Deck 16: Interviewing and Following up

Question 1

Which of the following statements does NOT describe online, video, and virtual interviews?

A)Online, video, and virtual interviews are rare.
B)Virtual interviews save job applicants money but are very costly for companies.
C)The same rules apply whether you are interviewing face-to-face or taking part in an online or virtual interview.
D)Online, video and virtual interviews are costly and time-consuming.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Before Puya's job interview, she wants clean up any digital dirt that an employer might locate about her through a Google or social media search. What should she do?

A)She should tweet and use social networks to talk about her job searches.
B)She should set up a professional social-networking page or create her own website.
C)She should be selective about who is on her list of friends.
D)She should remove any questionable online content that would make her look unprofessional.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

What is the most common type of hiring/placement interview?

A)online interviews
B)one-on-one interviews
C)panel interviews
D)telephone interviews

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Of the following, which is probably the best source for learning about a company's day-to-day culture and gaining inside information?

A)reading blogs written by company employees
B)visiting the company's website
C)reading news articles
D)scanning the company's most recent annual report

Question 5

Which of the following statements best describes a screening interview?

A)a casual telephone call with a prospective employer, so he or she can get to know the applicant better personally
B)a phone interview to determine whether a job applicant meets the requirements for the next step in the interview process
C)an interview strategy that must take place in person, so that both parties can read each other's body language
D)an interview strategy that is rarely used because it is time consuming and costly.

Question 6

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

A)a story about a lemonade stand that Lucas 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

Question 7

For a job candidate, which of the following opportunities does the job interview present?

A)to repeat information on the résumé
B)to have the employer delve into your background to determine your potential
C)to find out about other jobs available within the organization
D)to convince the employer of your potential

Question 8

Dion is preparing for a video job interview. Which of the following tips should Dion NOT follow if he wants to ensure the success of his interview?

A)Dion should practise his answers until he is confident and at ease.
B)Dion should choose a dramatic style of dress to show that he is original and creative.
C)Dion should ensure that his camera and microphone are glitch free.
D)Dion should make sure his background is uncluttered and distraction free.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about job interviews is accurate?

A)During a job interview, only the interviewee is being evaluated.
B)Only those who are not qualified feel stress during a job interview.
C)Preparation often determines who gets the job.
D)If your résumé is complete, you will skip the screening interview.

Question 10

Effective interview preparation techniques include practising answers to possible questions, preparing to explain problem areas on your résumé, deciding on professional attire, and which of the following?

A)informing your current employer of your plans
B)studying the job description
C)writing a resignation letter to your current supervisor
D)purchasing a gift for the interviewer

Question 11

Which of the following reasons would an employer cite for considering an applicant after an online search?

A)The applicant exhibited poor communication skills.
B)The applicant revealed a current or previous employer's confidential information.
C)The applicant posted provocative or inappropriate photographs or information.
D)The applicant provided tangible and verifiable qualifications and skills.

Question 12

Ella wants to conduct research on a company she'll be interviewing with next week. Where should she NOT look for information?

A)on the potential employer's website
B)from employees who work in the immediate area you want to work
C)from news sources, trade journals and industry directories
D)on social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Question 13

Ged was interviewed by a team of five people for a management position. What type of hiring/placement interview is this?

A)panel interview
B)group interview
C)stress interview
D)sequential interview

Question 14

The day of his important job interview has finally arrived, and Shingo wants to make sure that everything goes smoothly as he travels to his interview. What would you tell Shingo to do?

A)If something unexpected happens that will cause him to be late, he should not waste more time by calling the employer but just get to the interview as quickly as possible.
B)He should use a lot of cologne to cover up any possible offensive odours.
C)He should give himself plenty of time to groom and dress.
D)He should arrive right on time but not early.

Question 15

Coastal Design Inc. is interviewing several candidates for a leadership position that requires strong communication skills. What would be the most effective form of interview for the company to use in hiring for this position?

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

Question 16

Riley will be returning an employer's call and wants to make sure that the first conversation is impressive. What should Riley consider when making the call?

A)He should realize that this is just a telephone call, not an actual job interview, so he can relax.
B)Before he hangs up, he should reconfirm the date and time of the interview.
C)He should wait until after the phone conversation is over to take notes so that he's not distracted.
D)He should ask for an interview time for early Monday or late Friday.

Question 17

Which of the following does an employer try to do during the job interview?

A)Decide whether the job candidate will fit into the organization.
B)Find out which job candidate can be hired for the lowest possible starting salary.
C)Frighten the job candidate.
D)Become good friends with the job candidate.

