Deck 15: Communicating in the Job Search

Question 1

The reverse chronological organizational layout for organizing the information in your résumé presents your education and work experience from the oldest to the most recent.

Answer 1

False

Question 2

In an interview, it is illegal to ask questions about a candidate's age or marital status.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The information in résumés should always be grouped into three parts: "Education," "Experience," and "Skills" or "Interests."

Answer 3

False

Question 4

Once you have acquired a job, you do not need to update your résumé until you start looking for another job.

Question 5

Because a prospecting (uninvited) cover message is not likely to have competition, it has little need to gain attention in its opening.

Question 6

For printed résumés, the ideal type size for headings should be at least 10 to 12 points.

Question 7

If you are seeking an internship or just beginning your career, one good possibility is the career center at your school.

Question 8

The indirect order is usually preferred over the direct order in presenting the information for negative messages like resignations.

Question 9

Education is an internal factor that needs to be considered when identifying appropriate jobs.

Question 10

If you are still in your position and want to apply for a job, you should use simple present tense verbs for duties you currently perform.

Question 11

When creating the heading, your name should be larger and bolder than the rest of the document.

Question 12

Cover messages should focus on what the employer can do for you.

Question 13

To plan your résumé, you will need to analyze your goals, purpose, and audience.

Question 14

A résumé looks balanced and has the greatest appeal when the page has more white space than text.

Question 15

The projected job market is an internal factor that needs to be considered when identifying an appropriate job.

Question 16

A functional or skills layout approach to organizing information in a résumé is particularly good for those who have progressed in an orderly and timely fashion through school and work.

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true about obtaining an internship?

A) Interns always get paid for their time, expertise, and labor.
B) Interns can gain real-world, marketable skills.
C) Internships typically involve an employer taking unfair advantage of an unpaid or low-paid worker.
D) Unlike a paid internship, an unpaid internship carries no value.
E) Someone who takes part in a paid internship is more likely to receive a lower starting salary offer than someone who undertakes an unpaid internship.

Question 18

In a résumé, your name and contact information should be placed at the bottom of the page.

Question 19

Only paid internships offer interns the opportunity to gain marketable skills.

Question 20

Because the résumé is a listing of information, you should write it without the use of personal pronouns.

Question 21

Which of the following terms refers to help-wanted notices in newspapers and professional journals, whether online or in print?

A) classified advertisements
B) display advertisements
C) personal advertisements
D) cover messages
E) public notices

Question 22

After completing his internship, Ivan decides to search for a job. He decides to begin his search by sending physical copies of his résumé to prospective employers. When describing in his résumé the duties he performed as an intern last summer, he should use

A) action-oriented, present tense verbs.
B) action-oriented, past tense verbs.
C) verbs in progressive future tense.
D) verbs in present continuous tense.
E) action-oriented, future tense verbs.

Question 23

Which of the following is a primary reason why references should not be included unless asked for in a résumé?

A) It is extremely difficult for a person to find someone who will refer him or her.
B) It takes up space that a person could use to sell his or her skills.
C) It is unethical for a person to be selected for a job based on someone's reference.
D) It can always be given at a later point in time by putting "references available upon request" at the bottom of a résumé.
E) It is against the law to hire an individual based on his or her references.

Question 24

Which of the following is the most common strategy for organizing the information in a résumé?

A) the achievements layout
B) the prioritized accomplishments layout
C) the functional layout
D) the reverse chronological organizational layout
E) the skills layout

Question 25

When presenting your education in your résumé, you should

A) include details such as your age, religion, and political affiliation.
B) provide an explanation if your GPA is low (e.g., you worked 40-hours per week).
C) include your GPA no matter how low it is.
D) emphasize grades, projects, honors, or special recognition.
E) omit study-abroad experiences.

Question 26

In the context of finding employers, _____ are commonly used to place experienced people in executive positions.

A) job counselors
B) headhunters
C) campus recruiters
D) personal search agents
E) hiring managers

Question 27

When preparing a résumé, the logical next step after you organize your information is to

A) include contact information.
B) include a statement of objective.
C) construct the headings.
D) include a goodwill ending.
E) select the background facts.

