopes to enter. Which résumé style should he consider as he prepares for his job search? Functional Chronological Scannable Online
functional
Laura, after many years of staying home and raising her children, wants to return to the workplace. Because she does have some significant experience in the accounting field from many years ago, she should prepare a(n) ________ résumé. chronological scannable online functional
functional
Gregory will be graduating soon and wants to learn more about a career path he is considering. Which of the following should he do? Take a summer job, internship, or part-time position in his field. Interview someone in his chosen field. Join a professional or student organization in his field. Gregory should do all of these.
gregory should do all of these
Job seekers should ask themselves questions such as What am I passionate about and how can I turn that passion into a career? and Do I enjoy working with people, data, or things? to ________. help them identify their interests and goals assess their qualifications help them decide how much they are worth in the job market research the hidden job market
help them identify their interests and goals
What is the most effective way to handle an illegal or inappropriate question during an interview? Refuse to answer the question because it is your legal right to do so. If you find the question harmless and if you want the job, go ahead and answer it. Ask the interviewer's intent in asking the question. Express your concern about the illegal question and excuse yourself from the interview.
if you find the question harmless and if you want the job, go ahead and answer it
Most job seekers start looking for a position ________. in the hidden job market on social networking sites in the open job market in the classified section of the local newspaper
in the open job market
Kathleen wants to make a good first impression when she arrives at her interview. What should she do? Focus on appearing enthusiastic and professional only to her interviewer(s); other people she meets in the office are not as important. Initiate a handshake with the interviewer. While waiting to be called into the interview, check the Internet on her phone to find out more about the company. Kathleen should do all of these.
initiate a handshake with the interviewer
Your best plan for completing a successful job search involves a four-step process: (1) analyzing yourself, (2) developing a job-search strategy, (3) preparing a résumé, and (4) ________. applying to as many position openings as you can find writing an interview follow-up message knowing the hiring process negotiating your desired salary
knowing the hiring process
Greg was interviewed by a team of five people for a management position. What type of hiring/placement interview is this? Panel interview Group interview Stress interview Sequential interview
panel interview
Which of the following is the most effective way to gain practice interviewing? Schedule as many interviews as possible, even if you don't want the positions. Participate in campus mock interviews At the end of an interview, ask the employer what you could do to improve. Watch interviews on YouTube and take notes.
participate in campus mock interviews
In today's digital age, what are the primary routes to being hired? Job boards and search engines Personal networking and referrals Social networks Mobile devices
personal networking and referrals
The body of a cover message should ________. promote the candidate's qualifications and strengths motivate action tell the reader how you learned of the position ask for an interview
promote the candidate's qualifications and strengths
Samara interviewed for a management position and was just asked back for a second interviewer with the head of the department. If she does well in this second interview, she will move on to an interview with the company president. What type of interview format is this? Group interview Stress interview Sequential interview Panel interview
sequential interview
If an interviewer asks Why do you want to work for us?, you should ________. briefly summarize problems at your current job that require you to change employers show that you understand the company and its culture explain that as a recent graduate you want to work for any company that needs a person with your skills and background mention the names of your friends who also work for the company
show that you understand the company and its culture
When using ________ questions, interviewers describe a hypothetical situation and ask how you would handle it. These types of questions help employers test your thought processes and logical thinking. behavioral illegal situational getting-acquainted
situational
Which of the following are most effective for conducting an online job search? Job boards such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com Social networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook Specific company websites General search sites such as Google.com and Yahoo.com
specific company websites
Which of the following is a purpose of a customized cover message? To introduce your résumé To learn more about the employer To win a job offer To take the place of a formal résumé
to introduced your resume
Inflating your job titles and responsibilities on your résumé is ________. necessary to be competitive in today's job market impressive to employers unethical and should be avoided acceptable as long as you were employed during the dates you specify
unethical and should be avoided
________ résumés are becoming more prevalent with the popularity of YouTube, inexpensive webcams, and widespread broadband. Infographic Video Technical Functional
video
Which of the following types of personal information should you consider including on your résumé? Your favorite sports and hobbies A list of all courses you have completed relevant to the position you're applying for Your country of origin Your willingness to travel
your willingness to travel
Which of these responses is the best answer to the question Where do you see yourself five years from now? I see myself in the position you hold now. I prefer to focus on the present. I hope to be running my own business. As a member of your team, I will have grown and learned enough to advance to a managerial role.
