Deck 14: Interviewing and Following up

Question 1

Which of the following is the best advice for making a positive first impression in a phone conversation with an employer?

A) Don't refer to your résumé or references during the first phone call because these are appropriate only in the placement interview.
B) Take notes about the conversation immediately after hanging up to avoid forgetting details.
C) In the first phone call, be polite and enthusiastic; but don't be pushy by discussing your qualifications.
D) If caught off guard by the call, ask whether you can call back in a few minutes.

Answer 1

D
Explanation:To make a positive first impression, ask if you may call the employer back if you are caught off guard. This allows you to organize your materials and yourself.

Question 2

Effective interview preparation techniques include practicing answers to possible questions, preparing to explain problem areas on your résumé, deciding on professional attire, and

A) informing your current employer of your plans.
B) preparing success stories.
C) writing a resignation letter.
D) purchasing a gift for the interviewer.

Answer 2

B
Explanation:When preparing for the interview, you should practice answering possible questions, prepare explanations of problem areas, select professional attire, and prepare success stories. Other appropriate preparation techniques include cleaning up digital dirt, gathering the items you will take to the interview, and studying the job description.

Question 3

Kevin is preparing several success stories prior to his job interview for a sales representative position. Which of the following scenarios would result in the best success story for this position?

A) A story about a lemonade stand that Kevin ran when he was a child
B) A story about working as part of a team in college to prepare a classroom presentation about a company's history
C) A story about volunteering for a local food bank over the holidays
D) A story about developing a new sales technique that increased his customer sales by 30 percent over a six-month period

Answer 3

D
Explanation:The best success stories are specific examples of your educational and work-related experience that demonstrate your qualifications for the position. These stories should incorporate numbers whenever possible.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about hiring/placement interviews is most accurate?

A) During sequential interviews, sell your qualifications to each interviewer.
B) During an interview the hiring manager of the department with the job opening will probably ask more general questions than will a representative from human resources.
C) Panel interviews occur when a company interviews several candidates for the same position at the same time.
D) The most common type of interview is the stress interview.

Question 5

Having submitted several job applications, Abdul is an active job seeker. Which of the following is the best advice for Abdul?

A) If you put your cell phone number on your application, answer the cell phone only if your location is appropriate.
B) Inform your children or roommates that they must answer the phone promptly to avoid missing any job calls.
C) Stop using voice mail to screen calls because employers are likely to find voice mail unprofessional.
D) If you use voice mail, have someone with a clear, professional speaking voice record your outgoing message for you.

Question 6

Which of these responses is the best answer to the question, Where do you see yourself in your career five years from now?

A) I see myself in your job, because this response shows a good sense of humor.
B) I see myself as the president of this company, because this response shows ambition.
C) I hope to be running my own business, because this response shows self-motivation.
D) As a member of your team, I will have grown and learned enough to advance to a position in management, because this response shows that you want to grow with the organization.

Question 7

For the job candidate, the job interview is an opportunity to

A) convince the employer of your potential and to expand on information in your résumé.
B) find out more about the job and whether it suits your career goals.
C) learn more about the company to decide whether you would fit into the company culture.
D) do all of these.

Question 8

Which of the following is an example of a situational question?

A) If you were aware that a coworker was submitting false data, what would you do?
B) What is your ideal work environment?
C) What do you predict for the future of our industry?
D) Tell me about a time when you dealt with confidential information.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about nonverbal messages during an interview is most accurate?

A) Sit erect, leaning forward slightly to show interest and confidence.
B) Change positions often and gesture very frequently to convey high energy.
C) Lean forward and rest your arms on the desk or table before you to indicate control.
D) Relax back into your chair, slouching slightly, to demonstrate self-assurance.

Question 10

If an interviewer says Tell me about yourself, what is the best way to respond?

A) Give the interviewer a brief chronological history, beginning with when and where you were born.
B) Briefly discuss educational, professional, or business-related strengths.
C) Provide a few personal or humorous references to get the interview started positively.
D) Tell several success stories, making sure to fill at least ten minutes of interview time.

Question 11

Which of the following is an example of a behavioral interview question?

A) Who in your life has most inspired you and why?
B) An irate customer is demanding her money back. How would you handle the situation?
C) Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
D) What is your greatest strength?

Question 12

How should you respond if an interviewer asks, Why should we hire you when other applicants have better credentials?

A) Admit that you are less qualified to show that you're honest, but stress that you will work more cheaply than applicants with more experience or training.
B) Identify a major weakness and describe how you are correcting it; this will prove to the interviewer your strong work ethic and determination.
C) Show your confidence in your own ability by stressing strengths such as your openness to new ideas and knowledge of the latest methods and equipment.
D) Don't answer the question because it is clear that you're not going to get the job.

