Chapter 15 Key

Chapter 15—Interviewing and Following Up
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. During your interview you will

a. convince the employer of your potential.
b. research the company.
c. create success stories and match them to common interview questions.
d. organize yourself and your materials into a persuasive package.
ANS: A
2. The job interview provides the opportunity for you to

a. expand on information in your résumé.
b. find out more about the job and whether it suits your career goals.
c. learn more about the company to decide whether you would fit into the company culture.
d. do all of these.
ANS: D
3. Which of the following statements about hiring/placement interviews is most accurate?

a. During sequential interviews sell your qualifications to each interviewer.
b. A hiring manager in the department with the job opening will probably ask more general
questions than will a human resources representative.
c. Panel interviews occur when a company interviews several candidates for the same
position at the same time.
d. The most common type of interview is the stress interview.
ANS: A
4. Panel interviews are typically conducted by people who will be your supervisors and colleagues. An
important advantage of the panel interview is
a. allowing the company to measure the candidate's leadership and communication skills.
b. saving company money on repeated interviews and related costs.
c. determining the best candidate through multiple interviews.
d. testing the reactions of a candidate during nerve-racking situations.
ANS: B
5. One common form of hiring interview is the sequential interview. Which of the following statements
most accurately describes a sequential interview?
a. In a sequential interview, you should outshine your competition at Sequence 1 when all
candidates are screened in the group interview.
b. You can assume that later interviewers know what was said in a previous interview
because sequential interviews are designed to save time.
c. As sequential interviews progress, interviews become more in-depth, which means that
you need to know even more about the company.
d. You must be totally committed to the job and the company to participate in a sequential
interview, which often takes weeks or even months to complete.
ANS: C
Guffey, Du-Babcock, and Loewy | Essentials of Business Communication, 3rd Asia Edition
© 2016 Cengage Learning ● All Rights Reserved
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6. Global Connections Inc. is interviewing several candidates for a leadership position requiring strong
communication skills. What form of interview will most likely be used for this interview?
a. A one-on-one interview conducted by the human resources director
b. A stress interview conducted by the head of the programming division
c. A computer screening interview to test applicants' programming skills
d. A group interview of several candidates at one time
ANS: D
7. When interviewing for high-pressure positions, companies may use stress interview techniques, which
include being
a. greeted immediately by the interviewer.
b. asked rapid-fire questions by members of a team.
c. given a test with no time limit.
d. offered challenging food, beverages, or tobacco products.
ANS: B
8. Michael is an active job seeker now that he has submitted several job applications. Which of the
following is the best advice for Michael?
a. If you put your cell phone number on your application, answer the cell phone only if your
location is appropriate.
b. Tell your children or roommates that they must answer the phone promptly to avoid
missing any job calls.
c. Stop using voice mail to screen calls because employers are likely to find voice mail
unprofessional.
d. If you use voice mail, have someone with a clear, professional speaking voice record your
outgoing message.
ANS: A
9. Which of the following is the best advice to make a positive first impression in a phone conversation
with an employer?
a. Don't refer to your résumé or references during the first phone call because these are
appropriate only in the placement interview.
b. Take notes about the conversation immediately after hanging up to avoid forgetting
details.
c. In the first phone call, be polite and enthusiastic; but don't be pushy by discussing your
qualifications.
d. If caught off guard by the call, ask whether you can call back in a few minutes.
ANS: D
10. Which of the following is recommended for job seekers to complete as "homework" when preparing
for an interview?
a. Google the interviewer.
b. Allow a "cooling-off period"; stop thinking about the interview for 12 hours.
c. Select an interesting and appealing fragrance (aftershave or perfume).
d. Develop a thick skin because rejections are likely.
ANS: A
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11. Rebecca has an interview with a large company in a nearby city. What information should she learn
about the company before her interview?
a. The company's mission and goals
b. The company's customers and competitors
c. The management structure and names of leaders
d. Rebecca should find out all this information about the prospective employer.
ANS: D
