Quintessential Careers Job Interviewing Quiz

by Randall S. Hansen, Ph.D.

Think you're a job interviewing expert? Take the free Quintessential Careers Job Interviewing Quiz and find out!

Instructions: Read each question and choose the correct answer. Follow the link and compare your answer to our explanation. Good luck. Interested in scoring? After finishing the quiz, check your score below.

Hint: You can find many of the answers to these and other job interview issues and questions by checking out our Job Interviewing Tutorial and using one of more of the many interviewing resources you can find in our Guide to Job Interviewing Resources.

1. Which of the following is not one of the suggested strategies for preparing for your job interview:
   1. conduct research on the company/industry
   2. prepare answers to possible interview questions
   3. gather key resources (extra resumes, reference list) to take with you
   4. plan to ask about salary and benefits at the beginning of the interview

   Check your answer here.

2. True or false: Wearing a formal suit is always the safest “dress for success” attire.
   1. true
   2. false

   Check your answer here.

3. True or false: Being the most qualified candidate for the position just about guarantees you will get the job.
   1. true
   2. false

   Check your answer here.

4. The STAR (situation, task, action, results) Technique refers to a tool you should consider using for developing answers to what type of interview questions?
   1. traditional/conventional
   2. psychological
   3. behavioral
   4. historical

   Check your answer here.

5. True or false: Greeting the receptionist/assistant when you arrive and treating him or her with respect is an important key to your success.
   1. true
   2. false

   Check your answer here.

6. Which part of the interview is the most important?
   1. first minute
   2. answers to the "toughest" questions
   3. final minute
   4. the whole time

   Check your answer here.

7. What are three most important keys to success in interviews?
   1. good cologne, nice smile, fresh breath
   2. making eye contact, showing enthusiasm, speaking clearly
   3. fresh breath, nice smile, making eye contact
   4. developing rapport, good posture, fresh breath

   Check your answer here.

8. It's best to arrive how early before an interview?
   1. 1 hour
   2. 30 minutes
   3. 10 minutes
   4. 1 minute

   Check your answer here.

9. True or false: You should use only examples from your actual work experience to answer the question during a job interview.
   1. true
   2. false

   Check your answer here.

10. The best thing to do in an interview when you get a question that stumps you temporarily is:
    1. sit there and just stare at the interviewer
    2. keep saying, "good question, good question"
    3. respond with, "I just really can't answer that"
    4. paraphrase the question while giving yourself time to think

    Check your answer here.

11. True or false: Taking detailed notes in an interview is an accepted practice.
    1. true
    2. false

    Check your answer here.

12. When the interviewer asks you the question, "tell me about yourself," s/he really wants what in response?
    1. a 10-minute detailed story of your life, from birth to present
    2. a concise narrative of your personal and professional background and goals and how they relate to the job at hand
    3. a short narrative of your personal life, leaving nothing to the imagination
    4. a long-winded account of your last vacation

    Check your answer here.

13. How should you respond to the question, "where do you see yourself in five years?"
    1. "I just want to be at a place in my life when I'm happy with who I am -- the job I'm doing would have to support that."
    2. "I could see myself starting my own business."
    3. "I would hope I am still with this organization in a position of increased responsibility, making a vital contribution to its success."
    4. "I just want to have a steady income that I am satisfied with and that allows me to be financially independent."

    Check your answer here.

14. The best way to answer the question, "Why do you want to work for our company," is by saying:
    1. "You've been the market leader for the past five years because of the reputation of your products and quality of customer satisfaction and I would like to contribute my services to continue the organization's successes."
    2. "You've been the market leaders for the past five years, and I think it would be really great for my career to work for your organization."
    3. "I love the fact that I can dress in jeans every day and that the office is only a five minute bike ride from the beach."
    4. "I'm really attracted by the great salary and benefits your company offers."

    Check your answer here.

15. True or false: If you're asked to discuss your current boss, whom you dislike, you should tell the truth about him.
    1. true
    2. false

    Check your answer here.

16. If you are returning to the workforce or have gaps in your employment history and are asked about what you were doing during that time, you should:
    1. talk about volunteering or consulting work you completed
    2. mention that being a parent takes top priority in your life
    3. discuss the long mourning period over the loss of a loved one
    4. state that you tend to need breaks between jobs

    Check your answer here.

17. True or false: No matter what, you should always ask a question when the interviewer asks if you have any questions about the job or the company.
    1. true
    2. false

    Check your answer here.

18. Which of the following is not one of the most common mistakes job-seekers make during job interviews:
    1. limp, clammy handshake
    2. over-emphasis on money
    3. lack of interest and enthusiasm
    4. too much knowledge of the company

    Check your answer here.

19. True or false: At the end of the interview, you should always ask about the next step in the process.
    1. true
    2. false

    Check your answer here.

20. As soon as you get back from the interview, you should:
    1. put your feet up and relax, knowing you did a great interview
    2. spend hours kicking yourself for some poor answers you gave
    3. immediately fire off thank you letters to each person who interviewed with you
    4. quit your current job in anticipation of a new job offer

    Check your answer here.

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