Lesson Challenge

So you’ve sent in an application and a résumé for that dream job you saw advertised. The employer thinks you might be a ​ (a)   candidate, and you’ve landed an interview. You already know it’s important to dress ​ (b)   , offer a ​ (c)   handshake, and maintain ​ (d)   , but do you know that other aspects of your behavior can make the difference between getting that job or not?​ ​

• good
• right
• firm
• eye contact

Being ​late to a job interview is almost always a ​ (a)   . Most candidates are on their best ​ (b)   for their interview, so being ​ is a major red ​ (c)   for employers. Since ​ (d)   is expected in any kind of work setting, arriving late makes your future employer think you’ll be late for work if you get the job.​ ​ ​ ​ ​

• disqualifier
• behavior
• flag
• punctuality

If you are late for your interview, it’s important to provide an ​ (a)   detailed excuse, explaining why your ​ (b)   was unavoidable. Apologize and reassure the interviewer that this isn’t ​ (c)   behavior on your part.​ ​

• airtight
• lateness
• habitual

Remember that employers want to know that you are ​ (a)   in the job and will be a ​ (b)   employee. A candidate who hasn’t taken the time to learn something about the company or the position being offered appears ​ (c)   and willing to take anything that comes along.​ ​

• interested
• motivated
• unmotivated

Even if you are sure you already know everything you need to know about the job or the company, prepare two or three ​ (a)   questions for the interviewer of the position. And listen with obvious ​ (b)   to the answers, following up with ​ (c)   questions that demonstrate that you have been listening.​ ​

• relevant
• interest
• thoughtful