chapter 16

In the interest and desire sections of a solicited application letter, discussing the requirements specified in the job ad A) will reduce your chances of getting an interview. B) is unnecessary as long as you refer to the ad in some specific way. C) is helpful as long as you clearly identify those that you do not meet. D) is harmful if the position requires creativity or innovation. E) helps demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs.

E) helps demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs.

Employers use ________ tests to ensure compatibility with the job and the company's values. A) acuity, perception, and moral B) personality flaw C) job skills and interest D) mental and physical capacity E) integrity, personality, and cognitive

E) integrity, personality, and cognitive

In a(n) ________, the candidate meets with several interviewers at once. A) panel interview B) open-ended interview C) team interview D) collaborative interview E) behavioral interview

A) panel interview

In the middle section of a job application letter, you should A) present your strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization. B) give your entire work history, in case the employer doesn't review your résumé. C) address your shortcomings and stress that you're willing to learn. D) state your minimum salary requirements, even if the employer has not requested them. E) ask for an interview and include your contact information.

A) present your strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization.

One of the goals of an application letter is to A) ask for a job. B) ask for an interview. C) clarify job and salary requirements. D) rephrase information from the résumé. E) explain how hiring you can help you achieve your career goals.

B) ask for an interview.

In addition to other types of testing, most companies will conduct a ________ to review your credit record, driving record, criminal history, and verify your education. A) knowledge test B) online search C) background check D) substance test E) cognitive test

C) background check

Within two days after an employment interview, you should A) have a friend call to see whether you got the job. B) write a follow-up message (using the format for persuasive messages) and include another copy of your résumé. C) follow up with a short follow-up message, using a tone that's positive while reinforcing why you are a good fit. D) assume that you didn't get the job if you haven't heard anything. E) call the employer and say you have received some other job offers (even if you have not).

C) follow up with a short follow-up message, using a tone that's positive while reinforcing why you are a good fit.

When a job interviewer indicates the interview is coming to a close, you should A) prolong the interview in order to ingratiate yourself with the interviewer. B) say your good-byes and stand up to leave. C) thank the interviewer, express your interest in the job, and try to pin down what will happen next. D) ask the interviewer to analyze your performance. E) explain that you really need a job offer before you depart.

C) thank the interviewer, express your interest in the job, and try to pin down what will happen next.

With behavioral interview questions, you'll be asked to A) answer a specific sequence of questions. B) perform work-related tasks in a simulated workplace environment. C) deal with a number of questions intended to upset you. D) relate specific incidents or experiences from your past. E) observe a focus group and then respond to questions about what you saw.

D) relate specific incidents or experiences from your past.

________ interviews allow one or more interviewers to meet with several candidates simultaneously and to observe how the candidates interact with potential peers. A) Panel B) Group C) Team D) Collaborative E) Stress

B) Group

The best way to address an application letter is to use A) "Dear Hiring Manager." B) "To Whom It May Concern." C) an opening that addresses a specific individual by name. D) "Dear Sir or Madam." E) an opening that is very informal, such as, "Hi."

C) an opening that addresses a specific individual by name.

If an interviewer asks you a potentially unlawful question, A) you are required by law to end the interview and report it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. B) it is often a sign that the interview is going well. C) you have several options, including trying to answer "the question behind the question." D) you should ignore it unless it happens more than once. E) you should explain that the question is illegal and the employer has no right to know.

C) you have several options, including trying to answer "the question behind the question."

"Describe a situation in which you had to address an ethical dilemma" is an example of a ________ question. A) structured B) stress C) behavioral D) situational E) working

C) behavioral

Because application letters are ________ messages, the AIDA approach is ideally suited for them. A) positive B) negative C) persuasive D) routine E) personal

C) persuasive

Researching an organization before an interview A) will save time during the interview, as the employer won't have to ask as many questions. B) is a bad idea, as it will limit the interviewers' opportunity to sell the organization. C) will show you understand the importance of investigation and analysis. D) allows you to tell the interviewer how much you know that they may not. E) leads to fewer questions about you, and more questions about the goals of the organization.

C) will show you understand the importance of investigation and analysis.

In addition to judging whether you can handle the responsibilities of a position, the other essential question that employers want to answer during the interview process is A) the minimum salary you would be willing to accept. B) what you studied in college. C) which previous positions you have held. D) whether you will be a good fit with the organization and the target position. E) how soon you can be promoted to a leadership position.

