Bcom – ch. 16

1 April 2024
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100 test answers

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The best approach for an application letter depends on
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whether you are sending a solicited letter or an unsolicited letter.
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When you're writing an application letter to accompany your résumé,
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treat it with same care that you took with your résumé.
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Unsolicited application letters to prospective employers
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require more research than solicited letters.
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Compared to writing a solicited application letter, composing an unsolicited application letter is
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much more difficult.
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You'll impress prospective employers with your application letter if you
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show that you know something about the company and its marketplace.
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The best salutation for an application letter is
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one that addresses a specific individual by name.
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When it comes to length, an application letter should
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be short—no more than three paragraphs.
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Because application letters are ________ messages, the AIDA approach is ideally suited for them.
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persuasive
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Which of the following would be the best opening sentence for a solicited application letter?
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"Based on your company's remarkable growth over the past three years, I can appreciate your need for highly qualified and experienced sales personnel."
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In the opening paragraph of an application letter, it is vital to
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explain how you can help the company meets its needs.
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In the middle section of a job application letter, you should
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present your strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization.
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In the Interest and Desire sections of a solicited application letter, discussing each requirement specified in the job ad
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helps demonstrate your understanding of the employer's needs.
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In the final paragraph of your application letter you should
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request an interview and provide contact information.
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If your application letter and résumé fail to bring a response within a week or so after the position close date,
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follow up by email or telephone.
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After sending your application letter and résumé in response to a job posting that lists a close date, you should
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avoid following up with the employer before that date.
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Accompany your résumé with a ________ when you're responding to an advertised job opening.
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solicited application message
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When you're preparing an application letter, remember that ________ must clearly state your reason for writing and give the recipient a compelling reason to keep reading.
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the opening paragraph
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An unsolicited job application letter should begin with a statement designed to get the reader's attention.
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True
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In the middle part of an application letter, you should indicate your salary range and potential benefits to your employer.
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False
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Briefly explain the primary differences between solicited application letters and unsolicited application letters.
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Whereas a solicited application letter is written in response to an announced job opening, an unsolicited letter is sent to an organization that has not announced an opening. Writing unsolicited letters is more challenging because you don't have a position announcement from which to work. An unsolicited application letter is more challenging because you must identify the qualities the company would likely be looking for in the position you would like to get, so you need to tailor your approach accordingly. Either way, it is a good habit to include an application letter with every résumé you send out.
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Explain the function of each phase of an application letter written in the AIDA format.
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(1) Getting attention: The opening paragraph of your application letter has two important jobs to do: clearly stating your reason for writing and giving the recipient a reason to keep reading. (2) Building interest and increasing desire: The middle section of the application letter presents your strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization, thereby building interest in you and creating a desire to interview you. (3) Motivating action: The final paragraph of your application letter has two important functions: to ask the reader for a specific action and to facilitate a reply. In almost all cases, the action you request is an interview.
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Most employers interview an applicant ________ before deciding to make a job offer.
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multiple times
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Employers use preliminary screening interviews to
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filter out applicants who're not a good fit for the job.
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During a screening interview, your best approach is to
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keep your answers short, but offer key points that set you apart from other candidates.
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The employer's goal in the initial screening interview is to
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filter out applicants who are not a good fit for the position.
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The second stage of interviews (following screening) is the ________ stage.
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selection
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In the selection stage of an interview, your best approach is to
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relate your training and experience to the organization's needs.
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If you are asked back for a final job interview, you should expect the interviewer to focus on
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selling you on the advantages of joining the organization.
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Interviews in which the interviewer adapts his or her line of questioning based on the answers you give and any questions you ask are known as ________ interviews.
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open-ended
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In a(n) ________, the candidate meets with several interviewers at once.
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panel interview
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________ interviews allow one or more interviewers to meet with several candidates simultaneously and to observe how the candidates interact with potential peers.
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Group
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Interviews in which job candidates are asked how they would respond to various hypothetical situations on the job are known as ________ interviews.
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situational
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Questions such as, "What is one job-related achievement that best illustrates your work ethic?" are likely to be asked during a ________ interview.
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behavioral
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In a working interview,
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the candidate actually performs a job-related activity during the interview.
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Which type of interview would be likely to include a question such as, "You seem wholly unqualified for this job, and your answers have been terrible so far. Why should we continue with this?"
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Stress
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When you're participating in a video interview with a prospective employer,
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make eye contact with the camera.
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Employers use structured questionnaires, tests, and sophisticated job simulations during interviews because these tools
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can closely mimic actual job skills.
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In general, employers are looking for two things: proof that a candidate can handle the responsibilities of the position and
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evidence that the person will fit in with the organization.
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If you're asked to submit to alcohol testing and drug screening during the hiring process, remember that
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a majority of companies require them of all applicants.
