Deck 17: Employment Communication and Interviewing

Question 1

A behavioral interview question asks how you would handle a hypothetical situation.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

Pausing before responding to an interview question demonstrates a lack of self-confidence.

Answer 2

False

Question 3

An application letter does not repeat the same information that is in your résumé.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Researching information about a specific company or career helps you create an effective application letter that focuses on the potential employer's needs and explains your qualifications from the you-viewpoint.

Question 5

Application letters are sales letters with your knowledge and skills as the product.

Question 6

Most resignation letters are written using the direct plan because they are routine and preceded by a resignation in person.

Question 7

A letter of application can be submitted to a potential employer instead of a résumé.

Question 8

Since the purpose of an application letter and résumé is to obtain an interview, you should ask for it directly in your letter.

Question 9

You should always send an e-mail thank you letter because it is faster.

Question 10

When responding to a job advertisement, read the ad carefully and use words in the letter that fit both you and the language in the ad.

Question 11

Application letters may be sent electronically.

Question 12

Upon greeting the interviewer, extend your hand for a handshake and sit down.

Question 13

The salary question is the first one that you should ask the employer when the interview begins so the interview will not be a waste of time if the salary quoted is not acceptable.

Question 14

If asked an illegal or inappropriate question, you are usually wise to show anger or irritation so the interviewer will know the question was offensive.

Question 15

Even if you are definitely not interested in the job, it is still appropriate to follow up an interview.

Question 16

The Internet is one good source to learn about a company or organization prior to an interview.

Question 17

If you think it has been too long since you have heard about your application, it is appropriate to call or write the employer.

Question 18

You can send a targeted résumé and a general application letter.

Question 19

You should avoid talking in an interview about your achievements because employers appreciate employees who are modest.

Question 20

An interview is important because it can determine your career's future course.

Question 21

A screening interview is

A) known as the alternative interview.
B) not used frequently.
C) used to qualify applicants for the selection interview.
D) usually relatively short--15 to 20 minutes.

Question 22

Interviewers use behavioral questions because they

A) are based on hypothetical situations and require interviewees to "think on their feet."
B) can be evaluated objectively.
C) focus on how the applicant has acted in the past in a specific situation.
D) provide standard answers so comparisons between interviewees' answers can be made easily.

Question 23

How should you best respond to interview questions?

A) Be enthusiastic, honest, sincere, and state your accomplishments in a specific and positive manner.
B) Embellish your achievements and accomplishments to make sure the employer remembers them.
C) Say that your achievements and accomplishments are detailed on your resume.
D) Use caution when describing what you have accomplished so you will not appear to be bragging on yourself.

Question 24

The most important part of an application letter is the

A) accomplishments that relate to the job requirements.
B) action-promoting close.
C) attention-getting opening.
D) logical explanation.

Question 25

Which of the following interview questions is a behavioral question?

A) Do you like to work alone or with other people?
B) Give me an example of a situation in which you were successful (or unsuccessful) in motivating someone.
C) What does teamwork mean to you?
D) What is your greatest weakness?

Question 26

If you are given an opportunity to ask question at the end of the interview, concentrate your questions on topics of personal benefit to you.

Question 27

An unacceptable interview question is one that does not relate to the job requirements.

Question 28

The most common initial screening interview is done by telephone.

Question 29

Which one of the following is NOT an element upon which an employment application is evaluated?

A) The integrity of the application
B) The information entered on the application
C) The legibility of the application
D) The organization of the information entered on the application

Question 30

If the company at which you are interviewing has a business casual dress code, you should dress in business casual attire for the interview to show the interviewer you will fit in.

Question 31

The purpose of the portfolio is to prove or demonstrate your skills and accomplishments.

Question 32

You cannot be fired for embellishing your skills or education/experience on the employment application if you have already been hired.

Question 33

Which of the following would NOT be appropriate for the opening of an application letter?

A) Describing your most outstanding accomplishments
B) Explaining why you are interested in the position
C) Indicating knowledge about the position or organization/company
D) Mentioning who referred you to this position

Question 34

Which of the following would NOT be a strong closing for an application letter?

A) I am enclosing my résumé for you to consider. When can I expect to hear from you?
B) I am excited about the prospect of interviewing with Good Face, a highly respected public relations firm in San Francisco. Please call me at 802.555.1234 to schedule an interview at your convenience.
C) I would appreciate an opportunity to talk with you about how I would fit in your organization. I will call you early next week to arrange an appointment.
D) Please call me at 555.793.534 or e-mail me at [e-mail] to set up an interview. If hired for this position, I will be a dedicated, productive employee.

Question 35

An interviewer may intentionally challenge you by asking difficult questions to see how you handle different situations.

Question 36

Which of the following is the best content for an answer to the interview question, "What do you consider your strengths?"

A) Cite your academic record and achievements.
B) List three to five specific abilities that you have and explain how they have served you in the past.
C) Refer to your work-related accomplishments.
D) Relate your skills and knowledge to the job requirements.

Question 37

An interview question that asks about one of your weaknesses would be answered best by

A) admitting the weakness.
B) asking if it is necessary to talk about weaknesses.
C) naming a weakness and turning it into a strength.
D) saying that you do not have any weaknesses.

Question 38

An advantage of traditional interview questions is that the answers center on actual events and are less likely to be only an answer the applicant believes the interviewer expects.

Question 39

Questions asked in a panel interview are usually the same for all candidates.

Question 40

An employment application provides the prospective employer with a signed record of your personal and employment history.

Question 41

Give three questions that are unacceptable in an interview and provide an answer for each of them.

Question 42

Write a short letter of thanks to a person who served as a reference for a position that you recently acquired.Omit the inside address and complimentary close; write only the body of the letter.

Question 43

What are ways that you can reinforce your confidence before a job interview?

Question 44

List some tips for a successful telephone screening interview.

Question 45

List five questions that you might seek answers for when doing your research on a potential employer.

Question 46

How can you prepare for answering behavioral interview questions?

Question 47

Write three behavioral interview questions.

Question 48

List five questions that a job applicant should prepare to ask during an interview.

Question 49

What are the basic guidelines for answering interview questions?

Question 50

What materials should you take with you to the interview?