CHAPTER 10: COMMUNICATING TO LAND A JOB

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. The process of making connections and cultivating relationships that might help your career aspirations is known as __________.
2. profiling
3. networking
4. socializing
5. interpolating
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. Which of the following affiliations would prospective employers be least likely to see as problematic on an online profile?
2. Habitat for Humanity
3. The NRA
4. Planned Parenthood
5. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Application

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. What is the average number of links separating any two people in the world?
2. 6
3. 8
4. 10
5. 12
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. Which of the following is a popular professional networking site?
2. Reddit
3. Pinterest
4. Tumblr
5. LinkedIn
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. Whom should you view as a networking prospect?
2. Family
3. Everyone
4. Friends
5. Coworkers
   

Answer: B

Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. You are curious to know what kind of salaries you might expect in your field. What might you ask a relevant professional?
2. Never ask this question, which is considered rude and presumptuous.
3. Be indirect and ask, “What kind of salary might I expect if I ever held a position like yours?”
4. Be direct and simply ask, “What do you make?”
5. Indicate your salary expectations and see how the interviewer reacts.
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Application

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. Kara wants to better understand what a job in social work would be like. She has reached out to Dr. Thomas, who works in this field, to learn more. What kind of interview will Kara be conducting with her?
2. Selection
3. Behavioral
4. Informational
5. Case
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. “What kinds of skills are considered most valuable in your organization?” This is a question that might be asked in what type of interview?
2. Informational
3. Behavioral
4. Panel
5. Selection
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. Liam hopes to work as a journalist after graduation, so he joined the Online News Association at a discounted rate as a student. Which strategy is Liam employing to build a career-enhancing network?
2. Volunteering
3. Keeping up with local news
4. Attending forums and networking events
5. Joining career-related organizations
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Application

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. Which of the following job seekers should consider including a middle initial in her or his online profile to minimize the chances of mistaken identity?
2. Horatio Alger
3. Matthew Watson
4. Tordis Trethewey
5. Edith Gilhooley
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Application

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. At least 7 out of 10 employers have ruled out candidates based on their __________.
2. online presence
3. lack of volunteer service
4. college grades
5. weak cover letter
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. Jason is creating a summary of his professional strengths and achievements. In other words, he is working on a __________.
2. profile
3. blog
4. cover letter
5. résumé

Answer: D
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. Which item includes a self-introduction, some self-promotion, and a call for further action?
2. Profile
3. Blog
4. Cover letter
5. Résumé
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. Nadia is looking for a job in public relations in the music industry. Which photo of herself should she post on her professional networking account?
2. A photo of herself in front the Rock n Roll Museum in Seattle
3. A photo of herself and friends closing down the beer garden at a blues festival
4. A photo of herself with her family at a recent reunion
5. A photo of herself playing the guitar
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Application

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. You are writing a cover letter. How should you conclude this text?
2. Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your interest in the job.
3. Express appreciation to the reader for considering you.
4. Politely request an interview.
5. Describe your accomplishments.
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Application

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. Which practice should you apply when pursuing a job?
2. Keep a record of everyone you have communicated with (along with their contact information) and a summary of your communication.
3. To show your enthusiasm, phone the recruiter, even though the application says “no calls.”
4. Use a chronological résumé format if this is your first application for this position.
5. Direct your cover letter to a generic entity rather than a specific person.
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Application

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. When considering your online presence as a job seeker, remember to look __________.
2. intelligent
3. popular
4. professional
5. available
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Application

A head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. Which of the following steps should come first in a cover letter?
2. Indicate the position you are applying for.
3. Request an interview.
4. Describe your accomplishments.
5. Express your interest in the job.
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. A discussion during which you are being considered for an opportunity is a(n) __________ interview.
2. case
3. informational
4. behavioral
5. selection
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. You are preparing for an employment interview. Which step should you apply first?
2. Be sure you are clear about the time and location of the meeting.
3. Research the organization.
4. Dress for success.
5. Create a presentation about yourself for the interview.
   