Question 18

Thomas has an interview with a large company in his hometown, and he knows that one of the most important steps in effective interviewing is gathering detailed information about a prospective employer. What information will NOT be helpful information about the company before his interview?

A)the company's history, mission, and goals
B)the company's customers and competitors
C)the company's reputation in the community and financial condition
D)the social activities in which some employees participate

Question 19

Tanisha is actively looking for a job and knows that she may soon receive phone calls from prospective employers. What is the best advice you can give her to make the best first impression on the prospective employer?

A)Inform children that they must answer the phone promptly to avoid missing any job calls.
B)Don't use voice mail to screen calls because doing so is considered rude; therefore, answer the phone every time it rings.
C)If caught off guard by a call, ask whether she can call back in a few minutes.
D)Use a generic computer-generated voice mail message to ensure that her outgoing message sounds professional.

Question 20

Samara interviewed for a management position and was just asked back for a second interview with an associate vice president. If she does well in this second interview, she will move on to an interview with the company president. What type of interview format is this?

A)group interview
B)stress interview
C)sequential interview
D)panel interview

Question 21

An interviewer asks Why do you want to work for us? How should you respond?

A)Briefly summarize problems at your current job that require you to change employers.
B)Show that you understand 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 reason for seeking this job; for example, you are unemployed, you just graduated, you need better benefits, or you have bills to pay.

Question 22

How should you respond if an interviewer asks Why should we hire you when other applicants have more experience?

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)Show your confidence in your own ability by stressing strengths such as your openness to new ideas and your knowledge of the latest methods and equipment.
C)Identify a major weakness and describe how you are correcting it; this will prove to the interviewer your strong work ethic and determination.
D)Don't answer the question because it is clear that you're not going to get the job.

Question 23

Which of the following statements is the best advice for answering interview questions?

A)Use the interviewer's name and title every time you answer a question to show respect.
B)To be concise, answer questions with a simple yes or no whenever possible.
C)Don't be afraid to reveal weaknesses because doing so will make you look human.
D)Clarify vague questions when necessary.

Question 24

The interviewer says 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, describing your contributions and the results.
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 25

Which of the following statements is NOT an illegal and inappropriate interview question?

A)What is your marital status?
B)Have you ever filed a worker's compensation claim?
C)Are you available to work weekends and holidays?
D)Do you plan to have children?

Question 26

Which of the following responses is the best answer to the question Where do you see yourself five years from now?

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

Question 27

If an interviewer says, Tell me about yourself, which of the following 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 28

Which of the following is the best advice for interviews?

A)Don't criticize anyone or anything.
B)Ask early on whether vacation and benefits are generally offered to an individual in this position.
C)Focus on how much you need the job.
D)Arrive at least 30 minutes early to show your enthusiasm.

Question 29

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

A)Sitting erect and leaning forward slightly show interest and confidence.
B)Changing positions often and gesturing frequently show high energy.
C)Leaning forward and resting your arms on the desk or table indicate control.
D)Relaxing back into your chair and slouching slightly demonstrate self-assurance.

Question 30

Hannah has been offered a retail analyst position and will now be negotiating for her salary. What advice would you give her?

A)Say that you currently earn more than you do to try to get a higher salary offer.
B)Consider the entire compensation package when negotiating salary.
C)Make the first salary offer to show the employer that you've done your research.
D)Accept the first salary offer because it might be decreased if you try to negotiate.

Question 31

Which of the following should you do if the interviewer begins a question with Tell me about a time when you...?

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

Question 32

Thomas wants to act professionally during his job interview. Which of the following should he do?

A)Thomas should use words such as like and basically to fill in any gaps because silence can be uncomfortable.
B)Thomas should sound enthusiastic and interested, but sincere.
C)Thomas should avoid acting confident because it might come across as cocky.
D)Thomas should answer as many questions as possible with simple yes or no.

Question 33

During the job interview, you are asked What is your greatest weakness? Which of the following is the best response?

A)Tell the interviewer that you are a perfectionist because all employers want employees who are perfectionists.
B)Be completely honest with the interviewer and talk about several employment weaknesses that you have to prove your integrity.
C)Mention a previous weakness and demonstrate how you have corrected it or have learned from it.
D)Say that you don't think you have one, but a picky supervisor once noted that you were sometimes a couple minutes late to work.

Question 34

Which of the following is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety during a job interview?

