Wrong, Your Answer: d
Correct Answer: c, Over two-thirds
It's been estimated that between 70 and 80 percent of all jobs are filled by people who learned of them through word of mouth. This illustrates the importance of networking.

Wrong, Your Answer: a
Correct Answer: b, Chronological (organized by date of previous work experience)
A recent survey by Robert Half International (RHI) revealed that an overwhelming majority of executives – 78 percent – prefer chronological resumes over those presented by job function.

Wrong, Your Answer: a
Correct Answer: b, Taking a seat before the interviewer has offered you one
It may seem old-fashioned, but the rules of etiquette mandate that you wait for the hiring manager to offer you a seat. However, if no seat is offered, you should go ahead and take one after the person you’re meeting with is seated.

Correct, Your Answer: a, Over 90 percent
An RHI poll showed that 91 percent of executives consider their assistants’ opinions important when making hiring decisions – up from 60 percent five years ago. This means it’s essential to be professional and friendly with everyone you encounter when interviewing.

Wrong, Your Answer: a
Correct Answer: b, Two or three
Research shows that 44 percent of job seekers can expect three interviews before a job offer is extended; 34 percent will participate in two interviews.

Correct, Your Answer: d, One-third
Executives surveyed said they believe 30 percent of job candidates lie or intentionally omit significant information on their resumes. Don’t bend the truth when interacting with employers; honesty is always the best policy.

Correct, Your Answer: a, First
Research reveals that the candidate interviewed first is somewhat less likely to be hired than those interviewed later, probably because the interviewer either cannot recall that person in detail or they feel they should not hire the first person they met.

Correct, Your Answer: c, Honesty, enthusiasm, verbal skills
Honesty received the most responses, garnering 32 percent of the vote. Enthusiasm ranked second, receiving 29 percent, and verbal skills ranked third with 28 percent.

Correct, Your Answer: a, Knowing more about the firm than any other candidate so you can discuss how your skills meet their needs
You’ll stand out from the competition if you can make a convincing argument as to why you and a particular company are a perfect match. An eloquent thank-you note and follow-up correspondence are good ideas as well, though.

Correct, Your Answer: c, “I like the candy you stock in your vending machines.”
One last piece of job-hunting advice: Be prepared to give a compelling response when asked why you should be hired. The best response will concisely, yet persuasively, describe how your skills match the company’s needs – not your penchant for Snickers bars.

 

See the orginal survey here.