As a member of your team, I will have grown and learned enough to advance to a managerial role.
If an interviewer says Tell me about yourself, what is the best way to respond? Give the interviewer a brief chronological history, beginning with when and where you were born. Briefly discuss educational, professional, or business-related strengths. Provide a few personal or humorous references to get the interview started positively. Tell several success stories, making sure to fill at least ten minutes of interview time.
Briefly discuss educational, professional, or business-related strengths.
Which of the following should you do to end an interview effectively? Briefly review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what the next step will be. Show your confidence by asking what your start date will be. Ask about salary and benefits. Hand the interviewer a pre-written thank-you letter.
Briefly review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what the next step will be.
Bryson is twenty years old and has just earned his associate's degree and is looking for his first job. Given his age, how many different employers will he likely have over the course of his career? 1 10 4 20
10
Which of the following is considered the most opportune interviewing time? Monday early morning Tuesday mid-morning Wednesday at noon Friday afternoon
Tuesday mid-morning
Mahmoud sent a thank-you e-mail message to his interviewer immediately after his interview. It's been more than five days now, and Mahmoud has still not heard from the employer. What action should Mahmoud take now? Assume that no decision has been made yet and that a call could come soon. Assume that he didn't get the job and continue his job search with other companies. Send an e-mail indicating that he understands that he did not get the position to save the interviewer time. Call or send an e-mail message to check the status of the position.
Call or send an e-mail message to check the status of the position.
Carlene wants to conduct research on a company she'll be interviewing with next week. Where should she look for information? The potential employer's website Social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn News sources, trade journals and industry directories Carlene should consult all these sources for information about the company.
Carlene should consult all these sources for information about the company.
Hannah has been offered a retail management position and will now be negotiating for her salary. What advice would you give her? Say that you currently earn more than you do to try to get a higher salary offer. Consider the entire compensation package when negotiating salary. Make the first salary offer to show the employer that you've done your research. Accept the first salary offer because it might be decreased if you try to negotiate.
Consider the entire compensation package when negotiating salary.
You want to be prepared if you are asked about your salary expectations during a job interview. What should you do? Do research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying in your geographic region. Determine what you would like to earn per hour so that you can give an exact dollar amount when asked. 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. All of these.
Do research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying in your geographic region.
How should you respond if an interviewer asks Why should we hire you when other applicants have more experience? 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. 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. Identify a major weakness and describe how you are correcting it; this will prove to the interviewer your strong work ethic and determination. Don't answer the question because it is clear that you're not going to get the job.
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.
Thomas wants to act professionally during his job interview. Which of the following should he do? Use words such as like and basically to fill in any gaps because silence can be uncomfortable. Sound enthusiastic and interested, but sincere. Avoid acting confident because it might come across as cocky. Thomas should do all of these.
Sound enthusiastic and interested, but sincere.
Select the best statement to include in the interview thank-you message. Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I enjoyed interviewing with your company for the available position. Talking with you on Tuesday, April 25, about the marketing associate position was both informative and interesting. I really hope that I hear from you soon.
Talking with you on Tuesday, April 25, about the marketing associate position was both informative and interesting.
Which of the following is an example of a behavioral interview question? Who in your life has most inspired you and why? An irate customer is demanding her money back. How would you handle the situation? Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem. Describe your ideal work environment.
Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
Which of the following is not a recommended channel for sending a follow-up message after an interview? Handwritten note E-mail Text message Letter sent via regular mail
Text message
Patricia has just been offered a full-time position over the phone and has decided that the position isn't right for her. What should she do? Say that she will be back in touch and then do nothing because the employer will figure out soon enough that she isn't going to accept the position. Accept the position anyway to ensure that she'll have a back-up plan in case no other offers come in. Say no on the phone immediately to save the employer time. Thank the employer verbally for the offer and then write a letter reiterating her thanks and briefly explaining that she is turning it down.
Thank the employer verbally for the offer and then write a letter reiterating her thanks and briefly explaining that she is turning it down.
