Bcom - ch. 16

In the middle part of an application letter, you should indicate your salary range and potential benefits to your employer.

False

Most employers interview an applicant once before deciding whether to offer a person a job.

False

You've just finished a job interview, and you know that you're not going to get the job. So, don't worry about following up with a "thank-you" message to the interviewer.

False

________ interviews allow one or more interviewers to meet with several candidates simultaneously and to observe how the candidates interact with potential peers.

Group

What are the two primary goals of screening interviews?

Screening interviews, such as those on college campuses, are a means of eliminating unqualified applicants and identifying promising candidates. The interview process for many companies can involve multiple stages, including a screening stage, a selection stage, and a final stage. Screening interviews can occur in multiple forms, from in-person interviews to telephone calls, Skype calls, or computer-based screening systems.

What should a job candidate strive to achieve during a selection interview?

Show keen interest in the job, relate your skills and experience to the organization's needs, listen attentively, and ask insightful questions to show that you've done your research. Make sure to emphasize how your skills and abilities will be a valuable addition to the company during the selection stage of the interview process.

Why is it advantageous for candidates to stay in contact with prospective employers after an interview? Provide at least three reasons.

Staying in contact with a prospective employer after an interview shows that you really want the job and are determined to get it. Doing so also gives you another chance to demonstrate your communication skills and sense of business etiquette. Following up reminds the interviewer that you're a serious candidate who's looking for employment, and that you're waiting for the decision. A good way to stay in touch with prospective employers is by sending follow-up (thank-you) notes within two days of each interview. You'll be practicing good business etiquette and showing that you're willing to go the extra mile.

Which type of interview would be likely to include a question such as, "You seem wholly unqualified for this job, and your answers have been terrible so far. Why should we continue with this?"

Stress

One challenge in a screening interview is to keep your answers short while distinguishing yourself from other candidates.

True

Part of preparing for a job interview involves anticipating the questions that an interviewer will ask and rehearsing answers to each one.

True

The appropriate clothing for most job interviews is something conservative, such as a dark blue suit.

True

When you're applying for jobs, assume that potential employers will search online to learn more about you.

True

You should prepare for a video interview in much the same way you would prepare for an in-person interview.

True

What is the typical employment-interview sequence? What is the purpose of each type of interview?

Typical employment interviews include the screening stage, the selection stage, and the final stage. Screening stage interviews focus on screening out unqualified applicants. Selection stage interviews allow the organization to identify top candidates, who may receive job offers or be invited to attend a final stage interview. Final stage interviews usually involve a higher-ranking executive who can make a hiring decision and negotiate the terms of an offer.

An employment interview is

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

If you're asked to submit to alcohol testing and drug screening during the hiring process, remember that

a majority of companies require them of all applicants.

During ________, the interviewer will adapt the line of questioning according to the answers you give and the questions you ask.

an open-ended interview

A recent survey of hiring professionals revealed that

answering mobile phone calls or texting in the middle of an interview is the most common mistake candidates make during their interviews.

Job offers and the acceptance of the offer

are legally binding contracts.

On your second or third visit to an organization, if you haven't been offered the job, you should

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

After sending your application letter and résumé in response to a job posting that lists a close date, you should

avoid following up with the employer before that date.

When it comes to length, an application letter should

be short—no more than three paragraphs.

Questions such as, "What is one job-related achievement that best illustrates your work ethic?" are likely to be asked during a ________ interview.

behavioral

During the warm-up phase of the interview, ________ is crucial in projecting confidence and professionalism.

body language

Employers use structured questionnaires, tests, and sophisticated job simulations during interviews because these tools

can closely mimic actual job skills.

Searching LinkedIn to learn about the managers you will meet with in an upcoming interview

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

Employers use ________ tests to measure a variety of attributes involved in acquiring, processing, analyzing, using, and remembering information.

cognitive

The foundation of your interview should be

confidence and competence.

When choosing the clothing you'll wear for a workplace interview, the best policy is to

dress conservatively and professionally.

During the close of the interview, be sure to

emphasize your value to the organization.

In general, employers are looking for two things: proof that a candidate can handle the responsibilities of the position and

evidence that the person will fit in with the organization.

