Career Exploration
Which of the following is the best example of a HARD SKILL?
a) Being a good listener
b) Proficiency in the Python programming language
c) Working well in a team
d) Managing your time effectively
b) Proficiency in the Python programming language
According to research, the majority of job openings (around 85%) are filled through which method?
a) Mass applications on "big job boards" like Indeed.
b) Submitting an application on the company's website.
c) Networking (personal relationships and connections).
d) Responding to social media ads for jobs.
c) Networking (personal relationships and connections).
Which of the following items should NOT be included on a professional resume?
a) Your full name and contact information.
b) A detailed list of your responsibilities at your last job.
c) Your high school GPA.
d) Personal or private information, such as your social security number.
d) Personal or private information, such as your social security number.
You should arrive at an in-person interview:
a) Exactly on time.
b) 1-2 minutes before the start time.
c) 5-10 minutes early to collect your thoughts and demonstrate punctuality.
d) As soon as you find parking, regardless of the time.
c) 5-10 minutes early to collect your thoughts and demonstrate punctuality.
Transferable skills are best described as:
a) Abilities like leadership, communication, and problem-solving that are valuable and applicable across a wide variety of roles and industries.
b) Technical certifications or job-specific knowledge that are only relevant within one particular career field.
c) Skills that are learned exclusively through formal academic training, such as college coursework.
d) Tasks you are legally required to list on a professional resume.
a) Abilities like leadership, communication, and problem-solving that are valuable and applicable across a wide variety of roles and industries.
Soft skills are best described as:
a) Job-specific knowledge gained only through a college degree.
b) Interpersonal skills and character traits that are valuable in every job.
c) Skills acquired only after six months of employment at a single company.
d) The ability to use a specific type of machinery or software.
b) Interpersonal skills and character traits that are valuable in every job.
What is the main purpose of job boards like Monster or Indeed?
a) To allow job seekers to browse only the highest-paying executive positions.
b) To replace the need for professional networking entirely.
c) To provide a central online location for companies to post openings and for job seekers to search.
d) To manage employee payroll and benefits.
c) To provide a central online location for companies to post openings and for job seekers to search.
The term "tweeking" your resume means you should:
a) Use a lot of color and unique fonts to make it stand out.
b) Make minor spelling changes for each company.
c) Adjust the skills and experience listed to closely match the specific job description's keywords.
d) Only include your most recent job experience.
c) Adjust the skills and experience listed to closely match the specific job description's keywords.
Which action is an example of poor interview etiquette?
a) Sending a professional thank-you email within 24 hours.
b) Maintaining eye contact with the interviewer.
c) Asking the interviewer two thoughtful questions about the company's future.
d) Complaining about a previous supervisor or job.
d) Complaining about a previous supervisor or job.
If a job posting lists qualifications that you don't exactly meet, what is the best course of action?
a) Do not apply, as you will be instantly disqualified.
b) Apply anyway, focusing your resume on transferable skills and relevant experience you do have.
c) Email the company asking for them to lower the requirements.
d) Wait one month and check the posting again to see if the requirements have changed.
b) Apply anyway, focusing your resume on transferable skills and relevant experience you do have.
Why is it important to have both hard skills and soft skills in the workplace?
a) Hard skills help you get hired, and soft skills help you negotiate a higher salary.
b) A balance ensures your work is both efficient (hard skills) and professional or collaborative (soft skills).
c) Employers only focus on hard skills during the hiring process.
d) You only need soft skills in customer service roles.
b) A balance ensures your work is both efficient (hard skills) and professional or collaborative (soft skills).
What is the primary difference between "big job boards" (like Indeed) and "niche job websites" (like FlexJobs)?
a) Big boards only list entry-level jobs; niche sites list high-level jobs.
b) Big boards require payment to apply; niche sites are always free.
c) Big boards cover all industries; niche sites focus on a specific field, location, or work type.
d) Niche sites are used by large companies; big boards are used by small businesses.
c) Big boards cover all industries; niche sites focus on a specific field, location, or work type.