A)Remember that the interviewer is always in charge of the interview situation.
B)Prepare thoroughly by researching the company and preparing success stories.
C)Dress the way that company employees dress so that you will feel as if you fit in.
D)Have a good breakfast or lunch right before the interview to keep up strength.

Question 35

Chelsea wants to make a good first impression when she arrives at her interview. What should she do?

A)She should worry only about how she appears to the interviewer; after all, the interviewer will be making the hiring decision, not anyone else in the office.
B)She should initiate a handshake with the interviewer.
C)She should bring something interesting to read to pass the time, such as a copy of the tabloid publication The National Enquirer or the book Fifty Shades of Grey.
D)She should avoid making small talk about the offices and facilities.

Question 36

You want to be prepared if you are asked about your salary expectations during a job interview. What should you do?

A)Do research before the interview so that you know what similar jobs are paying in your geographic region.
B)Determine what you would like to earn per hour so that you can give an exact dollar amount when asked.
C)Create a budget that details your personal expenses so that you can show the employer exactly how much you need to earn to cover your bills.
D)You will sound more professional if you cite an hourly amount.

Question 37

If asked in your interview why you want to work for that company, which of the following is the best answer?

A)I heard that you pay really well and offer a solid benefits package and extended vacations.
B)I really need a job so that I can pay my bills and support my children, or I will lose my house.
C)Everyone says that you treat your employees well and provide a laid-back work environment.
D)Your products and community work are impressive, and I would like to help you meet your goals.

Question 38

Which of the following is an example of a behavioural 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)Describe your ideal work environment.

Question 39

In which of the following type of questions do interviewers describe a hypothetical scenario or event and ask how you would handle it? These types of questions help employers test your thought processes and logical thinking.

A)behavioural
B)illegal
C)situational
D)getting-acquainted

Question 40

Yasmin knows that nonverbal messages can create powerful impressions on people during a job interview. What should she do to ensure that her nonverbal behaviour impresses her interviewer?

A)She should chew gum because doing so will make her look casual and relaxed.
B)She should avoid direct eye contact to show respect to the interviewer.
C)She should turn off her smartphone before the interview.
D)She should smile the entire time to demonstrate her friendliness and enthusiasm.

Question 41

When filling out a job application, what should you do?

A)Look over all questions before starting.
B)Leave any unrelated questions blank.
C)Fill out the application in pencil so that you can erase any mistakes you might make.
D)To keep your options open, write Anything or Open when asked what position you desire.

Question 42

Hiring managers tend to ask more specific and job-related questions during one-on-one interviews than do representatives from human resources.

Question 43

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)What do you like best about working for this organization?
B)When do you expect to make a decision?
C)No, I have no questions at this time.
D)May I have a tour of the facilities?

Question 44

A former supervisor has already agreed to be one of your references. What should you do after a job interview?

A)Do nothing. Your former supervisor will let you know if he or she is contacted.
B)Send your former supervisor a cheque to compensate him or her for the time it will take to serve as your reference.
C)Write an e-mail message to your former supervisor to tell him or her about the position and company and to review what you would like him or her to stress to the prospective employer.
D)Ask your former supervisor to call the employer immediately so that your reference comes in before anyone else's.

Question 45

Maxam has just been offered and accepted a full-time position over the phone. What should Maxam do to follow up?

A)He should do nothing until he shows up the first day of work.
B)He should write a job acceptance letter to confirm the details and formalize the acceptance.
C)He should send his new boss a gift to show his appreciation.
D)He should show up for several days before his official start date to show his eagerness.

Question 46

How should you close an interview?

A)Briefly review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what the next step will be.
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 to show your appreciation.

Question 47

What should you do immediately after leaving an interview?

A)Call the interviewer to thank them again.
B)Make notes of what was said in case you are called back for a second interview.
C)Call your references and tell them how the interview went.
D)Arrange for a gift to be delivered to the interviewer the next day.

Question 48

Which of the following is the best statement to include in the interview thank-you message?

A)Thank you for taking the time to interview me.
B)I enjoyed interviewing with your company for the available position.
C)Talking with you on Tuesday, April 25, about the marketing associate position was both informative and interesting.
D)I really hope that I hear from you soon.

Question 49

Which of the following is an example of an inappropriate, and potentially illegal, interview question?

A)Are you authorized to work in Canada?
B)Have you worked under another name?
C)Do you have adequate child-care arrangements?
D)What languages to you speak?

Question 50

You may find it necessary to leave a position that you have been in for a while. Which of the following is the best way to handle this situation?

