Deck 16: Applying and Interviewing for Employment

Question 1

You'll impress prospective employers with your application letter if you

A) use a gimmicky layout.
B) show that you know something about the company and its marketplace.
C) use a personal, "chummy" tone.
D) state up front that no other applicants could possibly compare to you.
E) do all of the above.

Answer 1

B
Explanation: B)Do as much research on your prospective employer as possible.Show that you can take initiative in your job search and that you have a background in the field in which you desire to find employments.Your knowledge will do much more to recommend you than any unsupported statements you may make about yourself.

Question 2

During a screening interview,your best approach is to

A) ask as many questions as possible.
B) keep your answers short, providing a few key details to distinguish you from other candidates.
C) expand on your answers as much as possible so that the interviewer knows you are at ease.
D) keep as low a profile as you can; this is not the time to try to differentiate yourself from other candidates.
E) ask for feedback on how you compare to other candidates.

Answer 2

B
Explanation: B)A screening interview is a good opportunity to differentiate yourself from other applicants.Stay focused on a few key points about yourself and speak briefly and directly in the limited time that is available to you.

Question 3

Most employers interview an applicant ________ before deciding to make a job offer.

A) once
B) multiple times
C) via email
D) anonymously
E) None of the above-most companies have dispensed with the interview process entirely.

Answer 3

B
Explanation: B)The interview process for many companies can involve multiple stages,including a screening stage,a selection stage,and a final stage.These interviews can occur in multiple forms,from in-person interviews to telephone calls,Skype calls,or computer-based screening systems.

Question 4

If your application letter and résumé fail to bring a response within a week or so after the position close date,

A) call the highest-ranking employee at the company and complain that you are being mistreated.
B) follow up by email or telephone.
C) cross this particular job possibility off your list.
D) send another copy of your application letter and résumé.
E) assume that the employer has offered the job to someone else.

Question 5

When it comes to length,an application letter should

A) be at least two pages long, since it shows the prospective employer that you write well and are serious.
B) be no more than a single paragraph.
C) contain one paragraph for every 5 years of full-time employment.
D) be short-no more than three paragraphs.
E) be long enough to cover everything that appears on your résumé.

Question 6

Because application letters are ________ messages,the AIDA approach is ideally suited for them.

A) positive
B) negative
C) persuasive
D) routine
E) personal

Question 7

The second stage of interviews (following screening)is the ________ stage.

A) in-depth
B) narrowing
C) exploration
D) elimination
E) selection

Question 8

Which of the following would be the best opening sentence for a solicited application letter?

A) "I am clearly the best person for the job you've advertised."
B) "I'm sure you get these letters all the time, but I hope you'll read mine carefully."
C) "I want a job, and you've got one that I could do."
D) "Based on your company's remarkable growth over the past three years, I can appreciate your need for highly qualified and experienced sales personnel."
E) "Like many people, I have been searching for a job for a very long time."

Question 9

In the opening paragraph of an application letter,it is vital to

A) demonstrate that you are desperate to find a job.
B) let the employer know that you have other options.
C) give the recipient a reason to keep reading.
D) let the employer know that he or she can skip the rest and go straight to your résumé.
E) make sure the employer understands that you need a response within 24 hours.

Question 10

The best salutation for an application letter is

A) "Dear Hiring Manager."
B) "To Whom It May Concern."
C) one that addresses a specific individual by name.
D) "Dear Sir or Madam."
E) one that is very informal, such as, "Hi."

Question 11

After sending your application letter and résumé in response to a job posting that lists a close date,you should

A) always call the employer prior to that date to see if your materials have been reviewed.
B) email the employer on the morning of the close date to reiterate your interest in the job.
C) avoid following up with the employer before that date.
D) wait until the day after the close date and then call the employer to see where you stand.
E) call the employer and do all you can to set up an interview prior to that date.

Question 12

In the final paragraph of your application letter you should

A) show the reader you mean business and demand an interview.
B) say something philosophical.
C) request an interview and provide contact information.
D) cover your bases by saying something like, "If I've left anything important out, I'm sorry."
E) thank the reader in advance for interviewing you and making a job offer.

Question 13

The best approach for an application letter depends on

A) how badly you want the job.
B) whether or not your résumé is up to date.
C) how long you have been on the job market.
D) whether you are sending a solicited letter or an unsolicited letter.
E) your personal preferences.