12. The best source of inside information about a company would probably result from
a. investigating its record at the Better Business Bureau.
b. calling the local Chamber of Commerce.
c. searching Wikipedia.
d. talking with company employees.
ANS: D
13. Effective interview-preparation techniques include practicing answers to possible questions, preparing
to explain problem areas on your résumé, deciding on professional attire, and
a. informing your current employer of your plans.
b. preparing success stories.
c. writing a resignation letter.
d. purchasing a gift for the interviewer.
ANS: B
14. Experts recommend you prepare success stories for your interview, but what should you emphasize in
these stories?
a. Highlight something humorous from your past to make the interviewer laugh.
b. Discuss a prior success of the company and the ways your skills will make the company
even better.
c. Share a story that showcases a strategic skill or key accomplishment.
d. Identify a weakness and share how you have turned it into a strength.
ANS: C
15. Wen Hao is preparing several success stories prior to his job interview for a sales representative
position. Which of the following scenarios would result in the best success story for this position?
a. A story about a lemonade stand that Wen Hao ran when he was a child
b. A story about working as part of a team in college to prepare a classroom presentation
about a company's history
c. A story about volunteering for a local food bank over the holidays
d. A story about developing a new sales technique that increased his customer sales by 30
percent over a six-month period
ANS: D
16. You are trying to decide what to wear to a job interview. Which of these provides the best tip for you
to follow?
a. Buy the most expensive suit you can afford to make a good impression.
b. Call the company to find out how its employees dress and dress the same to match the
look of the company culture.
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c. Dress professionally, regardless of how company employees dress.
d. Don't worry about what you wear; it's what you say during the interview that counts.
ANS: C
17. Social networking has impacted the job hunt for more than posting and searching jobs. Which of the
following best describes another important impact of social networking on the job hunt?
a. Cleaning up digital dirt is essential because 70 percent of recruiters report eliminating
candidates based on information found on social networking sites.
b. Employers in large employment markets are most likely to eliminate candidates based on
information found online.
c. Social networking is so common that employers expect to find a few party pictures or off-
color comments; a little digital dirt is no longer harmful.
d. You can't control what others post about you online; thus employers no longer check
social networking sites.
ANS: A
18. Which of the following is the best advice when traveling to and arriving at your interview?
a. Limit grooming time because the more time you have, the more nervous you will get.
b. If something unexpected happens causing you to be late, immediately call the interviewer
to explain what is happening.
c. If you smoke on the way to the interview, brush your teeth or chew some gum when you
arrive and liberally apply perfume or cologne.
d. Arrive at the interview 15 to 20 minutes early, and greet the receptionist promptly on
arrival.
ANS: B
19. Which of the following statements about fear related to interviewing is most accurate?
a. Expect to be nervous before the interview and then to feel calm once the interview begins;
that is the natural fear cycle.
b. Other than public speaking, employment interviews are the most dreaded events in
people's lives.
c. One of the best ways to overcome fear is to be surprised by the structure of the interview;
anticipation is the biggest generator of fear.
d. Most job applicants cut their fear in half simply be dressing casually; professional dress
heightens stress, and stress increases interview fears.
ANS: B
20. Which of the following will not help you reduce your fears during an interview?
a. Let the interviewer have complete charge of the entire interview.
b. Practice interviewing as much as you can, especially with real companies.
c. Practice how you will answer the most frequently asked interview questions.
d. Take deep breaths while waiting for the interview to begin.
ANS: A
21. When you enter the office for an interview,
a. greet the interviewer confidently, and wait for him or her to initiate a handshake.
b avoid small talk and obvious flattery such as "You have beautiful facilities here."
.
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c. introduce yourself to the receptionist, and wait to be invited to sit.
d immediately open your briefcase to sort through your contents to locate copies of your
. résumé and references.
ANS: C
22. You can send positive nonverbal messages during your interview by dressing professionally,
controlling your body movements, making eye contact, and
a. arriving on time.
b. using gender-neutral language.
c. presenting success stories to respond to behavioral questions.
d. preparing thoroughly.
ANS: A