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Employers use ________ tests to measure a variety of attributes involved in acquiring, processing, analyzing, using, and remembering information.
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cognitive
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Your goal during the interview process should be
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to find the right match for your goals and capabilities.
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An employment interview is
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a formal meeting during which you and the interviewer ask questions and exchange information.
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During a behavioral interview, you'll be asked to
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relate specific incidents or experiences from your past.
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During ________, the interviewer will adapt the line of questioning according to the answers you give and the questions you ask.
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an open-ended interview
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During the selection stage of the interview processes, you should
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relate your skills and experience to the organization's needs.
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Most employers interview an applicant once before deciding whether to offer a person a job.
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False
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One challenge in a screening interview is to keep your answers short while distinguishing yourself from other candidates.
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True
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You should prepare for a video interview in much the same way you would prepare for an in-person interview.
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True
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When you're applying for jobs, assume that potential employers will search online to learn more about you.
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True
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Explain the dual purposes of employment interviews.
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The organization is trying to find the best person available for the job, while the applicant is trying to find the best job for his or her goals and capabilities. Because the organization with the position opening has a need, you will maximize your chances of landing the job if you focus on indicating how you can address and fulfill that need as an employee.
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What are the two primary goals of screening interviews?
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Screening interviews, such as those on college campuses, are a means of eliminating unqualified applicants and identifying promising candidates. The interview process for many companies can involve multiple stages, including a screening stage, a selection stage, and a final stage. Screening interviews can occur in multiple forms, from in-person interviews to telephone calls, Skype calls, or computer-based screening systems.
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What should a job candidate strive to achieve during a selection interview?
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Show keen interest in the job, relate your skills and experience to the organization's needs, listen attentively, and ask insightful questions to show that you've done your research. Make sure to emphasize how your skills and abilities will be a valuable addition to the company during the selection stage of the interview process.
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Briefly explain the difference between a structured interview and an open-ended interview.
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In structured interviews, the employer asks a series of prepared questions in a set order. In less formal open-ended interviews, the employer asks broad questions, encouraging the applicant to talk freely. You can prepare for both types of interviews by considering commonly asked interview questions and developing brief answers as well as examples that illustrate your skills and abilities.
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Briefly explain what job candidates should expect in behavioral interviews and situational interviews.
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In a behavioral interview, candidates are asked to describe how they handled actual situations from their past. In a situational interview, candidates are asked to explain how they would handle various hypothetical situations.
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What two essential questions do employers seek to answer about each candidate in interviews?
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Employers seek to answer two questions: Can the candidate handle the responsibilities of the position? Will he or she be a good fit with the organization?
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What is the typical employment-interview sequence? What is the purpose of each type of interview?
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Typical employment interviews include the screening stage, the selection stage, and the final stage. Screening stage interviews focus on screening out unqualified applicants. Selection stage interviews allow the organization to identify top candidates, who may receive job offers or be invited to attend a final stage interview. Final stage interviews usually involve a higher-ranking executive who can make a hiring decision and negotiate the terms of an offer.
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Searching LinkedIn to learn about the managers you will meet with in an upcoming interview
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can make it easier for you to build rapport with your interviewers.
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When responding to questions during a job interview, you should
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look for opportunities to frame your answers as brief stories rather than simple declarative answers.For most interviews, asking your own questions is
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For most interviews, asking your own questions is
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just as important as answering the employer's questions effectively.
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When you're responding to questions during an interview, you're more likely to answer them successfully if you
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pause for a moment before answering each question.
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When choosing the clothing you'll wear for a workplace interview, the best policy is to
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dress conservatively and professionally.
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A recent survey of hiring professionals revealed that
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answering mobile phone calls or texting in the middle of an interview is the most common mistake candidates make during their interviews.
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When going to a job interview
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take along samples of your work; recruiters are impressed by tangible evidence of job-related accomplishments.
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Researching an organization before an interview
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will show you understand the importance of investigation and analysis.
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One of the best ways to learn about the managers you will be interviewing with is through
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LinkedIn.
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One way to increase your confidence before the start of the interview is
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realize you have value to the employer because they think highly enough of you to invite you for an interview.
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The foundation of your interview should be
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confidence and competence.
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When you're staging mock interviews to polish your interview style, pay attention to
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poise, manners and good judgement.
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Part of preparing for a job interview involves anticipating the questions that an interviewer will ask and rehearsing answers to each one.
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True
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The appropriate clothing for most job interviews is something conservative, such as a dark blue suit.
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True
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What six tasks do you need to complete to prepare for a successful job interview?
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When you're preparing for a job interview, do all of the following: (1) Learn about the organization and your interviewers. (2) Think ahead about questions. (3) Bolster your confidence. (4) Polish your interview style. (5) Present a professional image. (6) Be ready when you arrive. To increase your chances of landing the position to which you are applying, make sure you prepare adequately for the interview by researching, prepping answers, and putting forth the most professional version of yourself.