Answer: B

Bloom: Application

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. Naveed is preparing a presentation about himself for a job interview. He asks the recruiter who will be present at the interview and what kinds of information they would like to know. Which strategy is he applying?
2. Focus on relevant accomplishments.
3. Craft a well-organized presentation.
4. Be audience oriented.
5. Consider technology needs.
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Application

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. Valeria is preparing a presentation about herself for a job interview. She asks if the interview will occur via video chat. Which strategy is she applying?
2. Focus on relevant accomplishments.
3. Craft a well-organized presentation.
4. Be audience oriented.
5. Consider technology needs.
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Application

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. PowerPoint and Prezi are popular tools for what type of presentation?
2. Digital
3. Professional
4. Social media
5. Interpersonal
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. Preparation for interview questions may involve creating a table with three columns. What is in the final column?
2. Your main qualifications
3. Benefits of your qualifications for the employer
4. Examples of your main qualifications
5. Your awards for professional accomplishments
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. When interviewers want to know how realistic you are, they might ask which of the following questions?
2. Why do you want to work for us?
3. What accomplishments have given you the most satisfaction?
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
5. What is your greatest strength?
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. How should you respond if asked about your salary requirements?
2. Ask the interviewers what they think you are worth to them.
3. Lowball your salary, hoping to renegotiate for higher pay if hired.
4. Name the highest pay bracket, projecting confidence and self-worth.
5. Identify a salary range and back up your numbers with research.
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Application

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. Which of the following is most likely to be an opening interview question?
2. What makes you think you’re qualified to work for this company?
3. Tell me something about yourself.
4. Why do you want to work for us?
5. What major challenges have you faced and how have you dealt with them?
   

Answer: B

Bloom: Remembering
A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. When asked to describe his greatest weakness, Brian says, “I am a perfectionist and sometimes have a hard time letting go of a project until every aspect of it is the best it can be.” Which strategy did he employ to address this common interview question?
2. Discuss a weakness that can also be viewed as a strength.
3. Discuss a weakness that is unrelated to the job and then relate it to the job.
4. Discuss a weakness the interviewer already knows about.
5. Discuss a weakness you have been working to remedy.
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Application
A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. When deciding on how to respond to an illegal interview question, you should __________.
2. understand there is no single correct way to respond
3. disregard your “gut” level of comfort with the question
4. disregard the intent of the interviewer
5. disregard the nature of the question
   

Answer: A

Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Who allows job questions related only to bona fide occupational qualifications?
2. FDA
3. EEOC
4. ACLU
5. ABA
   

Answer: B

Bloom: Remembering
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Which of the following questions is illegal to ask in a job interview?
2. What days and shifts can you work?
3. What are the names of your personal references?
4. Do you suffer from depression?
5. Do any of your relatives work for us?
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Application
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Which of the following questions is illegal to ask in a job interview?
2. Where were you born?
3. What is your current salary?
4. What is your expected salary?
5. Why are you leaving your current role?
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Application
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Which of the following questions is illegal to ask in a job interview?
2. Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?
3. Are you pregnant?
4. Do you have a high school diploma?
5. How long did you stay at your last job?
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Application
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. In general, it is illegal to ask job candidates questions that suggest __________.
2. discrimination
3. discernment
4. disapproval
5. disconfirmation
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Explaining politely but firmly that she was uncomfortable with questions regarding her sexual orientation, Tahlia ended the job interview, said goodbye, and hung up the phone. Which strategy did she use to deal with illegal questions?
2. Seek an explanation
3. Redirect
4. Refuse
5. Withdraw
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Which option for dealing with illegal questions may invite more illegal questions?
2. Withdraw
3. Refuse
4. Answer without objecting
5. Seek an explanation
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Which question should you prepare to answer near the end of an interview?
2. What do you require for a salary?
3. Tell me about a time when you dealt with an ethical dilemma.
4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
5. Do you have any questions of your own?
   

Answer: D

Bloom: Application
A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. When should you ask about your expected salary?
2. As soon as possible in case it’s too low for you to consider the job
3. After you have received a job offer
4. Once you feel you’ve established a rapport with the interviewer
5. In an email after the interview
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Application
A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. How should you conclude a thank-you message to your interviewer?
2. Ask about the next steps in the process.
3. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the organization.
4. Explain why you are a good fit for the position.
5. Indicate that the interview left you excited about the possibility of being associated with the organization.
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Application
A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. Because most employers recognize that past performance is the best indicator of future performance, they conduct __________ interviews.
2. behavioral
3. selection
4. informational
5. panel
   

Answer: A

Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. At what time does one recruiter suggest sending a thank-you email?
2. During work hours, but early in the morning
3. On the weekend
4. After 5 pm, on a work day
5. During work hours, but closer to the end of day
   