23. Which of the following statements about nonverbal messages during an interview is most accurate?
a. Sit erect, leaning forward slightly to show interest and confidence.
b. Change positions often and gesture as frequently as possible to convey high energy.
c. Lean forward, resting your arms on the desk or table before you, to indicate control.
d. Relax back into your chair, slouching slightly, to demonstrate self-assurance.
ANS: A
24. Which of the following is the best advice when answering interview questions?
a. Focus your answers on your strengths, but reveal a weakness or two to show your
humanity and humble nature.
b. Use the interviewer's name and title each time you answer a question to show respect.
c. To be concise, answer questions with a simple yes or no whenever possible.
d. Aim answers at the key characteristics needed, such as expertise, motivation, and a
pleasant personality.
ANS: D
25. Although you can't expect to be perfect in an employment interview, you can do your best by
a. showing some passion by bringing up a controversial topic and taking a clear stand.
b. speaking forcefully but using some slang such as "like" and "ya know" to sound relaxed
and friendly.
c. elaborating on your answers and criticizing the person or object causing the problems at a
previous job.
d. occasionally refocusing and clarifying vague questions by asking "Do you mean...?"
ANS: D
26. Employment interviews are all about questions. Which of the following statements about interview
questions is accurate?
a. Your interviewer may use questions to become acquainted with you.
b. Some interview questions are meant to showcase the business to the candidate.
c. None of the questions you will be asked are new.
d. You can anticipate and prepare for every question.
ANS: A
27. If an interviewer says Tell me about yourself, what is the best way to respond?
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a. Present your brief biography as a chronology, beginning with when and where you were
born.
b. Briefly discuss educational, professional, or business-related strengths.
c. To start the interview positively, provide a few humorous personal anecdotes.
d. Tell several success stories, making sure to fill at least ten minutes of interview time.
ANS: B
28. If an interviewer says Why do you want to work for us?, you should
a. briefly summarize problems at your current job that require you to change employers.
b. show what you know about the interviewer's company and how your goals match the
company and its culture.
c. explain that as a recent graduate you want to work for any company needing a person with
your skills and background.
d. tell the truth about your reasons for seeking this job; for example, you are unemployed,
you need more pay or better benefits, or you just graduated.
ANS: B
29. When the interviewer asks you questions about the future, you should provide answers that
a. show ambition and interest in succeeding with this company.
b. enable you to work in your practiced success stories.
c. demonstrate you have the skills required for the target position.
d. illustrate your interest in their organization and in the open position.
ANS: A
30. How should you respond if an interviewer asks, Why should we hire you when other applicants have
better credentials?
a. Admit that you are less qualified, but stress you can be paid less than more experienced
applicants.
b. Describe how you are correcting one of your most significant weaknesses to display your
strong work ethic and determination.
c. Confidently explain your strengths such as your openness to new ideas and knowledge of
the latest methods and equipment.
d. Since it is clear that you will not get this job offer, do not answer this question.
ANS: C
31. Which of these responses is the best answer to the question, Where do you see yourself in your career
five years from now?
a. I see myself in your job.
b. I see myself as the president of this company.
c. I hope to be running my own business.
d. As a member of your team, I will have grown and learned enough to advance to a position
in management.
ANS: D
32. Which of these is the most effective response to the question, What do you think is your greatest
weakness?
a. Some people complain that I'm a workaholic with nearly too much passion for this field.
b. To tell the truth, I become frustrated with lazy coworkers who don't pull their own weight.
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c. My typing speed isn't as fast as I would like, but this position doesn't require me to use the
computer.
d. I've worked hard to eliminate every weakness, and I am confident you will find me the
perfect employee for this position.
ANS: A
33. When an interviewer asks you a challenging question about a weakness, what is the best way to
respond?
a. To prove you have only strengths, reply that you have no weaknesses at all.
b. To be completely honest with the interviewer, talk about the employment weakness that
concerns you most.
c. Mention a previous weakness and the way you have corrected it.
d. Demonstrate your honesty by bringing up every weakness you can identify.
ANS: C
34. Which of the following is an example of a situational question?

