Chapter 14
Interviewing, Writing Follow-Up Messages, and Succeeding in the Job
True / False Questions
1. | The best way to prepare for a job interview is to know as much as possible about the process and the employer.
True False |
2. | Today's interviews may involve taking one or more tests, including drug tests, psychological tests, aptitude tests, and so forth.
True False |
3. | Telephone skills in job interviews have become less important in the 21st Century.
True False |
4. | During a job interview, Mr. Keaton asks a candidate, Samantha, whether she is married, so that he can get a fair idea about her flexibility with work timings. This is an effective strategy for an interviewer to follow.
True False |
5. | Prior to an interview, it is useful for a candidate to browse a company's Facebook and Twitter pages in addition to the company newsletters.
True False |
6. | Before an interview, try to find out from your career contacts what is considered appropriate attire for the company and position for which you are going to be interviewed.
True False |
7. | In an interview, it is important to present your work portfolio, even if the interviewer does not call for it.
True False |
8. | Teresa avoids practicing her answers before her video interview the next day, because she wants the interview to seem spontaneous. This is a recommended strategy while preparing for a video interview.
True False |
9. | Before an interview, practice only the answers to possible questions. Practicing nonverbal behaviors such as shaking hands and entering a room will increase the chances of the interview being unsuccessful.
True False |
10. | It is unhelpful to schedule interviews with other companies before your interview with the company that is your first choice.
True False |
11. | An interview session is not necessarily a question and answer session.
True False |
12. | It is never appropriate to be nervous during an interview.
True False |
13. | The easiest way to get the interviewer's name is to ask for his or her card.
True False |
14. | One effective way you can stand out from the hordes of people being interviewed is to tell a memorable story about yourself.
True False |
15. | If an interviewer asks you what your interests outside of work are, it is desirable to name at least 10.
True False |
16. | Follow-up questions like: "What exactly did you do to handle the situation? How did you feel about the results?" are typical of a stress interview.
True False |
17. | Situational interviews ask questions about the kinds of situations you have faced in the past jobs.
True False |
18. | The best way to get offered more money during the interview process is to show that you can do what the competition can't.
True False |
19. | Proofreading all your written messages, including tweets and texts, is a good coping strategy for your first full-time job.
True False |
20. | Once you are hired, avoid doing small jobs, such as making coffee or refilling the paper tray.
True False |
Multiple Choice Questions
21. | Which of the following is true of interviews in the 21st Century?
A. | They are no longer a preferred method for evaluating job candidates. |
B. | They always conduct the first round through Skype. |
C. | They place special emphasis on the phone skills of potential employees. |
D. | They have replaced all face-to-face interviews with telephone interviews. |
E. | They have done away with written tests altogether. |
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22. | Which of the following phone skills should you adopt while leaving a message on voice mail?
A. | State only your name, because the number will be recorded. |
B. | Leave a clear and concise message so it will be easily understandable. |
C. | State your phone number quickly because the line may get disconnected. |
D. | Be persistent and keep trying the number if you repeatedly get voice mail. |
E. | Leave an elaborate message in order for it to be clear to the receiver. |
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23. | Which of the following should be undertaken while devising an interview strategy?
A. | Pick ten main points that represent your strengths for a job and elaborate on them. |
B. | Listen to each question, to see if you could make one of your key points as part of your answer. |
C. | Avoid making key points about your strengths for a job at the end of an interview. |
D. | Let strengths stand by themselves rather than trying to justify them with accomplishments. |
E. | Try your best to avoid questions about your weaknesses and failures. |
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24. | Michelle is preparing for an interview with a travel agency. She has done substantial research on the company and is currently preparing a short speech about why she is right for the job of communications manager. Which of the following is Michelle most likely preparing?
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25. | In an interview, a(n) _____ speech is a speech that is not more than two minutes long, which states why a candidate is good for a particular job.
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26. | Which of the following is considered appropriate attire for an interview?
E. | Strong perfumes for women |
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27. | Which of the following would most likely be considered inappropriate by an interviewer?
