Question 1

To evaluate a job offer properly, consider these factors about the new job:

Accepted Answer

All the factors listed (salary/benefits, comfort with potential colleagues, liking the job, and alignment with long-term career goals) are important to consider when evaluating a job offer.

Question 2

Evaluating your interview includes listing commitments you may have made during the interview and planning a follow-up strategy.

Accepted Answer

Evaluating your interview involves reflecting on your performance, including any commitments you made, and devising a strategy for following up with the interviewer or company.

Question 3

If you know ahead of time what the salary or wage range is for the position you are seeking, should you ask for the top, the middle, or the bottom of the range? Why?

Accepted Answer

You should try for the top of the range first. You can always agree to a lower salary or wage, but if you offer to take the middle or lowest range, you probably will not be offered the top range.

Question 4

Why should you plan to follow up after an interview? List two things that might be good reasons for following up.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why should you plan to follow up...

Question 5

If you have to take a job that is not your first choice, focus on doing your best on the job you accept.

Accepted Answer

Focusing on doing your best in a job, even if it's not your first choice, can lead to personal growth, skill development, and potentially open doors to future opportunities that align more closely with your preferences.

Question 6

What is the appropriate action to take if you do not receive notice of the hiring decision by the date indicated by the interviewer?

Accepted Answer

Following up with a polite phone call shows initiative and interest without being overly aggressive or intrusive. It's important to respect the interviewer's time and process.

Question 7

The employer may request your permission in writing to run a background check on you. You should not agree because this is an invasion of your privacy.

Accepted Answer

Employers often request background checks to verify the accuracy of an applicant's resume, ensure workplace safety, and comply with laws. Agreeing to a background check is typically a standard part of the hiring process, and refusing may affect your job prospects.

Question 8

During compensation negotiations, you should not discuss your concerns about your personal expenses.

Accepted Answer

During compensation negotiations, the focus should be on your value to the company, your skills, and market rates, rather than personal expenses, as employers base compensation on the job's value and your contributions, not your personal financial needs.

Question 9

If a member of your support network is influential with a prospective employer, you should ask him or her to make a follow-up phone call to the interviewer or send a letter of recommendation.

Accepted Answer

Having a member of your support network who is influential with a prospective employer make a follow-up call or send a letter of recommendation can significantly boost your chances of getting the job, as it adds credibility and a personal endorsement to your application.

Question 10

If the topic of salary is brought up by the interviewer before you have had a chance to explain your qualifications, you should:

Accepted Answer

The answer of If the topic of salary is brought...

Question 11

You should take at least one day to consider an offer of employment after first asking the employer exactly when your decision is needed.​

Accepted Answer

Taking at least one day to consider an offer allows you to thoroughly evaluate the terms, benefits, and implications of accepting the job. Asking the employer for a decision timeline ensures you respect their process while giving yourself necessary reflection time.

Question 12

How should you professionally accept or reject a job offer?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How should you professionally accept or reject...

Question 13

The base wage or salary is the most critical thing to negotiate.

Accepted Answer

While the base wage or salary is important, other factors such as benefits, work-life balance, career advancement opportunities, and job location can also be crucial depending on an individual's personal and professional priorities.

Question 14

If you accept the job and sign the contract, ask about next steps so that you can prepare for your first day on the job.

Accepted Answer

Asking about next steps after accepting a job and signing the contract is important for understanding what is expected of you before your first day, such as completing any necessary paperwork, understanding the onboarding process, or knowing who to report to, which helps in preparing for a smooth transition into the new role.

Question 15

If the job is not right for you, the professional way to turn down the offer is:

Accepted Answer

Contacting the employer by phone allows for a more personal touch and shows professionalism. Following up in writing provides a formal record and expresses gratitude for the offer.

Question 16

If you have interviewed for a position on Tuesday afternoon, the best day and time to make a follow-up telephone call would be on:

Accepted Answer

It's generally recommended to wait at least 48 hours after an interview before following up. This shows eagerness without appearing desperate or pushy. Thursday at 10:30 a.m. allows for this buffer period, and calling in the mid-morning avoids the start of the workday rush and lunchtime, making it a courteous and strategic choice.

Question 17

If you accept a job but have not heard back from other interviews, you should:

Accepted Answer

Contacting the other companies to inform them that you have accepted another job is a professional courtesy. It allows those companies to move forward with other candidates and reflects well on your professional conduct.

Question 18

If your interview went well, there is no need to follow up with the company. The interviewer will contact you first.

Accepted Answer

Following up after an interview shows your interest in the position and can help keep you top of mind for the interviewer.

Question 19

If you get an offer from one company in your email inbox but really want to work for another company, it's best to ignore the first offer for just a few days to give the second company time to get back to you. ​

Accepted Answer

Ignoring an offer is unprofessional and could burn bridges with the company. It's better to respond promptly, expressing gratitude and possibly asking for a little time to consider the offer, while you wait for a response from the other company.

Question 20

Enthusiastically accepting a position without first discussing compensation is a good strategy because you emphasize how much you care about the position and what you can offer the company. ​

Accepted Answer

Negotiating compensation is crucial as it ensures that your pay matches your skills, experience, and the market rate, and demonstrates your professionalism and understanding of your value.

Quiz 12: Stay Connected With Prospective Employers