a. If you were aware that a coworker submitted false data, what would you do?
b. What is your ideal work environment?
c. What do you predict for the future of our industry?
d. Tell me about a time when you dealt with confidential information.
ANS: A
35. Which of the following is an example of a behavioral interview question?
a. Who in your life has most inspired you and why?
b. An irate customer is demanding her money back. How would you handle the situation?
c. Tell me about a time when you solved a difficult problem.
d. What is your greatest strength?
ANS: C
36. When the interviewer says Describe a time when you worked successfully as a member of a team, your
best response will be to
a. reply that you have been a member of so many successful teams that no particular instance
stands out.
b. say that you not only enjoy teamwork, especially problem-solving groups, but also work
well independently.
c. tell a success story about a specific group project, your contributions, and the results.
d. list the names of all work teams on which you participated and stress that all were
successful.
ANS: C
37. If the interviewer begins a question with Tell me about a time when..., you should
a. recognize that this is a trick question and tactfully refuse to answer.
b. politely explain that you have never experienced such a situation.
c. make up any answer and wish that you had been better prepared.
d. describe a situation or task, tell what action you took, and emphasize a positive result.
ANS: D
38. What is the most effective way to handle an illegal or inappropriate question during an interview?
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a. If you find the question harmless and you want the job, go ahead and answer it.
b. Confront the interviewer about the illegal nature of the question.
c. Storm out of the room in anger; after all, you wouldn't work for a company with such low
ethics.
d. Refuse to answer the question because it is your legal right to do so.
ANS: A
39. If an interviewer asks if you have any questions at the end of an interview, which of the following is an
inappropriate response?
a. May I have a tour of the facilities?
b. When do you expect to make a decision?
c. No, I have no questions right now; you have shared all the information I need.
d. What are the major challenges for a person in this position?
ANS: C
40. How should you close an interview?