Question 14

Employers use preliminary screening interviews to

A) find out as much as possible about each job candidate.
B) give employment tests.
C) filter out applicants who are unqualified or otherwise not a good fit for the organization.
D) offer jobs to the best candidates.
E) help finalize their expectations for the job.

Question 15

Compared to writing a solicited application letter,composing an unsolicited application letter is

A) much easier.
B) much more difficult.
C) equally challenging.
D) most effective when you use passive verbs entirely.
E) most effective when you use only complex sentences.

Question 16

Unsolicited application letters to prospective employers

A) require more research than solicited letters.
B) irritate the personnel office staff.
C) are never read.
D) almost never result in a job offer.
E) are none of the above.

Question 17

Including an application letter with your résumé is

A) always a good idea.
B) no longer necessary since most employers are too busy to read them.
C) necessary only if you submit the résumé by mail.
D) statistically proven to reduce your chances of getting the job.
E) unnecessary if you write a personal note at the top of the first page.

Question 18

In the Interest and Desire sections of a solicited application letter,discussing each requirement specified in the job ad

A) will reduce your chances of getting an interview.
B) is unnecessary as long as you refer to the ad in some specific way.
C) is helpful as long as you clearly identify those that you do not meet.
D) is harmful if the position requires creativity or innovation.
E) helps demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs.

Question 19

In the middle section of a job application letter,you should

A) present your strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization.
B) give your entire work history, in case the employer doesn't read your résumé.
C) mention any ways in which you do not meet the job qualifications but point out that you are willing to learn.
D) state your minimum salary requirements, even if the employer has not requested them.
E) do all of the above.

Question 20

Your goal in the initial screening interview is to

A) explain your greatest strengths in depth.
B) distinguish yourself from other candidates.
C) clinch the deal.
D) provide as much detail as possible about positions you've held in the past.
E) convince the interviewer that you need a decision right away.

Question 21

A recent survey of hiring professionals revealed that

A) most employers understand that candidates may need to answer their mobile phones during the interview, and that doing so has no effect on the outcome.
B) candidates who answer mobile phone calls during interviews are more likely to get the job because they are perceived as busy and important.
C) answering mobile phone calls or texting in the middle of an interview is the most common mistake candidates make during their interviews.
D) candidates who warn the interviewer ahead of time that they might have to answer a call during the interview have a better chance of getting the job than those who do not.
E) none of the above

Question 22

Employers use ________ tests to measure a variety of attributes involved in acquiring,processing,analyzing,using,and remembering information.

A) integrity
B) personality
C) job skills
D) mental capacity
E) cognitive

Question 23

When responding to questions during a job interview,you should

A) stick to neutral topics such as the weather.
B) look for opportunities to frame your answers as brief stories rather than simple declarative answers.
C) limit yourself to yes or no answers only.
D) not be afraid to ask, "Could we move on?" if the employer asks a question you don't like.
E) do none of the above.

Question 24

Questions such as,"What is one job-related achievement that best illustrates your work ethic?" are likely to be asked during a ________ interview.

A) structured
B) stress
C) behavioral
D) situational
E) working

Question 25

Interviews in which job candidates are asked how they would respond to various hypothetical situations on the job are known as ________ interviews.

A) stress
B) structured
C) screening
D) situational
E) scenario

Question 26

In the second stage of interviews,your best approach is to

A) stick to brief yes and no answers to the interview questions.
B) relate your training and experience to the organization's needs.
C) inquire about salary and benefits.
D) press for an immediate decision on whether or not to hire you.
E) do all the above.

Question 27

Interviews in which the interviewer adapts his or her line of questioning based on the answers you give and any questions you ask are known as ________ interviews.

A) free-flowing
B) creative
C) screening
D) unhindered
E) open-ended

Question 28

Preparing for a video interview is generally

A) the same as preparing for a face-to-face interview.
B) not necessary.
C) similar to preparing for a face-to-face interview, but requires familiarizing yourself with the equipment and process.
D) virtually impossible to do effectively.
E) unnecessary, since you never know what the interviewers will ask.

Question 29

________ interviews allow one or more interviewers to meet with several candidates simultaneously and to observe how the candidates interact with potential peers.

