Question 1

Interviews conducted through videoconferencing are much better than traditional face-to-face interviews because they save time and have all the benefits of face-to-face interviews.

Accepted Answer

While videoconferencing interviews save time and can be more convenient, they may not capture all the nuances of in-person communication, such as body language, which can be crucial in assessing a candidate's suitability.

Question 2

During an interview, you should speak positively about your previous employer.

Accepted Answer

It is important to speak positively about your previous employer during an interview as it reflects well on your professionalism and attitude. Speaking negatively about them may raise concerns for the interviewer about your ability to work well with others and handle conflicts in a mature manner.

Question 3

When you arrive on time for an interview and greet the receptionist politely, you are sending positive nonverbal messages.

Accepted Answer

Arriving on time for an interview and politely greeting the receptionist sends positive nonverbal messages such as being reliable, respectful, and professional.

Question 4

Tell me about a time when you had to go above and beyond the call of duty is an example of a question intended to gauge your interest.

Accepted Answer

This question is intended to assess your work ethic, problem-solving skills, and willingness to take initiative, rather than gauge your interest.

Question 5

A panel interview is normally conducted by several members of an employer's human resources department.

Accepted Answer

A panel interview is typically conducted by a group of individuals from various departments within the company, including but not limited to human resources, and often involves potential direct supervisors, managers, or team members.

Question 6

Interviewers will likely want to know why you want this particular position with this organization.

Accepted Answer

Interviewers are interested in knowing why you have applied for their specific position and what about the organization appeals to you. It shows that you have done your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.

Question 7

If you find out ahead of time that the company has a casual dress code, you should dress casually for the interview so that you'll be comfortable and look like you fit in.

Accepted Answer

It's generally recommended to dress professionally for an interview, even if the company has a casual dress code, to make a good first impression and demonstrate your seriousness about the position.

Question 8

If a question on a job application asks for the name of the position you desire, it's best to keep your options open by answering Anything or Open.

Accepted Answer

Specifying the position you are interested in shows focus and helps employers understand how you see yourself fitting into their organization, making your application more appealing.

Question 9

If you are taken off-guard by a prospective employer's call, say hello politely but apologize for the noise.

Accepted Answer

It is polite to acknowledge the call and apologize for any background noise, showing respect and professionalism.

Question 10

Since all interviews are different, it is impossible to prepare answers to questions you might be asked.

Accepted Answer

While interviews can vary greatly, many common questions are often asked across different interviews, allowing candidates to prepare and practice their responses in advance.

Question 11

Once you have asked your questions, you should signal the end of the interview by standing up and thanking the interviewer.

Accepted Answer

It's more appropriate to wait for the interviewer to signal the end of the interview. Standing up first could be seen as presumptuous or rude.

Question 12

A skilled interviewer will expect you to be at least slightly nervous going into the interview and will try to put you at ease.

Accepted Answer

A skilled interviewer understands that interviews can be stressful and will often try to create a comfortable environment to help candidates perform at their best.

Question 13

Once you have decided to leave your current job, you may want to give more notice than the standard two weeks if your position is at the management level.

Accepted Answer

At the management level, responsibilities are often more complex, and finding a suitable replacement can take longer. Giving more notice allows for a smoother transition and helps maintain a positive relationship with your employer.

Question 14

Before an interview, you should prepare and practise "success stories" and find places to insert them during the interview.

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to prepare and practise "success stories" or examples to share during an interview to demonstrate your skills and experience. These stories can be inserted in response to specific questions asked by the interviewer or used as examples to support your qualifications for the job.

Question 15

It is legal for an interviewer to ask you where you were born.

Accepted Answer

In the United States, it is illegal for an employer to ask about a candidate's place of birth, nationality, or ancestry during a job interview as it can be considered discriminatory and violate Equal Employment Opportunity laws.

Question 16

It is okay to initiate a handshake when you enter an interview. Doing so demonstrates confidence and professionalism.

Accepted Answer

It is appropriate to initiate a handshake when you enter an interview as it shows that you are polite and confident. It also helps to create a positive first impression on the interviewer. However, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, some companies may not allow handshakes or physical contact during the interview. In such cases, it is advisable to follow the other greeting norms such as nodding your head or waving.

Question 17

Group interviews are usually conducted to measure a candidate's leadership skills.

Accepted Answer

Group interviews allow employers to observe how candidates interact with others, showcasing their leadership, communication, and teamwork skills.

Question 18

During an interview, the candidate and the interviewer have the same goals: to minimize the faults and emphasize the strengths of the candidate.

Accepted Answer

The candidate aims to minimize their faults and emphasize their strengths, while the interviewer's goal is to accurately assess the candidate's suitability for the position, which includes identifying both strengths and weaknesses.

Question 19

Many recruiters have admitted to not hiring a candidate because of something they found online.

Accepted Answer

Many recruiters and companies have stated that they do research on candidates online, and have chosen not to hire them based on what they found. It is becoming increasingly important for job seekers to manage their online presence and ensure that their social media profiles and public information are professional and appropriate.

Question 20

During a sequential interview, you should sell your qualifications to each interviewer and try to keep your responses sounding fresh.

Accepted Answer

During a sequential interview, it is important to sell your qualifications to each interviewer and keep your responses sounding fresh to maintain their interest and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position. This shows that you are flexible and adaptable to different interview styles and can effectively communicate your strengths and experience to a range of stakeholders in the hiring process.

Quiz 13: Interviews and Follow-Up