When describing past work or volunteer experience on a resume, you should focus on:
a) What the job was called.
b) What the company did.
c) The results and achievements you made, often using action verbs.
d) Why did you leave the job?
c) The results and achievements you made, often using action verbs
Why should you always prepare questions to ask the interviewer?
a) It makes the interview end faster.
b) It shows you are a good speaker.
c) It proves you did your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
d) It is required by law.
c) It proves you did your research and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
A Cover Letter is best described as:
a) A persuasive one-page letter that introduces you and specifically explains how your skills and experience match the job's requirements
b) A standardized form used by all job applicants to track their work history.
c) A legal agreement signed by an employee on their first day of work.
d) A complete list of references and former supervisors.
a) A persuasive one-page letter that introduces you and specifically explains how your skills and experience match the job's requirements
The presentation mentioned that college can be a good financial decision despite the cost, primarily because:
a) It is guaranteed to be debt-free if you get good grades.
b) It provides immediate high starting salaries for all graduates.
c) It often leads to increased earning potential over time and specialized knowledge.
d) It guarantees a specific job immediately upon graduation.
c) It often leads to increased earning potential over time and specialized knowledge.
A "smart job search tip" is to check the company's website directly for an opening, even if you saw it on a job board, because:
a) The company posting is likely to be the most up-to-date and accurate, and it shows the hiring manager you've done your research.
b) Company websites typically offer a simpler application form that lets you skip uploading a resume or cover letter.
c) Job boards are known to charge a fee for a final application submission, which the company's site bypasses.
d) You will find a hidden referral bonus code that guarantees an interview.
a) The company posting is likely to be the most up-to-date and accurate, and it shows the hiring manager you've done your research.
Why is it recommended to use action verbs (like Managed, Created, Led) at the beginning of bullet points on a resume?
a) It makes the document longer.
b) It is a formatting requirement for all modern resumes.
c) It is the easiest way to describe your past work.
d) It focuses the reader on your specific accomplishments and impact, not just your duties.
d) It focuses the reader on your specific accomplishments and impact, not just your duties.
If you don't know the answer to a question in an interview, the best response is to:
a) Briefly acknowledge you don't know, and tell them you are willing to learn
b) Say, "That's not relevant to the job."
c) Make up an answer on the spot.
d) Stare blankly at the interviewer until they move on.
a) Briefly acknowledge you don't know, and tell them you are willing to learn
What should your follow-up email after an interview include?
a) A request for the salary.
b) A complaint about the length of the interview.
c) A brief note thanking them and referencing a specific topic you discussed.
d) A full copy of your resume again.
c) A brief note thanking them and referencing a specific topic you discussed.
A primary potential CON (disadvantage) of entering the workforce directly after high school is:
a) You gain immediate real-world experience.
b) You start earning an income right away.
c) You may face limited advancement without additional training or specialization.
d) You must always use a four-year degree to get a job later on.
c) You may face limited advancement without additional training or specialization.
A "ghost posting" refers to a job listing that:
a) Was created using AI software and lacks a true job description or salary information.
b) Is a duplicate posting for the same job, created by a third-party recruiter without the company's permission.
c) Appears on a job board but directs applicants to an external website that is no longer active.
d) Is for a position that the company has no immediate intention of filling, often used to collect candidate data or meet hiring quotas.
d) Is for a position that the company has no immediate intention of filling, often used to collect candidate data or meet hiring quotas.
In modern professional practice, the primary purpose of a resume is to:
a) Serve as a comprehensive legal record of all past employment and academic history.
b) Provide a brief, compelling marketing document that quickly persuades a recruiter to schedule an interview.
c) Explain why an applicant left their previous jobs and detail their reasons for applying now.
d) Substitute for a complete job application by including references and salary requirements.
b) Provide a brief, compelling marketing document that quickly persuades a recruiter to schedule an interview.
What topic should you generally avoid bringing up in the very first interview, unless the interviewer mentions it first?
a) Your relevant work history.
b) The company's future projects.
c) Your long-term career goals.
d) Salary, vacation, or benefits
d) Salary, vacation, or benefits
Which action is listed as a major "DON'T" during an in-person interview?
a) Offering a firm handshake.
b) Checking your phone, chewing gum, or taking personal calls.
c) Using specific examples (STAR method) to answer questions.
d) Asking for clarification on a question.
b) Checking your phone, chewing gum, or taking personal calls.