Question 1

Which factor is listed by companies as the one most often leading to the rejection of an applicant?
A) highly enthusiastic
B) salary demands
C) poor communication skills
D) less than top-tier grades

Accepted Answer

Poor communication skills are often listed as the factor that leads to the rejection of an applicant. This is because effective communication is crucial in various work settings and a lack of it can hinder overall productivity and success. The other choices, such as salary demands and grades, may also impact an applicant's chances but are not listed as frequently as poor communication skills.

Question 2

What advice is most accurate about dressing for your job interview?
A) Dress for your own comfort.
B) Dress "one step above" what you would wear on the job.
C) Dress in a suit and tie, without exception.
D) Dress down from what you would wear on the job.

Accepted Answer

Dressing “one step above” what you would wear on the job is the most accurate advice for dressing for a job interview. It shows that you take the interview seriously and are professional in your approach to the job. However, wearing a full suit and tie may be too formal for certain job interviews, so it's important to research the company and industry to get a sense of what attire would be appropriate. Dressing comfortably or dressing down from what you would wear on the job could give the impression that you are not taking the interview seriously or that you do not understand the expectations of the workplace.

Question 3

When you are applying for a job, a good cover letter should __________.
A) provide a clear connection between your résumé and the job description
B) replace your résumé and provide your reference information
C) thoroughly describe what you know about the employer and firm
D) reference detailed information you were unable to include in your résumé

Accepted Answer

A good cover letter should provide a clear connection between your résumé and the job description, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. It should not replace your résumé or provide reference information, and while some research on the employer and firm can be mentioned, the focus should be on demonstrating your qualifications for the job. While the cover letter can expand on certain points in your résumé, it should not reference detailed information that was unable to be included.

Question 4

Carly is excited about her phone interview scheduled for tomorrow. What should Carly keep in mind as she prepares for this interview?
A) Make sure her phone is fully charged and has a strong signal.
B) Make sure she has her résumé handy so she can read from it.
C) Make sure she is scheduled for the first interview of the day.
D) Make sure a friend is nearby for moral support.

Accepted Answer

Carly should ensure that her phone is fully charged and has a strong signal to avoid any disruptions or technical difficulties during the interview. She can also consider finding a quiet and distraction-free environment to conduct the interview. Having her résumé handy might be useful, but she should aim to have a conversational tone rather than reading from it directly. The timing of the interview (choice C) and having a friend nearby (choice D) are unlikely to impact the quality of the interview.

Question 5

The text describes a desirable well-rounded job candidate as an individual with __________, good work ethic, good decision-making skills, superior work habits, and good judgment.
A) enthusiasm and a fresh approach
B) excellent social media skill
C) maturity and ability to be part of a team
D) the desire and ability to work alone

Accepted Answer

The text emphasizes the importance of an individual's ability to work well with others (part of a team) and the possession of traits such as good judgment, good work ethic, and superior work habits that suggest a level of maturity. While enthusiasm and fresh approach could be beneficial, they aren't explicitly mentioned as required traits. Similarly, social media skills and the ability to work alone aren't emphasized in the text.

Question 6

To improve your chances of getting a job offer, you must be prepared and be able to __________.
A) describe why you are the best person for the job
B) negotiate for the best salary and benefits
C) explain why you are leaving your previous employer
D) start the new job immediately

Accepted Answer

To improve your chances of getting a job offer, you must be able to effectively describe why you are the best person for the job. This shows the employer that you have researched the company and the job responsibilities, and can highlight your skills and experience that align with their needs. While negotiating for salary and benefits is important, it typically comes later in the hiring process after the employer has decided to make an offer. Explaining why you are leaving your previous employer may come up in the interview, but it is not a critical factor in getting a job offer. Starting the new job immediately is not something you can necessarily control and may not be feasible depending on your current situation.

Question 7

After every single interview, the interviewee should follow up with __________.
A) a brief thank you note
B) a cover letter
C) a personal visit
D) a phone call

Accepted Answer

Following up with a brief thank you note is the best choice. It shows gratitude and appreciation for the interviewer taking the time to meet with the interviewee, and it keeps the interviewee's name and enthusiasm for the position fresh in the interviewer's mind. A cover letter is typically provided before an interview and may not be necessary to send again after the interview. A personal visit or phone call may be seen as intrusive or pushy, especially if the interviewer specifically requested no follow-up calls or visits.