A) Panel
B) Group
C) Team
D) Collaborative
E) Inclusive

Question 30

In a working interview,

A) the candidate meets with an interviewer as the interviewer performs normal duties.
B) no questions are asked-the candidate simply shows up and begins working so that those involved with the hiring decision can evaluate him or her.
C) interviewers avoid asking about anything other than work: hobbies and other personal matters are not addressed.
D) the candidate "shadows" several employees, and is asked to explain which job seems best and why.
E) the candidate actually performs a job-related activity during the interview.

Question 31

Searching LinkedIn to learn about the managers you will meet with in an upcoming interview

A) is unethical, since LinkedIn profiles are private.
B) is acceptable as long as you never reveal that you have done it.
C) requires that you ask their permission beforehand.
D) can make it easier for you to build rapport with your interviewers.
E) hinders your chances of success by making you seem desperate for employment.

Question 32

Online interviews

A) never involve anything more than a simple set of structured questions.
B) are utilized only in highly technical fields.
C) involve only sophisticated job simulations.
D) severely limit what interviewers can learn about the candidates they interview.
E) are not very useful, since they never allow for nonverbal communication.

Question 33

Which type of interview would be likely to include a question such as,"You seem wholly unqualified for this job,and your answers so far have been terrible.Why should we continue with this?"

A) stress
B) structured
C) screening
D) situational
E) panel

Question 34

When it comes to drug and alcohol testing,

A) by law only government agencies can require it.
B) a majority of companies require it of all applicants.
C) only a few companies now require it.
D) the Supreme Court has declared it unconstitutional.
E) companies with fewer than 500 employees cannot legally perform them.

Question 35

In a(n)________ interview,the candidate meets with several interviewers at once.

A) panel
B) group
C) team
D) collaborative
E) inclusive

Question 36

When choosing the clothing you will wear for an interview,the best policy is to

A) pick something that will make you stand out from the crowd.
B) wear only dark colors.
C) dress as comfortably as possible.
D) dress conservatively.
E) dress in a way that expresses your individuality.

Question 37

For most interviews,asking your own questions is

A) necessary only if you are interviewing for a management position.
B) risky and a bad idea unless you are certain the interview is going well.
C) just as important as answering the employer's questions effectively.
D) usually viewed as a sign of arrogance-after all, the employer is in charge.
E) helpful only when you are interviewing for a job at a large organization.

Question 38

In general,employers are looking for two things: proof that a candidate can handle the responsibilities of the position and

A) excellent references.
B) high employment test scores.
C) evidence that the person will fit in with the organization.
D) long-term commitment to the organization.
E) advice on how their company can meet the candidate's needs.

Question 39

You are more likely to have a successful interview if you

A) begin speaking immediately after the employer finishes asking the question, even if you haven't formed an answer in your mind yet.
B) ask the interviewer to repeat each question before you begin answering.
C) speak as quickly as possible throughout.
D) pause for a moment to gather your thoughts before answering each question.
E) do none of the above.

Question 40

If you are asked back for a final job interview,you should expect the interviewer to focus on

A) your previous job experience.
B) selling you on the advantages of joining the organization.
C) your educational background.
D) checking your references.
E) concerns with whether or not you will truly be a good fit for the organization.

Question 41

The longest phase of a job interview is usually

A) the warm-up.
B) the question-and-answer stage.
C) the close.
D) the interchange.
E) none of the above; all are about the same length.

Question 42

An unsolicited job application letter should begin with a statement designed to get the reader's attention.

Question 43

The difference between solicited and unsolicited application letters is similar to the difference between solicited and unsolicited proposals.

Question 44

Many interviewers begin making a decision about the applicant

A) within the first 20 seconds of the interview.
B) during the question-and-answer stage.
C) during the final minutes of the interview.
D) after the candidate has left.
E) only after receiving a note of appreciation.

Question 45

If your interviewer asks you a potentially unlawful question,

A) you are required by law to end the interview and report it to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
B) it is often a sign that the interview is going well.
C) you have several options, including trying to answer "the question behind the question."
D) you should ignore it unless it happens more than once.
E) you should demand an immediate job offer and threaten to sue if you do not receive it.

Question 46

Unsolicited application letters are those sent in response to want ads for job openings.

Question 47

The opening paragraph of an application letter states the reason for writing and gives the recipient a reason to keep reading.

Question 48

When you discuss salary requirements with a prospective employer,you should

A) let the interviewer raise the topic first.
B) say that your requirements are negotiable or that you expect to receive a competitive compensation package.
C) try to negotiate a higher salary if you are not satisfied with the offer and are in a good bargaining position.
D) focus on the unique value you can bring to the job.
E) do all of the above.

