Deck 14: Interviewing for a Job and Preparing Employment Messages

Question 1

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.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

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

Question 5

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

Question 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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

Question 11

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

Question 12

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

Question 13

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

Question 14

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

Question 15

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

Question 16

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

Question 17

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

Question 18

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 19

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

Question 20

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

Question 21

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 22

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 23

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 24

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 25

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 26

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 27

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 28

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 29

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 30

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 31

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 32

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 33

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 34

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 35

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 36

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 37

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 38

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 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

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 41

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

Question 42

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 43

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 44

Discuss appropriate ways to respond to illegal interview questions.

Question 45

Which of the following messages should be written inductively?

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

Question 46

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

Question 47

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

Question 48

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 49

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 50

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.

Question 51

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 52

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