Deck 14: Interviewing for a Job and Preparing Employment Messages

Question 1

Hal listed his former supervisor,Jean,as a reference.Because Hal asked permission to list Jean,he has no legal recourse to negative comments Jean might make about him to a prospective employer.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

A recommended response to an illegal interview question is to refuse to answer and end the interview.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

In a structured interview,the interview format evolves as interaction between the interviewer and the candidate takes place.

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Since Pein has not received a response to his letter of application and résumé sent several weeks ago,it would be appropriate for him to send a follow-up message to the company.

Question 5

Since interviewers typically delay forming their impression about an applicant until well into the interview,the interviewee need not be concerned with nervousness or a slow warm up in the first few minutes.

Question 6

The best advice concerning dress for a career interview is conservatism.

Question 7

Practicing for a job interview is not generally recommended as it causes the candidate to sound rehearsed and insincere.

Question 8

The best time to find out general information about an organization is during the job interview.

Question 9

Companies may use brain teasers and riddles as part of the interview to determine the job applicant's ability to think quickly and creatively.

Question 10

Like other messages that convey unpleasant news,job-refusal letters are written inductively.

Question 11

Sending a thank-you message following an interview is a professional courtesy,but unnecessary if you thank the interviewer before departing from the interview.

Question 12

In general,companies using video interviews agree that video interviews are excellent for screening applicants,while live interviews are appropriate for final interviews.

Question 13

It is generally acceptable to be a few minutes late to a job interview with a U.S.company,as long as you call and explain the reason for the delay.

Question 14

When the interviewer follows a predetermined agenda such as a checklist or series of questions,he or she is conducting a structured interview,even though it may not seem structured to the applicant.

Question 15

As an applicant,if you look and dress like the people who already work at the company,the interviewer will be able to visualize you working there.

Question 16

Increasingly,companies are designing application forms to be tests of the applicant's written communication skills.

Question 17

The goal of behavioral questions asked during an interview is to challenge you to provide real evidence of your skills.

Question 18

When an interviewer deliberately creates anxiety to assess your ability to perform under stress,the interviewer is conducting an unstructured interview.

Question 19

Good preparation for an interview is to study your résumé,as the typical interview focuses on information contained in the applicant's résumé.

Question 20

The purpose of a stress interview is to observe how an interviewee performs in an anxiety-producing situation.

Question 21

GE views diversity as an unavoidable challenge that threatens the organization's mission and business strategies.

Question 22

An interviewer who follows a predetermined agenda,including a series of questions and statements designed to elicit necessary information is conducting which type of interview?

A)Stress interview
B)Planned interview
C)Structured interview
D)Group interview

Question 23

GE and other companies on the "most admired" list attract far more applicants than they need.

Question 24

Which of the following statements about employment interviews is FALSE?

A)Preparation for the interview includes researching the organization.
B)A self-analysis of your own strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and challenges should be undertaken prior to interviewing.
C)You should go to the interview prepared to both ask and answer questions.
D)Most questions asked in interviews can be answered from the résumé.

Question 25

The interviewer typically forms an initial impression of the applicant

A)in the first few seconds of the interview.
B)after several questions have been answered in the interview.
C)near the close of the interview.
D)while reflecting on the candidate following the interview.

Question 26

An interviewer would likely presume that an applicant is truly interested in the job if the applicant

A)wears conservative and professional clothing.
B)shares knowledge about the company, its products, and services.
C)follows up the interview with a thank-you message.
D)does all of the above.

Question 27

Taylor has an interview; which of the following items will she likely NOT need to take with her?

A)A photo of herself
B)A list of references
C)A professional-looking pen and paper
D)Her résumé

Question 28

Which of the following statements is true concerning video interviews?

A)They are especially useful for conducting a final interview after all applicants have been screened.
B)A person who interviews well in person will do even better on video because much of the pressure is removed.
C)Companies save time and money by using video interviewing.
D)Preparing for a video interview is the same as preparing for a traditional one, except that the applicant only needs to look professional from the waist up.

Question 29

Although the team interview can certainly enhance the selection of the "right person" for the job,it can also create more stress for the interviewee.

Question 30

Which of the following is FALSE concerning the handshake?

A)The initial handshake in an interview helps to form a favorable first impression.
B)Candidates with an impressive handshake are viewed by interviewers as having stronger social skills.
C)The handshake is more important for men than for women in making a positive impression in the interview.
D)All of the above are true.

Question 31

Kyle has an interview with a Fortune 500 company.Which of the following is LEAST important for him to know prior to the interview?