A. | A candidate wearing bright nail polish |
B. | A candidate wearing solid hosiery |
C. | A candidate carrying a briefcase |
D. | A candidate wearing a knee-length skirt |
E. | A candidate wearing close-toed pumps |
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28. | Which of the following is the most conservative choice of attire for an interview?
A. | A dark grey or black shirt |
D. | Black socks or patterned hose |
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29. | Which of the following is considered appropriate attire for a campus interview?
A. | Wear a light brown business suit, because this is the most conservative choice. |
B. | Deviate from the standard dress code and wear something that stands out. |
C. | Use an expensive aftershave cologne that shows good personal hygiene. |
D. | Wear comfortable and casual sandals, because you may have to walk to the campus center. |
E. | Follow the dress code of the campus career center while deciding your attire. |
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30. | Which of the following steps should you undertake, as a candidate for a campus interview?
A. | Avoid following standard protocol, because it will prevent you from standing out. |
B. | Focus on only one selling point that you want the interviewer to remember. |
C. | Schedule the interview late in the day if you are given a choice about the schedule. |
D. | Have good professional stories about your work to help you stand out from the crowd. |
E. | Avoid mentioning selling points, because they distract the interviewer and disrupt the process. |
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31. | Alyssa is applying for a job as a technical consultant at a software company. She is preparing for her first round which is a phone interview. If she performs well in this round, she will be eligible for a face-to-face round with the director of the organization. Which of the following will help Alyssa have a good phone interview:
A. | Taking ample notes during the interview to help her keep track of the entire conversation |
B. | Browsing relevant online websites during the interview to ensure that she is answering the questions well |
C. | Avoiding hand gestures while talking, since no one can see her |
D. | Putting on soft music in the background to calm her mind and get rid of nervousness |
E. | Smiling and leaning forward while talking, because it will help add warmth to her words |
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32. | Frances is a forest preservation expert and needs to attend a video conference interview with a rainforest conservation organization. In the past week, she has managed to prepare well for the position she is applying for and has undertaken substantial research on the organization. Which of the following will help her have a good video conference interview?
A. | Ensuring that she answers questions in a way that shows she has memorized them well |
B. | Providing detailed answers in the beginning, so that her employer cannot ask follow-up questions |
C. | Ensuring that her answers are over four minutes each and elaborating on all related details |
D. | Avoiding asking the interviewers if they want more information about her answers |
E. | Doing a practice video ahead of time and checking her posture, gestures, and facial expressions |
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33. | Jane recently attended an interview at Breaking Paths Inc., a respected media house. Prior to the interview, she prepared well for her position and was able to answer all the questions asked during the interview. However, the interviewers mentioned that she came across as impolite during the interview. Which of the following behaviors did Jane most likely display during the interview?
A. | She used lengthy monologues to share her knowledge about the company and herself. |
B. | She practiced active listening by rephrasing and clarifying what the interviewers said. |
C. | She used a handshake that was neither limp nor aggressive. |
D. | She did not criticize her previous employers even though they were not pleasant to her. |
E. | She asked interviewers if they required further details about her work experience. |
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34. | Which of the following behaviors is appropriate for a candidate during an interview?
A. | Arriving at least 30 minutes before the interview to make a good impression |
B. | Listening passively instead of actively to avoid coming across as over-confident |
C. | Avoiding being polite to receptionists, since it indicates that you are trying too hard |
D. | Avoiding checking the interviewer's verbal cues for the amount of detail desired |
E. | Presenting your carefully chosen accomplishments and strengths |
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35. | Which of the following is a nervous mannerism and should be avoided during an interview?
A. | Smiling while entering the room |
B. | Nodding during the interaction |
C. | Repeating verbal spacers |
D. | Sitting upright in a chair |
E. | Looking at the interviewer while talking |
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36. | Which of the following is appropriate behavior for a candidate during a site visit that involves a meal or a semi-social occasion?