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What should you focus on when you (and your interview partner) are evaluating your performance in mock interviews?
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Critique the quality and length of your answers, your nonverbal behavior and speaking voice, and your use of filler words (such as "uh" and "um"). In addition, determine whether you pause to formulate coherent responses before answering. Practicing your interview techniques with another person can help you identify any undesirable habits you might have so that you can work to control them.
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List three guidelines to follow when deciding what to wear for an employment interview.
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(1) Dress conservatively. (2) Wear limited jewelry (men should wear especially little jewelry). (3) Wear stylish but professional looking shoes. (4) Avoid flamboyant styles, colors, and prints even in companies where interviewers may dress casually.
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Many interviewers begin making a decision about the applicant
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within the first 20 seconds of the interview.
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The longest phase of a job interview is usually
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the question-and-answer stage.
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When a job interviewer indicates the interview is coming to a close, you should
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prepare to leave but (if possible) try to pin down what will happen next.
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The employer can legally ask you questions about
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your legal right to work in the United States.
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If your interviewer asks you a potentially unlawful question,
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you have several options, including trying to answer "the question behind the question."
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On your second or third visit to an organization, if you haven't been offered the job, you should
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ask tactfully when you can expect to learn of the decision.
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When you discuss salary requirements with a prospective employer, you should
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let the interviewer raise the topic first.
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During the warm-up phase of the interview, ________ is crucial in projecting confidence and professionalism.
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body language
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During which phase of the interview process are you most likely to be asked specific questions about how you handled particular situations in previous jobs?
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the question-and-answer stage
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During the interview, a candidate should ask questions about
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what the company is looking for in a new employee.
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During the close of the interview, be sure to
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emphasize your value to the organization.
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During the question-and-answer stage of an interview,
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let the interviewer lead the conversation.
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One advantage to maintaining interview notes is
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to have you decide which company is the right fit for you when you are considering various job offers.
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Which of the following would best support your ability to negotiate a starting salary? A) wearing business attire during the negotiation meeting B) understanding all your strengths and weaknesses C) market demand for your skill set D) dollar amounts of offers you have turned down E) your ability to call in a personal favor with those you know in the organization
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market demand for your skill set
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During the question-and-answer phase of an interview, try to keep your answers short; usually just a yes or no will do.
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False
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Describe each of the three stages of a successful employment interview.
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(1) The warm-up: This is the most important stage. Interviewers will make important decisions about you based on their first impression. Sell yourself nonverbally. Offer a firm but gentle handshake; use the interviewer's name; smile. Let the interviewer begin the discussion. (2) The question-and-answer stage: Let the interviewer lead the conversation. Try to tailor your answers to make a favorable impression. Be sure to ask questions of your own about the job and the company. Explain how you will be able to help the company meet its needs. (3) The close: Pay attention to the interviewer's signals that the interview is ending. Thank the interviewer and express your enthusiasm for the job and the organization.
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Within two days after an employment interview, you should
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follow up with a short note of thanks, using a tone that's positive while reinforcing why you are a good fit.
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You could send a ________ after an interview if you haven't received the interviewer's decision by the promised date or within two weeks.
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message of inquiry
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Use the model for direct messages when you write a
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letter of acceptance.
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Staying in contact with a prospective employer after an interview
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shows that you really want the job.
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Writing a thank you note shortly after the interview, even an interview that went poorly,
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provides a chance to modify an answer given during the interview.
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Job offers and the acceptance of the offer
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are legally binding contracts.
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If you write a letter to decline the offer of a job,
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use an indirect format.
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When terminating the job with a current employer, your letter of resignation
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should include at least two weeks' notice.
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You've just finished a job interview, and you know that you're not going to get the job. So, don't worry about following up with a "thank-you" message to the interviewer.
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False
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Why is it advantageous for candidates to stay in contact with prospective employers after an interview? Provide at least three reasons.
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Staying in contact with a prospective employer after an interview shows that you really want the job and are determined to get it. Doing so also gives you another chance to demonstrate your communication skills and sense of business etiquette. Following up reminds the interviewer that you're a serious candidate who's looking for employment, and that you're waiting for the decision. A good way to stay in touch with prospective employers is by sending follow-up (thank-you) notes within two days of each interview. You'll be practicing good business etiquette and showing that you're willing to go the extra mile.
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If a job candidate receives a job offer while other interviews are still pending, how should he or she ask the employer for a time extension?
answer
A message requesting a time extension should open with a strong statement of your continued interest in the job, and then ask for more time to consider the offer, provide specific reasons for the request, and assure the reader that you will respond by a specific date.