Question 8

Students who wish to gain experience or who are looking for their first job should provide potential employers with __________.
A) a link to a personal blog
B) a "getting involved" résumé
C) a letter of intent
D) a chronological résumé

Accepted Answer

A chronological résumé is a standard format that lists work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent job. It is the most common type of résumé and is generally accepted by potential employers.

Question 9

What might be considered a negative personality factor leading to the rejection of a job applicant?
A) exaggerated skills on the résumé
B) showing up late to interview
C) lack of motivation
D) inadequate training

Accepted Answer

Lack of motivation is a negative personality factor that can lead to rejection, as it reflects an applicant's attitude and enthusiasm towards the job.

Question 10

According to the text, the ideal job candidate possesses __________.
A) a balance of quantifiable and interpersonal characteristics
B) mostly quantifiable characteristics such as grade point average and education
C) most interpersonal characteristics such as a pleasant personality and communication skills
D) recommendations from the most highly respected professionals in the field

Accepted Answer

The text states that the ideal job candidate possesses a balance of quantifiable (such as education and experience) and interpersonal characteristics (such as communication skills and teamwork abilities). Therefore, option A is the correct answer. Option B, C, and D only focus on one type of characteristic, whereas the text emphasizes the importance of both.

Question 11

__________ is a quantifiable characteristic that recruiters seek in job applicants, according to Jason Meyers of Collegiate Employment Institute Newsletter.
A) Management skills
B) Communication skills
C) Education and work experience
D) Personality

Accepted Answer

Education and work experience are quantifiable characteristics that recruiters can measure and evaluate in job applicants.

Question 12

Don is applying for a position at a large company. What should Don keep in mind regarding social media as he goes through the job applicant process?
A) Using social media to communicate with the company can be a factor leading to rejection.
B) Failure to clean social media sites can be a factor leading to rejection.
C) Accessing social media can be a factor leading to rejection.
D) Failure to use social media can be a factor leading to rejection.

Accepted Answer

Don should keep in mind that many employers check social media profiles of job applicants. Therefore, any inappropriate content or behavior displayed on social media can negatively impact his chances of getting the job. Don should make sure to clean his social media accounts and present himself professionally online to avoid any potential red flags for the employer. The other options are not relevant to the job applicant process.

Question 13

What is a suggested response to the question, "Why should I hire you?" asked by a potential employer?
A) an indication that you need this job
B) a suggestion that you're a fun employee to have around
C) a lengthy recitation of all your experience and education
D) a brief summary of your qualifications for the job

Accepted Answer

A brief summary of your qualifications for the job is the best response as it highlights your relevant skills and experience and directly addresses the employer's question. It demonstrates that you are knowledgeable about the specific requirements of the position and are prepared to discuss how your background makes you the best fit for the job. Options A and B are irrelevant and do not showcase your professional value, while option C can come across as too lengthy and unfocused.

Question 14

What might be the greatest disadvantage for an applicant if a job interview is conducted via Skype?
A) difficult to get the technology to work correctly
B) difficult to schedule at a convenient time
C) difficult to ask questions
D) difficult to interact freely and naturally

Accepted Answer

Conducting a job interview via Skype may make it difficult for the applicant to interact freely and naturally, which can hinder their ability to make a strong impression. Signals can get lost over video, and the lack of physical presence can inhibit rapport-building. While technical difficulties and scheduling conflicts are also potential disadvantages, they can often be mitigated by preparation and clear communication.

Question 15

Maria's professor was giving her advice about writing a good cover letter. After describing how Maria should focus on the skills and experiences that fit the job, she summed up by saying that cover letters should __________.
A) be informal and capture the applicant's personality
B) include many questions about the employer
C) indicate a tone of professionalism and confidence
D) always include a reference list

Accepted Answer

The professor's advice to indicate a tone of professionalism and confidence suggests that choice C is the correct answer. Choices A and B are not recommended in most cases, and while including a reference list can be important, it is not always necessary for a cover letter.

