Interview Vocabulary
What does ATS stand for in the hiring process?
A. Applicant Tracking System
B. Application Testing Software
C. Automated Talent Search
D. Applicant Training Service
A. Applicant Tracking System
When an interviewer asks:
"Tell me about yourself."
What are they REALLY asking?
A. Tell me your life story.
B. Explain your personal hobbies.
C. Summarize your professional background and qualifications.
D. Tell me where you grew up.
C. Summarize your professional background and qualifications.
Skills that can be used across multiple industries or jobs, such as communication, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
Transferable Skills
You are asked a question and need a moment to think. What should you do?
A. Remain silent for several minutes
B. Say "That's a great question. Let me think about that for a moment."
C. Make up an answer immediately
D. Skip the question
B. Say "That's a great question. Let me think about that for a moment."
The "R" in STAR stands for:
Result
A 30-60 second professional introduction
What is an "elevator pitch"
When employers ask:
"Why do you want to work here?"
What are they really measuring?
A. Your commute distance
B. Whether you researched the company and are genuinely interested
C. Your salary expectations
D. Your previous manager
B. Whether you researched the company and are genuinely interested
Building professional relationships that may help you learn about opportunities or advance your career.
Networking
You realize halfway through an answer that you've gone off topic. What should you do?
A. Continue talking until interrupted
B. Stop and restart your entire interview
C. Briefly redirect back to the question
D. Apologize repeatedly
C. Briefly redirect back to the question
The "S" in STAR stands for:
Situation
What does PTO stand for?
A. Paid Training Opportunity
B. Professional Time Off
C. Paid Time Off
D. Personal Training Option
C. Paid Time Off
When employers ask:
"What is your greatest weakness?"
What are they trying to determine?
A. If you are perfect
B. If you are self-aware and willing to improve
C. Whether you dislike your current job
D. Whether you have technical skills
B. If you are self-aware and willing to improve
The process of training and introducing new employees to their role and company.
Onboarding
Your interviewer asks a question you weren't expecting. What is the best approach?
A. Panic
B. Guess randomly
C. Use a structured approach and think through your answer
D. Refuse to answer
C. Use a structured approach and think through your answer
The "A" in STAR stands for:
Action
Questions asking about past experiences and actions
"behavioral interview question"
When employers ask:
"Why did you leave your last job?"
They are often trying to assess:
A. Your conflict management and professionalism
B. Your transportation options
C. Your hobbies outside work
D. Your education level
A. Your conflict management and professionalism
The person responsible for selecting the candidate who will fill the position.
Hiring Manager
An interviewer asks your salary expectations before discussing responsibilities. What is usually the best response?
A. "Whatever you want to pay me."
B. "I am flexible, but based on my research and experience I am seeking a range of..."
C. Give the lowest possible number.
D. Refuse to discuss salary.
B. "I am flexible, but based on my research and experience I am seeking a range of..."
The "T" in STAR stands for:
Task
A former employer, coworker, or supervisor who can speak about your work performance
"reference"
When employers ask:
"Do you have any questions for us?"
What are they evaluating?
A. Curiosity and preparation
B. Writing skills
C. Technical skills
D. Attendance history
A. Curiosity and preparation
The total value of salary, benefits, PTO, retirement contributions, insurance, and bonuses.
Compensation Package
You don't know the answer to a technical question. What should you do?
A. Pretend to know
B. Admit you don't know and explain how you would find the answer
C. Change the subject
D. End the interview
B. Admit you don't know and explain how you would find the answer
Which part of STAR should receive the MOST detail?
A. Situation
B. Task
C. Action
D. Result
C. Action