Job Interview Preparation Course: Interview formats, virtual interviews and your questions

1. Question 1 of 16

   What is the main purpose of a screening interview?

   • ATo phone the candidate's references and former employers
   • BTo give the chosen person a written job offer
   • CTo remove candidates who lack the basic requirements
   • DTo agree on the final salary and start date
   Show answer

   Answer: C. To remove candidates who lack the basic requirements

   Screening interviews narrow the list by removing people who lack the required qualifications.

2. Question 2 of 16

   In a panel interview, where should you look while answering?

   • ADown at the table the whole time, to show respect
   • BOnly at the most senior person sitting in the room
   • CAt the person who asked, while including the others
   • DAt your own notes for most of every answer
   Show answer

   Answer: C. At the person who asked, while including the others

   Sit where you can see everyone, and make eye contact with all panel members as you answer.

3. Question 3 of 16

   In a serial interview, how should you treat a lunch or facility tour with staff?

   • AAs a break where nothing counts
   • BAs part of the assessment
   • CAs an optional extra you can skip
   • DAs the best time to ask about salary
   Show answer

   Answer: B. As part of the assessment

   Interviewers assess you through every stage of a serial interview, including informal ones.

4. Question 4 of 16

   When should you test your equipment for a video interview?

   • AAbout an hour before, with a friend
   • BDuring the first minute of the interview itself
   • COnly once, about a week before the interview
   • DRight after the interview has ended
   Show answer

   Answer: A. About an hour before, with a friend

   Test your device with a friend about an hour before: check sound levels and learn which buttons to press.

5. Question 5 of 16

   How should you light your face for a video interview?

   • AFrom a single ceiling light directly above you
   • BFrom behind, with a bright window at your back
   • CFrom the front, for example facing a window
   • DFrom one side only, so half of your face is shaded
   Show answer

   Answer: C. From the front, for example facing a window

   Light from the front shows your face clearly. Light from behind turns you into a dark shape.

6. Question 6 of 16

   What background is best for a video interview?

   • AA messy room so you look relaxed
   • BA plain, tidy space
   • CA busy virtual background
   • DA window with people walking past
   Show answer

   Answer: B. A plain, tidy space

   Use a plain background or a few professional items. Virtual backgrounds can be distracting.

7. Question 7 of 16

   You will use your phone for a video interview. Where should it be?

   • AFlat on the table, facing the ceiling
   • BHeld in your hand the whole time
   • CBalanced on your knee as you sit
   • DOn a tripod or other stable surface
   Show answer

   Answer: D. On a tripod or other stable surface

   Secure a mobile device on a tripod or stable surface. Do not hold it in your hand.

8. Question 8 of 16

   Where should you look while you answer in a video interview?

   • AAt your notes beside the screen
   • BAt the interviewer's picture
   • CAt your own video image
   • DAt the camera
   Show answer

   Answer: D. At the camera

   Looking at the camera appears as eye contact to the interviewer.

9. Question 9 of 16

   How should you dress for a video interview from home?

   • AOnly the top half matters, so wear anything below
   • BIn a hat, so your hair does not matter
   • CAs you would for an in-person interview
   • DIn comfortable pyjamas, since you are at home
   Show answer

   Answer: C. As you would for an in-person interview

   Dress as you would in person. It looks professional and can boost your confidence.

10. Question 10 of 16

    Your internet connection is weak during a video interview. What should you do?

    • ALet the interviewer finish, pause, then speak
    • BTurn off both your camera and your microphone
    • CTalk over the interviewer to save time and keep it moving
    • DHang up and wait for them to try calling you back
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Let the interviewer finish, pause, then speak

    With a weak connection, pause before speaking to reduce delay, and make sure the interviewer has finished.

11. Question 11 of 16

    In a phone interview the employer cannot see you. What helps most?

    • AKeep the TV on low in the background for company
    • BEat a snack during the call to help you stay calm
    • CDo quiet chores so you use the time well during the call
    • DSmile, speak clearly and keep your notes nearby
    Show answer

    Answer: D. Smile, speak clearly and keep your notes nearby

    On the phone your voice does the work. Give the call your full attention and keep your papers close.

12. Question 12 of 16

    The interviewer asks, "Do you have any questions for us?" What is the best response?

    • AAsk the interviewer to explain what the company sells
    • B"No, thanks, I think you covered everything already."
    • CAsk three or four prepared questions
    • DAsk about vacation days and pay before anything else
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Ask three or four prepared questions

    Prepared questions show interest and research. Saying no wastes a chance to make an impression.

13. Question 13 of 16

    Which question is best to ask in a first interview?

    • A"Can you tell me what exactly your company does?"
    • B"What would a typical week look like in this role?"
    • C"How much vacation will I get during my first year here?"
    • D"How soon after starting can I take time off?"
    Show answer

    Answer: B. "What would a typical week look like in this role?"

    Questions about the work show genuine interest. Basic facts about the company should come from your own research.

14. Question 14 of 16

    When is it usually best to ask detailed questions about salary and benefits?

    • AAfter you are offered the job
    • BNever, not even after you get an offer
    • CIn the first minute of the first interview
    • DIn your thank-you email after the interview
    Show answer

    Answer: A. After you are offered the job

    Wait until you are offered the job before asking detailed questions about pay and benefits, unless the employer brings them up.

15. Question 15 of 16

    Some employers ask you to record video answers before an in-person interview. How should you treat this?

    • AAs a quick task you can send off without checking
    • BAs a real interview stage, so prepare and test
    • CAs an informal step you can do from bed in pyjamas
    • DAs a reading task, using a script word for word
    Show answer

    Answer: B. As a real interview stage, so prepare and test

    Recorded video answers are a real interview stage. Prepare your setup and answers as carefully as you would in person.

16. Question 16 of 16

    In a government job competition, you know one panel member from work. How should you answer?

    • ABy asking them to answer some questions for you
    • BAs if the panel knows nothing about you
    • CBriefly, because they already know your work well
    • DBy reminding them of favours you have done for them
    Show answer

    Answer: B. As if the panel knows nothing about you

    Panel members cannot use outside knowledge, so give complete answers as if they know nothing about you.

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