Deck 16: Interviewing and Employment Issues

Question 1

Discuss some of the general guidelines you would follow when researching a company.

Answer 1

Student answers will vary.
Most employers agree that thoroughly researching the employer's company is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for an interview. Follow these guidelines when researching a company:
a) Speak with the person who referred you to the organization or with an employee of the organization to find out the information you need.
b) Contact the career services center at your school for tips on researching the company.
c) Explore the Internet for information about the company or organization. Many companies have a website that provides background information about the company, including the type of business and a description of its products and services.
d) Search print or computerized databases in the library for information about local, national, or international companies.
e) Obtain a copy of the company's annual report, and read it for information about the company.
f) Contact the local Chamber of Commerce for information on companies in the area.

Question 2

Describe an elevator speech and describe the two main uses of an elevator speech. Tell how elevator speeches and personal business cards demonstrate that you are prepared for an interview.

Answer 2

An elevator speech is a brief, memorized description of yourself. Elevator speeches are usually 45-75 words which can be delivered in 30-45 seconds. The two main uses of the elevator speeches are when you are introducing yourself to a potential employer or as a response when asked to "Tell me about yourself." Elevator speeches should let recruiters know your skills, strengths, and the kind of position that you want. Your elevator speech should be prepared and well-rehearsed to enable you to reel off the information quickly without hesitation or filler words like "uh." However, be sure to use expression, a somewhat conversational tone, and eye contact as you deliver your elevator speech. Elevator speeches and personal business cards demonstrate that you are prepared for an interview. Think of your personal business card as a mini résumé, listing the most important information you're your résumé. You should always have your personal business cards with you in case there is an opportunity to leave one with someone you meet casually.

Question 3

What should you do when preparing physically for an interview?

Answer 3

Make sure you have the information and materials you need to keep your appointment for an interview and to do well.
a) If your interview is more than a week ahead, call a day or two before the interview, or send a short letter a few days beforehand, to confirm the appointment time, date, and place.
b) Ask for directions to the interview site. If you are taking public transportation, double check the departure and arrival times. If your interview is in a city or town you are not familiar with, get a map of that city and study it. Sometimes you can find good driving instructions and street maps on the Internet. If possible, drive to the interview site the day before the interview to determine the travel time, route, and exact location of the building. Make sure you have enough gas and money for the trip.
c) Take the following items to an interview: two black ballpoint pens; a professional-looking folder with a letter-sized pad of paper; three or four copies of your résumé and list of references, placed in the professional-looking folder. Often, you will interview with more than one person, and each interviewer may not have a copy of your résumé. You can also use a copy of your résumé as a reference in completing a job application form; a portfolio, if appropriate, that contains documents or projects you prepared that demonstrate your knowledge and qualifications; list of questions to ask the interviewer. You should not read the list to the interviewer but have it available to refresh your memory. Review the list while waiting for your appointment.
d) Get eight to ten hours of sleep the night before the interview. Being sharp for the interview will boost your energy level and help you answer questions clearly.

Question 4

Define the three basic interview methods. Provide examples for basic information to follow for each interview method.

Question 5

The questions you are asked during a job interview will be determined by the type of interview that you are given. Briefly describe five of the nine types of interviews outlined in the text.

Question 6

Discuss the ways in which you could make a positive first impression at an interview.

Question 7

When and why should you write a postinterview thank-you letter?

Question 8

Broadly discuss the steps you should follow when asking for a raise.

Question 9

What are the three elements that a resignation letter should contain? What are the guidelines to be followed when resigning from a job?

Question 10

Briefly describe five suggestions for conducting yourself professionally during a job interview.

Question 11

A(n) _____ is a brief, memorized description of yourself consisting of 45-75 words which can be delivered in 30-45 seconds.

Question 12

A(n) _____interview uses meeting software to conduct an interview at any location with Internet access.

Question 13

_____ are payments or services provided through an annuity, pension plan, or insurance policy, and include holiday pay, sick leave, and vacation days.