D) whether you will be a good fit with the organization and the target position.

An employer would most likely use ________ interview to see how well you fit the company culture. A) a group B) an unstructured C) a behavioral D) a case E) a stress

B) an unstructured

When you write a letter of acceptance, A) begin with a summary of your skills. B) begin by accepting the position and expressing thanks. C) explain that you will need to run the offer past your attorney first. D) ask if the company has any room to negotiate salary. E) use the AIDA model to pitch your skills.

B) begin by accepting the position and expressing thanks.

From an employer's perspective, one key advantage of using a structured interview format is A) ease in determining personality traits that might contribute to job success. B) ease in comparing and ranking candidates. C) the ability to replace interviewers with chatbots. D) the ability to see how a candidate performs under pressure. E) a greater understanding of problem-solving skills.

B) ease in comparing and ranking candidates.

When going to a job interview, A) bring a printed copy of your résumé and samples of your work, if appropriate. B) assume the interviewer will already have a copy of your résumé. C) being more than 10 minutes late is unacceptable. D) do not engage in conversation with others until the interview is complete. E) bring your résumé on your phone.

A) bring a printed copy of your résumé and samples of your work, if appropriate.

The foundation of your interview should be A) confidence and competence. B) manners and poise. C) skills and ability. D) dress and professionalism. E) eagerness to learn and flexibility.

A) confidence and competence.

When you're participating in a video interview with a prospective employer, A) make eye contact with the camera. B) concentrate on your computer screen. C) read from a carefully prepared script. D) dim the lights in the room to minimize glare. E) remember to dress comfortably.

A) make eye contact with the camera.

Unsolicited application letters to prospective employers A) require more research than solicited letters. B) allow a clear target to focus on. C) should repeat key pieces of information from the résumé. D) identify what the organization is doing wrong and how you can contribute to its success. E) need to be more gimmicky than solicited application letters.

A) require more research than solicited letters.

When terminating a job with a current employer, your letter of resignation A) should include at least two weeks' notice. B) does not have to be in writing. C) should indicate what led you to look for a new position. D) should include ways to help the company do better in the future. E) should indicate where your new job is, what the responsibilities are, and what salary you were offered.

A) should include at least two weeks' notice.

For video interviews, A) test your video setup beforehand and make sure you know how to use it. B) play soft music in the background to eliminate noise from other sources. C) maintain eye contact by looking at the face of the person you are interviewing with, not your webcam. D) use the background of your interview space to show your personality and individuality. E) refrain from making too many facial gestures.

A) test your video setup beforehand and make sure you know how to use it.

Use the ________ to develop effective responses to behavioral questions. A) strategic dilemma B) case-based methodology C) situational D) summary E) STAR approach

E) STAR approach

Why is it important not to let your guard down during small talk that may preceded the more formal interview questioning? A) These exchanges are as important as structured questions; interviewers assess your professionalism from first contact. B) Most employers will try to hit you with trick questions at this point. C) You don't want to come across as too familiar or friendly before you get to know the person. D) Most interviewers want you to take over the conversation. E) Your interview is probably being recorded.

A) These exchanges are as important as structured questions; interviewers assess your professionalism from first contact.

During the warm-up phase of the interview, ________ is crucial in projecting confidence and professionalism. A) body language B) the initial greeting C) how you respond to the receptionist D) asking questions about the position E) presenting your qualifications

A) body language

Which of these would not be wise to do during selection stage of the interview process? A) Present yourself as a quality hire. B) Ask basic questions about the company, such as which industry it is in. C) Show keen interest in the job. D) Try to determine whether you'll be able to build rapport with your future boss. E) Relate your skills to the company's needs.

B) Ask basic questions about the company, such as which industry it is in.

An employment interview is A) an unstructured dialogue with a representative from a potential employer. B) an easy way for you to learn about the company's operations and markets. C) a formal meeting during which you and the interviewer ask questions and exchange information. D) a session in which the interviewer talks and you listen. E) a well-rehearsed exchange of information between peers.

C) a formal meeting during which you and the interviewer ask questions and exchange information.

Job offers and the acceptance of the offer A) can be done over the phone. B) should be done via Skype. C) can constitute legally binding contracts. D) can be backed out of if a better candidate or job comes along. E) are legally binding for the employer, but not the candidate.

C) can constitute legally binding contracts.

