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BUSI 300 Homework 8 Aplia Communication for Employment Assignment solutions complete answers
1. Preparing for the job search
Managing your career requires thought and consideration. Choosing the right job involves finding a position that meets your needs and aligns with your values. To help you make an informed decision about which jobs to apply for and how to communicate your capabilities, begin your job search with research.
Which of the following tasks will help you gather relevant information for decision making during the first steps of the job search process?
Draft a letter of application.
Complete a self-assessment to identify your qualifications.
Prepare a company profile.
Read the scenario about identifying potential career opportunities, and then answer the question.
Jason is a recent graduate living in Chicago. He has been searching for a job that will use his education in operations management and animal husbandry. He has searched all the jobs posted on the Career Service Center website and scanned the employment sections of the newspaper and trade publications without any luck.
Where else might Jason look for job opportunities that would be a good fit? Check all that apply.
Networking with business contacts
Going door to door in the financial district
Through professional organizations
Many companies and job hunters use the Internet to assist in the job search process. Networking electronically with prospective employers may help you .
Read the scenario about electronic job search resources, and then answer the question.
Marlena was recently laid off. She has not been able to find a job in her area using the career placement services provided as part of her severance package. Marlena has decided to expand her search to other states by using electronic resources to identify potential career opportunities.
What advice should you give Marlena? Check all that apply.
Avoid online classifieds because they are often limited and less complete than print classifieds.
Post your résumé under a pseudonym in order to avoid cyberstalking.
Search electronic databases of professional organizations to find job openings.
Gathering essential information is the first step in any job search. Which of these actions is part of the research phase?
Contact your network to send out your résumé.
Identify your weaknesses to avoid them in conversation.
Identify your unique selling points and specific support.
Many companies and job hunters use the Internet to assist in the job search process. Typically, career sites online provide information .
Kalil works as an entry-level accountant with a local public accounting firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In order to be closer to his brother, who is going to grad school in San Francisco, Kalil would like to relocate to the Bay Area. Kalil decides to search online databases to help identify potential jobs.
What advice should you give Kalil as he searches databases for jobs? Check all that apply.
Use specific phrases, such as “entry-level accounting,” rather than vague terms.
Start with a wide search and then narrow your search to a specific subject, location, and so on.
To avoid duplication, limit the number of search engines you use to one.
As you gather essential information during your job search, why should you prepare a company or job profile?
To determine what benefits package you should request if you receive the job
To determine if the company or job is a match for your skills and qualifications
To submit your electronic résumé online in a timely manner
Many job hunters use the Internet to assist in the job search process. To learn about a company you are interested in, you should .
Career Services Center at her university. Sara has started using electronic resources to identify potential career opportunities.
What advice should you give Sarah? Check all that apply.
Subscribe to news groups that can give you access to jobs by geographic location.
Access the job classifieds online from daily and trade newspapers.
Look at the employment section of companies’ corporate websites.
2. Preparing résumés for print and electronic delivery
Format requirements for résumés are as important as content in many situations. Unattractive résumés with keyboarding errors are evidence of carelessness, lack of respect, or poor academic background. Your résumé format also needs to reflect employers’ preferences for presentation and delivery. To accommodate employers’ preferences, you’ll need three versions of your résumé: a print résumé, a scannable résumé, and a résumé designed to be accessed through email or websites.
Read the scenario about preparing a print résumé, and then answer the question.
Liza is preparing for an important interview. The potential employer asked her to bring a copy of her résumé with her to the interview. Liza has never formatted a print résumé and asks for your advice.
What advice should you give Liza as she designs her print résumé for quick and easy reading? Check all that apply.
Include identification on each page of a multipage résumé.
Use attention-getting headings, graphic lines, and borders to separate sections of text.
Use a 10-point font or smaller to save space on the page.
Use type styles and print attributes to emphasize key points.
In the digital age of instant information, many employers request information in various formats online. Which of these options provides the best advice for posting an electronic résumé?
Choose where to post your résumé with a great deal of thought and purpose.
Include references for easy background checks.
Post your résumé in as many locations as possible.
Scannable résumés are electronic résumés that are read by a computer. If you are creating a scannable résumé that is searchable by a computer, which guidelines should you follow? Check all that apply.
Use a complex layout with borders.
Avoid using white space.
Maximize keyword hits by capitalizing the first letter.
Use popular, nondecorative typefaces.
Consider this scannable keyword summary, and then answer the question.
Keywords
Flexible. Excel and Access certified. Analytical ability. Problem solving. Fluent in Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Professional internship. Award for sales quota. Ethical. Team player. Communication skills. Marketing degree. Entry-level marketing position. 4.0 GPA.
What advice would you give the author of this summary?
Reorder for maximum effectiveness.
Bold the GPA to draw attention to this accomplishment.
Don’t capitalize “Marketing” because it is not a proper noun.
Because of concern over computer viruses, many employers prefer .
Format requirements for résumés are as important as content in many situations. Unattractive résumés with keyboarding errors are evidence of carelessness, lack of respect, or poor academic background. Your résumé format also needs to reflect employers’ preferences for presentation and delivery. To accommodate employers’ preferences, you’ll need three versions of your résumé: a print résumé, a scannable résumé, and a résumé designed to be accessed through email or websites.
Read the scenario about preparing a print résumé, and then answer the question.
Marcela is preparing for an important interview. The potential employer asked her to bring a copy of her résumé with her to the interview. Marcela has never formatted a print résumé and asks for your advice.
What advice should you give Marcela as she designs her print résumé that would make it appealing and have a top, professional quality? Check all that apply.