Question 13

Which of the following will not help you reduce your fears during an interview?

A) Let the interviewer have complete charge of the entire interview.
B) Practice interviewing as much as you can, especially with real companies.
C) Practice how you will answer the most frequently asked interview questions.
D) Take deep breaths while waiting for the interview to begin.

Question 14

The interviewer asks, What do you think is your greatest weakness? Which of the following is the best way to respond?

A) Reply that you have no weaknesses at all because this response proves you have only strengths to offer.
B) Be completely honest with the interviewer and talk about the employment weakness that concerns you most.
C) Mention a previous weakness and how you have corrected it.
D) Bring up every weakness you can identify to demonstrate your honesty.

Question 15

Which of the following is the best advice when answering interview questions?

A) Focus your answers on your strengths, but reveal a weakness or two that show you are human and humble.
B) Use the interviewer's name and title every time you answer a question to show respect.
C) To be concise, answer questions with a simple yes or no whenever possible.
D) Aim answers at the key characteristics needed, such as expertise, motivation, and a pleasant personality.

Question 16

Rebecca has an interview with a large company in a nearby city. What information should she learn about the company before her interview?

A) The company's mission and goals
B) The company's customers and competitors
C) The management structure and names of leaders
D) Rebecca should find out all of this information about the prospective employer.

Question 17

If an interviewer says, Why do you want to work for us?, you should

A) briefly summarize problems at your current job that require you to change employers.
B) show what you know about the interviewer's company and how your goals match the company and its culture.
C) explain that as a recent graduate you want to work for any company that needs a person with your skills and background.
D) simply tell the truth about your reasons for seeking this job; for example, you are unemployed, you need more pay or better benefits, or you just graduated.

Question 18

Probably the best source of inside information about a company would result from

A) investigating its record at the Better Business Bureau.
B) calling the local Chamber of Commerce.
C) searching Wikipedia.
D) talking with company employees.

Question 19

You are trying to decide what to wear to a job interview. What should you do?

A) Buy the most expensive suit you can afford to make a good impression.
B) Call the company to find out how its employees dress and dress the same to look as if you fit in.
C) Dress professionally, regardless of how company employees dress.
D) Don't worry about what you wear; it's what you say during the interview that counts.

Question 20

Global Connections, Inc., is interviewing several candidates for a leadership position that requires strong communication skills. What form of interview will
Most likely be used to conduct this interview?

A) A one-on-one interview conducted by the human resources director
B) A stress interview conducted by the head of the programming division
C) A computer screening interview to test the applicants' programming skills
D) A group interview in which the company interviews several candidates at the same time

Question 21

When writing a resignation letter to notify your employer of your intentions, you should

A) allow more than the standard two-week notice if you have a high or responsible position within the company.
B) offer thanks and end with a forward-looking statement.
C) remind the employer of your contributions.
D) All answer choices are correct.

Question 22

The panel interview is the most common format for hiring/placement interviews.

Question 23

No matter what interview structure you encounter, you will feel more comfortable and better prepared if you know what to do before, during, and after the interview.

Question 24

If an interviewer asks if you have any questions at the end of an interview, which of the following would not be an appropriate response?

A) May I have a tour of the facilities?
B) When do you expect to make a decision?
C) No, I have no questions right now; I think I am satisfied.
D) What are the major challenges for a person in this position?

Question 25

If you have sent out only one résumé or filled out one job application, you must consider yourself an active job seeker.

Question 26

What is the most effective way to handle an illegal or inappropriate question during an interview?

A) If you find the question harmless and you want the job, go ahead and answer it.
B) Confront the interviewer about the illegal nature of the question.
C) Storm out of the room in anger; after all, you wouldn't work for a company with such low ethics.
D) Refuse to answer the question because it is your legal right to do so.

Question 27

Recommended guidelines for completing application forms include which of the following?

A) Disregard questions that do not apply to you by leaving them blank.
B) Read the entire form before beginning to complete it.
C) Ignore misspellings because you are not expected to carry a dictionary.
D) Leave any questions about salary blank since they might limit what you will be paid.

Question 28

If something unexpected happens that will cause you to be late to your interview, call the interviewer right away to explain what is happening.

Question 29

Most screening interviews occur on the telephone.

Question 30

What should you do after the interview?

A) Write a thank-you letter immediately.
B) Wait a few days to see if you hear from the employer; if not, write a thank-you letter.
C) Call the interviewer to thank him or her.
D) Send the interviewer flowers.

Question 31

The interviewer asks, Describe a time when you worked successfully as a member of a team. Which of the following is the best way to respond?

A) Reply that you have worked successfully as a team member so many times that no particular instance stands out.
B) Say that you enjoy teamwork such as group problem solving but that you also work well independently.
C) Tell a success story about a group project, how you contributed, and what the results were.
D) List the names of the work teams on which you have been a member and stress that all of these teams have been successful.