a. Briefly review your strengths, thank the interviewer, and ask what action will follow.
b. Be confident and say, "This job sounds great! When do I start work?"
c. Ask about salary and benefits.
d. Invite the interviewer to lunch.
ANS: A
41. What should you do after the interview?
a. Write a thank-you letter immediately.
b. Wait a few days to see if you hear from the employer; if not, write a thank-you letter.
c. Call the interviewer to thank him or her.
d. Send the interviewer(s) flowers.
ANS: A
42. After writing a follow-up letter to thank your interviewer, your next step should be
a. alerting your references that they may be contacted by the employer.
b. sending a small gift to the receptionist to show your sincere appreciation.
c. calling the organization's human resources department to learn more about your
competitors for the open position.
d. waiting at least one month for a call of acceptance or rejection.
ANS: A
43. The purposes of sending a follow-up e-mail or letter to the employer include jogging the memory of
the hiring officer, showing your serious interest in the position, and
a. emphasizing your qualifications or adding new information.
b. sending a personal note to the receptionist, who often helps make the final decision.
c. sharing your photograph to match your qualifications to your face.
d. setting a deadline for the employer to offer you the position.
ANS: A
44. Adeline made a follow-up call to her interviewer five days after the interview. Several weeks later,
Adeline has still not heard from the employer. What action should Adeline take now?
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a. Assume that no decision has been made and that a call could come soon.
b. Send the interviewer a rejection follow-up letter.
c. Show her frustration and determination by calling the employer at least once or twice a
day for the next two weeks.
d. Assume that she didn't get the job and continue her job search.
ANS: D
45. Recommended guidelines for completing application forms include which of the following?
a. Disregard questions that do not apply to you by leaving them blank.
b. Read the entire form before beginning to complete it.
c. Ignore misspellings because you are not expected to carry a dictionary.
d. Leave any questions about salary blank since they might limit what you will be paid.
ANS: B
46. When you apply for a position but are rejected, employment experts recommend that you
a. send a rejection letter saying you believe the employer has made a hiring decision error in
not choosing you.
b. phone the employer's personnel office and have your application materials placed in the
inactive file in case the person hired "doesn't work out."
c. send a rejection e-message indicating you are disappointed but will contact the company
again in a month in case a job opens up.
d. do not apply at that company again for at least 12 months.
ANS: C
47. When writing a resignation letter to your employer, you should