Use only Arial or Times New Roman typeface.
Keep your margins at exactly 1.5 inches to avoid cluttering the page.
Check for consistency of design throughout the résumé.
Balance the résumé attractively on the page with equal margins.
In the digital age of instant information, many employers request information in various formats online. Which of these options provides the best advice when submitting your résumé electronically?
Preview your résumé on several computers before sending it.
Always include your résumé as an attachment in an email.
Always post files in Word format.
Scannable résumés are electronic résumés that are read by a computer. If you are creating a scannable résumé that is searchable by a computer, which guidelines should you follow? Check all that apply.
Position your name as the first readable item on the page.
Use unique and decorative typeface.
Include italics for emphasis and scannability.
Use only an 8- or a 9-point font.
Consider this scannable keyword summary, and then answer the question.
Keywords
Entry-level marketing position. Bachelor’s degree in marketing. 4.0 GPA. Professional internships. Award for sales quota. Analytical ability. Problem solving. Fluent in Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Ethical. Team player. Flexible. Communication skills. Word, Excel, and Access certification.
What advice would you give the author of this summary?
Remove the italics.
Use single-word descriptors for all items.
Name the corporations where the internships were completed.
A quick version of a résumé designed to be suitable for sending over a smartphone is a(n) .
Format requirements for résumés are as important as content in many situations. Unattractive résumés with keyboarding errors are evidence of carelessness, lack of respect, or poor academic background. Your résumé format also needs to reflect employers’ preferences for presentation and delivery. To accommodate employers’ preferences, you’ll need three versions of your résumé: a print résumé, a scannable résumé, and a résumé designed to be accessed through email or websites.
Read the scenario about preparing a print résumé, and then answer the question.
Kara is preparing for an important interview for a marketing position with an accessory manufacturer. The potential employer asked her to bring a copy of her résumé with her to the interview. Kara has never submitted a print résumé and asks you for advice in making hers more professional.
What advice should you give Kara as she designs her print résumé to be more professional? Check all that apply.
Use two or more colors to categorize and highlight key qualifications.
Print on card stock to promote a solid image.
Print with a laser printer for high-quality output.
Select standard 8.5- by 11-inch paper in white, buff, or gray.
In the digital age of instant information, many employers request information in various formats online. Which of these options provides the best advice when completing an online résumé?
Rush through the online résumé as quickly as possible because there may be many applicants.
Always post files in Word format.
Take your time and don’t rush.
Scannable résumés are electronic résumés that are read by a computer. If you are creating a scannable résumé that is searchable by a computer, which guidelines should you follow? Check all that apply.
Use a traditional résumé format.
Include italics for emphasis.
Do not fold or staple your résumé.
Provide a keyword summary.
Consider this scannable keyword summary, and then answer the question.
Keywords
Entry-level marketing position. Bachelor’s degree in marketing. 4.0 GPA. Professional internships. Award for sales quota. Analytical ability. Problem solving. Fluent in Spanish, French, and Portuguese. Ethical. Team player. Flexible. Communication skills. Word, Excel, and Access certification.
What advice would you give the author of this summary?
Be sure to support your keywords with specific evidence later in the résumé.
Use action verbs to demonstrate accomplishments.
Capitalize all important words such as player in Team player.
Although it can be less visually appealing, you can be sure a(n) résumé can be opened by the employer and that it will transmit correctly.
3. Composing application messages
When employers request a résumé, they expect the applicant to include an application message with the résumé submission. Whether sending your résumé through the mail or electronically, you should include an application message (otherwise known as a cover message).
An application message complements a résumé by .
Which is the most effective application message attention-getter?
Thank you for reading my application letter. You will most likely find my qualifications are excellent. You should review my résumé for further details; however, I would like to tell you about just a few highlights.
Your company has an opening in the market research department. I know that your company would benefit from my experience, analytical skill, and knowledge of cutting-edge research techniques.
Your vice president of marketing, Mr. Benz, recently informed me of an opening in your organization’s market research department. As a recent graduate with two years’ market research experience with a regional marketing firm, I would bring solid experience, analytical skill, and knowledge of cutting-edge research techniques to your firm.
Read the selection providing evidence of qualifications from an application message, and then answer the question.
In my organizational behavior class, I learned the importance of goal setting and shared values. During my summer internship, I saw how these concepts impacted real-life situations.
What would make this excerpt more persuasive? Check all that apply.
Interpret how this knowledge and experience will benefit the employer.
Provide an example of the real-life situations and what was learned.
Avoid first-person pronouns and compound adjectives.
The close of any application message should encourage action. Which of these errors should be avoided in the action closing?
Sounding overconfident
Asking for an interview
Mentioning the idea of a future discussion
Read the scenario about writing and polishing application messages, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
Cecilia has an externship with a large accounting firm and is applying for internships with local and regional public accountants. She is revising and tailoring her résumé for each internship application. She seeks your advice in crafting an effective application letter.
What advice would you give to Cecilia? Check all that apply.
Communicate her knowledge of each company and the job requirements.
Tailor the message to her needs.
Use generalizations that sound professional and boastful.
What finishing touch will make the message convey an appropriate sense of professionalism?
Use a custom-designed letter head that includes first and last initials as well as a personal logo.
Address the recipient as “To Whom it May Concern” in order to maintain an appropriate professional distance.
Apply visual enhancements to improve the appeal and readability of the message while drawing attention to the key qualifications.
When employers request a résumé, they expect the applicant to include an application message with the résumé submission. Whether sending your résumé through the mail or electronically, you should include an application message (otherwise known as a cover message).
