Question 1

Which of the following will probably be most helpful in preparing for a job interview?
A)Check out and, if necessary, clean up any online information that an employer might perceive as negative.
B)Research the target company only if it is a large one; you likely won't find useful information about a small company.
C)Avoid preparing and rehearsing personal success stories because most interviewers don't respond well to arrogant candidates.
D)Practise avoiding or deflecting questions about problem areas on your résumé.

Accepted Answer

Checking and cleaning up online information is important because many employers will research candidates before the interview. It's important to ensure that there is nothing online that could negatively impact your chances of getting the job.

Question 2

When you submit employment applications, what kind of hiring/placement interview does your textbook say you are most likely to face?
A)stress interview
B)panel interview
C)one-on-one interview
D)sequential interview

Accepted Answer

According to the textbook, the most common type of interview for hiring/placement is the one-on-one interview.

Question 3

Which of the following questions is an interviewer legally entitled to ask?
A)What is your maiden name?
B)Are you legally entitled to work in Canada?
C)If we offer you this job, can your husband transfer or find a new job in this city?
D)Have you ever received worker's compensation?

Accepted Answer

Asking about an applicant's legal right to work in a specific country is a legal question that is relevant to the hiring process. The other options are either invasive, irrelevant or could potentially lead to discrimination.

Question 4

An interviewer asks you why you want to work for this company. Which of the following would be your best response to this question?
A)I've applied everywhere and really need this job.
B)I am very impressed by the benefits package you offer employees.
C)I am interested in using my skills and experience to obtain a career in the accounting field.
D)During my research on your company, I was impressed with your outstanding customer service record.

Accepted Answer

Option D shows that you have done research on the company and are aware of their strengths, which can be a positive sign to the interviewer that you have a genuine interest in working for the company. Additionally, highlighting their customer service record can show that you share the same values and priorities as the company. Option A is not a good response because it implies that you are not interested in this specific company, and option B is not ideal because it shows that your decision is driven solely by the benefits and not the job itself. Option C is a decent response, but it could be generic and apply to any accounting company.

Question 5

During your interview, one member of the interviewing panel asks you a question. You aren't sure how to answer because you're not sure you understand the question. What would be the best response?
A)Demonstrate confidence by answering the question immediately based on your best guess about what the interviewer means.
B)Ask another member of the panel to repeat the question.
C)Apologize for not being as knowledgeable in that area as you should be and ask the interviewer to explain the question in detail.
D)Say I want to make sure I understand the question. Re-phrase the question in your own words, and then ask Do I understand you correctly?

Accepted Answer

It's important to clarify the question and make sure you fully understand what is being asked before attempting to answer. Rephrasing the question in your own words shows that you're actively trying to understand the question and want to give the best answer possible.

Question 6

What advice does your text give about answering salary questions on a job application form?
A)Name a salary higher than you can realistically expect so the employer knows you have high self-esteem.
B)Name an unrealistically low figure to show that you are eager to work for the company.
C)Do your research so you can reply with a realistic salary range for the position.
D)Give an exact dollar amount and explain in detail how you arrived at that figure.

Accepted Answer

The text advises to do research and provide a realistic salary range for the position when answering salary questions on a job application form. This shows that you have an understanding of the industry and job market, and can negotiate effectively. Option A and B are not recommended as they can either portray overconfidence or desperation. Option D is too specific and may not leave room for negotiation.

Question 7

During your interview, a member of the interview panel looks at your transcript and asks whether you feel that your grade point average accurately reflects what you are capable of. What is the interviewer's purpose for asking this question most likely to be?
A)to discover how you respond to being challenged or made uncomfortable
B)to explore your accomplishments
C)to understand why you applied for this particular position
D)to test your thought processes and logical thinking

Accepted Answer

The interviewer is likely trying to gauge how you handle difficult or uncomfortable questions, as well as potentially exploring any extenuating circumstances that may have impacted your GPA. This question is often asked as a way to test your ability to handle challenging situations and to see if you are self-aware enough to acknowledge any potential areas of weakness.

Question 8

If an interviewer asks for one or more letters of recommendation from your references, which of the following would probably be most effective strategy?
A)Contact your references to ask them to write letters recommendation, but don't appear pushy by making any suggestions about the contents of the letter.
B)Let your references know that they can write the recommendations at their convenience.
C)Write a letter of recommendation yourself and send copies to your references that they simply have to sign.
D)Send a message to your references with details of the position, its requirements, the deadline, and reminders of positive experiences and/or accomplishments.

Accepted Answer

Providing your references with clear and concise details about the position, its requirements, the deadline, and positive experiences or accomplishments can help them write a more effective and relevant letter of recommendation. This also shows that you are organized and proactive, which can reflect positively on you as a candidate. Option A and B may not provide enough guidance to your references, while option C is dishonest and unethical.

