Question 1

Alexander is going to appear for an interview at Heldring Inc., a consulting firm which is owned by only two partners and not listed on a stock exchange. He is preparing for the interview by researching about the company.
-Alexander wants to learn about what it's really like to work at the company from actual employees, but he can't find anyone in his network with a connection there. Which of the following is a career resource website that will help Alexander to get an insider's perspective about the company?
A) Yahoo! Finance
B) Kiplinger's
C) Glassdoor.com
D) MarketWatch
E) Dow Jones Interactive

Accepted Answer

C) On this site, current employees provide their view of what it's like to work at a company. In addition, people who have interviewed with companies explain the interview process and the types of questions you are likely to receive.

Question 2

Simon is at an interview for an entry-level position at a large company. 
-If Simon is asked to describe his ideal job, which of the following is most likely to be the best response?
A) "The position that I'm here to interview for."
B) "My ideal job would be one that puts me in a good position to start my own company in five years."
C) "Ideally, I'd work for a company that understands that there is more to life than work, and allows me time to pursue my personal interests."
D) "My perfect job would let me collaborate with others to reach a common goal, creating interesting and useful products."
E) "I'd love a job where my talents, contributions, and accomplishments are acknowledged and appreciated."

Accepted Answer

D) If you respond to this question by indicating the job that you are applying for, you will sound insincere, especially if it is an entry-level position. However, don't share information that would make you less desirable (like wanting to get experience so you can start your own business). Your description should identify the attributes that demonstrate your work ethic and interpersonal skills.

Question 3

When asked about your greatest weakness, you should ________.
A) never offer a real weakness
B) frame a strength to sound like a weakness
C) suggest that you work too hard or that you're a perfectionist
D) mention a real weakness and how you are trying to improve it
E) decline answering the question

Accepted Answer

D) Your weakness should be a real weakness rather than a backhanded compliment. You will sound insincere if you suggest that your greatest weakness is that you work too hard or that you're a perfectionist. Mention a real weakness that shows you are aware of your shortcomings and are making an effort to enhance your skills.

Question 4

Acme Corporation wants to assess candidates' ability to think logically under pressure, their common sense, and their time management skills, so it is most likely to conduct interviews in the ________ format.
A) action interview
B) panel interview
C) on-campus interview
D) one-on-one interview
E) preliminary interview

Accepted Answer

A) Action interviews require applicants to perform under work-based conditions, and might have them engage them in simulated project meetings or "solve" a real life problem, like generating ideas for a marketing campaign.

Question 5

His interviewer opens the meeting by saying, "Simon, tell me about yourself." To best address this question Simon should ________.
A) take about ten minutes to give the interviewer a complete accounting of his education, personal interests, and long-term goals
B) deflect the question, saying, "I'm more interested in learning about the position. Please tell me more about it"
C) passionately tell the interviewer how much he would like to enter into the field and work for the company
D) take about a minute to identify the skills and experience that qualify him for the position
E) tell the interviewer that it's all down there on his résumé, and ask what in particular the interviewer would like to know

Accepted Answer

D) "Tell me about yourself" is not a request for your life story or complete biography. It is your opportunity to identify the skills that qualify you for the position. Prepare a 30-60 second summary of information that is relevant to the job. The interviewer is interested in you as you relate to this particular position, so emphasize that instead of presenting a general catalogue of qualifications.

Question 6

During a salary discussion, ________.
A) giving a minimum salary figure could result in a lower salary than the company planned to offer
B) suggesting a figure higher than the company had planned would give you an edge.
C) indicating that you are flexible about salary is a bad idea
D) asking for the company's salary range must be avoided
E) demonstrating an awareness of the industry average may make the interviewer defensive

Accepted Answer

A) Giving a minimum salary figure could result in a lower salary than the company planned to offer. It is advisable that you do research to determine the industry average for the position. Then suggest you are flexible and willing to negotiate based on the going rate and current market conditions.

Question 7

If you are currently employed when interviewing and are asked why you are leaving your current position, ________.
A) explain all the issues you have had with your previous employer
B) criticize your current job, but don't speak negatively of your boss
C) emphasize what you're looking for in the new position more than what you're leaving behind
D) focus on what is lacking in your current position and disparage the company or employer
E) respectfully decline to answer the question

Accepted Answer

C) Do not speak negatively about your current job; this is one of the most detrimental mistakes candidates make at interviews. Focus on the job you are applying for as a way to advance your career - what you're moving toward more than what you're getting away from.