You are asked on a job application why you left your previous position. What is the best response to this question? Confidential To accept a position with more responsibility For personal reasons Didn't get along with coworkers
To accept a position with more responsibility
A former supervisor has already agreed to be one of your references. What should you do after a job interview? Do nothing. Your former supervisor will let you know if he or she is contacted. Call your former supervisor to urge a highly favorable recommendation since you really want this job. Write an e-mail message to your former supervisor to describe the position and company and to review what to stress to the prospective employer. Ask your former supervisor to call the employer immediately so that your reference comes in before anyone else's.
Write an e-mail message to your former supervisor to describe the position and company and to review what to stress to the prospective employer.
What is the best answer to the interview question Why do you want to work for us? Because I heard that you pay really well and offer a solid benefits package. I really need a job so that I can pay my bills and support my children. Everyone says that you treat your employees really well and provide a laid-back work environment. 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.
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.
A career e-portfolio is ________. an electronic copy of your résumé recorded on a CD, DVD, or flash drive the addition of work samples and personal information as an attachment to your e-mail résumé a collection of digital files that can be navigated with the help of menus and hyperlinks much like a personal website the name given to résumés posted on job-search websites such as Monster.com
a collection of digital files that can be navigated with the help of menus and hyperlinks much like a personal website
What is the one type of résumé that all job seekers should have in today's market? A print-based traditional résumé An infographic résumé A plain-text résumé A video résumé
a print-based traditional resume
For a job candidate, the interview is an opportunity to ________. convince the employer of his or her potential and expand on information in his or her résumé find out more about the job and whether it suits his or her career goals learn more about the company to decide whether he or she would fit into the company culture accomplish all of these
accomplish all of these
Which of the following is an example of a niche employment website? CollegeGrad.com Accountemps.com Craigslist.com LinkedIn.com
accountemps.com
The hidden job market _________. accounts for a small number of jobs and should, therefore, be considered a secondary resource accounts for up to 80 percent of all positions available at any given time has become unimportant since online job boards provide millions of job listings makes it difficult to find a job because companies keep job openings a secret
accounts for up to 80 percent of all positions available at any given time
Tamara has submitted several résumés and anticipates receiving calls regarding interviews. To ensure that she makes the best first impression, she should ________. inform her children that they must answer the phone promptly to avoid missing any job calls answer all calls on the first or second ring to avoid missing the opportunity to speak to a prospective employer allow calls from unfamiliar numbers to go to voicemail and call back after she has had time to gather her thoughts use a generic computer-generated voice-mail message to ensure that her outgoing message sounds professional
allow calls from unfamiliar numbers to go to voicemail and call back after she has had time to gather her thoughts
The open job market consists of positions that ________. do not require submitting your résumé are never advertised or listed are currently advertised or listed allow all interested candidates to come in for an interview
are currently advertised or listed
Filling your answers during an interview with empty phrases such as um, uh, like, and basically suggests to an employer that you ________. are confident are flexible are relaxed are not prepared
are not prepared
Job seekers should ask themselves questions such as Do I communicate well in speech and in writing? and Do I work well with people and enjoy teamwork? to ________. identify their interests and goals assess their qualifications select a specific career path research the hidden job market
assess their qualifications
Which of the following is one of an employer's primary goals in conducting an interview? Assessing how you will fit into the organization's culture Determining how long it will take for you to get promoted within the company Making you uncomfortable to see how you perform under stress Convincing you to accept the position on the spot
assessing how you will fit into the organization's culture
To emphasize your enthusiasm and genuine interest during an interview, ________. be positive in all interactions and about all topics ask early on whether vacation and benefits are generally offered for the position focus on how much you need the job arrive at least 30 minutes early
be positive in all interactions and about all topics
Select the correct statement about polishing and proofreading your résumé. Use as many headings as possible to make your résumé easier to read. Seek the help of a résumé-writing service for a résumé that will stand out in a competitive job market. Use longer phrases and complex words as often as possible to make yourself look more accomplished. Because it's probably the most important message you'll ever write, your résumé must be perfect.
because it's probably the most important message you'll ever write, your resume must be perfect
A cover message should ________. begin by addressing the reader by name when possible begin formally with To Whom It May Concern be addressed to a job title such as Hiring Manager or to a department such as Human Resources Department omit the salutation altogether
begin by addressing the reader by the name when possible
Rehearsing success stories is an effective preparation technique for answering which type of interview questions? Experiential Get-acquainted Stressful Behavioral
behavioral
Most recruiters favor a ________ résumé because it quickly reveals a candidate's education and experience. scannable functional chronological online
chronological