A)The company's status in the industry.
B)The products and services of the company.
C)The company insurance and benefits.
D)The names of the corporate officers.

Question 32

Which of the following is NOT recommended behavior in a job interview?

A)Initiate a handshake if the interviewer does not.
B)Wait for the interviewer to ask you to be seated.
C)Lean slightly forward to show interest.
D)Emphasize a rising intonation at the end of sentences.

Question 33

Research has shown that job applicants who participate in computer interviews

A)are more likely to respond dishonestly than when face to face.
B)feel less need to give socially acceptable answers.
C)prefer human interviews.
D)are more likely to be asked illegal questions.

Question 34

Which of the following is NOT an advantage of video interviews?

A)They make better use of a recruiter's valuable time.
B)They screen out applicants who cannot work under pressure.
C)They allow students who may have financial constraints to meet with large companies.
D)They eliminate the need for face-to-face interviews.

Question 35

Gabrielle has an interview for a position in sales.Which of the following would most likely contribute to a favorable first impression in the interview.

A)Maintain eye contact and use body language to convey confidence.
B)Use the interviewer's first name to convey friendliness.
C)Gently shake hands so that the impression given is not overbearing.
D)Sit back and relax to appear in control of the situation.

Question 36

When a team conducts the interview process,

A)no more than five people are typically on the interview team.
B)the team should include several people, all from the HR department.
C)résumés are screened after the initial interviews to maintain objectivity.
D)the team should include people from different levels within the organization.

Question 37

Which of the following is the LEAST important thing to know about a job you are seeking?

A)Career path of the job.
B)Job qualifications.
C)Probable salary range.
D)Vacation days.

Question 38

Which of the following is NOT an example of a behavioral question?

A)Would you describe a major project you organized at Anycompany, Inc.?
B)How did your experiences at Anycompany, Inc.prepare you to work for our company?
C)What was the most difficult thing you faced in your job at Anycompany, Inc.? How did you deal with it?
D)What are your major strengths and weaknesses?

Question 39

The STAR method refers to a

A)recommended format for writing a letter of recommendation: substantiation, thoughts, actions, and reasons.
B)format to help the job applicant answer open-ended questions: situation or task, action, and result.
C)reminder method for interview dressing: shined, tailored, accessorized, and ready.
D)discovery process used in researching a position for which you will interview: salary, training, activities, and rewards.

Question 40

Kendrick,a recent college graduate,wants to communicate that he can get along with others and is accepting of diversity.Which of the following statements should he avoid making?

A)I can work with others as well as independently.
B)I was an officer in a service organization.
C)I can work with most people.
D)I participated in several organizations that had diverse memberships.

Question 41

During interviews,there is typically an exchange of information between the job candidate and interviewer.What should you be prepared to discuss during this part of the interview?

Question 42

Which of the following statements is true concerning an employer's disclosure of potentially damaging information in a requested employment reference?

A)An employer should be cautious about relating information that is not formally documented or for which no objective evidence exists.
B)An employer should never disclose damaging information in an employment reference request.
C)An employer should give his or her honest opinion concerning the applicant but avoid providing details about damaging information.
D)An employer should feel free to share both positive and negative information about an employee.

Question 43

Discuss the implications of disclosing potentially damaging information in an employment reference.

Question 44

You have just told your supervisor of your intention to resign from your job,and your supervisor asked you to submit it in writing.Your message should

A)be written deductively, stating the date of the resignation in the first sentence.
B)recall a positive experience you had with the company.
C)give all the reasons why you decided to leave the job.
D)state the termination in the final sentence.

Question 45

List five types of employment interviews and describe when each would be used.

Question 46

Which of the following questions would be legal to ask of a job candidate?

A)"Are you married?"
B)"Who will watch your children if you work for us?"
C)"What are the names and relationships of the people with whom you live?"
D)None of the above

Question 47

You have decided to accept another position and must write a refusal letter to a firm that had also offered you a job.The message should be written

A)deductively, opening with a pleasant comment regarding the interview, the refusal, and a forward-looking ending
B)inductively, opening with an explanation about why the job offer is being refused, followed by the refusal, and closing with an apology for the refusal.
C)inductively, opening with the nature of the subject, followed by the reasons for the refusal, the refusal, and a pleasant ending.
D)deductively, opening with the refusal, followed by the reasons for the refusal, and an apology for wasting the interviewer's time.

Question 48

Which of the following messages should be written inductively?