Answer: C

Bloom: Remembering
A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. Which of the following questions would be asked in a behavioral interview?
2. Describe a time when you needed to work as part of a team.
3. Tell me about yourself.
4. If you were a car, what kind would you be?
5. Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. When asked in an interview to describe an ethical challenge from a past job, Marla responds, “A colleague confided in me once, revealing that she was being sexual harassed by another coworker. After discussing her options, we decided to report this behavior to the manager. I would take a supportive and direct approach again in a similar situation if hired for this position.” Which part of the recommended response to a behavioral question did Marla fail to include?
2. Offer a specific example of a situation
3. Show the result of your behavior
4. Describe how you handled the situation
5. Make a connection between the incident described and the job you seek
   

Answer: B
Bloom: Application
A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. Which of the following would be a good screen name for an interview?
2. big_biceps
3. up_for_anything
4. world’s_best_manager
5. maria_gonzales18

Answer: D
Bloom: Application
A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. Which of the following is a reason for the growing number of interviews conducted via video conference?
2. Company budgets are larger.
3. Interviewers prefer video interviews to face-to-face interaction.
4. Interviewers can easily review applicants’ video interviews.
5. Work teams are geographically distributed.
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. Which guideline should you apply for a video interview?
2. Dress casually to be comfortable.
3. Keep your pet out of view but nearby but to reduce your anxiety.
4. Set up your phone or tablet on a tripod or other stable device.
5. Use a creative backdrop that conveys your personality.
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Application

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. Which guideline should you apply in a video interview?
2. Look at the camera, not your screen monitor.
3. Look at the screen monitor, not the camera.
4. Glance frequently at your notes.
5. Read closely from a manuscript.
   

Answer: A
Bloom: Application
A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. You need to pay particular attention to facial expressions and where your gaze falls in a(n) __________ interview.
2. informational
3. selection
4. video
5. behavioral
   

Answer: C
Bloom: Understanding
A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. Why is it important to ask in advance how long a video interview will last?
   
2. To ensure that your computer is sufficiently charged
3. To assess how serious the interviewer considers you as a candidate
4. To convey that your time is valuable
5. To make the best first impression, knowing your time to do so may be brief
   

Answer: D
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. What is the best way to boost your confidence for a video interview?
   
2. Dim the lighting to create a relaxed mood.
3. Buy a new laptop to suggest you are tech-savvy.
4. Dress for success.
5. Practice.

Answer: D

Bloom: Remembering
A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

TRUE/FALSE

1. Half the people in today’s workplace obtained their jobs with the help of personal networking.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. Schoolmates, alumni from your university, and teammates can be networking prospects.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. In job interviews you should listen carefully and ask follow-up questions.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A

Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. If you want an informational interview with a prospective employer you don’t know well, you should contact him or her directly by phone to make this request.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. An informational interview is an unstructured meeting where you engage in casual conversation with a prospective employer.
2. True
3. False

`

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

1. At least 7 out of 10 employers have ruled candidates out based on their online presence.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. When building a professional identity, your online photos and information should create the impression that you are fun and approachable.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. Given the many potential problems prospective employers may perceive with someone’s online identity, it would be best not to have a digital presence as a job seeker.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. A cover letter usually requests an interview.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

1. Regardless of the organization and job, most interviewers have similar concerns, which they explore with similar questions.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. Talking about your collection of Star Wars memorabilia is a good way to respond to an interviewer for a law firm who asks, “Tell me something about yourself.”
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Application

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. Rehearse your presentation about yourself many times in advance, using a mirror and/or recording device to see how you sound and look to others.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. You should focus on a broad range of your accomplishments in an interview rather than just those that are relevant.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. You should keep your visuals simple in your presentation about yourself.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

1. Asking who you voted for in the last presidential election is a legal question in a job interview.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. The option you choose to handle illegal questions will depend on several factors including your gut feeling about the situation.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. Interviewers are unlikely to ask questions that are illegal.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

1. You should turn off your phone before you enter the building for an interview.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. If multiple people are present at an interview, be sure to shake hands with only the senior interviewer and make eye contact with this person throughout the interview.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. If your interviewer is informal, you can loosen up a bit too.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

1. A growing number of interviews are conducted via phone and video conference.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Remembering

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. If you’re at home, there is no need to dress professionally for a video interview.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. Long distance interviews are often meant to be a thorough vetting session of a candidate.
2. True
3. False

Answer: B
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. Smiling is important in a video interview.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

1. A neutral backdrop without distractions is ideal for a video interview.
2. True
3. False

Answer: A
Bloom: Understanding

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.

