Deck 16: Applying and Interviewing for Employment

Question 1

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

A)indicate what you are looking for in a dream job,and how the open position matches your goals.
B)identify the position you are applying for and your salary range.
C)explain how you can help the company meets its needs.
D)let the employer know highlights from your résumé.
E)make sure the employer understands that you need a response within 24 hours.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

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."

Answer 2

C

Question 3

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.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

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)"My entire life I have dreamed about working in a job such as this."

Question 5

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 6

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

Question 7

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

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

Question 8

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

A)use a flashy,colorful 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)show the employer the value they will get when hiring you at a lower than average salary.

Question 9

Briefly explain the primary differences between solicited application letters and unsolicited application letters.

Question 10

Unsolicited application letters to prospective employers

A)require more research than solicited letters.
B)allow a clear target to focus on.
C)should repeat key pieces of information from the résumé.
D)identify what the organization is doing wrong and how you can contribute to its success.
E)need to be more gimmicky than solicited application letters.

Question 11

Accompany your résumé with a ________ when you're responding to an advertised job opening.

A)message of inquiry
B)follow-up message
C)message of intent
D)solicited application message
E)prospective application message

Question 12

The best approach for an application letter depends on

A)how much you need to stand out from other applicants.
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 relationship with the person you are writing to.

Question 13

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 14

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 review your résumé.
C)address your shortcomings and stress that you're willing to learn.
D)state your minimum salary requirements,even if the employer has not requested them.
E)ask for an interview and include your contact information.

Question 15

In the middle part of an application letter,you should indicate your salary range and potential benefits to your employer.

Question 16

When you're preparing an application letter,remember that ________ must clearly state your reason for writing and give the recipient a compelling reason to keep reading.

A)the subject line
B)the opening paragraph
C)the closing paragraph
D)the second paragraph
E)the salutation

Question 17

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 18

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

A)let the CEO of the company know that you're 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 19

In the final paragraph of your application letter you should

A)show the reader that you're a contender and demand an interview.
B)close with a quote from your favorite philosopher or poet.
C)request an interview and provide contact information.
D)include information about extracurricular activities to show how well-rounded you are.
E)thank the reader in advance for interviewing you.

Question 20

When you're writing an application letter to accompany your résumé,

A)use text-messaging jargon and emoticons to show that you're tech-savvy.
B)remember that most employers won't bother to read it.
C)use it as a free-form way to convey your career aspirations.
D)treat it with same care that you took with your résumé.
E)outline the job,benefits and salary range you are seeking.

Question 21

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

A)panel interview
B)open-ended interview
C)team interview
D)collaborative interview
E)behavioral interview

Question 22

In the selection stage of an interview,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)call the employer to explain what the organization does and how you can help support those goals.

Question 23

Employers use preliminary screening interviews to

A)find out as much as possible about each job candidate.
B)administer pre-employment profiles and drug tests.
C)filter out applicants who're not a good fit for the job.
D)make on-the-spot offers to the best candidates.
E)determine what they can expect from potential job candidates.

Question 24

Explain the function of each phase of an application letter written in the AIDA format.

Question 25

Employers use structured questionnaires,tests,and sophisticated job simulations during interviews because these tools

A)guarantee that every candidate,regardless of position applying for,has been interviewed in the exact same way as every other candidate.
B)can be administered during job fairs and other external recruiting events.
C)reduce the risk of favoritism.
D)can closely mimic actual job skills.
E)are less expensive than other hiring practices.

Question 26

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)behavioral
D)situational
E)working

Question 27

When you're participating in a video interview with a prospective employer,

A)make eye contact with the camera.
B)concentrate on your computer screen.
C)read from a carefully prepared script.
D)dim the lights in the room to minimize glare.
E)remember to dress for an interview from the waist up.

Question 28

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

A)Stress
B)Structured
C)Screening
D)Situational
E)Panel

Question 29

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

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

Question 30

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 31

If you're asked to submit to alcohol testing and drug screening during the hiring process,remember that

A)only government agencies can require those tests.
B)a majority of companies require them of all applicants.
C)what you do in your free time will not affect your on-the-job performance.
D)the Supreme Court has determined that they violate workplace privacy laws.
E)companies with fewer than 500 employees cannot legally perform them.

Question 32

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 33

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 34

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 35

The employer's goal in the initial screening interview is to

A)find your greatest strengths in depth.
B)filter out applicants who are not a good fit for the position.
C)make offers to the best candidates.
D)learn as much detail as possible about candidates.
E)determine how interested candidates really are in the position.

Question 36

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)evidence of a long-term commitment.

Question 37

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 38

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

A)once
B)multiple times
C)via email
D)at job fairs
E)via Skype or other online method.

Question 39

________ 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)Stress

Question 40

During a screening interview,your best approach is to

A)ask as many questions as possible.
B)keep your answers short,but offer key points that set you apart 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.

Question 41

What is the typical employment-interview sequence? What is the purpose of each type of interview?

Question 42

During a behavioral interview,you'll be asked to

A)answer a specific sequence of questions.
B)perform work-related tasks in a simulated workplace environment.
C)deal with a number of questions intended to upset you.
D)relate specific incidents or experiences from your past.
E)observe a focus group and then respond to questions about what you saw.

Question 43

An employment interview is

A)an unstructured dialogue with a representative from a potential employer.
B)an easy way for you to learn about the company's operations and markets.
C)a formal meeting during which you and the interviewer ask questions and exchange information.
D)a session in which the interviewer talks and you listen.
E)a well-rehearsed exchange of information between peers.