A. | Order something substantial, so that the interviewer knows you have a healthy appetite. |
B. | Eat a heavy lunch, so that you'll be alert during the afternoon. |
C. | Let your guard down by drinking a glass of wine with lunch. |
D. | Remember that silverware is used from the outside in. |
E. | Sit up straight and keep your arms on the table. |
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37. | Which of the following is considered good etiquette during an onsite interview that involves a meal?
A. | Taking large bites and completing your meal soon so that you can resume your interview |
B. | Accepting alcohol at lunch and dinner but never having more than two drinks |
C. | Eating a light meal, so that you don't feel drowsy during the interview |
D. | Sitting in a very relaxed position, so that the interviewer thinks you are not nervous |
E. | Leaning forward with your arms on the table, since it shows positive body language |
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38. | Which of the following guidelines about note-taking should be followed in an interview?
A. | Take copious notes during the interview to keep track of the interaction. |
B. | Write down the interviewer's name during or right after the interview. |
C. | Avoid making eye contact while note-taking to avoid forgetting points. |
D. | Write notes the next day to jot down only crucial points you remember. |
E. | Avoid writing any negative points that came up during the interview. |
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39. | In which of the following stages of the interview does an interviewer typically ask easy questions about your major or interests?
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40. | Darya is in the process of being interviewed for a job. Currently, the interviewers are telling Darya about the job and the company. They are also asking her about her major and her interests. Which of the following stages of the interview is Darya most likely in?
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41. | The _____ of an interview is a brief period of time for you to highlight your qualifications and expect questions that give you an opportunity to showcase your strong points.
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42. | Joan spends 20 to 25 minutes in a particular segment of an interview where she answers questions about her previous work experiences and also explains a gap in the last year because of a death in the family. In addition, she uses this segment to find out what she needs to know to decide if she wants to accept a site trip. This scenario best describes the _____ of the interview.
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43. | In which of the following ways does the body of the interview help the interviewer?
A. | It gives the interviewer a chance to sell you on the company. |
B. | It gives the interviewer a chance to find out about your major. |
C. | It gives the interviewer a chance to ask about your interests. |
D. | It gives the interviewer a chance to tell you what happens next. |
E. | It gives the interviewer a chance to tell you whether or not you have been hired. |
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44. | During a job interview, Dario was unable to answer the interviewer's final question, because it was slightly technical and he did not know the answer. He is worried that this one answer may cost him the job even though the rest of the interview went well. Which of the following should Dario do to possibly salvage his situation?
A. | He should trust that the rest of the interview has gone well, and leave the interview as it is. |
B. | He should be honest and tell the interviewer that he has let himself down. |
C. | He should ask the interviewer if he could answer the question again. |
D. | He should restate a positive point that he would like the interviewer to know. |
E. | He should apologize to the interviewer before he leaves the interview. |
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45. | Which of the following is a characteristic of unsuccessful interviewees?
A. | They listen carefully before answering questions. |
B. | They give answers that are lengthy and contain specific details. |
C. | They ask a large number of specific questions. |
D. | They respond neutrally to interviewer's statements. |
E. | They refer to the company by name. |
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46. | Which of the following is a characteristic of successful interviewees?
A. | They refrain from asking the interviewer questions. |
B. | They avoid using any technical jargon related to the industry or job. |
C. | They answer questions very briefly in not more than ten words. |
D. | They monopolize the interview with lengthy monologues. |
E. | They maintain eye contact with the interviewers while interacting with them. |
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47. | Patterson Inc., an advertising firm, is conducting interviews for the position of communications manager. The HR department likes the resume of Irene, who has impressive qualifications and work experience. However, during the face-to-face interview, they are disappointed with Irene and do not short-list her for the next round of interviews. Which of the following is most likely responsible for Irene's lack of success at the interview?
A. | She stated why she would be right for the position of communications manager. |
B. | She stated that she was happy to learn more about the company through its website. |
C. | She referred to the company specifically as Patterson Inc. instead of as "your company." |
D. | She mentioned that she would love to strengthen networks with Patterson Inc.'s clients. |
E. | She clarified that she was using the interview to learn about what the company offers. |
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48. | Which of the following should you say when asked to speak about yourself during a job interview.