Application or cover messages are similar to .
Which is the most effective application message attention-getter?
Findwork.com listed an entry-level, human resource position with your company. Organizational behavior and human resources are my areas of study. My superior interpersonal and analytical skills, along with my innovative approach to problem solving, make me an excellent candidate for your human resource position.
I would like to be a human resources director in the next 10–15 years; therefore, I would like to apply for the entry-level, human resource position your company has posted on Findwork.com. My skills make me a great candidate.
Please accept my application for the position you have posted online. I think that it would be an excellent opportunity for me to gain the career experience I am seeking.
Read the selection providing evidence of qualifications from an application message, and then answer the question.
For three years, I have been a member of the Management Information Systems Student Association (MISSA). During this time, I held leadership positions as treasurer, vice president of philanthropy, and executive vice president. These roles have taught me the responsibility and leadership skills necessary to succeed on the job. For example, I learned a lot and was able to apply this knowledge in other situations.
What would make this excerpt more persuasive? Check all that apply.
Provide more specific details about the application of the knowledge gained.
Use more concise and precise language for greater clarity and accuracy.
Interpret how this knowledge and experience will benefit the employer.
The close of any application message should encourage action. Which of these errors should be avoided in the action closing?
Expressing interest in an interview opportunity through phrases such as “I would appreciate the opportunity”
Indicating that you look forward to discussing your skills and experience and how they would benefit the potential employer
Expressing doubt through phrases such as “If you agree”
Read the scenario about writing and polishing application messages, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
Andy is employed in an entry-level position with a local accounting firm. He would like to move up the corporate ladder. He is applying to job listings for public accounting firms in his region. Andy hasn’t updated his application letter in more than three years. He comes to you seeking advice on how to make his letter more effective.
What advice would you give to Andy? Check all that apply.
Avoid unconvincing generalizations that may sound boastful.
Use fresh, original expressions that are contemporary.
Use first-person pronouns in each sentence to clarify the subject of the action.
What finishing touch will make the message convey an appropriate sense of professionalism?
Avoid seeking feedback and revisions once the tone and the voice of the message sound professional.
Include an “Enclosure” notation below the signature block to alert the potential employer that a résumé is enclosed.
Do not include paragraphs shorter than five to 10 sentences in length.
When employers request a résumé, they expect the applicant to include an application message with the résumé submission. Whether sending your résumé through the mail or electronically, you should include an application message (otherwise known as a cover message).
Unsolicited application messages have a greater need for than solicited application messages.
Which is the most effective, unsolicited application message attention-getter?
I would like you to review my application. I think that my skills could be used by your company at this point during its merger with Webcore.com. Throughout my career, I have saved companies like yours. I can save yours, too.
You have a great company that I have always loved and admired. Without further delay, I request that you review and consider my letter of application and résumé and consider me as a candidate for a position as a merger and acquisitions productivity specialist.
Your company’s recent merger with competitor Webcore.com has the potential to increase your profitability threefold. However, you will need the expertise and experience to take full advantage of this opportunity and make your merger a success. Through my role as an integration and transition officer with Ace Corp., I gained the knowledge base and experience necessary to make your merger with Webcore.com the ultimate in productivity.
Read the selection providing evidence of qualifications from an application message, and then answer the question.
My leadership and communication skills were put to the test when I was the captain of a service team at a four-star restaurant last summer. This experience has prepared me to lead a team of interns in your summer internship program.
What would make this excerpt more persuasive? Check all that apply.
Focus on how the internship would be a great place to practice theoretical concepts about leadership that were learned in a leadership seminar.
Indicate how the internship experience will benefit the applicant in further developing leadership skills.
Provide more specific details regarding the leadership and communication acquired on the job.
The close of any application message should encourage action. Which of these errors should be avoided in the action closing?
Reemphasizing your key qualifications
Giving an indirect reference to action
Giving the employer permission to call
Read the scenario about writing and polishing application messages, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
Rahul is applying for summer internships and preparing letters of application. He asks your advice on some general writing guidelines to improve the effectiveness of his letters.
What advice would you give to Rahul? Check all that apply.
Tailor the message to meet his needs, and address multiple audiences at once.
Avoid the overuse of “I” and writer-focused statements when crafting his letter.
Provide all the information requested in the internship listing.
What finishing touch will make the message convey an appropriate sense of professionalism?
Extend the message to include two or three pages of information that provide adequate professional information.
Use a paper that differs slightly in color from that of the résumé to avoid confusion.
Verify the correct spelling, job title, and address for the recipient of the message.
4. Chapter 13 Review
Managing your career begins with securing an appropriate and desirable job. Finding the right job includes gathering the essential information, preparing a targeted résumé, enhancing your résumé, and preparing an application or cover message.
Which of these tasks helps you gather essential information about job requirements when preparing for a job search?
Conducting company and industry research.
Taking a personality survey.
Registering with the Better Business Bureau.
What standard information should always be included in your targeted résumé? Check all that apply.
High school accomplishments
Objective
Career summary
Salary requirements
Which of these résumé qualifications entries is most effective?
Designed and implemented a new filing system that helped reduce call wait times by an average of 45 seconds.
My filing system greatly reduced call waiting and increased efficiency for the entire company as a whole.
I made a new filing system to help streamline the company and help customers.
You are preparing a multimedia e-portfolio as a supplement to your traditional résumé. What types of items should you include? Check all that apply.