Question 28

Which of the following is the first step you should take when searching for a job or an internship?

A) You should analyze the job market.
B) You should analyze yourself.
C) You should analyze your potential employers.
D) You should analyze the job counselor.
E) You should analyze the industry.

Question 29

Deandra's best friend's father works for Prime Tech, and he has arranged for Deandra to make a personal visit to their office to talk about possible employment. Deandra is engaging in

A) prospecting.
B) headhunting.
C) networking.
D) temping.
E) searching the company intranet.

Question 30

In the context of finding an employer, which of the following is true of career centers?

A) Career centers tend to charge for their services.
B) Very few schools have career centers.
C) Career centers primarily attract employers who are looking for experienced applicants for executive positions.
D) Career centers do not maintain databases on registrants' school records, résumés, and recommendations.
E) Most career centers have directories listing major companies with contact names and addresses.

Question 31

Which of the following is true of employment agencies?

A) Employment agencies offer their services free of charge.
B) Employment agencies are companies that specialize in finding internships for college students.
C) Employment agencies do not help job seekers gain temporary employment.
D) Employers, not job seekers, have to pay for the services of employment agencies.
E) Employers sometimes pay for the services of employment agencies, usually if qualified applicants are scarce.

Question 32

In the context of organizing information in a résumé, the functional layout is also known as the _____ and is good for those who have taken nontraditional career paths.

A) reverse chronological organizational layout
B) skills layout
C) accomplishments layout
D) achievements layout
E) combined layout

Question 33

Authorities who favor the inclusion of a statement of objective in a résumé reason that it

A) helps increase the overall length of the résumé and gives it a more professional look.
B) provides a concise summary of the skills and qualifications of the candidate.
C) includes information that is not suggested by the remainder of the résumé.
D) helps a recruiter see quickly where an applicant might fit into a company.
E) limits the applicant to a single position and eliminates consideration for other jobs that may be available.

Question 34

Rather showing that you developed one skill on one job and another skill on another job, you can use the _____, a strategy for organizing information on a résumé that groups related skills and is particularly good for those who have had many jobs.

A) combined layout
B) reverse chronological organizational layout
C) accomplishments layout
D) functional layout
E) targeted layout

Question 35

Which of the following is considered appropriate to include in your résumé when listing personal information?

A) social activities
B) gender
C) marital status
D) race
E) religion

Question 36

Which of the following involves job seekers directly approaching potential employers by personal visit, mail, or email?

A) headhunting
B) job counseling
C) sourcing
D) job consulting
E) prospecting

Question 37

Employment agencies are

A) companies that specialize only in finding internships for college students.
B) agencies that provide financial support to unemployed citizens.
C) companies that train students seeking employment.
D) companies that specialize in finding jobs for employees.
E) the regulatory authorities for employment.

Question 38

A test that helps match a person's interests to those of others successful in their careers is known as

A) a personality test.
B) an intelligence quotient test.
C) a reference sheet.
D) Myers-Briggs test.
E) an interest inventory.

Question 39

Which of the following is an external factor that you need to consider when identifying an appropriate job?

A) your education
B) your personal qualities
C) your special qualifications
D) your work experience
E) your family's needs

Question 40

Which of the following is an internal factor that you need to consider when identifying an appropriate job?

A) the projected job market
B) economic needs
C) your special qualifications
D) the current job market
E) your family's needs

Question 41

Carlos is going to a job fair and needs to bring printed copies of his résumé with him. Which of the following practices should he avoid?

A) leaving space for margins on all sides of the résumé
B) allotting extra space between subdivisions and indented patterns for subparts
C) using a different font style for every heading on the résumé
D) formatting the résumé with 14-point headings and 12-point text
E) listing items in rows and columns if the items are short

Question 42

Gina has learned of a job opening for which she is qualified through an acquaintance who works at the hiring company. Which of the following is the best way for Gina to begin her cover letter?

