BCOM chapter 16, Chapter 15- The Job Search, Resumes, and Cover Letters
Which statement in a cover letter best refers the reader to your résumé?
As you will notice from my enclosed résumé, I have over five years of customer service experience.
Select the correct statement about applying the final touches to your résumé.
Because it's probably the most important message you'll ever write, your résumé must be perfect.
The best opening for a solicited cover letter is
Beneva Schulte of your accounting department suggested that I apply for the payroll manager position that is currently vacant.
Which of the following is a traditional job search technique?
Classified ads in local and national newspapers- "Cold" calls to companies- On-campus interviews
Select the statement that most accurately describes a résumé.
Consider including hobbies or interests, such as skiing or photography, because they may catch the employer's attention or serve as conversation starters.
Which of the following statements uses an action verb to highlight an aptitude?
Developed innovative and interactive Web pages that increased traffic by 150 percent
Select the statement that most accurately describes references.
Do not include personal or character references.
Dale has decided to prepare a video résumé. What is the best advice you can give him?
Don't let a lack of judgment about what to include in the résumé lead to embarrassment.
Which of the following statements about employment trends in today's workplace is most accurate?
Employees today must constantly upgrade their skills and retrain themselves to remain marketable.
Job seekers should ask themselves questions such as Would I rather work for a large or small company? or How important are working environment, colleagues, and job stimulation? to identify their interests and goals.
False
Most college graduates today will find positions with large corporations
False
Prepare a résumé only when you're actively in the job market.
False
Probably the best way to find a job online is to visit a large job board such as Monster.com.
False
The first step in the job search process is writing your résumé.
False
The most popular résumé format among recruiters is the functional résumé.
False
Kenichi has just finished college and has limited work and internship experience. Which résumé style should he consider?
Functional résumé
Shondra will graduate from college soon and is beginning the job search process. What should she do first?
Identify her interests and goals and evaluate her qualifications
Which of the following statements is most accurate regarding the opening in a cover letter for an unsolicited job?
If you are unsure whether a position exists, use a more persuasive opening.
Select the statement that best describes the main heading portion of a résumé.
If you have a Web site where an e-portfolio can be viewed, include the address in the main heading your résumé.
Which is the best statement to include in the body of a cover letter?
In my certificate program, I have learned the listening, conflict resolution, and communication skills that will make me immediately effective as one of your customer service reps.
Alberto knows that his résumé will be scanned. What should he do to maximize "hits" as his résumé is scanned?
Include easily recognized abbreviations and acronyms, especially those within his field-Incorporate words from the advertisement or job description- Include specific keywords that describe skills, traits, tasks, and job titles
Which of the following statements about the work experience section of a résumé is most accurate?
List only jobs that you think will help you win the targeted position.
What is the biggest mistake job seekers make when writing cover letters?
Making them sound too generic
Which of the following is considered unethical on a résumé?
Misrepresenting a job title to make it sound more important Extending employment dates to avoid showing periods of unemployment Making your job duties sound more impressive and responsible than they really were
Which of the following statements about the education section of a résumé is most accurate?
Once you have attended college, you can omit high school information.
Which of the following statements about searching for a job online is most accurate?
Online job boards now face competition from social networking sites.
Ildiko is starting a new job search. What is the best advice you can give her about preparing her résumé?
Prepare a customized résumé for every position she applies for.
Simin was told that her résumé will be scanned when it is received. What should she do to maximize scannability?
Put her name on the very first line.
Which of the following statements about job duties will be most effective on a résumé?
Reconciled general ledger accounts daily with 100 percent accuracy
Evani will be using the Web during her job search and wants to make sure her search is safe and effective. What should she do?
Renew her résumé postings every 14 days
A chronological résumé style would be best for which of the following candidates?
Roxanne, who has advanced from an entry-level position to department manager for her current employer
Franav will be graduating soon and wants to use the Web to conduct his job search. What will probably be his best source for finding a job online?
Specific corporate Web sites
Narantuya has decided to add a bulleted list of her most impressive qualifications to her résumé. What is this list called?
Summary of qualifications
Sophia will be graduating soon and wants to learn more about a career path she is considering. Which of the following should she do?
Take a summer job, internship, or part-time position in her field - Interview someone in her chosen field- and Join a professional or student organization in her field
Which of the following is the best way to learn about a specific career?
Take a summer job, internship, or part-time position in the field.
Which of the following is the best advice for a cover letter that accompanies a résumé sent via e-mail or by fax?
Take the time to prepare a professional cover letter to accompany your résumé sent electronically.
The best closing statement for a cover letter is
To add to your staff an experienced bookkeeper with proven analytical skills, call me at (925) 727-1330 to arrange an interview
Which of the following is a purpose of a customized cover letter?
To gain an interview
Job seekers can use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter during their job search.
True
People who learn quickly and adapt to change will always be in demand, even in a climate of surging change such as in today's workplace.
True
To be competitive during the job search, prepare a special résumé that is customized for every position you want.
True
To conduct a safe, effective Web job search, keep a careful record of each site on which you post your résumé.
True
Manuel is looking for his first job after graduating from college. Where will he most likely find a position?
With a small company
A digitized e-portfolio is
a collection of digital files that gives a snapshot of the candidate's performance, talents, and accomplishments.
The "hidden" job market
accounts for up to 80 percent of all positions available at any given time.
When preparing your customized résumé
begin with your name, address, telephone number, and e-mail address.
A cover letter is most appealing if it
begins by addressing the reader by name.
Because it quickly reveals a candidate's education and experience most recruiters favor a(n)
chronological résumé.
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
evaluate their qualifications.
After an interview you should always wait for the interviewer to contact you first.
f
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 feel extremely nervous about a job interview, bring a friend or relative along with you to help put you at ease.
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
To show your interviewer how successful you are, leave your cell phone on during the job interview.
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
An effective résumé style for job hunters who are afraid of appearing overqualified is the
functional résumé.
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)
functional style résumé.
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
identify their interests and goals.
The body of a cover letter should
promote the candidate's qualifications.
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
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
Everyone feels some level of anxiety during a job interview.
t
Hiring managers tend to ask more specific and job-related questions during one-on-one interviews than do representatives from human resources.
t
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
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 asked about your greatest strengths, include success stories to back up your response.
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
The goal of a résumé is
winning an interview.
Select the statement that best describes the career objective portion of a résumé.
A career objective should be concise and should not include complete sentences or the pronoun I.
Which of the following is the best career objective for a résumé?
A human resources position assisting your company with employee recruitment, selection, background checks, and in-house training
What is the most accurate statement about plain-text résumés?
A plain-text résumé can be sent in the body of an e-mail message or can be pasted into an online résumé bank submission form.
Because of today's technologies, you may need three versions of your résumé. Which of the following is not one of these versions?
A résumé that's been professionally typeset by a specialist
Select the statement that best describes the summary of qualifications portion of a résumé.
A summary of qualifications makes your résumé easier to read.
Which of the following is an example of a niche employment Web site?
Accountemps.com