A. | You should focus on one strength and elaborate on that. |
B. | You should speak in detail, giving the interviewer an autobiography. |
C. | You should provide both professional and personal information. |
D. | You should give specific examples to prove all the strengths you mention. |
E. | You should give details that are vague to avoid further questioning. |
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49. | Reese is attending an interview at a law firm in California. Her interviewer asks her to walk him through her resume. Which of the following should Reese do?
A. | Reese should read the resume aloud to the interviewer. |
B. | Reese should not try to add details that are not on her resume. |
C. | Reese should cover as many points as she can in ten minutes. |
D. | Reese should avoid making eye contact because it may distract him. |
E. | Reese should highlight her best features in less than three minutes. |
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50. | Jill is preparing for an interview with a company she is eager to join. She is hesitant about what to say if the interviewer asks her about her previous job, since she was fired from that job for taking off too much time. In such a situation, the best possible response would be for Jill to tell the interviewer that she:
A. | was fired, but has learnt from her mistakes. |
B. | had left the job for personal reasons. |
C. | couldn't use all her abilities in the last job and quit. |
D. | was fired without any reason. |
E. | was not fond of her job and quit. |
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51. | Which of the following questions is acceptable for an interviewee to ask at an interview if the job has not been offered to him yet?
A. | How soon will I get promoted? |
B. | What are the kinds of perks this job will offer? |
C. | What would my salary be if I took this job? |
D. | What kind of insurance benefits will I be offered? |
E. | What would I be doing on a day-to-day basis? |
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52. | _____ interviews emphasize one desired aspect of a candidate's career.
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53. | Which of the following is true of a topgrading interview?
A. | It focuses on how an applicant acts in specific employment-related situations. |
B. | It emphasizes one desired aspect of the candidate's career. |
C. | It is an interview which helps cull the list. |
D. | It is an interview that walks job candidates through their careers so far. |
E. | It is an interview that checks in with candidates' references. |
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54. | Carmen has been working as an environmental campaigner for the last eight years. She is now looking to change jobs, and recently attended an interview where she was asked to state details about successes in her career so far. In addition, she was asked to elaborate on the way she built networks and key decisions made to achieve project milestones. Which of the following types of interviews did Carmen most likely attend?
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55. | _____ interviews focus on the future and place interviewees in scenarios similar to those they will face on the job and test problem-solving skills, as well as their ability to handle problems.
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56. | Ricardo attended an interview for the post of editor at an advertising company. After the interviewer went through Ricardo's portfolio, he handed him an advertisement drawn by one of the employees and asked him what changes, if any, Ricardo would like to make to the advertisement. This scenario best illustrates a _____ interview.
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57. | Hazel recently attended an interview that she was told would start at exactly 9 a.m. However, she was made to wait an hour before she was called in for the interview. When she entered the room, the interviewer did not acknowledge her presence and silently took notes. Hazel later found out that this was a part of the interview and helped the company judge whether she was right for the position. Which of the following interviews did Hazel most likely attend?
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58. | Esmeralda is attending her second round of interviews with a company, and she has been informed that it will be a panel interview. Which of the following is a good tip for her to follow to ensure that her interview goes well?
A. | She should address and make eye contact only with the questioner to avoid feeling overwhelmed. |
B. | She should not write down the names of the panel members, as it will show that she cannot memorize them. |
C. | She should take in the entire experience rather than focusing on one question at a time. |
D. | She should write thank-you notes to each member rather than one collective note to all of them. |
E. | She should identify the panel member with most authority and ask only him a question. |
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59. | Which of the following is recommended for an interviewee during a panel interview?
A. | Ask all your questions to the panel member who seems to like you the most. |
B. | Avoid writing down the names of the panel members, as it will show that you cannot memorize them. |
C. | Avoid addressing any one member of the panel individually. |
D. | Address and make eye contact only with the questioner to avoid feeling overwhelmed. |
E. | Identify the person with the most authority, and use their body language for cues about your performance. |
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60. | Which of the following is true of thank-you notes from interviewees to interviewers?