Question 9

What does your textbook identify as the primary purpose of most screening interviews?
A)to give the interviewer/s a general sense of your personality
B)to "weed out" candidates who won't proceed to the next phase of the interview process
C)to make candidates more comfortable when they are interviewed in person
D)to allow the interviewer/s to make a final hiring decision

Accepted Answer

The primary purpose of most screening interviews is to "weed out" candidates who won't proceed to the next phase of the interview process. This means eliminating candidates who don't meet the minimum qualifications for the position, don't fit with the company culture, or aren't a good match for the job requirements. Screening interviews are typically conducted over the phone or video conferencing and are relatively short in duration.

Question 10

Which of the following would be the most important action to take after leaving an interview?
A)Go home and revise your résumé.
B)Write down key points that were discussed, the names of people you spoke with, and other details of the interview.
C)Stop and chat with the receptionist to see if you can get some inside information about other candidates.
D)Send an e-mail message to the interviewer/s asking for tips for presenting yourself more effectively at your next interview.

Accepted Answer

Writing down key points and details from the interview will help you remember what was discussed and prepare for future interviews. It is also important to send a thank-you note, but that option is not listed. Avoid options A and C, as they are not relevant to post-interview actions, and option D may come across as pushy rather than appreciative.

Question 11

Which strategy would likely be most effective in a job interview?
A)Ask questions politely throughout the interview if and when they come to mind.
B)Ask your own questions only when an interviewer specifically invites them.
C)Show your excitement about the job by asking many questions immediately.
D)Answer the interviewer's questions but refrain from asking your own.

Accepted Answer

Asking questions politely throughout the interview demonstrates engagement and interest, while also allowing for a natural flow of conversation.

Question 12

If an interviewer asks you about a weakness, what is the best way to answer the question?
A)Respond by saying that you don't have any significant weaknesses.
B)Try to turn a particular weakness into a positive selling point.
C)Explain why you have not managed to overcome a particular weakness.
D)Be truthful and list all of your weaknesses. Then defend each of them.

Accepted Answer

The best way to answer the weakness question is to acknowledge a specific weakness, but then follow up with how you are actively working to improve it or how it can be seen as a strength. This shows self-awareness and a willingness to grow, while still highlighting your positive attributes. Option A can come across as insincere and option D can make you seem unprofessional or unprepared. Option C can also be risky as it could highlight a weakness that is crucial for the job at hand.

Question 13

An interviewer asks you to tell her about a time when you worked successfully as part of a team. Which of the following would be your best response?
A)Respond with a story about how much fun you had when you travelled to Vancouver with your hockey team to play in a tournament.
B)Tell the interviewer that you think teamwork is a very important skill and you are looking forward to meeting and working with new colleagues.
C)Explain that you usually work best independently.
D)Tell a story that you prepared using the STAR technique.

Accepted Answer

Option D suggests that the candidate is familiar with the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique for answering behavioral interview questions. This indicates the candidate's preparedness for the interview and ability to provide a structured response. Additionally, the use of a specific example demonstrates the candidate's ability to work successfully as part of a team.

Question 14

An interviewer asks you to describe your accomplishments in each of your past jobs. Which of the following would be the best response?
A)Explain that since you are just graduating, you have only had two unskilled part-time jobs in the past that didn't allow you to accomplish a great deal.
B)Emphasize personal strengths and attributes that employers valued, such as the fact that you were never late, you were always available for extra shifts when needed, and you never missed a day of work.
C)Respond by talking enthusiastically about how much you will accomplish if you are hired for this position.
D)Be honest and admit that other candidates probably have more experience and have accomplished more.

Accepted Answer

Even if the past jobs were unskilled, emphasizing personal strengths and attributes that employers found valuable shows that the candidate was reliable and responsible. This can demonstrate qualities that can be brought to future jobs.

Question 15

An interviewer asks Where do you expect to be five years from now? Which would be the best response to this question?
A)I would like to be president of the company. This shows ambition and drive.
B)In five years, I would like to have your job. This shows you admire the interviewer and respect his or her position within the company.
C)I would like to contribute to the organization and advance to a management position. This shows you want to grow with the company.
D)I would like to have my own business. This response shows leadership and entrepreneurial spirit, which are highly valued skills.

Accepted Answer

Option C shows the candidate has a desire to grow within the organization they are applying to, which indicates they are committed and interested in advancing their career. Option A may come across as too aggressive, option B may seem insincere, and option D may imply that the candidate is not interested in a long-term career at the company they are interviewing for.

Question 16

You have applied for several positions and are expecting a response from one or more of the potential employers. Which of the following is the best advice to follow?
A)Make sure that others who may answer the phone are aware of your job search and the importance of answering the telephone politely and taking accurate messages.
B)Be sure to answer your cell phone immediately, no matter where you are, so that you won't miss a call.
C)Always answer phone calls in person, since most employers dislike leaving voice mail messages.
D)Make sure to check your e-mail messages several times during the day, since most employers choose to contact applicants by email.

