Interviewing Basics

A _____ is useful when performing large applicant screenings, because employers can use scores to quickly identify the best applicants to interview.

Computerized pre-employment test

It is always the interviewee’s fault if an interview is bad.

False

A _____ is an employment test that evaluates your specific job-related abilities, such as typing speed. It is recommended that you sharpen or improve these abilities before an interview.

Skills test

Which of the following people would be considered a gatekeeper?

All of the above

Which of the following is a characteristic of an unstructured interview?

Common in small businesses

A type of employment test that is used to determine if personal and behavior preferences match the position.

Personality

A(n) _____ is a consumer report that employers use to screen potential employees and check their credit, history, and legal status.

Background check

How can you prepare for a background check?

All of the above

An employer can refuse to hire you if you refuse a drug screening test or background check.

True

Indirect interview requests include of all of the following techniques EXCEPT:

Requesting an interview during a telephone call to the employer

Which type of interview request, direct or indirect, would lead to more interviews? Why? Which type would you prefer?

Typically direct interview requests lead to more interviews. It can be intimidating to take a direct approach though, so some students may prefer an indirect approach.

List the steps you should take to properly prepare for a background check.

-Be truthful on employment forms -Prepare your references -Acquire copies of personnel files from former employers -Obtain a copy of your credit report

If you are interested in a specific employer, but there are no job openings with the company, what steps should you take while you wait for the company’s hiring status to change?

1. Take another job while you are waiting. You never know how long it is going to be before the company has position available. 2. Follow up – Thank the employer for any time spend on helping you in the process to end on a positive note. 3. Check back periodically – Contact with the company to check their status and keep your name visible.

Why shouldn’t you cram for a skills test?`

Cramming for a skills test can lower your performance and increase your test anxiety.

What are three differences between a structured interview and an unstructured interview?

During a structured interview, the interview is usually conducted be professional interviewers. During an unstructured interview, the interview is typically conducted by the business owners or managers. Structured interviews focus on factual information with a planned set of questions, while unstructured interviews are more informal and conversational. Structured interviews provide limited information about the interviewee’s personality or attitude, while unstructured interviews are much more successful in learning about personality and attitude.

Before taking an employment test you should _____.

All of the above

You are in the middle of an interview, and you feel like things are going horribly. The interviewer is asking questions that you are struggling with, and after learning more about the position, you are no longer interested. How do you get through the rest of the interview?

Go through the rest of the interview and stay friendly and engaged, and let them know afterwards that the position isn’t what you expected. You don’t want to be rude because the same employers could possibly have a job opening late that is better suited for you.

Prescription or over-the-counter drugs can lead to a false-positive drug test result.

True

One of the advantages of phone interviews is that there is no recommended dress code, you can wear your pajamas if you want.

True

Direct interview requests include of all of the following techniques EXCEPT:

Requesting an interview through an employment agency.

If a company is in New York City, and a qualified applicant lives across the country in California, what would be the most cost effective interview format to use?

Distance interview.