Question 16

During a job interview, if you are asked a question that violates affirmative action laws, it is advised to __________.
A) answer it anyway to the best of your ability
B) ask the interviewer to explain how the question might be relevant to the position
C) respond that you are reporting the interviewer to the authorities
D) answer it with the response you think the interviewer wishes to hear

Accepted Answer

Asking the interviewer to explain how the question might be relevant to the position can help them recognize that the question violates affirmative action laws and can redirect the interview to more appropriate topics. It is also within your rights as a candidate to politely decline to answer any question that violates these laws.

Question 17

What significant challenge does an interviewer face in conducting interviews using mediated technology, such as Skype?
A) difficulty in getting technology to work properly
B) difficulty in reading nonverbal behaviors such as facial expressions and eye contact
C) difficulty in getting applicants to participate in mediated interviews
D) difficulty in recording responses during the interview

Accepted Answer

Mediated technology, such as Skype, creates a physical barrier between the interviewer and applicant, making it difficult to read nonverbal behaviors such as facial expressions and eye contact. This can make it challenging to accurately assess an applicant's suitability for a position.

Question 18

In order to most help you improve your skills, a mock interview should be __________.
A) conducted by your friends
B) as informal as possible
C) conducted by your current employer
D) as realistic as possible

Accepted Answer

A mock interview should be as realistic as possible in order to simulate the actual interview experience and prepare you for the types of questions and scenarios you may encounter. Conducting the mock interview with friends or your current employer may not provide the level of objectivity and authenticity needed for effective preparation.

Question 19

Lorenzo is being interviewed for a customer service position at a retail store. The interviewer asks him to provide a specific example of his customer service skills. The interviewer is asking Lorenzo to __________.
A) provide details of his educational and work background
B) list all the customer service traits that he possesses
C) tell a brief descriptive story that demonstrates a time he provided excellent customer service
D) pretend he is serving a customer and act out how he will assist him or her

Accepted Answer

The interviewer is asking for a specific example, which implies a story or scenario that demonstrates Lorenzo's customer service skills. Options A and B do not provide a specific example and Option D is not as effective in demonstrating past experience or skills.

Question 20

Research indicates that most interviewers develop a strong opinion about an applicant within __________ of meeting, indicating that first impressions are quite important.
A) 3 seconds
B) 30 seconds
C) 3 minutes
D) 30 minutes

Accepted Answer

Research shows that interviewers often form a strong opinion about an applicant within the first 30 seconds of meeting them, highlighting the significance of making a positive first impression.

Quiz 15: Connecting Through Workplace Communication: Preparing for Your Future

Which factor is listed by companies as the one most often leading to the rejection of an applicant?

What advice is most accurate about dressing for your job interview?

When you are applying for a job, a good cover letter should __________.

Carly is excited about her phone interview scheduled for tomorrow. What should Carly keep in mind as she prepares for this interview?

The text describes a desirable well-rounded job candidate as an individual with __________, good work ethic, good decision-making skills, superior work habits, and good judgment.

To improve your chances of getting a job offer, you must be prepared and be able to __________.

After every single interview, the interviewee should follow up with __________.

Students who wish to gain experience or who are looking for their first job should provide potential employers with __________.

What might be considered a negative personality factor leading to the rejection of a job applicant?

According to the text, the ideal job candidate possesses __________.

__________ is a quantifiable characteristic that recruiters seek in job applicants, according to Jason Meyers of Collegiate Employment Institute Newsletter.

Don is applying for a position at a large company. What should Don keep in mind regarding social media as he goes through the job applicant process?

What is a suggested response to the question, "Why should I hire you?" asked by a potential employer?

What might be the greatest disadvantage for an applicant if a job interview is conducted via Skype?

Maria's professor was giving her advice about writing a good cover letter. After describing how Maria should focus on the skills and experiences that fit the job, she summed up by saying that cover letters should __________.

During a job interview, if you are asked a question that violates affirmative action laws, it is advised to __________.

What significant challenge does an interviewer face in conducting interviews using mediated technology, such as Skype?

In order to most help you improve your skills, a mock interview should be __________.

Lorenzo is being interviewed for a customer service position at a retail store. The interviewer asks him to provide a specific example of his customer service skills. The interviewer is asking Lorenzo to __________.

Research indicates that most interviewers develop a strong opinion about an applicant within __________ of meeting, indicating that first impressions are quite important.