If you're asked about your salary requirements and aren't ready to name a figure, A) you can say that you would expect compensation in line with industry norms for someone with your experience. B) propose the highest figure you can think of. C) tell them you will do some research and get back to them. D) ask for a salary in the middle range of what current employees get. E) ask what kind of salary you can expect after three years, and use that as the basis for negotiations.

A) you can say that you would expect compensation in line with industry norms for someone with your experience.

The goal of a(n) ________ interview question is to help determine how well you handle difficult or unnerving situations. A) Anxiety B) Stress C) Screening D) Hard-nosed E) Defensive

B) Stress

During which phase of the interview process are you most likely to be asked specific questions about how you handled particular situations in previous jobs? A) The warm up B) The question-and-answer stage C) The initial screening D) When references are being checked E) The close

B) The question-and-answer stage

In the selection stage of an interview, your best approach is to A) stick to brief yes and no answers to the interview questions. B) relate your training and experience to the organization's needs. C) inquire about salary and benefits. D) press for an immediate decision on whether or not to hire you. E) ask questions about what the organization does and your role in it.

B) relate your training and experience to the organization's needs.

For screening interviews, A) ask as many questions as possible. B) study the job description carefully and be ready to respond to questions about the major qualifications of the position. C) expand on your answers as much as possible so that the interviewer knows you are at ease. D) keep as low a profile as you can; this is not the time to try to differentiate yourself from other candidates. E) ask for feedback on how you compare to other candidates.

B) study the job description carefully and be ready to respond to questions about the major qualifications of the position.

When you're preparing an application letter, remember that ________ must clearly state your reason for writing and give the recipient a compelling reason to keep reading. A) the subject line B) the opening paragraph C) the closing paragraph D) the second paragraph E) the salutation

B) the opening paragraph

The longest phase of a job interview is usually A) the warm-up. B) the question-and-answer stage. C) the close. D) the interchange. E) the résumé building

B) the question-and-answer stage.

A major goal during the interview process should be A) to get an offer. B) to find the right match for your goals and capabilities. C) to find the position that pays the most. D) to fill an available job opening. E) to look first to the largest companies for job openings, then consider smaller companies if those don't work out.

B) to find the right match for your goals and capabilities.

If you write a letter to decline the offer of a job, A) use the direct approach. B) use the indirect approach. C) do not use email. D) follow the AIDA plan. E) explain why, in detail, you are not accepting the position.

B) use the indirect approach.

Which of these is a good line of questioning for a candidate to pursue during an interview? A) The expected salary offer B) When the company expects to extend an offer C) What the company is looking for in a new employee D) The major competition of the company E) Critical weaknesses of the company and how the company plans to address them

C) What the company is looking for in a new employee

After sending your application letter and résumé in response to a job posting that lists a close date, you should A) always call the employer prior to that date to see if your materials have been reviewed. B) email the employer on the morning of the close date to reiterate your interest in the job. C) avoid following up with the employer before that date. D) wait until the day after the close date and then call the employer to see where you stand. E) call the employer and do all you can to set up an interview prior to that date.

C) avoid following up with the employer before that date.

If some aspect of your background makes you uneasy, A) address the issue with the interviewer immediately. B) use the issue as a way to show strength. C) correct it if you can or offset it by emphasizing positive traits such as warmth and intelligence. D) know that it is likely to influence the outcome of the interview process. E) be prepared to discuss any accommodations the employer may have to make.

C) correct it if you can or offset it by emphasizing positive traits such as warmth and intelligence.

Which of the following would be the best opening sentence for a solicited application letter? A) "I am clearly the best person for the job you've advertised." B) "I'm sure you get these letters all the time, but I hope you'll read mine carefully." C) "I want a job, and you've got one that I could do." D) "Based on your company's remarkable growth over the past three years, I can appreciate your need for highly qualified and experienced sales personnel." E) "My entire life I have dreamed about working in a job such as this."

D) "Based on your company's remarkable growth over the past three years, I can appreciate your need for highly qualified and experienced sales personnel."

One of the best ways to learn about the managers you will be interviewing with is through A) Facebook. B) industry related blogs. C) competitor websites. D) LinkedIn. E) company websites.

D) LinkedIn.

When it comes to length, an application letter should A) be at least two pages long, since it shows the prospective employer that you write well and are serious. B) be no more than a single paragraph. C) contain one paragraph for every 5 years of full-time employment. D) be short—no more than three or four paragraphs. E) be long enough to cover everything that appears on your résumé.

