Join the Workforce

1. Lisa, a high school student, bags groceries at the local supermarket three nights a week during the school year. She is a _________ worker and likely gets paid _________________.

• full-time, a salary

• full-time, an hourly wage

• part-time, an hourly wage

• part-time, a salary

2. Read the excerpt from the following cover letter. Which of the statements is NOT true about the cover letter?

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for the role

• Indicates that applicant did research on the organization and showed initiative in visiting several locations

• Highlights that this organization is her first choice for employment

• It is not a strong statement, as the applicant is just bragging about all that she has accomplished

3. How should you think about the relationship between your resume and cover letter?

• There is no relationship; you should create both of them independently and there should be no overlap

• Your cover letter should highlight key elements of your resume that make you qualified for the job

• Your cover letter does not need to be customized but your resume should be customized for each job you apply for

• Your cover letter is optional while your resume is required for any job that you are applying for

4. How does your social media behavior influence your ability to get a job?

• It has no impact; employers are forbidden by law from looking at your social media accounts

• It can have a positive impact as employers like fun-loving employees who know how to have a good time

• Unprofessional public profiles on social media sites are generally not viewed by employers so no need to worry about those embarrassing pics

• Having a professional LinkedIn profile is critical since almost all recruiters use it to find talent

5. Which of the following would be a suggested action prior to a job interview?

• Call the company at least twice to verify the date, time, and location of the interview

• Conduct online research to learn more about the person you are having the interview with

• Make sure you have scheduled transportation so you arrive 60 minutes early to the interview

• Stay up really late going over interview questions

6. Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding references you would include on a job application or resume?

• It is OK if you do not provide any personal references, because companies typically do not contact them anyway

• You should contact your personal references ahead of time to ask their permission to include them on your application

• The more personal references you include, the better, with the optimal number being between 10 and 15

• You are more likely to get the job if you include fake but important-sounding personal references

7. Your friend has an interview tomorrow and is seeking his first job. Which of the following represents the WORST piece of advice you can give him?

• Don't ask questions during your interview, because you will come across as uninformed or unqualified

• Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early

• Do research ahead of time to understand how your role will support the larger organization

• Be prepared to answer tough questions, such as your greatest weakness or a time when you were unsuccessful

8. You are trying to get an internship at a local newspaper for next summer. Who would be the best personal reference to include on your application?

• Your grandma, who knows you really well even though she lives in another state

• A teacher whose class you've received As in the past two semesters

• Your soccer coach from 4th and 5th grade

• The journalism teacher at your school, even though you've never taken her course or written for the school paper

9. Which set of items would be appropriate to include on your resume during high school?

• Education, computer skills, starting salary request

• Volunteer experience, sports team participation, computer skills

• Requested vacation days, education, special dietary needs

• Education, scheduling requests, personal references

10. Cover letters can be time consuming to write. Which of these is the best approach to use on this task?

• Don't bother writing one -- no recruiter reads cover letters anyway

• Write one general purpose cover letter, but be sure to put in the proper name and company in the introduction

• Just rewrite your resume bullet points in sentence form, and that will be a sufficient cover letter

• Write a personalized cover letter for each job you apply to, but keep it to no more than one page