Deck 18: Launching a Career

Question 1

To land a job in public relations today, savvy applicants will likely find which of the following effective?

A) networking in the traditional way
B) emailing a resume
C) networking using social media
D) mailing a cover letter and resume

Answer 1

networking using social media

Question 2

During touch economic times, traditionally, the "first jobs to go" were in

A) finance.
B) accounting.
C) public relations.
D) media.

Answer 2

public relations.

Question 3

After recent debacles, especially in banking and investment, and with the penetration of social media, what does the public expect from all corporations?

A) more happy talk
B) more silence
C) more arrogance
D) more candid communication

Answer 3

more candid communication

Question 4

During these difficult economic times, corporations and their leaders ought to follow which of following advice?

A) The public will be damned.
B) The public must be informed.
C) The public will be silenced.
D) The public must be fooled.

Question 5

In a recent study conducted by the University of South Carolina about the recession and its impact on public relations and communication functions, all the following were true EXCEPT

A) Compensation was frozen.
B) Compensation was reduced.
C) Headcount was not reduced.
D) Recruiting for those positions was postponed.

Question 6

Which of the following can help college students get a jump on the competition?

A) Improve your communication skills
B) Start networking
C) Focus
D) All of the above

Question 7

Which is NOT a way to get a jump on the competition?

A) Start networking.
B) Look at companies you like.
C) See what's available after graduation.
D) Intern.

Question 8

The key to organizing a job search, in bad or good times, is

A) honesty.
B) candor.
C) organization.
D) transparency.

Question 9

The main problem for job seekers is to

A) have a successful interview.
B) find a way through the door.
C) remember to market themselves.
D) show their portfolio.

Question 10

Which of the following is the first step in an effective job search, according to Martin Arnold?

A) Find the name of the person to whom you should talk.
B) Remember to take charge of the interview.
C) Determine what your interests are.
D) Dispatch a personal letter.

Question 11

Which of the following bits of advice from Martin Arnold pertain to the first step in his suggested job search process?

A) Avoid wearing bling to the first interview.
B) Determine where you would like to work.
C) Prepare and practice a two-minute "elevator speech."
D) Send a "bread-and-butter" letter after the interview.

Question 12

The simple second step of the job search process suggested by Arnold is

A) get a name.
B) mail a cover letter and resume.
C) call, call, call.
D) use e-mail to the Human Resources Department.

Question 13

Which of the following techniques would NOT, according to Arnold, help you avoid the "dead letter response" in a job search?

A) Network to find the name of the person to whom you can address your job pitch.
B) Use a "professionals on staff" directory.
C) Address correspondence to a group or department rather than to a specific individual.
D) Call the reception desk and ask for the name of the director of the department in which you want to work.

Question 14

Sadly, which of the key steps in Arnold's suggested job search process is too often not actually done?

A) the 30-second elevator "speech"
B) making that follow-up call to set up an interview
C) taking control of the interview
D) searching for a specific person to contact

Question 15

Which of the following is a resume "DON'T" according to resume consultant Paulette Barrett?

A) Identify three impressions you want to create immediately.
B) Identify achievements that will make someone say, "Tell me more."
C) Include an objective statement.
D) List your professional awards, educational achievements and community service.

Question 16

Your author indicates that only 10 percent of the time do job seekers

A) even have the good fortune to secure a job interview.
B) have the opportunity to set the agenda.
C) receive a job offer after an interview.
D) realize they are responsible for controlling the interview agenda.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT part of the game plan for an effective interview experience?

A) Ask questions and provide
B) Avoid asking for names of other contacts who might be helpful.
C) Follow up as you indicated at the end of the interview.
D) Wait for the interviewer to lead.

Question 18

All the following are true regarding the hiring process EXCEPT

A) People want to work with people they like.
B) It is important to know about the company.
C) Expect speedy responses to inquiries.
D) It is important to keep in touch.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a key to a successful public relations career?

A) diversity of experience
B) the right first job
C) relationship building
D) intangibles

Question 20

Which of the following was NOT indicated by a survey of 97 highest-level public relations leaders as a key factor in a successful public relations career?

A) communications skills
B) compassion
C) diversity of experience
D) performance

Question 21

A survey of 97 highest-level public relations leaders indicates public relations people must be: "self-starters, go getters, risk-takers, opportunity seekers with boundless energy, great curiosity." This describes which of the seven key factors of a success public relations career?

A) timeliness
B) diversity of experience
C) proactivity and passion
D) intangibles

Question 22

In a survey of 97 highest-level public relations leaders, nearly half of those interviewed indicated

A) positive personal character traits were the most desired characteristic among job candidates.
B) diversity of experience was the second most sought-after qualification.
C) the most significant limitation candidates have is their inability to describe the value of public relations for an organization.
D) the major challenge for all people in the field boils down to just doing their job well in these difficult times.

Question 23

According to counselor and public relations professor Barry Zusman, what is the best preparation for public relations employment?

A) Become a strong writer.
B) Be prepared to accept a low starting salary.
C) Focus on perks.
D) Learn about health care.

Question 24

If you are trying to launch a career in public relations, traditional networking and other skills have given way to social media networking.

Question 25

During the recent economic recession, instead of cutting staffs, most companies chose to freeze or reduce public relations compensation rather than cut headcount.

Question 26

Public relations agencies are good at understanding the changing dynamics of the market place and earned media like social media.

Question 27

During the current economic downturn, public relations people still are among "the first to go".

Question 28

One of the questions employers may ask themselves about a candidate is, "Can he or she help my company adapt by not only doing the job today but also reinventing the job for tomorrow?"

Question 29

A study conducted by the University of Southern California indicates that as the current recession has worn on, most U.S. companies have chosen to cut the number of public relations professionals.

Question 30

It is no longer important to network when you are trying to get a jump on the competition for a job.

Question 31

Internships are an important way to get your foot in the door.

Question 32

"Organization"
is the principal requirement in organizing a job search.

Question 33

Getting through the door is the main challenge of finding a job with a targeted prospective employer.

Question 34

The field of public relations has become less competitive because it no longer is enticing lawyers and journalists.

Question 35

Former public relations executive and teacher Martin Arnold tells students who aspire to work in public relations to investigate organizations that have job possibilities in their keenest areas of interest.

Question 36

According to Martin Arnold, although they write letters of , job applicants rarely call, even though they plan to do so.

Question 37

In a 30-second elevator speech, job candidates must introduce themselves, and explain what they are doing and what they are trying to achieve.

Question 38

It is important to have an anecdote about each post on your resume.

Question 39

Employers like to see an objective statement because they care what you want more than they care what you are going to do for them.

Question 40

Notable achievements should be at the end of your resume.

Question 41

If applicants land an interview, they should not try to control the agenda.

Question 42

A second suggested step in the script or plan for an effective interview is to lead with your knowledge and strengths; this shows that you've done your homework on the organization.

Question 43

Periodically check back with the appropriate person after the interview to see where you stand in the job hiring process.

Question 44

After you land a job, it is not too early to map your career advancement path.

Question 45

In the Heyman-Berger study, the subjects indicated that building a track record of results was a key to being successful.

Question 46

Describe some major differences, today, that apply to launching a career in public relations. In fact, describe how social media might be used.

Question 47

Is there any "good news"
for people in public relations and those who aspire to be even during these "bad news"
economic times?

Question 48

List some essentials of organizing an effective job search.

Question 49

What are some valuable tips to remember regarding job interviews?

Question 50

Describe the Heyman-Berger Study.

Question 51

List the seven keys pinpointed in the Heyman-Berger study and provide some commentary about each.