Deck 12: Interviewing, Writing Follow-Up Messages, and Succeeding in the Job

Question 1

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 fill up the interview time with lengthy monologues.
E) They maintain eye contact with the interviewers while interacting with them.

Answer 1

E

Question 2

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.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Kemal is preparing for an interview with a travel agency. He has done substantial research on the company and is currently preparing a short speech about why he is right for the job of communications manager. Which of the following is Kemal most likely preparing?

A) vision statement
B) elevator speech
C) mission statement
D) commencement speech
E) maiden speech

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Situational interviews ask questions about the kinds of situations you have faced in the past jobs.

Question 5

Jhumpa 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.

Question 6

The best way to get offered more money during the interview process is to show that you can do what the competition can't do.

Question 7

If an interviewer asks you what your interests outside of work are, it is desirable to name at least 10.

Question 8

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.

Question 9

Keiko 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 Keiko 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

Question 10

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.

Question 11

In determining what you want your interviewer to know about you, pick two to five strengths that show

A) your superiority over the interviewer.
B) how you are similar to the other applicants.
C) that you are overqualified for the position.
D) how you will add value to the company.
E) how likely you are to move on quickly to another job.

Question 12

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.

Question 13

During a job interview, Mr. Hernandez asks a candidate, Samantha, whether she is married so that he can get a fair idea about her flexibility with work schedules. This is an effective strategy for an interviewer to follow.

Question 14

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 interviewers cannot ask follow-up questions
C) ensuring that her answers are longer than 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

Question 15

The best way to prepare for a job interview is to know as much as possible about the process and the employer.

Question 16

The types of weaknesses that an applicant should consider bringing up during an interview are those that are

A) unrelated to his or her ability to do the job.
B) unlikely to be discovered until after he or she has accepted the job.
C) common among other applicants.
D) easily discoverable during the interview process.
E) likely to elicit sympathy from the interviewer.

Question 17

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 seeming pushy by making key points about your strengths 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.

Question 18

It is unhelpful to videotape practice interviews because doing so will make you self-conscious.

Question 19

Any sign of nervousness during an interview shows that you are unqualified or unprepared.

Question 20

Once you are hired, avoid doing small jobs, such as making coffee or refilling the paper tray.

Question 21

Which of the following is considered appropriate attire for an interview?

A) sneakers for men
B) sport jackets for men
C) sunglasses for men
D) stilettos for women
E) strong perfumes for women

Question 22

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 because it shows positive body language

Question 23

Reese is attending an interview at a law firm in California. Her interviewer asks her to walk him through her résumé. Which of the following should Reese do?

A) read the résumé aloud to the interviewer
B) recite her résumé exactly as it is no matter how long it takes
C) cover as many points as she can in ten minutes
D) avoid making eye contact because it may distract the interviewer
E) highlight her best features in less than three minutes.

Question 24

Mei 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 because she was fired from that job for taking off too much time. In such a situation, the best possible response would be for Mei to tell the interviewer that she

A) was fired but has learnt from her mistakes.
B) 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.

Question 25

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.

Question 26

Patterson Inc., an advertising firm, is conducting interviews for the position of communications manager. The HR department likes the résumé of Zofia, who has impressive qualifications and work experience. However, during the face-to-face interview, they are disappointed with Zofia and do not short-list her for the next round of interviews. Which of the following is most likely responsible for Zofia'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 the company and what it offers.

Question 27

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.

A) introduction
B) opening
C) close
D) body
E) conclusion

Question 28

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.

Question 29

Carmen has been working as an environmental campaigner for the last eight years. She is now looking to change jobs, and she 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?

A) topgrading
B) focused
C) stress
D) reference
E) situational

Question 30

In which of the following stages of the interview does an interviewer typically ask easy questions about your major or interests?

A) opening
B) feedback
C) confutation
D) body
E) closing

Question 31

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

Question 32

Which of the following is the most conservative choice of attire for an interview?

A) dark grey or black shirt
B) dark business suit
C) sandals
D) black socks or patterned hose
E) open-toed pumps

Question 33

Which of the following is a nervous mannerism that 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

Question 34

In an interview, a(n) ________ speech is a speech that is not more than two minutes long that states why a candidate is good for a particular job.

A) elevator
B) philippic
C) swearing-in
D) audience
E) demonstration

Question 35

Parvati recently attended an interview at Dawning Day 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 Parvati 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 unpleasant to her.
E) She asked interviewers if they required further details about her work experience.

Question 36

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.

Question 37

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. To possibly salvage his situation, Dario should

A) trust that the rest of the interview has gone well and leave the interview as it is.
B) be honest and tell the interviewer that he has let himself down.
C) ask the interviewer if he could answer the question again.
D) restate a positive point that he would like the interviewer to know.
E) apologize to the interviewer before he leaves the interview.

Question 38

Which type of interview places interviewees in scenarios similar to those they will face on the job to test the candidate's problem-solving skills as well as their ability to handle problems?