In the opening paragraph of an application letter, it is vital to

explain how you can help the company meets its needs.

The employer's goal in the initial screening interview is to

filter out applicants who are not a good fit for the position.

Employers use preliminary screening interviews to

filter out applicants who're not a good fit for the job.

If your application letter and résumé fail to bring a response within a week or so after the position close date,

follow up by email or telephone.

Within two days after an employment interview, you should

follow up with a short note of thanks, using a tone that's positive while reinforcing why you are a good fit.

In the Interest and Desire sections of a solicited application letter, discussing each requirement specified in the job ad

helps demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs.

For most interviews, asking your own questions is

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

During a screening interview, your best approach is to

keep your answers short, but offer key points that set you apart from other candidates.

During the question-and-answer stage of an interview,

let the interviewer lead the conversation.

When you discuss salary requirements with a prospective employer, you should

let the interviewer raise the topic first.

Use the model for direct messages when you write a

letter of acceptance.

When responding to questions during a job interview, you should

look for opportunities to frame your answers as brief stories rather than simple declarative answers.For most interviews, asking your own questions is

When you're participating in a video interview with a prospective employer,

make eye contact with the camera.

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) 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

market demand for your skill set

You could send a ________ after an interview if you haven't received the interviewer's decision by the promised date or within two weeks.

message of inquiry

Compared to writing a solicited application letter, composing an unsolicited application letter is

much more difficult.

Most employers interview an applicant ________ before deciding to make a job offer.

multiple times

The best salutation for an application letter is

one that addresses a specific individual by name.

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.

open-ended

In a(n) ________, the candidate meets with several interviewers at once.

panel interview

When you're responding to questions during an interview, you're more likely to answer them successfully if you

pause for a moment before answering each question.

Because application letters are ________ messages, the AIDA approach is ideally suited for them.

persuasive

When you're staging mock interviews to polish your interview style, pay attention to

poise, manners and good judgement.

When a job interviewer indicates the interview is coming to a close, you should

prepare to leave but (if possible) try to pin down what will happen next.

In the middle section of a job application letter, you should

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

Writing a thank you note shortly after the interview, even an interview that went poorly,

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

One way to increase your confidence before the start of the interview is

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

During a behavioral interview, you'll be asked to

relate specific incidents or experiences from your past.

During the selection stage of the interview processes, you should

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

In the selection stage of an interview, your best approach is to

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

In the final paragraph of your application letter you should

request an interview and provide contact information.

Unsolicited application letters to prospective employers

require more research than solicited letters.

The second stage of interviews (following screening) is the ________ stage.

selection

If you are asked back for a final job interview, you should expect the interviewer to focus on

selling you on the advantages of joining the organization.

When terminating the job with a current employer, your letter of resignation

should include at least two weeks' notice.

You'll impress prospective employers with your application letter if you

show that you know something about the company and its marketplace.

Staying in contact with a prospective employer after an interview

shows that you really want the job.

Interviews in which job candidates are asked how they would respond to various hypothetical situations on the job are known as ________ interviews.

situational

Accompany your résumé with a ________ when you're responding to an advertised job opening.

solicited application message

When going to a job interview

take along samples of your work; recruiters are impressed by tangible evidence of job-related accomplishments.

In a working interview,

the candidate actually performs a job-related activity during the interview.

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.

the opening paragraph

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?

the question-and-answer stage

The longest phase of a job interview is usually

the question-and-answer stage.

Your goal during the interview process should be

to find the right match for your goals and capabilities.

One advantage to maintaining interview notes is

to have 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,

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

If you write a letter to decline the offer of a job,

use an indirect format.

During the interview, a candidate should ask questions about

what the company is looking for in a new employee.

The best approach for an application letter depends on

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

Researching an organization before an interview

will show you understand the importance of investigation and analysis.

Many interviewers begin making a decision about the applicant

within the first 20 seconds of the interview.

If your interviewer asks you a potentially unlawful question,

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

The employer can legally ask you questions about

your legal right to work in the United States.

During the question-and-answer phase of an interview, try to keep your answers short; usually just a yes or no will do.

False

Which of the following would be the best opening sentence for a solicited application letter?