Question 8

Alec must make a presentation at an upcoming action interview. If he is not assigned a specific topic by his contact at the company, it would be best for him to ________.
A) select a topic he is personally interested in
B) search online for "case interview" resources and use one of the topics he finds online
C) give a presentation on the history of the company
D) ask his contact if there is a particular problem or issue facing the company and research that
E) borrow an idea from a friend who has prepared for a similar interview

Accepted Answer

D) If you are asked to make a presentation and are not given a topic to address, ask your contact person if the company is currently dealing with a particular problem or obstacle, and take time to research it.

Question 9

You are most likely to have articulated an answer to the interviewer's question, "Why should we hire you?" in your ________.
A) résumé
B) cover letter
C) email confirming the interview appointment
D) business card
E) candidate application form

Accepted Answer

B) You should have provided clear, specific evidence of your skills and articulated an answer to this question in your cover letter. Bring a copy of your cover letter to the interview to refer to, if necessary.

Question 10

Simon is at an interview for an entry-level position at a large company
-If Simon is asked about his salary expectations, which of the following would be his best response?
A) "My research showed a range of A-B thousand dollars for this job - what is your salary range?"
B) "My minimum salary requirement is C thousand dollars."
C) "I'm hoping to get D thousand dollars."
D) "I feel that my skills and experience, coupled with my enthusiasm to work for your company, make E thousand dollars appropriate."
E) "Why don't you tell me how much you think I'm worth?"

Accepted Answer

A) The best answer is to suggest that you are flexible and willing to negotiate your salary based on industry averages and the current market conditions. Avoid stating a minimum amount, which might result in a lower salary than they had planned to offer you. Conversely, indicating a salary much higher than they budgeted could cause them to stop considering you as a candidate.

Question 11

Marcus has been on several traditional one-on-one interviews, but he is now getting ready to participate in his first group interview. All of the following choices offer good advice to Marcus EXCEPT ________.
A) listen intently
B) ask questions
C) offer advice
D) lead the discussion
E) make eye contact

Accepted Answer

D) In a group interview, do not lead the discussion unless someone from the company's search committee asks you to do so.

Question 12

Alexander is going to appear for an interview at Heldring Inc., a consulting firm which is owned by only two partners and not listed on a stock exchange. He is preparing for the interview by researching about the company.
-After visiting Heldring Inc.'s website, Alexander wants to get an idea about the outside point of view. Which of the following sources is most likely to provide this information to Alexander?
A) Investor's Business Daily
B) Vault.com
C) Glassdoor.com
D) Facebook
E) LinkedIn

Accepted Answer

A) For an outside point of view, look for articles in business publications and websites, including Investor's Business Daily, Kiplinger's, and Market Watch.

Question 13

________ questions are designed to determine how you would make decisions, solve problems, or respond to stressful situations.
A) Action
B) Behavioral
C) STAR
D) Demographic
E) Simulated

Accepted Answer

B) Behavioral questions are designed to determine how you would make decisions, solve problems, or respond to stressful situations. Your answers to these questions should demonstrate your collaborative skills, innovative thinking, and leadership qualities.

Question 14

A ________ interview brings together several job candidates who are interviewed at the same time. This type of interview can use the standard Q&A format, or they can be project-based action interviews.
A) group
B) telephone
C) panel
D) one-on-one
E) career fair

Accepted Answer

A) This format provides employers the opportunity to evaluate applicants' collaborative skills as well as the knowledge and abilities they can offer.