D) be short—no more than three or four paragraphs.

If your application letter and résumé fail to bring a response within a week or two after the posted close date, A) let the CEO of the company know that you're being mistreated. B) follow up by email or telephone. C) cross this particular job possibility off your list. D) send another copy of your application letter and résumé. E) assume that the employer has offered the job to someone else.

B) follow up by email or telephone.

During the question-and-answer stage of an interview, A) stick with one-word, yes-or-no answers. B) let the interviewer lead the conversation. C) respond to all questions immediately. D) don't ask any questions of your own. E) be assertive and control the conversation.

B) let the interviewer lead the conversation.

When responding to questions during a job interview, you should A) respond in a way that lets you talk about your strengths only. B) look for opportunities to frame your answers as brief stories rather than simple declarative answers. C) limit yourself to yes or no answers only. D) respond with declarative statements. E) ask the interviewer to clarify what type of response they are really looking for.

B) look for opportunities to frame your answers as brief stories rather than simple declarative answers.

Compared to writing a solicited application letter, composing an unsolicited application letter is A) much easier. B) much more difficult. C) equally challenging. D) most effective when you use passive verbs entirely. E) most effective when you use only complex sentences.

B) much more difficult.

Which of the following would best support your ability to negotiate a starting salary? A) Wearing business attire during the negotiation meeting B) Understanding all your strengths and weaknesses C) Understanding market demand for your skill set D) Dollar amounts of offers you have turned down E) Your ability to call in a personal favor with those you know in the organization

C) Understanding market demand for your skill set

Staying in contact with a prospective employer after an interview A) can be seen as troublesome by the employer. B) is not necessary for at least 4 weeks. C) should only be done by phone. D) might be construed as nagging. E) shows that you are sincerely interested in the job.

E) shows that you are sincerely interested in the job.

On your second or third visit to an organization, if you haven't been offered the job, you may A) ask whether you did anything wrong during the interview. B) ask how many more interviews will take place. C) ask tactfully when you can expect to learn of the decision. D) ask if repeated interviews are standard policy and try to find out why. E) pretend that you have another job offer and push for an immediate decision.

C) ask tactfully when you can expect to learn of the decision.

In the opening paragraph of an application letter, it is vital to A) indicate what you are looking for in a dream job, and how the open position matches your goals. B) identify the position you are applying for and your salary range. C) explain how you can help the company meet its needs. D) let the employer know highlights from your résumé. E) make sure the employer understands that you need a response within 24 hours.

C) explain how you can help the company meet its needs.

Employers usually begin with a preliminary screening process to A) find out as much as possible about each job candidate. B) administer pre-employment profiles and drug tests. C) filter out applicants who are not a good fit for the job. D) make on-the-spot offers to the best candidates. E) determine what they can expect from potential job candidates.

C) filter out applicants who are not a good fit for the job.

For most interviews, asking your own questions is A) necessary only if you are interviewing for a management position. B) risky and a bad idea unless you are certain the interview is going well. C) just as important as answering the employer's questions effectively. D) usually viewed as a sign of arrogance—after all, the employer is in charge. E) helpful only when you are interviewing for a job at a large organization.

C) just as important as answering the employer's questions effectively.

You could send a ________ after an interview if you haven't received the interviewer's decision by the promised date or within two weeks. A) thank you note B) formal complaint C) message of inquiry D) message of intent E) prospecting message

C) message of inquiry

When you're responding to questions during an interview, you're more likely to answer them successfully and avoid filler phrases if you A) begin speaking before the employer finishes asking the question. B) reply in a terse, matter-of-fact style throughout the interview. C) pause for a moment before answering each question. D) treat all questions as an opportunity to clarify your personal preferences. E) have well-practiced responses to standard questions.

C) pause for a moment before answering each question.

In the final paragraph of your application letter you should A) show the reader that you're a contender and demand an interview. B) close with a quote from your favorite philosopher or poet. C) request an interview and provide contact information. D) include information about extracurricular activities to show how well-rounded you are. E) thank the reader in advance for interviewing you.

C) request an interview and provide contact information.

Searching LinkedIn to learn about the managers you will meet with in an upcoming interview A) is unethical, since LinkedIn profiles are private. B) is acceptable as long as you reveal that you have done it. C) requires that you ask their permission beforehand. D) can make it easier for you to build rapport with your interviewers. E) hinders your chances of success by making you seem desperate for employment.