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

List three guidelines to follow when deciding what to wear for an employment interview.

(1) Dress conservatively. (2) Wear limited jewelry (men should wear especially little jewelry). (3) Wear stylish but professional looking shoes. (4) Avoid flamboyant styles, colors, and prints even in companies where interviewers may dress casually.

Explain the function of each phase of an application letter written in the AIDA format.

(1) Getting attention: The opening paragraph of your application letter has two important jobs to do: clearly stating your reason for writing and giving the recipient a reason to keep reading. (2) Building interest and increasing desire: The middle section of the application letter presents your strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization, thereby building interest in you and creating a desire to interview you. (3) Motivating action: The final paragraph of your application letter has two important functions: to ask the reader for a specific action and to facilitate a reply. In almost all cases, the action you request is an interview.

Describe each of the three stages of a successful employment interview.

(1) The warm-up: This is the most important stage. Interviewers will make important decisions about you based on their first impression. Sell yourself nonverbally. Offer a firm but gentle handshake; use the interviewer's name; smile. Let the interviewer begin the discussion. (2) The question-and-answer stage: Let the interviewer lead the conversation. Try to tailor your answers to make a favorable impression. Be sure to ask questions of your own about the job and the company. Explain how you will be able to help the company meet its needs. (3) The close: Pay attention to the interviewer's signals that the interview is ending. Thank the interviewer and express your enthusiasm for the job and the organization.

If a job candidate receives a job offer while other interviews are still pending, how should he or she ask the employer for a time extension?

A message requesting a time extension should open with a strong statement of your continued interest in the job, and then ask for more time to consider the offer, provide specific reasons for the request, and assure the reader that you will respond by a specific date.

What should you focus on when you (and your interview partner) are evaluating your performance in mock interviews?

Critique the quality and length of your answers, your nonverbal behavior and speaking voice, and your use of filler words (such as "uh" and "um"). In addition, determine whether you pause to formulate coherent responses before answering. Practicing your interview techniques with another person can help you identify any undesirable habits you might have so that you can work to control them.

What two essential questions do employers seek to answer about each candidate in interviews?

Employers seek to answer two questions: Can the candidate handle the responsibilities of the position? Will he or she be a good fit with the organization?

Briefly explain what job candidates should expect in behavioral interviews and situational interviews.

In a behavioral interview, candidates are asked to describe how they handled actual situations from their past. In a situational interview, candidates are asked to explain how they would handle various hypothetical situations.

Briefly explain the difference between a structured interview and an open-ended interview.

In structured interviews, the employer asks a series of prepared questions in a set order. In less formal open-ended interviews, the employer asks broad questions, encouraging the applicant to talk freely. You can prepare for both types of interviews by considering commonly asked interview questions and developing brief answers as well as examples that illustrate your skills and abilities.

One of the best ways to learn about the managers you will be interviewing with is through

LinkedIn.

Explain the dual purposes of employment interviews.

The organization is trying to find the best person available for the job, while the applicant is trying to find the best job for his or her goals and capabilities. Because the organization with the position opening has a need, you will maximize your chances of landing the job if you focus on indicating how you can address and fulfill that need as an employee.

An unsolicited job application letter should begin with a statement designed to get the reader's attention.

True

What six tasks do you need to complete to prepare for a successful job interview?

When you're preparing for a job interview, do all of the following: (1) Learn about the organization and your interviewers. (2) Think ahead about questions. (3) Bolster your confidence. (4) Polish your interview style. (5) Present a professional image. (6) Be ready when you arrive. To increase your chances of landing the position to which you are applying, make sure you prepare adequately for the interview by researching, prepping answers, and putting forth the most professional version of yourself.

Briefly explain the primary differences between solicited application letters and unsolicited application letters.

Whereas a solicited application letter is written in response to an announced job opening, an unsolicited letter is sent to an organization that has not announced an opening. Writing unsolicited letters is more challenging because you don't have a position announcement from which to work. An unsolicited application letter is more challenging because you must identify the qualities the company would likely be looking for in the position you would like to get, so you need to tailor your approach accordingly. Either way, it is a good habit to include an application letter with every résumé you send out.