Question 14

A(n) _____ is a deliberate attempt to test how you react under pressure.

Question 15

A(n) _____ usually consists of one or two broad questions, such as "Will you please tell me about yourself?"

Question 16

After you have been interviewed, it is a good strategy to immediately send the interviewer a(n) _____.

Question 17

If you have not heard from a company in one to two weeks after your interview with the company, write a(n) _____ to each person with whom you interviewed.

Question 18

In a _____interview, several applicants meet with one or two interviewers.

Question 19

A(n) _____ is an increase in position or rank.

Question 20

_____ is formal notification of giving up employment.

Question 21

Stephan is preparing for an employment interview with a financial investments company. Which of the following should NOT be one of his goals during the employment interview?

A) To "sell" himself
B) To find out if the job fits his qualifications
C) To find out what the company produces or sells
D) To find out if the job fits his career plans

Question 22

Which of the following is not one of the three basic interview methods?

A) A screening interview
B) A digital interview
C) A career fair interview
D) A traditional interview

Question 23

Which of the following is NOT one of the benefits of conducting research on a company before interviewing with the company?

A) You are better prepared to tell the interviewers about their poor management policies.
B) You can talk about how you can make an immediate contribution to the company.
C) You are better able to discuss how your experiences and qualifications match the company's needs.
D) You are able to decide if the company is a place you would like to work.

Question 24

Which of the following statements is True about elevator speeches?

A) Elevator speeches are a brief description of your educational background.
B) An elevator speech lets recruiters know your education and employment history.
C) Write your elevator speech on an index card and use it for reference while presenting your speech.
D) Elevator speeches demonstrate that you are prepared for an interview.

Question 25

Which of the following qualifies as a research-related question from an applicant to an interviewer?

A) How will my work be evaluated and how often?
B) What are the chances of me being promoted within the next two years?
C) I read that the company is opening three new branches in the city. Which one would I be likely to work in?
D) How does my work fit into the larger picture? If you were to draw a diagram of the hierarchy of the organization, where would you place me?

Question 26

Which of the following items should an applicant NOT take to an interview?

A) Two black ballpoint pens
B) Three or four copies of your résumé and list of references
C) The latest hand-held game in case you have to wait
D) A list of questions for the interviewer

Question 27

A _____ may be conducted over the telephone and may also serve as a preliminary selection of your communication skills and interpersonal skills.

A) screening interview
B) panel interview
C) situational interview
D) stress interview

Question 28

Agatha is appearing for her third and final interview with a casting agency. The interview is being conducted by the head of the agency, Mr. Porter. Once the interview is over, Mr. Porter will make the decision about her employment. In this scenario, Agatha's interview with Mr. Porter is a:

A) panel interview.
B) committee interview.
C) group interview.
D) one-on-one interview.

Question 29

Which of the following is an example of a behavioral interview question?

A) Tell me something about yourself.
B) Tell me about the last time you were unable to meet a deadline. How did you handle it?
C) What are your qualifications?
D) How long did you work at your previous job and what made you leave it?

Question 30

Which of the following is an example of a situational interview question?

A) Tell me something about yourself.
B) One of your team members repeatedly misses deadlines. How will you handle the team member?
C) Tell me about the last time you faced a work challenge. How did you handle it?
D) What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Question 31

During an employment interview, the interviewer asks you the question, "If you could change one event in the world, what would it be?" This is an example of a _____ question.

A) standard interview
B) behavioral interview
C) surprise interview
D) stress interview

Question 32

Which of the following should NOT be a standard goal that an interviewer has for an interview?

A) To give the applicant general information about the company
B) To establish a positive rapport that makes the interview comfortable for the applicant
C) To get enough information from the applicant to make a decision about the person's suitability for employment within the company
D) To let the applicant know that the interviewer has the upper hand

Question 33

A good way for an applicant to make a positive first impression is by arriving for an interview appointment at least:

A) five minutes after the scheduled time.
B) twenty minutes after the scheduled time.
C) one hour before the scheduled time.
D) ten minutes before the scheduled time.

