Real-Life Work Scenarios
Know Yourself
Job Search Smarts
Good Job? Bad Job?
Resumes & Cover Letters
100

You wake up 15 mins before your shift begins. What should you do and not do?

Do: Call/text your supervisor ASAP. Be honest and offer to come in late.
Don’t: No-show or lie.

100

You hate standing. Which job is harder: security guard, receptionist, or stocker?

Security guard or stocker, depending on the setting.

100

Name one job site and something you can filter by.

Ex: Indeed; filter by location, pay, job type (full-time, remote, etc.)

100

Your boss gives clear instructions and says thank you. Green or red flag?

Green flag!

100

What’s one thing every resume should include?

Contact info, work history, skills, or education

200

Your coworker is rude in front of customers. What’s a professional response?

Stay calm. Address it privately if possible. If it continues, speak to a manager.

200

You get tired quickly doing physical work. Which of these jobs might be a better fit for you?
A) Warehouse worker
B) Office assistant
C) Construction laborer
D) Delivery driver

B) Office assistant — it usually involves less physical labor and more sitting or light movement.

200

What does “entry level” mean?

No experience required or minimal experience needed.

200

What matters more to you — high pay or flexible hours? Why?

Answers will vary

200

What’s the purpose of a cover letter?

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself, explain why you’re a good fit for the job, and show your interest in the company.

300

You're feeling really overwhelmed at work. What could you do about it?

Ask for help. It shows responsibility and professionalism.

300

You love animals & quiet. Name 2 jobs that fit.

Vet assistant, dog groomer, animal shelter worker, kennel tech, pet sitter.

300

You’re asked for bank info before an interview. What should you do?

Don’t give it — it’s likely a scam. Report it and move on.

300

Your manager rarely gives you feedback, and when they do, it’s only negative. How might this affect you, and what could you do about it?

You could:

  • Ask your manager for specific ways to improve and for positive feedback too.

  • Keep track of your successes and share them.

  • Talk to HR or another trusted person if the situation doesn’t improve.

300

No job history, but you volunteered. How do you show this on a resume or in a cover letter?

List it under “Volunteer Experience” with duties, just like a job

400

You get two different job offers: one pays more, but the other has better hours/environment. How do you decide?

Weigh what matters more: pay, work-life balance, stress level, or long-term goals.

400

How can understanding your strengths help you find a job that’s a good fit?

Knowing your strengths helps you choose jobs where you can succeed and feel confident. It lets you focus on roles that match what you’re good at and enjoy, which leads to better job satisfaction and performance.

400

You found a job you like, but the company has bad reviews. What should you do?

Don’t ignore the reviews — use them to ask smart questions and decide if the job is right for you.

400

Name 3 questions to ask in an interview to learn if a job is a good fit.

Ex: “What’s the work culture like?”, “What are the daily responsibilities?”, “Is there opportunity to grow?”

400

What’s a strong sentence to start a cover letter?

“I’m excited to apply for the [Job Title] position at [Company] because I…”

500

You made a mistake that cost the company money — how do you handle it?

Own it, apologize, and explain how you’ll fix it or avoid it in the future.

500

You struggle with organization. What jobs might be hard — and how can you adapt?

Jobs with multitasking (e.g., office admin).
Strategies: use checklists, alarms, calendars.

500

Write a 2-sentence follow-up email after applying for a job last week.

“Hi, I’m following up on my application for [Job Title] submitted on [Date]. I’m still very interested and would love the opportunity to speak further.”

500

You feel anxious and unappreciated at work. What are 2 professional next steps?

Reflect on why you may feel that way, talk to a manager, update resume, consider new job, seek support.

500

How should a resume and cover letter work together to help you get a job?

Resume lists qualifications; cover letter adds personal voice, shows fit, explains why you want the job

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