Writing samples prepared for class or on the job
Brochures or programs describing workshops attended
Awards and commendations
Read this selection from the evidence of qualifications in an application message, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
My summer internship with RoundWorld Travel gave me the chance to refine my already stellar interpersonal and written communication skills through daily interactions with clients and coworkers, weekly all-staff meetings, and the composition of account status reports. In fact, I communicated even better than my supervisor, who said he wished he were as gifted as I am.
What revision advice would you give the writer of this qualifications paragraph?
Highlight how many status reports you completed.
Include the supervisor’s actual comments.
Give the impression of confidence without sounding arrogant.
What should you include in the qualification section of your message? Check all that apply.
Explanations of why you have no prior or related work experience
Interpretations of how your education or experience are meaningful job preparation
References and contact information
Managing your career begins with securing an appropriate and desirable job. Finding the right job includes gathering the essential information, preparing a targeted résumé, enhancing your résumé, and preparing an application or cover message.
Which of these sources should you consult when gathering essential information to prepare for a job search?
Printed sources only
Professional organizations and printed sources
Professional organizations only
What standard information should be included in your targeted résumé? Check all that apply.
Career summary
Marital status
Personal statement
Qualifications
Read the scenario about choosing the correct résumé type, and then answer the question.
John is preparing his résumé to apply for a higher-level management position with his current company. The position he is applying for is in a different location from his current job.
Which type of organizational plan should John use for his résumé?
Chrono-functional
Functional
Chronological
When preparing a scannable résumé what should you avoid? Check all that apply.
Using ample white space
Using italics
Providing a Keyword Summary
Read this selection from the action closing of an application message, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my application. I hope that you will find my prior experience as a law clerk and my superior organizational skills are what you are looking for. I know that you are very busy, but may I take some of your time for an interview? Sincerely, Linda Morran
What revision advice would you give the writer of this closing paragraph?
Firmly request an interview.
Give permission to call at a specific number.
Avoid sounding apologetic and expressing doubt.
What general writing guidelines should you follow when revising your application letter? Check all that apply.
Avoid the overuse of “I” and writer-focused sentences.
Tailor the message to meet the employer’s needs.
Communicate knowledge of the company and job requirements.
Managing your career begins with securing an appropriate and desirable job. Finding the right job includes gathering the essential information, preparing a targeted résumé, enhancing your résumé, and preparing an application or cover message.
Which of these tasks help you gather essential information when preparing for a job search?
Revise your résumé to generate interest from employers.
Identify your unique selling points and evidence to support them.
Prepare a clear and effective application letter.
What standard information should be included in your targeted résumé? Check all that apply.
High school GPA
Ethnicity
Honors and activities
Qualifications
Which of these résumé objectives is the most effective?
Objective: A position where I can grow and develop my management and leadership skills
Objective: Get an entry-level accounting position where I can use my analytical skills and accounting degree to develop future career opportunities
Objective: Enter a challenging operations management position with special emphasis on information technology and infrastructure
When preparing a print résumé for quick and easy reading, which of these tips should you follow? Check all that apply.
Use an outline format to list activities and events on separate lines.
Use up to a 10-point font and 0.4-inch margins.
Use type styles and print attributes to emphasize key points.
Read this selection from the opening of an application message, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
I recently heard about an entry-level position with your company. This would be a great opportunity for me to advance my career; consequently, I’m applying for the position. My skills and knowledge make me an ideal candidate.
If you were giving advice on how to revise this attention-getting paragraph, what advice would you give?
Interpret how you will benefit if you receive the position.
Clearly identify the job being sought and use more receiver-focused language.
Clarify how this job would be a great opportunity.
How is the opening of an application similar to one of a sales message? Check all that apply.
Both are persuasive in nature.
Both are focused on the writer’s needs and interests.
Both grab the reader’s interest and introduce the central selling feature.
5. Understanding Types of Employment Interviews
Employers use interviews to get to know potential employees before they are hired. Depending on the goals of the interviewer, interviews follow different approaches. Some are structured and others are less structured. Understanding and recognizing interview types will help you prepare and deliver your interview.
How are structured interviews beneficial for the interviewer?
Structured interviews provide comparable data to evaluate because each applicant is asked the same questions.
Structured interviews provide the applicant with a checklist.
The applicant has the opportunity to change the structure and demonstrate his or her adaptability for the interviewer.
In a , a candidate will meet individually with a number of different interviewers in the organization in order to create a range of input in the hiring decision.
Read the scenario, and then answer the question.
Roger has an interview for an entry-level position with a public accounting firm. In this position, Roger would be expected to work long hours and interact with customers in stressful situations. When Roger enters his interview, the interviewer refuses to shake his hand. Roger becomes so nervous he drops his portfolio of papers on the floor. The interviewer makes no effort to help Roger pick them up. During the interview, the interviewer keeps glancing at his watch. When the interviewer asks if Roger can describe a time when he applied accounting principles learned in classes to a real situation, Roger is uncertain how to answer and remains silent. The interviewer laughs.
How should Roger handle this interview situation?
Excuse himself from the rest of the interview and request to reschedule.
Remain calm because the interview is likely a stress interview.
Many companies use series interviews to identify employees who fit the companies’ culture and style. Whom might you expect to be present in a series interview if you were applying for a position with a mid-sized, regional marketing firm? Check all that apply.
Director of sales
Other candidates
Chief marketing officer
Potential client
Technology is allowing many businesses to conduct interviews from remote locations. What should be your first step in preparing for a virtual interview?
Purchase a new laptop that can run Skype and WebEx.
Study film and acting techniques to help you learn to convey emotion on camera.
Request a preliminary phone conversation with the interviewer to establish rapport.