Question 34

Sheila wants to make a positive first impression at her upcoming job interview. Which of the following should she do to ensure that she is dressed in a businesslike way?

A) She should be conservative about accessories and not wear gaudy jewelry.
B) She should wear jeans and sneakers so that she is comfortable.
C) She should wear short sleeves, whether it is winter or summer.
D) She should chew gum to avoid bad breath.

Question 35

Which of the following behaviors during an interview is considered professional?

A) Reading materials on the interviewer's desk
B) Denying your achievements and experiences when asked about them
C) Saying no when asked if you have any weaknesses
D) Being specific and honest about your qualifications, no matter what they are

Question 36

Amy is participating in an employment interview conducted by a panel of senior executives. She is asked the question, "What leisure activities do you enjoy?" Which of the following responses from Amy is most likely to appear professional?

A) Telling them that she loves to jog
B) Telling them that she loves to watch television
C) Telling them that she loves to sleep
D) Telling them that she loves to shop

Question 37

Which of the following is True of the postinterview thank-you letter?

A) It is sent to you by the interviewer to thank you for participating in the interview.
B) It creates a bad impression of you as a prospective employee.
C) It gives you a second opportunity to "sell" yourself to the interviewer.
D) It leads the interviewer to think that you are presumptuous and arrogant.

Question 38

Following an interview at a company of her choice, Teresa receives an offer letter from the company. She is required to start in one week and has been asked to send her reply within the next two days. In this situation, which action would be most appropriate for Teresa to take?

A) Not responding because she does not wish to start so soon
B) Telephoning and informing the employer about her decision
C) Not responding until she hears from another employer next month
D) Sending her reply by courier and hoping that it reaches on time

Question 39

Which of the following is a good way to find out the competitive salary for employees with your job responsibilities?

A) Use salary surveys that are published nationally.
B) Visit other employees with your job title and ask them how much they get paid.
C) Refer to listings of all employees with your job title.
D) Ask your interviewer how much he or she gets paid.

Question 40

Which of the following guidelines should you adhere to when you decide to resign from your job position?

A) You should leave a list of instructions or suggestions for your successor.
B) You should mention in your resignation letter that you did not learn anything from the job.
C) You should leave immediately so that the employer can feel your absence.
D) You should not give your reasons for leaving if you are leaving due to job dissatisfaction.

Question 41

If you have an impressive background, résumé, and application letter, you do not need to "sell" yourself when interviewed by a prospective employer face-to-face.

Question 42

While preparing for an interview with a prospective employer, you should conduct some research to learn about the company's products, services, and history.

Question 43

When researching a company, you should check print media because it is current.

Question 44

It is not permissible for a candidate in an interview to ask questions that deal with salary or benefits.

Question 45

When being interviewed by a committee, you should focus your attention on the whole group rather than on the individual who asked a specific question.

Question 46

A group interview is designed to uncover leadership potential among the applicants and to see how they interact with others.

Question 47

An interviewer asks for a second interview request at the end of the first interview.

Question 48

It is recommended that male candidates wear a suit and a tie to an interview.

Question 49

During an employment interview, if you're asked about leisure activities, you should mention interests that involve either physical energy or mental capabilities.

Question 50

It is not a good idea to send a thank-you letter immediately after an interview since you have already thanked the interviewer before you left the interview.

Question 51

If you decline a job offer, it is not necessary to do it tactfully, especially if you already have another job offer.

Question 52

Developing your strategies for periodic performance reviews increases your chances for a promotion or compensation increase.

Question 53

When looking for competitive salaries for your job, using job titles for comparison purposes will get you the data you need.

Question 54

It is better to resign from your current position before looking for a new position.

Question 55

When making changes in your life, such as leaving a job, it is important to make the decision quickly instead of spending too much time evaluating the alternatives.