A) At the suggestion of Mr. Lloyd Davis of your staff, I am sending the following summary of my qualifications for work as your bookkeeper.
B) I've always wanted to work for this company, so I'm writing to apply for the position of bookkeeper.
C) I would like to work as your bookkeeper. I have sufficient experience in the field, and I'm an efficient worker.
D) Since I have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job, I would like to work as the bookkeeper for your company.
E) I would like to apply for a position as a bookkeeper with your company;

Question 43

In the context of writing a cover message, which of the following sentences is the best way to present your work experience?

A) I held a position as sales manager for three years.
B) As a sales manager for three years, I supervised the work of 12 representatives covering a four-state area.
C) You will be pleased to know that I held the title of sales manager for three years.
D) I have three years of experience as a sales manager during which I fulfilled various other duties.
E) From 2003-2006, over a period of three years, I was employed as a sales manager by the same employer.

Question 44

A(n) _____ message is written in response to an actual job opening.

A) solicited cover
B) thank-you
C) unsolicited cover
D) follow-up
E) explicit cover

Question 45

Which of the following phrases from a résumé is not in the same parallel grammatical form as the others?

A) developed monthly client reports
B) coordinated company projects
C) negotiated with vendors
D) was responsible for managing the sales team
E) organized quarterly file audits

Question 46

If you are an interviewer, which of the following questions does the law permit you to ask?

A) What religion do you practice?
B) How old are you?
C) Are you married?
D) Do you plan to have children?
E) How much are you expecting to get paid?

Question 47

Which of the following statements about making a good appearance at an interview is true?

A) You should wear whatever you would wear on a normal day.
B) You should wear trendy clothing.
C) You should wear conservative colors, such as black, brown, navy, and gray.
D) You should avoid conformity in dress and grooming.
E) You should dress for the job you ultimately want, not necessarily the job you are interviewing for.

Question 48

Which of the following is the best opening for an invited or solicited message?

A) My training in child psychology and experience in elementary education qualify me for the youth counselor position listed on your company's website.
B) I have attached a résumé along with this letter that extensively covers my education and work experience, and I am sure they will make me eligible for one of the positions in the firm.
C) I would like to apply for an internship at your firm. I have strong academic credentials and references. I would like to point out that I am so keen to work for your company that I am willing to do an unpaid internship in an area of my interest.
D) I have attached a résumé for a possible job offer from your company.
E) I can assure you that I am well suited to work for your company because of my experience, education, and personal qualities.

Question 49

For printed résumés, the most appropriate type size is

A) 12 to 14 points for headings and 10 to 12 points for body text.
B) 18 to 20 points for the heading and 6 to 8 points for body text.
C) 10 to 12 points for the heading and 18 to 20 points for body text.
D) 10 points for the heading and 10 points for body text.
E) 20 to 30 points for the heading and 10 to 20 points for body text.

Question 50

When organizing the information in a résumé, which of the following is true of a functional layout?

A) It features a "Highlights" or "Summary" section that includes key points from the three conventional information groups: education, experience, and personal qualities.
B) It is particularly good for those who have had many jobs, have taken nontraditional career paths, or who are changing fields.
C) It presents your education and work experience from the oldest to the most recent.
D) It is particularly good for those who have progressed in an orderly and timely fashion through school and work.
E) It is the most common strategy for organizing the information a résumé.

Question 51

Which section of a cover letter requests action such as an interview and provides contact information that makes a response easy?

A) the introduction
B) the body
C) the close
D) the reference sheet
E) the salutation

Question 52

One of the purposes of an introduction in a cover message is to

A) capture the reader's attention.
B) uses a good sales strategy.
C) request action for an interview.
D) provide contact information for further communication.
E) display information with the intention of persuading the reader.

Question 53

If an interviewer asks you an illegal interview question, your response

A) is up to you.
B) is required if you want the job.
C) should always be silence.
D) must be to leave the interview.
E) depends on whether the interviewer plans to discriminate against you.

Question 54

Which of the following is the best example of how to seek action in a solicited cover message written to a company located in your current city?

A) I would be very interested in filling this position.
B) Please feel free to contact my references.
C) Would it be possible to schedule an interview to discuss the position and my qualifications in person?
D) Please give me a call at 727-555-0113 so that we may discuss compensation.
E) I appreciate your taking the time to review this message.