A) situational
B) behavioral
C) topgrading
D) reference
E) focused

Question 39

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?

Question 40

Which type of interview emphasizes one desired aspect of a candidate's career?

A) reference
B) topgrading
C) focused
D) stress
E) behavioral

Question 41

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.

Question 42

Which of the following is most likely to be the best source of advice for someone just starting at a new job?

A) a senior manager
B) a member of the custodial staff
C) another recent hire
D) someone at a competing firm
E) an anonymous Internet forum

Question 43

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) Accept the offer from Zimble Inc. and let Thornton Inc. know.
B) Decline the offer from Zimble Inc. and then check the status of his application at Thornton Inc.
C) Thank Zimble Inc. for the offer and ask for time to respond to it.
D) Decline the offer from Zimble Inc. and wait to hear from the other company.
E) Thank Zimble Inc. and tell them that he cannot accept their offer until Thornton Inc. gets back to him.

Question 44

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. Which type of interview does this scenario best illustrate?

A) behavioral
B) situational
C) screening
D) topgrading
E) stress

Question 45

Which of the following is true of a thank-you note from an interviewee to an interviewer?

A) It can be sent up to five days after the first interview.
B) It is better not to use emoticons whether it is by paper or email.
C) It is more impressive to send a thank-you note via email.
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.

Question 46

After several weeks of interviewing, Towanda has received a job offer and is negotiating her salary. The hiring manager informs her that the company cannot afford to pay her the salary that she has requested due to budget constraints. What is Towanda's best course of action?

A) Accept the lower salary without complaint.
B) Immediately reject the offer of employment.
C) Ask for other benefits such as a better job title.
D) Ask for time to seek other job offers with higher pay.
E) Offer to revise the budget so that the company can pay more.

Question 47

What important professional materials should you carry to an interview?

Question 48

Dinh has been given his offer letter and is surprised that the terms state 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 Dinh do in this scenario?

A) Decline the offer and look for other jobs.
B) Speak to a superior about the company making false promises.
C) Sign the letter and wait to complete six months before asking about it.
D) Accept the offer and bring it up later since it has already been promised to him.
E) Call the interviewer for clarification.

Question 49

List any three questions an interviewee must not ask an interviewer during a job interview.

Question 50

Marco was recently hired as a junior sales analyst and has been given his first major project. However, his boss did not provide very many details, and Marco is feeling unsure how to proceed. Before going to his boss with questions, Marco should

A) complete the project to the best of his ability so his boss has something to judge.
B) prepare an "elevator pitch" for why he should be promoted.
C) avoid thinking about the project too much to keep an open mind.
D) formulate a plan for doing the work with the information he has.
E) compile a list of complaints about the work required to do the project.

Question 51

Describe the closing section of an interview.

Question 52

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 email.
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.

Question 53

What important points should you note during or immediately after an interview?

Question 54

In preparing a long-term career strategy, you should set goals for yourself for the next

A) 2 to 4 weeks.
B) 4 to 6 months.
C) 1 to 2 years.
D) 5 to 10 years.
E) 10 to 20 years.

Question 55

Quilla 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. Quilla 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 types of interview did Quilla most likely attend?

A) behavioral
B) group
C) stress
D) topgrading
E) reference

Question 56

Kwame is attending his second round of interviews with a company, and he has been informed that it will be a panel interview. Which of the following is a good tip for him to follow to ensure that the interview goes well?

A) Address and make eye contact only with the questioner to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
B) Write down the names of the panel members to show that he does not rely only on memory.
C) Take in the entire experience rather than focusing on one question at a time.
D) Write thank-you notes to each member rather than one collective note to all of them.
E) Identify the panel member with most authority and ask only him a question.

Question 57

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 from 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.

Question 58

Which of the following is a helpful practice in setting long-term career goals?

A) Make a list of reasons why your current job is unsatisfactory.
B) Take inspiration from movies and TV shows featuring successful people.
C) Accumulate debts that can only be paid off by increasing your salary significantly.
D) Prewrite a résumé you expect to use in 10 years' time.
E) Make it clear to your boss that you view your current job as a temporary stepping stone.

Question 59

After landing a new job, your end goal should be to

A) develop skills and create a path to promotion.
B) minimize the amount of effort you give each day.
C) build lifelong connections with all of your coworkers.
D) hold on to the same position for as long as possible.
E) retire as soon as possible.

Question 60

What are the three questions on which an interview strategy should be based?

Question 61

Maureen was excited about the prospect of working for a new social media startup, HiLo. After attending all the interviews and receiving good nonverbal feedback from the interviewers, she was not selected for the job. How should Maureen deal with this rejection?

Question 62

What are some key points you should follow as a candidate in a group interview?

Question 63

List and describe the tasks included in developing a long-term strategy for your career.

Question 64

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.

Question 65

Darnell 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, who probed every weak spot in his record. What kind of an interview did Darnell most likely attend? What are some guidelines that need to be followed in such interviews?