A)Resignation
B)Follow up
C)Thank you
D)Job acceptance

Question 49

Discuss the rationale of seeking a balance of "hard skills" and "soft skills" when selecting an employee.

Question 50

You've been offered a position over the phone with a firm and were asked to confirm your acceptance in a letter.Your letter should be written

A)inductively, concluding with an enthusiastic response to the job offer.
B)deductively, reviewing the match between job description and applicant qualifications.
C)inductively, reminding the employer of all benefits and salary agreements.
D)deductively, affirming job acceptance and confirming the first day of work.

Question 51

Phillip has prepared the following list of questions to ask the interviewer during his initial job interview.Which question should he avoid asking the interviewer?

A)What types of training are offered?
B)How many people have held this job in the past five years?
C)What salary are you planning to offer?
D)When do you expect to make your hiring decision about this position?

Question 52

While being interviewed for a job you really hope to be offered,the interviewer asks you about your marital status.What is the most effective way for you to handle the question?

A)Refuse to answer because it is your legal right to do so.
B)Attempt to answer the primary concern that motivated the question.
C)Answer it to be polite and take your chances with the effects it may have.
D)Let the interviewer know by changing the subject that you know the question is illegal and you do not intend to answer it.

Question 53

Unprofessional Thank-you Message for an Interview
After a job interview, a written message of appreciation shows professional courtesy and helps the interviewer remember you.Even if you don't want the job, interviewers may forward your resume to others who may be seeking applicants.
Stephanie has interviewed with a company that has communicated with her exclusively by email.She sends the following thank-you message via email as a follow up to her interview.
To: [e-mail]
From: [e-mail]
Subject: thanks :-)
Chuck,
I just wanted to send a quick thanx for the interview yesterday.I think we had a good chat and that you now know a little about me.It was great to meet all the neat people at your place and I think I would fit in real well with everyone.I have a lot to offer and I'm a hard worker.I'd like to hear from you ASAP as to whether or not I got the job.If I haven't heard from you by next week, I'll check in with you.I'd like to wrap things up with you guys or move along to some other job possibilities.I'm sure you understand that.
Steph
Required: Rewrite this unprofessional thank-you message for a job interview.

Question 54

Rochelle must write a resignation message because she found a better paying job.What writing sequence should she use?

A)Deductive
B)Inductive
C)Direct
D)Persuasive

Question 55

List four guidelines for an applicant to start a job interview off "on the right foot."

Question 56

Which of the following is FALSE concerning the benefits of the team interview process?

A)The team interview is a collective group of people who know the attributes of the job.
B)The team interview members can review resumes individually and collaboratively to identify the ideal candidate.
C)The team interview can be used to fairly assess all candidates' qualifications.
D)The team interview results in a quicker hiring decision than does a traditional interview.

Question 57

Discuss appropriate ways to respond to illegal interview questions.

Question 58

Which of the following is an example of a desirable professional attitude during a job interview?

A)Focus on the benefits you will receive from a company.
B)Provide suggestions that may help turn the company around.
C)Show that you are strongly interested in the company.
D)Honestly admit that you are just taking interviewing for practice.

Question 59

You have just returned from an interview with a company and are considering the appropriateness of a thank-you letter or note.The thank-you message is

A)not necessary if you thanked the interviewer in person before leaving the appointment.
B)appropriate and should be written immediately.
C)appropriate and should be written about two weeks from now if you haven't received a response from the company.
D)not appropriate because it can be perceived as "pushy."

Question 60

At the time of her graduation,Julia obtained permission from several people who will serve as references for her.Two years later,she is interviewing for a new position and knows that some employers she has interviewed with will be performing background checks on her.In regard to her references,she should

A)do nothing at this point.
B)send a message to her references, letting them know that requests for information will be forthcoming, and attach a current résumé.
C)select all new references.
D)call each reference to apologize for the inconvenience.

Question 61

Poor Example of a Job-Refusal Message
Saying no tactfully is important since future job success often is influenced by previous interactions with people in various circumstances.Rodrigo has received a job offer but has decided not to take the job.He sends the following job-refusal message to the company.
Dear Mr.Pates:
I regret to inform you that I must turn down your offer of the sales associate position.I have recently received an offer that provides more opportunity for growth and better monetary compensation.Given my personal goals,I believe that it would be a mistake for me not to take this offer.
Thank you for your consideration.I wish you the best of luck finding someone who meets your needs.
Cordially,
Rodrigo Martinez
Required:
Rewrite the job-refusal message for better human relations.