Question 55

Which of the following questions would be asked as part of a behavioral interview?

A) Why do you think we should hire you for this job?
B) Are you comfortable working night shifts?
C) How would you tackle a project with a deadline that you're sure you can't meet on your own?
D) You have an excellent college record, but how does it translate into your being an efficient employee?
E) Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Question 56

Daria's dream is to work in product development for a well-known athletic gear company based in her hometown. The company does not currently have any product development positions open, but Daria has the necessary education, and one of her aunts works for the company and has promised to introduce Daria to the head of the development team. What type of cover message should Daria prepare?

A) a solicited message
B) an invited message
C) an unsolicited message
D) a follow-up message
E) a message of interest

Question 57

When writing cover messages, you can help your case by

A) presenting your facts in reader-viewpoint language.
B) ordering information about yourself based on chronology, not the job requirements.
C) using I-references as much as possible.
D) avoiding the you-viewpoint.
E) presenting your information using the we-viewpoint.

Question 58

Which section of a general cover letter matches a person's qualifications to the reader's needs?

A) the introduction
B) the conclusion
C) the references
D) the body
E) the salutation

Question 59

Which of the following is one of the primary purposes of an email cover message?

A) to request an interview
B) to discuss salary and other compensation needs
C) to display the applicant's knowledge of the company
D) to highlight the personal information of the applicant
E) to identify the job the applicant is applying to

Question 60

Which of the following statements about cover messages is true?

A) They should be audience-centered.
B) They should focus on what the employer can do for you.
C) They should begin by requesting an action such as an interview.
D) They should be provided only when there is an actual job opening.
E) They should be included only at the employer's request.

Question 61

Describe the reverse chronological organizational layout for organizing information in a résumé.

Question 62

Explain how employment agencies can be useful for people seeking a job.

Question 63

Selina has been interviewed by several companies and has received two job offers which she needs to decide on within the next few days. However, she is still waiting to hear back from the company she thinks would be the best fit. What type of message should she send to check on the status of her application with the company?

A) a thank-you message
B) a follow-up message
C) a negotiation letter
D) a job acceptance message
E) a counter offer

Question 64

Which of the following should you avoid when preparing for or attending an interview?

A) investigating the company
B) making a good appearance
C) giving long, detailed answers to all questions
D) practicing common interview questions
E) asking questions of the interviewer

Question 65

List the steps involved in constructing a résumé.

Question 66

What are the internal factors to be considered when searching for a job?

Question 67

Identify what information you should look for when investigating a company.

Question 68

Describe how to maintain job-search activities once a job has been secured.

Question 69

Which of the following is true about a resignation letter?

A) A resignation can be offered only in one form, either written or oral.
B) A resignation letter should point out the company's faults.
C) You should justify your resignation by citing negative past working experiences.
D) A resignation letter should not be written in the direct order.
E) The indirect order is usually the best strategy for writing a resignation letter.

Question 70

List the groups of people that would be in your network of contacts, and briefly describe a way to make new contacts.

Question 71

Which of the following statements about thank-you messages is true?

A) They should be sent if you have not heard anything a week after the interview.
B) They are a common courtesy, but they have no impact on your ability to get a job.
C) They should be long enough to discuss the interview in detail.
D) They should end with a goodwill note, such as a hopeful look to the next step in the negotiation process.
E) They should always be sent through mail.

Question 72

Before appearing for an interview, you should

A) avoid learning about the company so that you have plenty of questions to ask the interviewer.
B) dress in clothes that express your personality and style.
C) avoid wasting time on preparing answers or questions for the interviewer.
D) let your emotions flow so that the interviewer can see your true colors.
E) practice answers to common interview questions to help put yourself at ease.

Question 73

Describe the importance of taking part in internships during the process of one's job search.

Question 74

Once a job has been secured, which of the following activities should be avoided?

A) keeping a finger on the pulse of the job market
B) updating your résumé only when applying for a new job
C) keeping up on your professional reading
D) assessing and acquiring different skills required for the job
E) staying alert to better job opportunities

Question 75

Briefly explain the plan along which a cover letter is organized.

Question 76

Explain the general layout of a thank-you message following an interview.