SHORT ANSWER

76. Identify five strategies to build a career-enhancing network.

Answer: Take part in volunteerism and service; attend lectures, forums, and networking events; keep up with local news; join career-related organizations; use online resources.

A-head: Networking Strategies to Find a Job

Objective: 10.1: Engage in networking behaviors conducive to finding a job that matches your skills.

77. What are the five steps to follow when applying for a job?

Answer: Create a résumé; write a cover letter; edit thoroughly; follow application instructions; keep organized records of your communications.

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

78. Identify four ways to answer the question “What is your greatest weakness?”

Answer: Discuss a weakness that can also be viewed as a strength, one that is unrelated to the job and then relate it to the job, one the interviewer already knows about, or one that you are working to remedy.

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

79. What are the two principles that determine the legality of an interview question?

Answer: The first principle is employers cannot ask questions about a person’s race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, national origin, or age. The second principle is that employers’ questions must be related to what the U.S. government’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) calls bona fide occupational qualifications, topics related to the job at hand.

A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

80. What are four strategies for dealing with illegal questions in a job interview?

Answer: Choose to answer, redirect the topic, refuse to answer, or withdraw from the interview.

A-head: Interviewing and the Law

Objective: 10.4: Develop a strategy for responding to illegal interview questions.

ESSAY QUESTIONS

81. Discuss how you can cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

Main point: A digital presence is critical in today’s job market, but it’s important to get it right.

Answers must include:
a) Take stock of strengths and goals.
b) Build a professional identity.
c) Avoid embarrassing posts.

Answers may include:
a) Monitor your online presence, and do damage control if necessary.
b) Beware mistaken identities.
c) Cultivating an impressive and honest online identity will work in your favor, so don’t be scared off.

A-head: Managing Your Online Identity

Objective 10.2: Cultivate an online identity that appeals to prospective employers.

82. Explain how to dress for success in a job interview.

Main point: Interviewers tend to form their opinions about applicants within the first four minutes of conversation, so it makes sense to look your best.

Answers must include:
a) No matter what the job or company, be well groomed and neatly dressed.
b) Don’t overdo makeup or accessories.
c) Research the standards for appropriate attire at the place you’re interviewing.

Answers may include:
a) What would be appropriate for a job as, say, a bank teller would be different than for a wildlife manager or a software engineer.
b) One rule of thumb is to dress the way you would on the first day of work if you were hired.
c) If in doubt, especially for a desk job, dress formally and conservatively.

A-head: Preparing for a Job Interview

Objective: 10.3: Prepare in advance to make a good impression during employment interviews.

83. Describe how you should follow up after an interview.

Main point: A thoughtful and well-written thank-you message can set you apart from other candidates, whereas failing to send one can eliminate you from the running.

Answers must include:
a) After the interview, send a prompt, sincere, and personalized note of thanks.
b) Express your appreciation for the chance to become acquainted with the interviewer(s) and the organization.
c) Explain why you see a good fit between you and the job, highlighting your demonstrated skills.

d) Let the interviewer know that the conversation left you excited about the chance of being associated with the organization.

Answers may include:
a) Sending the note after working hours suggests that you will go the extra mile no matter what.
b) You might also send a handwritten note of thanks.
c) Proofread your message very carefully.

A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

84. Discuss the importance of good manners in an interview situation.

Main point: It’s essential to demonstrate proper business etiquette from the moment you arrive for an interview.

Answers must include:
a) Behave at all times as the sort of engaged, professional, and attentive coworker everyone wants on their team.
b) Turn off your phone before you enter the building, and smile at others.
c) Put your shoulders back and head up, and don’t fiddle with your clothing, hair, or belongings.

Answers may include:
a) When you meet people, look them in the eye and shake hands firmly.
b) Demonstrate an attentive listening posture.

c) Be sure to shake hands with everyone and include them in your comments and eye contact throughout the interview.

A-head: Participating in a Job Interview

Objective: 10.5: Demonstrate effective job interviewing skills.

85. Explain how to prepare for a phone or video interview.

Main point: A growing number of interviews are conducted via phone and video conference.

Answers must include:
a) Present a professional identity.
b) Practice with technology in the actual circumstances of the interview.
c) Look at the camera, not the screen.

Answers may include:
a) Ensure that you have the right time for the interview.
b) Ask in advance how long the interview will last.

c) Pay attention to what you wear if it’s a video conference.

A-head: Interviewing by Phone or Video

Objective: 10.6: Effectively prepare for long-distance employment interviews.