Accepted Answer

It is important to ensure that everyone who may answer your phone is aware of your job search and the importance of answering the phone politely and taking accurate messages. This ensures that you do not miss any potential employers' calls or messages. Answering the phone in person or checking email frequently may not always be possible or practical.

Question 17

Which of the following is the most important advice for ending an interview positively?
A)Tell the interviewer you will call in three or four days to see if a decision has been made.
B)Mention that you need to have a decision very quickly because you have several more interviews scheduled for very appealing jobs.
C)Review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what action will follow.
D)Apologize for being nervous and admit that you didn't present yourself very well.

Accepted Answer

Reviewing your strengths, thanking the interviewer, and asking about the next steps shows gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity. It also gives the interviewer a chance to provide any important information or clarify any questions you may have. It is important to avoid sounding pushy or demanding for a decision, which options A and B do, and to avoid apologizing for any nervousness or mistakes, which option D does.

Question 18

Which nonverbal action will most likely create a negative impression on interviewers?
A)Smiling continually during the interview.
B)Initiating a firm handshake with the interviewer.
C)Making frequent eye contact with the interviewer.
D)Arriving about five minutes early for the interview.

Accepted Answer

Smiling continually during the interview may come across as insincere or nervous, and therefore create a negative impression on interviewers. It is important to smile appropriately and naturally during the interview.

Question 19

A large accounting firm has invited you for an interview. Robert Kootenay, the person who called you, tells you that he will be one of a panel of interviewers. What would be the most useful strategy to use when preparing for the interview?
A)Try to keep Robert on the phone long enough to get a good idea of what he and the other panel members see as the most desirable quality in a candidate.
B)Practice taking charge of the interview while treating the interviewer with respect.
C)Remind yourself to remain calm, slow the interview down, and consider your answers carefully.
D)Try to find some basic biographical information about each panel member.

Accepted Answer

Researching basic biographical information about each panel member can help you tailor your answers and responses in a way that appeals to each individual member. This can make a positive impression on the panel as a whole and increase your chances of being selected for the job. Options A, B, and C are also good strategies to keep in mind, but researching the panel members is likely to be the most effective approach in this scenario.

Question 20

An employer calls you to offer you a job. You thank him/her and explain politely that you have decided not to accept the offer. Following the advice in your text, what should you do after you hang up?
A)Send a brief text message to confirm your decision so that there is no risk of misunderstanding.
B)Quickly turn your attention and energy to finding a more suitable job.
C)Write a sincere, thoughtful letter explaining briefly why you are refusing the offer.
D)Write a letter explaining in detail the undesirable aspects of the job such as the inadequate salary, unreasonable hours, or undesirable job duties.

Accepted Answer

Writing a sincere, thoughtful letter explaining briefly why you are refusing the offer is a professional way to maintain a positive relationship with the employer and provide closure.

Quiz 13: Interviews and Follow-Up

Which of the following will probably be most helpful in preparing for a job interview?

When you submit employment applications, what kind of hiring/placement interview does your textbook say you are most likely to face?

Which of the following questions is an interviewer legally entitled to ask?

An interviewer asks you why you want to work for this company. Which of the following would be your best response to this question?

During your interview, one member of the interviewing panel asks you a question. You aren't sure how to answer because you're not sure you understand the question. What would be the best response?

What advice does your text give about answering salary questions on a job application form?

During your interview, a member of the interview panel looks at your transcript and asks whether you feel that your grade point average accurately reflects what you are capable of. What is the interviewer's purpose for asking this question most likely to be?

If an interviewer asks for one or more letters of recommendation from your references, which of the following would probably be most effective strategy?

What does your textbook identify as the primary purpose of most screening interviews?

Which of the following would be the most important action to take after leaving an interview?

Which strategy would likely be most effective in a job interview?

If an interviewer asks you about a weakness, what is the best way to answer the question?

An interviewer asks you to tell her about a time when you worked successfully as part of a team. Which of the following would be your best response?

An interviewer asks you to describe your accomplishments in each of your past jobs. Which of the following would be the best response?

An interviewer asks Where do you expect to be five years from now? Which would be the best response to this question?

You have applied for several positions and are expecting a response from one or more of the potential employers. Which of the following is the best advice to follow?

Which of the following is the most important advice for ending an interview positively?

Which nonverbal action will most likely create a negative impression on interviewers?

A large accounting firm has invited you for an interview. Robert Kootenay, the person who called you, tells you that he will be one of a panel of interviewers. What would be the most useful strategy to use when preparing for the interview?

An employer calls you to offer you a job. You thank him/her and explain politely that you have decided not to accept the offer. Following the advice in your text, what should you do after you hang up?