Employers use interviews to get to know potential employees before they are hired. Depending on the goals of the interviewer, interviews follow different approaches. Some are structured and others are less structured. Understanding and recognizing interview types will help you prepare and deliver your interview.
Which type of interview format requires you to provide specific examples of occasions where you demonstrated particular skills?
Unstructured interviews
Case-based interviews
Behavior-based interviews
An is a freewheeling exchange determined by the interests of the participants.
Read the scenario, and then answer the question.
You are applying for a marketing position with a national auction house that is known for its rapid inventory turnaround. You know that if you get the position you will work under strict deadlines and pressure. When you arrive for your interview, you are introduced to the interviewer, who immediately looks at his watch. Throughout the interview he keeps interrupting you and cutting you off. He ridicules your educational background. Finally, he asks the last question and then interrupts you because he has to run to another meeting.
How should you handle this interview situation?
Remain composed and thank the interviewer for his time.
Continue speaking until you have answered the question. Then thank him for his time.
Many companies use series interviews to identify employees who fit the companies’ culture and style. What is common practice in a group interview? Check all that apply.
Organizations have applicants meet with key people to determine if the applicant is a good fit.
Applicants participate in group activities to see how they interact with others.
Each interviewer asks questions from a different perspective.
The applicant interviews with multiple people in the organization.
Technology is allowing many businesses to conduct interviews from remote locations. What is the best advice for a job candidate who needs to prepare for a virtual interview?
Practice by posting short videos of yourself to online video sites.
Hire a technologically savvy friend to help you get your web camera working correctly.
Arrive early and be sure to familiarize yourself with the equipment in advance.
Employers use interviews to get to know potential employees before they are hired. Depending on the goals of the interviewer, interviews follow different approaches. Some are structured and others are less structured. Understanding and recognizing interview types will help you prepare and deliver your interview.
Why do many companies prefer to conduct their initial screening using computer-assisted interviews?
Computer interviews eliminate many of the inherent problems with face-to-face interviews.
Computer-assisted interviews are more likely to simulate the work environment.
Applicants tend to answer more carefully because their answers are being screened by a computer.
The interviewer’s purpose in a is to determine how you perform in difficult situations in order to see if you are a good fit for the job.
Read the scenario, and then answer the question.
Ximena has an interview with GrowTech for a customer service position where she would be responsible for troubleshooting difficult customer problems. When she arrives at the interview, the interviewer refuses to shake her hand, looks annoyed, and promptly launches into an extremely difficult question. As soon as Ximena begins to respond, the interviewer interrupts her and asks another question.
How should Ximena handle this interview situation?
Remain composed and polite.
Ask the interviewer to reschedule her interview.
Many companies use series interviews to identify employees who fit the companies’ culture and style. What are the benefits of a group interview for the applicant? Check all that apply.
Applicants get to learn the perspectives of multiple interviewers.
Applicants are able to get a better feel for company culture.
Applicants get to meet key people in the organization.
Applicants may have to answer the same question more than once.
Technology is allowing many businesses to conduct interviews from remote locations. Why is virtual interviewing an excellent screening method?
Virtual interviews do not require human interaction and, therefore, always save the company time.
Virtual interviewing is less expensive than any other computer-assisted candidate screening, such as résumé scanning and computer-generated phone interviews.
Candidates who can communicate competence and enthusiasm are easily identified.
6. Conducting a successful interview
Interviews are different for each stage in the hiring process; however, any interview will have three parts: the opening formalities, the information exchange, and the closing. Improve your chances of delivering a successful interview by understanding the expectations for each part of the interview.
You have about one minute to make a favorable impression. What common courtesies will help you make a good first impression during the opening of an interview? Check all that apply.
Ask the interviewer to be seated once you have introduced yourself.
Use your body language to convey confidence.
Use the interviewer’s name, pronounced correctly.
Use a firmer handshake than the interviewer’s to indicate authority.
Once the opening formalities are out of the way, the information exchange begins. What is the interviewer assessing during the information exchange portion of the interview?
Your general attitude toward work
Your anticipated experience with the company
Your educational background
During the information exchange, you must convey a professional attitude. The first step in displaying a professional attitude is to .
Consider the scenario, and then answer the question about presenting qualifications.
Henry has a second interview for an entry-level position in human resource management with a national retail chain. He is a recent graduate and has held one internship with a regional sports retailer. Henry is very interested in working in human resource management and has taken many classes that have given him the knowledge he will need to perform the job well.
Henry is a good listener and has been the leader on two class projects, as well as numerous club events and initiatives. He adjusts well to any situation.
When Henry is in his interview, what is the central selling feature that he should focus on as he presents his qualifications?
His educational background and knowledge
His adaptability and interpersonal skills
His work experience
To succeed in an interview, you need to be aware of what to expect, what is acceptable, and how to best present your qualifications. Be prepared to demonstrate your qualifications by learning to recognize what interviewers are asking, asking appropriate questions of the interviewer, and closing confidently.
Consider the interview scenario, and then answer the question regarding what the interviewer is trying to learn about the candidate.
Evan is in an interview for an entry-level position in corporate training. After answering the initial standard interview questions, Evan is handed a blue plastic cup. The interviewer then asks Evan, “If you were my employee, what would you do with this cup?”
What is the interviewer trying to learn about Evan by asking this question?
The interviewer wants to measure Evan’s creativity and critical thinking skills as well as his emotional response to an unusual situation.
The interviewer is interested to learn if Evan will notice that the blue cup is completely irrelevant to the interview.
The interviewer wants to see if Evan is properly prepared for the interview and can identify salient information.