Question 44

When responding to questions during a job interview,you should

A)respond in a way that lets you talk about your strengths only.
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)respond with declarative statements.
E)ask the interviewer to clarify what type of response they are really looking for.

Question 45

When you're responding to questions during an interview,you're more likely to answer them successfully if you

A)begin speaking before the employer finishes asking the question.
B)reply in a terse,matter-of-fact style throughout the interview.
C)pause for a moment before answering each question.
D)treat all questions as an opportunity to clarify your personal preferences.
E)have well practiced responses to standard questions.

Question 46

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 47

What should a job candidate strive to achieve during a selection interview?

Question 48

Briefly explain what job candidates should expect in behavioral interviews and situational interviews.

Question 49

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

Question 50

What are the two primary goals of screening interviews?

Question 51

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 52

Briefly explain the difference between a structured interview and an open-ended interview.

Question 53

Your goal during the interview process should be

A)to get an offer.
B)to find the right match for your goals and capabilities.
C)to find the position that pays the most.
D)to fill an available job opening.
E)to look first to the largest companies for job openings,then consider smaller companies if those don't work out.

Question 54

What two essential questions do employers seek to answer about each candidate in interviews?

Question 55

Explain the dual purposes of employment interviews.

Question 56

When you're applying for jobs,assume that potential employers will search online to learn more about you.

Question 57

During the selection stage of the interview processes,you should

A)ask the interviewer when you can start the job.
B)differentiate yourself from the other candidates.
C)allow the interviewer to ask all of the questions.
D)monopolize the conversation by telling your favorite stories.
E)relate your skills and experience to the organization's needs.

Question 58

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

Question 59

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

Question 60

During ________,the interviewer will adapt the line of questioning according to the answers you give and the questions you ask.

A)a structured interview
B)a behavioral interview
C)a situational interview
D)an open-ended interview
E)an informational interview

Question 61

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

Question 62

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)while checking references.

Question 63

What six tasks do you need to complete to prepare for a successful job interview?

Question 64

What should you focus on when you (and your interview partner)are evaluating your performance in mock interviews?

Question 65

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 not negotiable,based on salary surveys.
C)try to negotiate a higher salary regardless of the offer because you are in a good bargaining position.
D)focus on other issues such as benefits and signing bonuses.
E)ask what kind of salary you can expect after three years,and use that as the basis for negotiations.

Question 66

One way to increase your confidence before the start of the interview is

A)to understand that everyone has some negative aspects in their background and you are no different.
B)practice public speaking.
C)think about irrelevant details that you want to include,or omit.
D)dress in comfortable,casual clothing.
E)realize you have value to the employer because they think highly enough of you to invite you for an interview.

Question 67

One of the best ways to learn about the managers you will be interviewing with is through

A)Facebook.
B)industry related blogs.
C)competitor websites.
D)LinkedIn.
E)company websites.

Question 68

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 explain that the question is illegal and the employer has no right to know.

Question 69

On your second or third visit to an organization,if you haven't been offered the job,you should

A)ask whether you did anything wrong during the interview.
B)ask how many more interviews will take place.
C)ask tactfully when you can expect to learn of the decision.
D)ask if repeated interviews are standard policy and try to find out why.
E)pretend that you have another job offer and push for an immediate decision.

Question 70

When choosing the clothing you'll wear for a workplace interview,the best policy is to

A)dress for a casual dress work environment.
B)dress conservatively,showcasing a bold statement piece.
C)combine a conservative look with a casual look with dark jeans and a blazer.
D)dress conservatively and professionally.
E)wear a bold color that shows confidence and leadership.

Question 71

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

Question 72

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

A)prolong the interview in order to ingratiate yourself with the interviewer.
B)say your good-byes and stand up to leave.
C)prepare to leave but (if possible)try to pin down what will happen next.
D)ask the interviewer to analyze your performance.
E)explain that you really need a job offer before you depart.

Question 73

The foundation of your interview should be

A)confidence and competence.
B)manners and poise.
C)skills and ability.
D)dress and professionalism.
E)eagerness to learn and flexibility.

Question 74

When you're staging mock interviews to polish your interview style,pay attention to

A)incorporating humor.
B)how to take the lead during the discussion of your skills and abilities.
C)keeping your answers short and to the point.
D)keeping answers general enough to be sure they can be appropriate to almost any type of question.
E)poise,manners and good judgement.

Question 75

A recent survey of hiring professionals revealed that

A)most employers understand that candidates may need to answer their smartphones 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)phones should be on silent,but it is acceptable to check who the caller is,in the event of an emergency.

Question 76

List three guidelines to follow when deciding what to wear for an employment interview.

Question 77

The employer can legally ask you questions about

A)when you graduated from high school.
B)if working on weekends would conflict with your religion.
C)if you have ever been arrested.
D)your age.
E)your legal right to work in the United States.

Question 78

Researching an organization before an interview

A)will save time during the interview,as the employer won't have to ask as many questions.
B)is a bad idea,as it will limit the organizations opportunity to sell the organization.
C)will show you understand the importance of investigation and analysis.
D)allows you to tell the interviewer how much you know that they may not.
E)leads to fewer questions about you,and more questions about the goals of the organization.

Question 79

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)the reference checks.

Question 80

When going to a job interview

A)take along samples of your work; recruiters are impressed by tangible evidence of job-related accomplishments.
B)the interviewer will already have a copy of your résumé.
C)being more than 10 minutes late is unacceptable.
D)do not engage in conversation with others until the interview is complete.
E)use your smartphone or tablet to take notes during the actual interview.