a. allow more than the standard two-week notice if you have a high or responsible position
within the company.
b. offer thanks and end with a forward-looking statement.
c. remind the employer of your contributions.
d. All answer choices are correct.
ANS: D
48. In a job acceptance letter, your tasks are
a. accepting the position, asking for clarification as needed, and expressing appreciation.
b. thanking the interviewer for the interview and job offer and accepting the position.
c. confirming your acceptance, reviewing salary and benefits, and affirming the start date.
d. noting the job offer date, specifying the job acceptance date, and agreeing to the job start
date.
ANS: C
49. If you must turn down a job offer, employment experts suggest you should send the employer a letter
a. declining the offer, providing a thorough explanation of the reasons for declining, and
expanding on your qualifications for a new position.
b. thanking the employer for the offer and briefly declining the position.
c. specifying personal reasons for your decision.
d. declining the position and offering assistance finding your replacement.
ANS: B
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TRUE/FALSE
1. Many screening interviews occur on the telephone.
ANS: T
2. The most common format for hiring/placement interviews is the sequential interview.
ANS: F
3. If the company is conducting a panel interview, a candidate should direct an answer only to the person
who asked the question.
ANS: F
4. In sequential interviewing follow-up interviews tend to be more relaxed than earlier interviews.
ANS: F
5. You will feel more comfortable and better prepared in any type of interview if you know what to do
before, during, and after the interview.
ANS: T
6. Companies today use technologies like Skype to conduct online interviews that are informal and allow
candidates to take a less serious, more relaxed approach to the entire interview process.
ANS: F
7. Once you have sent out one résumé or completed one job application form, you must consider yourself
an active job seeker.
ANS: T
8. Most employers contact job applicants by e-mail to set up interviews.
ANS: F
9. During your job search, you should treat any call from an employer just like an interview.
ANS: T
10. Because employee blogs are inaccurate and biased sources of information about a company, job
seekers should ignore employee blogs.
ANS: F
11. Don't worry about what information is available about you online because this information is irrelevant
to the job search.
10
ANS: F
12. To prevent future problems with online material or digital dirt, you should use a nickname or
pseudonym when starting a new profile on a social network.
ANS: T
13. Before your interview you should study the job opening, identify key needs, and then develop
matching success stories emphasizing your most strategic skills, areas of knowledge, strongest
personality traits, and key accomplishments.
ANS: T
14. If something unexpected forces you to be late to your interview, call the interviewer right away to
explain what is happening.
ANS: T
15. When greeting the interviewer, you should smile, maintain direct eye contact, and wait for the
interviewer to initiate a handshake.
ANS: F
16. Remember that you will be judged not only by the interview but also by the receptionist and anyone
else who sees you before and after the interview.
ANS: T
17. One of the best ways to overcome fear is to know what happens in a typical interview.
ANS: T
18. If uncertain what to wear for your interview, call the company and ask about the dress code.
ANS: T
19. When answering interview questions, interject many verbal pauses to give yourself time to formulate
appropriate answers.
ANS: F
20. After opening introductions, recruiters generally try to start the interview with a series of stress-
inducing questions to see immediately how the job applicant will hold up under fire.
ANS: F
21. Even if you have less experience and fewer accomplishments than other candidates, you may be hired
if you can demonstrate the skills required.
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ANS: T
22. When explaining how you would handle a negative hypothetical situation described in a situational
question, you should respond positively even though the situation sounds negative.
ANS: T
23. To respond effectively to behavioral questions, use the storytelling technique to relate a success story
about a recent educational or work situation or task.
ANS: T
24. A job applicant should never answer an illegal or inappropriate interview question.
ANS: F
25. If you don't hear from the interviewer within five days, the best follow up is a phone call to the
interviewer to inquire about the decision and to indicate your extreme desire for the job.
ANS: F
26. Sending a follow-up message or thank-you note after an interview is a social nicety that distinguishes
you from other candidates, but thank-you messages carry little weight in the hiring process.
ANS: F
27. If you've been interviewed by more than one person, send one thank-you note to the person who
appeared to be in charge.
ANS: F
28. Always ask permission before submitting someone's name as a reference.
ANS: T
29. When asking a previous supervisor to write a letter of recommendation, you would be smart to provide
the supervisor with a detailed description of your target job, the recommendation deadline, and copies
of your résumé and college transcript.
ANS: T
30. After an interview you should always wait for the interviewer to contact you first.
ANS: F
31. Fill out a job application form using a No. 2 pencil to allow easy erasure of mistakes, clear
handwriting, and dark lettering.
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ANS: F
32. If you have submitted a résumé and cover letter, you will not be required to fill out a job application
form.
ANS: F
33. If your résumé or application generates no response within a reasonable time, you should send a short
follow-up e-mail or letter to emphasize your qualifications or to add new information.
ANS: T
34. When you are rejected for a job that you considered perfect, you should give up on this company and
move rapidly to identify similar positions in other organizations.
ANS: F
35. It would be appropriate to include a sentence such as the following in your job acceptance letter: As we
agreed, my compensation package includes a salary of $44,000, a benefits package including health
and life insurance, a retirement plan, and two weeks of vacation per year.
ANS: T
36. Even though you will likely receive and accept your job offer via telephone, you should send the
employer a letter or e-mail to document your acceptance of the job.
ANS: T
37. Writing a follow-up letter after being turned down for a job is unprofessional and unnecessary.
ANS: F
38. Although your job application form or letter and hiring materials will be placed in your personnel file,
you need not worry about the quality of a resignation letter because these are never placed in a
personnel file.
ANS: T
39. Once you have resigned in a meeting with your supervisor, you do not need to document your
resignation in a letter or e-mail.
ANS: F
40. A resignation letter typically includes a two-week notice. However, if your position is higher and your
responsibility is greater, you should provide your employer a longer notice.
ANS: T
COMPLETION
1. Many companies now use ____________________ interviews to save time and money by eliminating
less-qualified candidates before scheduling face-to-face interviews.
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ANS:
screening
2. A(n) ____________________ interview is meant to test a candidate's reactions during nerve-racking
situations.
ANS:
stress
3. ____________________ interviews are typically conducted by a group of people who will be your
supervisors and colleagues. Usually seated around a table, interviewers may take turns asking
questions.
ANS:
Panel
4. To feel confident and to sell your qualifications, you should prepare and practice
____________________ stories that provide specific examples of your educational and work-related
experience to showcase your qualifications and achievements.
ANS:
success
5. Examples of positive ____________________ messages for the interview process include arriving on
time, dressing professionally, controlling your body movements, exhibiting good posture, using
appropriate eye contact, smiling appropriately, and listening attentively.
ANS:
nonverbal
6. To test your thought processes and ability to think logically, interviewers describe a hypothetical
scenario and ask you how you would handle it using ____________________ questions.
ANS:
situational
7. Your interviewer says to you Describe a time when... or Tell me about a time when... These phrases
are openings for a(n) ____________________ question.
ANS:
behavioral
8. To provide the best possible recommendation of you to a potential employer, your

____________________ need information about the company and position.
ANS:
references
9. Some job candidates who are declining a job offer choose to write a(n) ____________________ letter
to thank the employer for the job offer and to formally refuse the position.
ANS:
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rejection
10. You should write a formal ____________________ letter to confirm the exact date you will terminate
your employment when it is a position you have held for an extended period.
ANS:
resignation
15

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Chapter 15—Interviewing and Following Up

1. During your interview you will

2. The job interview provides the opportunity for you to

3. Which of the following statements about hiring/placement interviews is most accurate?

34. Which of the following is an example of a situational question?

40. How should you close an interview?

47. When writing a resignation letter to your employer, you should

1. Many screening interviews occur on the telephone.

8. Most employers contact job applicants by e-mail to set up interviews.

28. Always ask permission before submitting someone's name as a reference.

8. To provide the best possible recommendation of you to a potential employer, your

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