A)E-mail your boss to let him/her know.
B)Write a formal letter of resignation.
C)Announce your resignation at the team meeting.
D)Give your notice and exit quickly.

Question 51

Which of the following, after writing a follow-up message to thank your interviewer, should be your next step?

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

Question 52

Patricia has just been offered a full-time position over the phone and has decided that the position isn't right for her and that she will turn it down. What should she do she must turn a job down?

A)She should do nothing because the employer will figure out soon enough that she isn't going to accept the position.
B)She should accept the position anyway to ensure that she'll have a back-up plan in case no other offers come in.
C)She should visit the employer in person to explain in detail why she isn't going to accept the position.
D)She should write a letter thanking the employer for the job offer and briefly explaining that she is declining a job offer.

Question 53

If you didn't get a position that you really wanted, which of the following actions should you take?

A)Send a rejection follow-up letter that says you're disappointed but still interested.
B)Make a negative posting about the company on Facebook or Twitter to show how upset you are.
C)Do nothing because contacting the employer again will make you look desperate.
D)Call the employer at least once or twice a week for the next two months to see whether a position is available.

Question 54

Natalie sent a follow-up e-mail message to her interviewer five days after the interview. Several weeks later, Natalie has still not heard from the employer. What action should Natalie take now?

A)Send the interviewer a rejection follow-up letter.
B)Post nasty messages about the company on her Facebook timeline.
C)Show up at the company to demand a meeting with the interviewer.
D)Assume that she didn't get the job and continue her job search.

Question 55

The most common type of hiring/placement interview is the panel interview.

Question 56

Which of the following is the most effective way to handle an illegal or inappropriate question during an interview?

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

Question 57

Which of the following should you do after an interview?

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

Question 58

You are asked on a job application why you left your previous position. Which of the following is the best response to this question?

A)confidential
B)to accept a position with more responsibility
C)for personal reasons
D)didn't get along with coworkers

Question 59

Mahmoud sent a thank-you e-mail message to his interviewer immediately after his interview. It's been more than five days now, and Mahmoud has still not heard from the employer. What action should Mahmoud take now?

A)Assume that no decision has been made yet and that a call could come soon.
B)Assume that he didn't get the job and continue with his job search with other companies.
C)Show his frustration and determination by calling the employer at least once or twice a day for the next two weeks.
D)Call or send an e-mail message to check the status of the position.

Question 60

Tyrra hasn't heard back from the employer since she submitted her résumé two weeks ago. What should she do?

A)Call the employer to ask about the delay in response.
B)Resend her résumé.
C)Send a short follow-up letter.
D)Assume she didn't get the position.

Question 61

Oliver is being interviewed by a panel of four interviewers. When answering questions, he should maintain contact only with the person who asks the question.

Question 62

Employers often hire people who present themselves well instead of others with better credentials.

Question 63

Initiating a handshake when you meet your interviewer exhibits professionalism and confidence.

Question 64

Tell me about a time when you showed initiative and took the lead is an example of a behavioural interview question.

Question 65

Well-prepared candidates have rehearsed success stories that they can use to sell their strengths during an interview.

Question 66

When asked about your greatest strengths, include success stories to back up your response.

Question 67

If you feel extremely nervous about a job interview, bring a friend or relative along with you to help put you at ease.

Question 68

A company has decided to interview several candidates for the same position at the same time to judge their leadership skills. This is an example of a group interview.

Question 69

The only person you need to impress during the interview process is the interviewer.

Question 70

One benefit of researching a company before an interview is that you may uncover information that convinces you that you would not want to work for the company.

Question 71

During an interview it is appropriate to talk negatively about previous employers since doing so will show that you are honest.

Question 72

To show your interviewer how successful you are, leave your smartphone on during the job interview.

Question 73

If you don't understand a question, just answer it the best you can. Asking for a question to be repeated or clarified will make it look as if you weren't listening.

Question 74

If you put your cell phone number on your résumé, answer your cell phone every time it rings to make sure you don't miss an employer's call.

Question 75

When asked about your plans for the future, discuss both personal and professional goals.

Question 76

During salary negotiations let the employer know exactly how much money you need each month to cover your personal expenses.

Question 77

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

Question 78

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

Question 79

When asked about your salary expectations, be sure to give a specific dollar-per-hour amount.

Question 80

A colleague has told you in confidence that she suspects another colleague of stealing. What would your actions be? is an example of a behavioural interview question.