D) can make it easier for you to build rapport with your interviewers.

During the close of the interview, be sure to A) ask the interviewer if he or she has any other questions for you. B) try to identify why you were asked illegal questions. C) check your watch and see if the interview lasted at least 45 minutes. D) emphasize your value to the organization. E) ask what you did well, and what should be worked on for the next round of interviews.

D) emphasize your value to the organization.

Writing a follow-up message shortly after the interview, even an interview that went poorly, A) is an opportunity to tell them of additional research you conducted. B) is an opportunity to outshine other candidates. C) is unnecessary unless you interviewed with the hiring manager. D) provides a chance to modify an answer given during the interview. E) is a chance to press for a higher salary offer.

D) provides a chance to modify an answer given during the interview.

When choosing the clothing you'll wear for a workplace interview, the best general strategy is to A) dress for a casual dress work environment. B) showcase a bold statement piece. C) wear whatever best expresses your professional personality. D) research the expectations in the industry; if in doubt, dress conservatively. E) wear a bold color that shows confidence and leadership.

D) research the expectations in the industry; if in doubt, dress conservatively.

Questions in which job candidates are asked how they would respond to various hypothetical situations on the job are known as ________ questions. A) stress B) structured C) behavioral D) situational E) working

D) situational

Accompany your résumé with a ________ when you're responding to an advertised job opening. A) letter of inquiry B) follow-up message C) message of intent D) solicited application letter E) prospective application letter

D) solicited application letter

During an interview, look for opportunities to show information beyond your résumé, such as A) personal interests outside of work. B) a willingness to succeed at all cost. C) competitiveness, drive, and ruthlessness. D) teamwork, ethics, and a positive attitude. E) popularity, bias, and independence.

D) teamwork, ethics, and a positive attitude.

One advantage to maintaining interview notes is A) to ensure answers are consistent between the hiring manager and Human Resources. B) to look prepared and professional. C) to have something to do with your hands during the interview, especially when you are nervous. D) to help you decide which company is the right fit for you when you are considering various job offers. E) to track key information, including potentially illegal questions.

D) to help you decide which company is the right fit for you when you are considering various job offers.

When you're writing an application letter to accompany your résumé, A) use text-messaging jargon and emoticons to show that you're tech-savvy. B) remember that every employer will read it before reading the résumé. C) use it as a free-form way to convey your career aspirations. D) treat it with same care that you took with your résumé. E) outline the job, benefits and salary range you are seeking.

D) treat it with same care that you took with your résumé.

The best approach for an application letter depends on A) how much you need to stand out from other applicants. B) whether or not your résumé is up to date. C) how long you have been in the job market. D) whether you are sending a solicited letter or an unsolicited letter. E) your relationship with the person you are writing to.

D) whether you are sending a solicited letter or an unsolicited letter.

When you're staging mock interviews to polish your interview style, pay attention to A) incorporating humor. B) taking the lead during the discussion of your skills and abilities. C) keeping your answers short and to the point. D) keeping answers general enough to be sure they can be appropriate to almost any type of question. E) making sure all answers are clear, concise, and on-topic.

E) making sure all answers are clear, concise, and on-topic.

One way to increase your confidence before the start of the interview is A) to understand that everyone has some negative aspects in their background and you are no different. B) practice public speaking. C) think about all details that you want to include, or omit. D) dress in comfortable, casual clothing. E) realize you have value to the employer because they think highly enough of you to invite you for an interview.

E) realize you have value to the employer because they think highly enough of you to invite you for an interview.

During the selection stage of the interview process, you should A) ask the interviewer when you can start the job. B) disparage other candidates. C) allow the interviewer to ask all of the questions. D) monopolize the conversation by telling your favorite stories. E) relate your skills and experience to the organization's needs.

E) relate your skills and experience to the organization's needs.

In the ________ stage, a candidate has made it past the screening stage and is being invited to a more in-depth interview. A) decision B) narrowing C) exploration D) elimination E) selection

E) selection

Interviews in which the interviewer adapts his or her line of questioning based on the answers you give and any questions you ask are known as ________ interviews. A) behavioral B) panel C) situational D) stress E) unstructured

E) unstructured

An employer can legally ask you questions about A) when you graduated from high school. B) if working on weekends would conflict with your religion. C) if you have ever been arrested. D) your age. E) your legal right to work in the United States.

E) your legal right to work in the United States.