Some interview questions may lead to discriminatory hiring practices. Which of these questions should not be asked in an interview? Check all that apply.
Do you have a police record or have you ever been imprisoned?
What year did you graduate from State University?
Are you planning on having children anytime soon?
May I see proof of your U.S. citizenship or work visa?
In order to make a good decision, both interviewer and interviewee want to learn as much as possible about one another. When asking questions of your interviewer, you should focus on questions that will .
The closing of the interview is almost as important as the first impression. What is the best advice to give someone regarding the close of an interview?
Be enthusiastic.
Be prepared.
Be reserved and formal.
Interviews are different for each stage in the hiring process; however, any interview will have three parts: the opening formalities, the information exchange, and the closing. Improve your chances of delivering a successful interview by understanding the expectations for each part of the interview.
You have about one minute to make a favorable impression. What common courtesies will help you make a good first impression during the opening of an interview? Check all that apply.
Apply a firm handshake.
Ask the interviewer a few personal questions to break the ice.
Maintain appropriate eye contact.
Be conscious of nonverbal messages.
Once the opening formalities are out of the way, the information exchange begins. What do you need to convey to the interviewer during the information exchange portion of the interview?
That you are enthusiastic and excited about making money and saving for your future
That you can do the job, will do the job, and will not negatively impact others while you are doing the job
That you have plenty of experience and want the opportunity to grow and climb the corporate ladder
During the information exchange, you will present your key qualifications. When presenting your qualifications to an interviewer, you should .
Consider the scenario, and then answer the question about responding to a behavioral interview question.
Darrius is in an interview for an online customer service manager position with a national telecommunications company. He is asked the following question: “Tell me about a time you had difficulty working with a supervisor or coworker. How did you handle the situation?” Darrius responds:
At my current job, we were switching to a new call waiting system. My coworker was absent for the new system training session. When he returned to work, he didn’t take the time to learn the new system. Consequently, calls to our customer care division kept getting dropped. This reflected poorly on our entire team. Another coworker and I offered to train him how to use the system properly, but he refused.
What could Darrius do to improve his response to the interviewer’s behavioral question?
Provide more description about who the coworker was and why he was absent during the training for the new system.
Expand on his current job by explaining how the new system will increase efficiency and is important to the overall success of the company.
Elaborate on the description of the action he took and provide a result that connects to the current position he is applying for.
To succeed in an interview, you need to be aware of what to expect, what is acceptable, and how to best present your qualifications. Be prepared to demonstrate your qualifications by learning to recognize what interviewers are asking, asking appropriate questions of the interviewer, and closing confidently.
Consider the interview scenario, and then answer the question about which candidate response is most appropriate.
Devipsita is in an interview for an entry-level accounting position. Her interviewer asks a series of behavioral questions and then ends with the following question: “What are your weaknesses?”
Which response would be Devipsita’s most appropriate response?
I really don’t have any weaknesses. I work really well with others. I produce quality work. I’m self-motivated and love to innovate.
I pay too much attention to detail. I am unhappy unless every fact and figure is checked and rechecked. While this is often frustrating to coworkers and can be time-consuming, it is great for quality control in a field like accounting.
My greatest weakness is that I am totally detail oriented and this makes people mad sometimes. Then I have a really hard time determining what type of response is appropriate with people who are mad at me.
Some interview questions may lead to discriminatory hiring practices. Which of these questions should not be asked in an interview? Check all that apply.
Will you be missing work for any specific religious holidays?
Do you have a spouse or significant other?
Have you ever been treated by a psychiatrist?
Do you take vacations every year?
In order to make a good decision, both interviewer and interviewee want to learn as much as possible about each other. Asking questions of your interviewer demonstrates .
The closing of the interview is almost as important as the first impression. What should you do at the end of an interview to indicate your desire to get the job?
Shake hands and be sure that the interviewer has recorded your name and number correctly.
Say you’re looking forward to hearing from the interviewer soon.
Offer to work at a lower salary than discussed and tell them you really, really, really want this job.
Interviews are different for each stage in the hiring process; however, any interview will have three parts: the opening formalities, the information exchange, and the closing. Improve your chances of delivering a successful interview by understanding the expectations for each part of the interview.
You have about one minute to make a favorable impression. What common courtesies will help you make a good first impression during the opening of an interview? Check all that apply.
Nod very vigorously and often when the interviewer speaks.
Pronounce the interviewer’s name correctly.
Apply a gentle handshake in order to avoid seeming overbearing.
Wait for the interviewer to ask you to be seated.
Once the opening formalities are out of the way, the information exchange begins. During the information exchange portion of the interview, what will convince an interviewer to allow you to continue to the next phase of the hiring process?
Specific evidence about how your qualifications will add immediate value to the company
Identifying three areas that the company could improve and motivate employees
General information about your experience and a demonstration that you have a positive attitude
During the information exchange, you will present your key qualifications by answering questions. “Describe a time when you solved a difficult problem” is an example of a interview question.
Consider the scenario, and then answer the question about preparing a response to a standard interview question.
Caitlin has applied for several internships with financial institutions. She has been invited to a second interview with the organization that is her second choice. As she prepares for her second interview, Caitlin is practicing responses to a potential standard interview question: “Why do you want an internship with our organization?”
Which would be Caitlin’s most appropriate response to this question?
This company is not my first choice to work for; however, I think that I would be a good fit for this internship. I am self-motivated and have taken all the required courses to be able to do the job well.
I am looking for a summer internship that will allow me to grow professionally and expand my network. Because your company is a potential leader in the industry, I think this internship will present me with many opportunities for making professional connections.