Question 32

During your job search you should treat any call from an employer just like an interview.

Question 33

Kendra made a follow-up call to her interviewer five days after the interview. Several weeks later, Kendra has still not heard from the employer. What action should Kendra take now?

A) Assume that no decision has been made yet and that a call could come soon.
B) Send the interviewer a rejection follow-up letter.
C) Show her frustration and determination by calling the employer at least once or twice a day for the next two weeks.
D) Assume that she didn't get the job and continue her job search.

Question 34

Don't worry about what information is available about you online because this information is irrelevant to the job search.

Question 35

If the company is conducting a panel interview, candidates should direct an answer only to the person who asked the question.

Question 36

Most employers contact job applicants by e-mail to set up interviews.

Question 37

If the interviewer begins a question with Tell me about a time when you . . . , you should

A) recognize that this is a trick question and tactfully refuse to answer.
B) politely explain that you have never experienced such a situation.
C) make up any answer and wish that you had been better prepared.
D) describe a situation or task, tell what action you took, and emphasize a positive result.

Question 38

Avoid using employee blogs to learn about a company because the information there is usually biased and inaccurate.

Question 39

How should you close an interview?

A) Briefly review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what action will follow.
B) Be confident and say, This job sounds great! When do I start work?
C) Ask about salary and benefits.
D) Invite the interviewer to lunch.

Question 40

After writing a follow-up letter to thank your interviewer, your next step should be

A) alerting your references that they may be contacted by the employer.
B) sending a small gift to the receptionist to show your sincere appreciation.
C) calling the organization's human resources department to learn more about your competitors for the open position.
D) waiting at least one month for a call of acceptance or rejection.

Question 41

Even if you have less experience and fewer accomplishments than other candidates, you may be hired if you can demonstrate the skills required.

Question 42

A(n) ___________ interview is meant to test a candidate's reactions during nerve-racking situations.

Question 43

Although you will likely accept a position over the phone, it is a good idea to follow up with an acceptance letter to confirm the details and to formalize the acceptance.

Question 44

To feel confident and to be able to sell your qualifications, prepare and practice ______________ stories. These stories are specific examples of your educational and work-related experience that demonstrate your qualifications and achievements.

Question 45

If you have submitted a résumé and cover letter, you will not be required to fill out a job application form.

Question 46

One of the best ways to overcome fear is to know what happens in a typical interview.

Question 47

When greeting the interviewer, you should smile, maintain direct eye contact, and wait for the interviewer to initiate a handshake.

Question 48

Always ask permission before submitting someone's name as a reference.

Question 49

To respond effectively to behavioral questions, use the storytelling technique to relate a success story about an educational or work situation or task that is relatively current.

Question 50

You can send positive _____________ messages by arriving on time, dressing professionally, controlling your body movements, exhibiting good posture, using appropriate eye contact, smiling appropriately, and listening attentively.

Question 51

A job applicant should never answer an illegal or inappropriate interview question.

Question 52

After opening introductions, recruiters generally try to start the interview with a series of stress-inducing questions to see immediately how the job applicant will hold up under fire.

Question 53

Remember that you will be judged not only by the interviewer but also by the receptionist and anyone else who sees you before and after the interview.

Question 54

During ______________ interviews, companies save time and money by eliminating less-qualified candidates before scheduling face-to-face interviews.

Question 55

If you've been interviewed by more than one person, send one thank-you note to the person who appeared to be in charge.

Question 56

Writing a follow-up letter after being turned down for a job is unprofessional and unnecessary.

Question 57

When answering interview questions, use slurred words such as wanna and slangy expressions such as cool to show that you're just a normal person who will fit into the company's culture.

Question 58

_________ interviews are typically conducted by a group of people who will be your supervisors and colleagues. Usually seated around a table, interviewers may take turns asking questions.

Question 59

When explaining how you would handle a negative hypothetical situation described in a situational question, you should respond positively even though the situation sounds negative.

Question 60

After an interview, you should always wait for the interviewer to contact you first.

Question 61

To provide the best possible recommendation of you to a potential employer, your ___________ need information about the company and position.

Question 62

When you decide to turn down a job offer, you might want to write a _________ letter to thank the employer for the job offer and to decline the position.

Question 63

When using ________________ questions, interviewers will describe a hypothetical situation and ask how you would handle it. These questions help employers test your thought processes and logical thinking.

Question 64

When leaving a position you held for a period of time, you should write a formal _______ letter to confirm the exact date you will terminate your employment.

Question 65

When an interviewer begins a question with Describe a time when… or Tell me about a time when…, he or she is asking a(n) _______________ question.