A. | It is usually sent within five days after the first interview. |
B. | It is better to not use emoticons whether it is by paper or e-mail. |
C. | It is more impressive to send a thank-you note via e-mail. |
D. | It is to be sent only if you do not hear back from an interviewer. |
E. | It is best to keep it short by using text messaging abbreviations. |
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61. | Which of the following is an appropriate way to write a good thank-you note?
A. | Keep the note short and use abbreviations if it is being sent via e-mail. |
B. | Refer to specific things you saw during your visit. |
C. | Avoid using the jargon of the company. |
D. | Express minimum enthusiasm as the note is formal. |
E. | Never enclose receipts for any expenses incurred during a site visit interview. |
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62. | Which of the following is true about negotiating salary and benefits?
A. | Discuss all details about your salary during the screening interview. |
B. | Avoid research about salary details because it may cloud your decisions. |
C. | State that you received a higher package in the previous company. |
D. | Negotiate salary details after you have the job offer in hand. |
E. | Mention a specific salary and that you cannot expect anything less. |
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63. | Gordo receives a job offer from Zimble Inc., a telecommunications company that is not his first choice. He is still awaiting a response from Thornton Inc., a company that is his first choice and with whom he has had his final interview. How should Gordo respond to Zimble Inc.?
A. | Gordo should accept the offer from Zimble Inc. and let Thornton Inc. know. |
B. | Gordo should decline the offer from Zimble Inc. and then check the status of his application at Thornton Inc. |
C. | Gordo should thank Zimble Inc. for the offer and ask for time to respond to the offer. |
D. | Gordo should decline the offer from Zimble Inc. and wait to hear from the other company. |
E. | Gordo should thank Zimble Inc. and tell them that he cannot accept their offer until Thornton Inc. gets back to him. |
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64. | Harrison has been given his offer letter and is surprised to find that the terms state that he will begin to receive incentives only after completing 90 days with the company. This is different from what the interviewer promised him—that he would begin to receive incentives after completing 45 days. Which of the following should Harrison do in this scenario?
A. | He should decline the offer and look for other jobs. |
B. | He should speak to a superior about the company making false promises. |
C. | He should sign the letter and wait to complete six months before asking about it. |
D. | He should accept the offer and bring it up later since it has already been promised to him. |
E. | He should call and clarify with the interviewer. |
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65. | Which of the following should you do once you begin your first full-time job?
A. | Avoid asking questions, because you are expected to know everything now that you are employed. |
B. | Contain your enthusiasm for the job, so that you do not seem overeager. |
C. | Fit into the corporate culture by being observant about people and interactions. |
D. | Help out with work only when you are asked instead of doing it voluntarily. |
E. | Please superiors by taking up a task even if you are unable to do it. |
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Short Answer Questions
66. | What are the three questions on which an interview strategy should be based?
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67. | What important professional materials should you carry to an interview?
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68. | What important points should you note during or immediately after an interview?
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69. | Describe the closing section of an interview.
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70. | List any three questions an interviewee must not ask an interviewer during a job interview.
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71. | Gina is attending an interview where she is asked questions about her past job, such as, "Tell me what you did when you had to make quick decisions at your previous job." What kind of an interview is Gina attending? Explain some guidelines that she needs to follow to be successful at this interview.
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72. | Joshua recently attended an interview where he was asked to sit in an uncomfortable chair while answering questions. During the interview, he was asked rapid fire questions by the interviewer, which probed every weak spot in his record. What kind of an interview did Joshua most likely attend? What are some guidelines that need to be followed in such interviews?
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73. | What are some key points you should follow as a candidate in a group interview?
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74. | Diane was excited about the prospects of working with the multinational company, Freedom Inc. After attending all the interviews and receiving good nonverbal feedback from the interviewers, she was not selected for the job. How should Diane deal with this rejection?
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75. | List and describe the tasks included in developing a long-term strategy for your career.
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