Your company considers people its competitive advantage. I would like to be part of an organization with a culture that values employees. Your organization’s values are aligned with my personal values, and I would be able to make a positive contribution to this company.
To succeed in an interview, you need to be aware of what to expect, what is acceptable, and how to best present your qualifications. Be prepared to demonstrate your qualifications by learning to recognize what interviewers are asking, asking appropriate questions of the interviewer, and closing confidently.
Consider the interview scenario, and then answer the question about discussing salary and benefits.
Peter is preparing for a final-round interview for an assistant regional PR manager position with a national bank. He has three years of experience in a similar position with one of the bank’s competitors. Peter knows that he will be expected to discuss salary and benefits in the interview.
Which response would be the most effective if Peter is asked what his salary expectations are?
With my three years of experience in a similar position and my educational credentials, I would expect to start at the upper end of the range for an assistant PR manager.
Comparable salaries indicate that I would be unhappy if I were offered anything less than what I am currently earning.
I’m not sure, but I hope that I would be making more than I currently am. Otherwise, it’s not worth changing jobs.
Some interview questions may lead to discriminatory hiring practices. Which of these questions should not be asked in an interview? Check all that apply.
Do you currently take prescription drugs?
Do you have proof of U.S. citizenship or eligibility to work in the United States?
Are you looking forward to Memorial Day weekend?
Who will care for your children while you are on the job?
In order to make a good decision, both interviewer and interviewee want to learn as much as possible about one another. When asking questions of your interviewer a question such as will help you make an informed decision if you are offered the position.
The closing of the interview is almost as important as the first impression. What should you do when the interviewer indicates that the interview is completed?
Rise, shake the interviewer’s hand, and close by saying you look forward to hearing from the company.
Rise, shake hands, inform the interviewer that you will be calling in the next few days, and ask to speak with the interviewer’s supervisor.
Shake the interviewer’s hand and restate your central selling points.
7. Preparing other employment messages
During your job search, you may need to prepare other employment messages beyond the résumé, application letter, and interview. For example, you may need to send a follow-up or thank-you message, accept or reject a job offer, or communicate with your references.
Some jobs require additional application forms. Application forms ensure in the information received from each candidate.
Read the scenario, and then answer the question about sending a thank-you message.
Rhonda just completed an interview for a regional sales manager position with a sporting goods retailer. She is fairly certain that the job is not for her. Her interview went well, but after discussing the benefits packages, she and the interviewer mutually agreed that the job was probably not for her.
When should Rhonda send a thank-you message to her interviewer?
Within the week
The same day
Never
Kimberly must write a letter to refuse a job offer from Mr. Haan. What advice would you give Kimberly?
Use a deductive approach.
Use an inductive approach.
Use Mr. Haan’s first name.
To maintain goodwill when resigning, you should sincerely recall .
Read the scenario about requesting a recommendation letter, and then answer the question.
You are applying for an internship that requires a letter of reference from two professors and one former employer. This is a competitive internship, and you know that your letters of reference will likely make the difference in whether you are considered for the internship or not.
What should you do to ensure that your letters of reference highlight your appropriate qualifications?
Provide the references with a small gift as incentive to write your letters.
Provide your references with information regarding the internship requirements and any recent accomplishments.
Apologize for making the request because you know it will take time out of your references’ busy schedules.
During your job search, you may need to prepare other employment messages beyond the résumé, application letter, and interview. For example, you may need to send a follow-up or thank-you message, accept or reject a job offer, or communicate with your references.
Some jobs require additional application forms. Application forms for jobs with high levels of responsibility may appear to be .
Read the follow-up message from Hamilton Starland, and then answer the question about how to revise it effectively.
Dear Mr. Jenkins,
I’m wondering why you haven’t responded to my previous letter of application and résumé. My updated résumé is attached. You will see that my résumé reflects my recent participation in AICPA-certified training workshops and my upcoming externship with a nationally ranked accounting firm. I would welcome the opportunity to visit your office and discuss the contributions I could make to your firm. Please call me at 555-9369.
Sincerely,
Hamilton Starland
Which section of Hamilton’s follow-up message would benefit the most from revision?
The closing
The middle sections
The opening
Refusing a job offer is not easy. You must include reasons that are acceptable to your reader. Which of the following reasons are acceptable to include in a job refusal letter?
The culture and atmosphere at your company were rigid and hostile. I’d prefer to work in a place that is more like the leading innovative technology companies. I can’t accept the job.
After thoughtful consideration of the job offers I received, I have decided to take a position as a customer care representative with a national retail chain. Consequently, I will not be able to accept the entry-level HR position with your company.
While I enjoyed my interview, your company seems unorganized, and recent reports indicate that the company may be filing for bankruptcy in the next month. Therefore, I will not be accepting a position with your company because it is unstable.
Resignation letters are not an appropriate vehicle to .
Letters of reference can help you during the application process. What information should you provide to a person who has agreed to be a reference for you?
Information regarding your goals and aspirations, accomplishments, and former salaries
Information relevant to your job skills, work ethic, attitude or demeanor, and leadership style
A photograph of yourself with the reference
During your job search, you may need to prepare other employment messages beyond the résumé, application letter, and interview. For example, you may need to send a follow-up or thank-you message, accept or reject a job offer, or communicate with your references.
Some jobs require additional application forms. Companies use application forms to
Read the thank-you message, and then answer the question about how to revise it.
Hi Bob,
Thanks for interviewing me today. It was a blast to share stories about mountain biking! Catch you soon.