Question 49

The employer should not ask you questions about

A) your marital status.
B) your ethnicity.
C) your religion.
D) the composition of your family.
E) any of the above.

Question 50

When a job interviewer indicates the interview is coming to a close,you should

A) try to prolong the interview, since the more the interviewer interacts with you, the better impression you'll make.
B) leave as quickly as possible.
C) prepare to leave but (if possible) try to pin down what will happen next.
D) ask how you did.
E) explain that you really need a job offer before you depart.

Question 51

In application letters it is acceptable to mention that you will follow up with a phone call in a few days.

Question 52

On your second or third visit to an organization,if you haven't been told by the end of an interview whether you got the job,you should

A) not bring up the topic.
B) say that you have another job offer (even if you really don't) and need to give the other company an answer by a specific date.
C) ask tactfully when you can expect to learn of the decision.
D) ask whether you did anything wrong during the interview.
E) politely explain that you need to know right away whether or not they plan to hire you.

Question 53

If you are a smoker and are going to a job interview,

A) ask the interviewer politely if you can smoke.
B) smoke only if the interviewer smokes.
C) refrain from smoking before and during the interview.
D) smoke just prior to the interview to calm yourself.
E) call ahead and ask about whether or not smoking is allowed in the building.

Question 54

Preliminary screening interviews are often conducted via telephone or Skype.

Question 55

Within two days after an employment interview,you should

A) have a friend call to see whether you got the job.
B) write a follow-up letter (using the format for persuasive messages) and include another copy of your résumé.
C) write a short note of thanks in which you sound positive but not overconfident.
D) assume that you didn't get the job if you haven't heard anything.
E) call the employer and say you have received some other job offers (even if you have not).

Question 56

Most employers interview an applicant multiple times before deciding whether to offer a person a job.

Question 57

In the final paragraph of your application letter,you should forcefully demand an interview.

Question 58

An application letter should follow the AIDA format for persuasive messages.

Question 59

In the middle part of an application letter,you should spell out your "selling points" and other potential benefits to your employer.

Question 60

When going to a job interview

A) take along samples of your work; recruiters are impressed by tangible evidence of job-related accomplishments.
B) there is no need for you to bring copies of your résumé; you can assume the interviewer already has one.
C) try not to be more than five or ten minutes late.
D) it is important to say nothing to the receptionist until after the interview is complete.
E) do all of the above.

Question 61

One challenge in a screening interview is to keep your answers short while distinguishing yourself from other candidates.

Question 62

If you are asked a potentially unlawful question during a job interview,you are legally obligated to refuse to answer.

Question 63

It's a good idea to take extra copies of your résumé with you to an interview.

Question 64

In a behavioral interview,you are asked to describe how you would handle various hypothetical situations on the job.

Question 65

Part of preparing for a job interview involves anticipating the questions that will be asked and rehearsing answers to each one.

Question 66

Part of your preparation for job interviews is an evaluation of your vocal tone and speaking habits.

Question 67

At the close of an interview,you should impress the interviewer with your assertiveness by pressing for an immediate decision.

Question 68

You should prepare for a video interview in much the same way you would prepare for an in-person interview.

Question 69

Of the three stages of a job interview,the close is the most important.

Question 70

The appropriate clothing for most job interviews is something conservative,such as a dark blue suit.

Question 71

A screening interview is usually used to gauge a job candidate's personality and personal qualities.

Question 72

Staging mock interviews can help you identify undesirable nonverbal behaviors and speech mannerisms.

Question 73

If you get off to a bad start in a job interview,you can usually turn things around with an impressive close.

Question 74

Most interviewers will make allowances for applicants to be a few minutes late for their appointment.

Question 75

During the question-and-answer phase of an interview,try to keep your answers short; usually just a yes or no will do.

Question 76

When applying for jobs,you should assume that every interested employer will conduct a general online search on you.

Question 77

You've just finished a job interview that went badly.Since you know there's no chance of getting the job,you should not bother to send a thank-you message to the interviewer.

Question 78

Body language is particularly important during the warm-up phase of a job interview.

Question 79

A job interviewer will expect you to raise the issue of salary.

Question 80

It is potentially illegal for an interviewer to ask about your religious affiliation or marital status.