Question 15

When an interviewer asks you what questions you have, ________.
A) not having any demonstrates a thorough understanding of the job and all that it entails
B) you should ask a minimum of ten questions that demonstrate your interest in the job
C) you should avoid asking questions about health insurance or the retirement plan as they are inappropriate at this stage
D) you should ask questions about where company headquarters are located and how many employees they have because these questions demonstrate your interest in the company
E) avoid asking about next steps until the interviewer brings them up

Accepted Answer

C) You should be able to ask several meaningful and appropriate questions about the company and position. Avoid asking questions that are more relevant once you have been offered a position, for example questions about benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Question 16

Simon is at an interview for an entry-level position at a large company. 
-If Simon is asked about what interests him the most about the company or the position, Simon would be best off answering:
A) "Everything - I'm just so eager to work for your company."
B) "I am excited about the new line of products you are pursuing, and putting my design skills to work in making them a reality."
C) "I think working at such a prestigious company will put me in a good position to start my own business somewhere down the line."
D) "I don't know that much about your company, but from what I do know I think I'd really fit in and enjoy working here."
E) "I think this position would be perfect for me, and will fulfill my ambition to work at a prestigious company."

Accepted Answer

B) Answering questions like this require that you have done your research and know something about the company. Be prepared to talk intelligently about their business and how you can contribute. This choice shows knowledge about the company (new product line) and connects it to how Simon's qualifications (design skills) will contribute. The other choices are vague, display lack of company knowledge, or focus too much on what Simon wants instead of what he can do for the company.

Question 17

Which of the following is an appropriate question for employers to ask job applicants?
A) What is your religion?
B) What is your age?
C) Are you married?
D) Do you have children?
E) Do you have a physical condition that would prevent you from fulfilling the requirements of the job?

Accepted Answer

E) While employers may ask if you have a physical condition that would prevent you from fulfilling the requirements of the job is allowed, general questions about medical information are not allowed under federal law.

Question 18

Which of the following types of interviews is most likely to involve simulated project meetings, scenario or case discussions, or opportunities to solve real problems?
A) telephone interview
B) action interview
C) panel interview
D) virtual interview
E) one-on-one interview

Accepted Answer

B) Action interviews require applicants to perform under work-based conditions. Some simulate business situations while others offer opportunities to solve real problems.

Question 19

Alexander is going to appear for an interview at Heldring Inc., a consulting firm which is owned by only two partners and not listed on a stock exchange. He is preparing for the interview by researching about the company.
-Alexander can look for financial information about Heldring Inc., through ________.
A) MarketWatch
B) Yahoo! Finance
C) Standard & Poors
D) Hoover's Handbook of Private Companies
E) Kiplinger's

Accepted Answer

D) Financial information for private companies is more difficult to find than for public companies. One possible source you may find at your library is Hoover's Handbook of Private Companies.

Question 20

________ interviews require applicants to perform under work-based conditions.
A) Traditional one-on-one
B) Telephone
C) Panel
D) Action
E) Virtual

Accepted Answer

D) Action interviews are typically designed to assess your ability to think logically under pressure, your common sense, or your time management skills.

Quiz 12: Getting the Job Interviewing and Following up

Simon is at an interview for an entry-level position at a large company. -If Simon is asked to describe his ideal job, which of the following is most likely to be the best response?

When asked about your greatest weakness, you should ________.

Acme Corporation wants to assess candidates' ability to think logically under pressure, their common sense, and their time management skills, so it is most likely to conduct interviews in the ________ format.

His interviewer opens the meeting by saying, "Simon, tell me about yourself." To best address this question Simon should ________.

During a salary discussion, ________.

If you are currently employed when interviewing and are asked why you are leaving your current position, ________.

Alec must make a presentation at an upcoming action interview. If he is not assigned a specific topic by his contact at the company, it would be best for him to ________.

You are most likely to have articulated an answer to the interviewer's question, "Why should we hire you?" in your ________.

Simon is at an interview for an entry-level position at a large company -If Simon is asked about his salary expectations, which of the following would be his best response?

Marcus has been on several traditional one-on-one interviews, but he is now getting ready to participate in his first group interview. All of the following choices offer good advice to Marcus EXCEPT ________.

________ questions are designed to determine how you would make decisions, solve problems, or respond to stressful situations.

A ________ interview brings together several job candidates who are interviewed at the same time. This type of interview can use the standard Q&A format, or they can be project-based action interviews.

When an interviewer asks you what questions you have, ________.

Simon is at an interview for an entry-level position at a large company. -If Simon is asked about what interests him the most about the company or the position, Simon would be best off answering:

Which of the following is an appropriate question for employers to ask job applicants?

Which of the following types of interviews is most likely to involve simulated project meetings, scenario or case discussions, or opportunities to solve real problems?

________ interviews require applicants to perform under work-based conditions.