Lance
Kimberly must write a letter to refuse a job offer from Mr. Haan. What advice would you give Kimberly?
To build a sense of camaraderie, be specific about where you will meet Bob again when you are out on the trails.
Use a more professional tone, refer to the position you applied for, and include specific points that were discussed and are related to your key selling points.
No revision is necessary.
You have just been extended a job offer over the phone. You would like to accept the offer. What should you do?
Accept the offer, and ask when you start.
Request that the company send written confirmation of the job offer, and then accept the job in writing.
Refuse the offer unless it comes as a written confirmation, and then call back accepting the offer.
When resigning from a job, you should show empathy for your employer by .
Read the scenario about references and recommendations, and then answer the question.
Your references have written several letters of recommendation. Although the job search process was long, you have finally accepted a position. It has been several months since you were last in touch with your references.
What should you do to keep in touch with your references?
Send a sincere, original thank-you message.
Call your references and let them know how you are doing.
Nothing; it has been several months.
8. Chapter 14 Review
Proper interview preparation, which includes understanding the nature and process of interviews, will help you perform better in interviews. These questions will test your knowledge of professional interviews.
Read the interview scenario, and then answer the question.
Larson is at an interview for an entry-level financial analyst position. When he arrived at the interview, he was given his interview schedule, which included meetings with several managers from different departments. In each meeting, the interviewer runs through a checklist of questions.
What type of interview is Larson experiencing?
Unstructured stress interview
Structured virtual interview
Structured series interview
A successful interview requires observation and listening skills. When you are in an interview, you should be conscious of subtle that could affect the interviewer’s perception of you.
Read the interview scenario, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
Maurice has applied for several entry-level accounting positions. He has been invited to a second interview with the organization that is not his first choice. As he prepares for his second interview, Maurice is practicing responses to the standard interview question: “Why do you want to work with our organization?”
Which would be Maurice’s best response to this question?
Your company has a reputation for excellence in the accounting field. I would be interested in being part of an organization that is so well respected. I believe my high standards and work ethic would make me a good fit for your organization.
I’m actually interested in a position with a rival firm; however, they haven’t called me back for a second interview. While I think your firm is well respected, it isn’t my first choice.
My high standards and work ethic make me a good candidate for any position. I would excel in any circumstance; why not at your company?
What questions might Maurice ask of the interviewer during his interview? Check all that apply.
What are your qualifications?
Why do you enjoy working for the company?
How long would I have to work here before I could transfer to a different division?
Job acceptance and refusal messages are important documents and should be well-written. What organizational outline should job refusal messages take?
Deductive
Inductive
Responsive
Proper interview preparation, which includes understanding the nature and process of interviews, will help you perform better in interviews. These questions will test your knowledge of professional interviews.
Read the interview scenario, and then answer the question.
Anona arrives at her interview for a technical support representative position with a software company. The interviewer refuses to shake her hand, looks annoyed, and laughs when Anona asks if she is in the right location. The interviewer then begins asking questions from a checklist without going through any pre-interview formalities. As soon as Anona begins to respond to a question, the interviewer interrupts her and begins another question.
What type of interview is Anona experiencing?
Virtual reality interview
Stress interview
Unstructured interview
A successful interview requires adequate preparation. The first step in the interview preparation process is .
Read the interview scenario, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
Cheryl is in an interview for a market analyst position with a regional grocery chain. She is asked the following question: “How have your extracurricular activities prepared you for work in this company?” Cheryl responds:
My current hobbies are playing chess and sodoku and mountain biking. Chess and sodoku are both strategic games that require players to use analytical thinking skills, looking at the big picture while making specific strategic moves. Mountain biking requires stamina and perseverance.
What could Cheryl do to improve her response to the interviewer’s question?
Provide evidence from research of how chess and sodoku improve memory.
Discuss how the activities relate to the job of market analyst.
Indicate where she mountain bikes because the interviewer may have ridden the same trails.
What questions might Cheryl ask of the interviewer? Check all that apply.
What advice do you wish you had been given when starting out?
What is a typical day like in this job?
Could you please describe the initial training program for people in this position?
Once you have been offered a job, what type of further communication with your references is necessary?
Thank-you gifts
Sincere, original thank-you messages
A form letter thanking all involved in helping you find a job
Proper interview preparation, which includes understanding the nature and process of interviews, will help you perform better in interviews. These questions will test your knowledge of professional interviews.
Read the interview scenario, and then answer the question.
Amy is in a final interview for a competitive internship with a national consulting firm. Her interviewer is not following a checklist of questions. Rather, the interviewer and Amy seem to be simply having a conversation that covers many topics.
What type of interview is Amy experiencing?
Role-reversal
Unstructured
Reflective
Regardless of the interview type and stage in the hiring process, all interviews have three parts: . Knowing the standard parts of an interview will help you prepare.
Read the interview scenario, and then answer the two corresponding questions.
Patricia has a second interview for a position in retail management in Texas. She is a recent graduate and has held several internship positions. Additionally, Patricia has worked in the retail industry since high school and has held jobs from stocker to assistant manager. Patricia is detail-oriented and bilingual.
When Patricia is in her interview, what is the central selling feature that she should focus on as she presents her qualifications?
Her ability to speak two languages
Her experience in the retail industry
Her educational background and detail-oriented nature
What questions might Patricia ask of the interviewer? Check all that apply.
What is the turnover rate for employees in this job?
Do you think I’ll get promoted quickly?
What do you like about working for this company?
Job acceptance and refusal messages are important documents and should be well-written. What organizational outline should a job acceptance message take?
Retroactive
Inductive
Deductive