Developing a Professional Profile
An increasing number of job applicants are developing an electronic portfolio that is
posted to the applicant’s personal website. Austin McClain is a recent graduate with an
M.P.A. degree in accounting. He needs to write a professional profile for his electronic
portfolio that highlights his accomplishments that include the following:
Austin wants a job working with a large international accounting firm as part of a
first-year audit staff. He actually has auditing experience resulting from a summer
internship with a Dallas accounting firm. He knows how to work with ERP systems,
ACL, database, and spreadsheet software. Austin has developed a fluency in Spanish
which will be advantageous for working with international clients. As a student, he has
been active in Beta Alpha Psy, the honorary accounting society, and several other
organizations, where he held leadership positions. He has developed strong skills in
writing and speaking.
Required:
Write a professional profile for Austin McClain suitable for posting to his electronic
portfolio.
Answer:
Which of the following is the suggested four-step sequence for an inductive outline?
a. Mention the product, service, or idea; get the reader’s attention; present solid
evidence of quality; and encourage action.
b. Mention the product, service, or idea; get the reader’s attention; ask for specific
action; and present documentable evidence of claims.
c. Get the reader’s attention; introduce the product, service, or idea; present valid
evidence of claims; and ask for action.
d. State your reason for writing; mention your product or service, present convincing
evidence regarding the claims made; and encourage action.
Answer:
The grapevine in an organization
a. is typically no more or less accurate than other channels.
b. serves no necessary purpose; thus, managers should work to eliminate it.
c. passes a message in single file from person to person until it finally reaches the end
of the line.
d. has a single, consistent source.
Answer:
Generally, when writing a first draft, you should
a. write slowly and deliberately, trying not to make mistakes.
b. write intermittently as you think of new ideas.
c. write rapidly with the intent to fix mistakes during the editing process.
d. write over a period of days to maximize creativity.
Answer:
According to annual reports expert Sid Cato, a company’s annual report should
a. be viewed as the most important document a company can produce.
b. avoid biographical data on corporate officers.
c. avoid colored artwork.
d. follow all of the above.
Answer:
Which of the following stages of team development is marked by optimal performance
levels?
a. Forming
b. Norming
c. Performing
d. In an effective team, all stages are marked by peak performance
Answer:
Which of the following is a correct use of a superlative?
a. She is the newest of the two workers.
b. Charles is the better writer of the two-member team.
c. She is the fastest of the three workers.
d. Jill is the better student in the freshman class.
Answer:
Fazer Technologies distributed copies of its annual report to it stockholders. This report
is which of the following types of reports?
a. Informal
b. Analytical
c. External
d. Internal
Answer:
A company posts information to the Web for its business partners such as vendors,
suppliers, and customers that they must access by using a password. This activity
illustrates use of the company’s
a. intranet.
b. extranet.
c. public web presence.
d. wiki.
Answer:
Which of the following would be the BEST closing sentence in a bad-news message?
a. We understand your disappointment in this decision.
b. Please do not hesitate to contact us again if you have any further questions.
c. To see the video that discusses our two newest investment offers, just phone us at
555-1616 to request your copy.
d. We trust you will continue to rely on Carson products in spite of this present difficult
situation.
Answer:
Which of the following numbering systems is recommended when incorporating
graphs, pictures, and tables into a written report?
a. Number the graphs as “Graph 1,” etc., the pictures as “Figure 1,” etc., and the tables
as “Table 1,” etc.
b. Number the graphs and the pictures as Figure 1,” etc., and the tables as Table 1,” etc.
c. Number all graphs, pictures, and tables in a single numbering system, such as “Figure
1, Figure 2,” etc.
d. Avoid the numbering system altogether.
Answer:
Which of the following sentences follows the normal subject-verb-complement
sequence?
a. It is necessary that we withdraw the funds.
b. Here are the main reasons we must withdraw the funds.
c. There are two reasons for our withdrawal of funds.
d. We must withdraw the funds for two reasons.
Answer:
Online recruiting is beneficial because
a. it has eliminated discriminatory hiring practices.
b. background checks of applicants are no longer necessary.
c. more and better information on applicants is available since a résumé can provide
links to other informational items.
d. of all of the above.
Answer:
What is the correct order for the inductive writing sequence?
a. Reasons, neutral idea, bad news, and desire to continue the relationship.
b. Buffer, reasons, bad news, counterproposal, and desire to continue the relationship.
c. Bad news, reasons, counterproposal, and desire to continue the relationship.
d. Buffer, bad news, reasons, counterproposal, an desire to continue the relationship.
Answer:
An effective counterproposal
a. can eliminate the need to state the refusal directly.
b. may represent a tangible benefit to the reader.
c. may not always be possible.
d. All of the above.
Answer:
Which of the following techniques would reduce the possibility that a reader or listener
would be misled by a bar chart?
a. Begin the y-axis intervals at the lowest score or value to be reported.
b. Vary the intervals of the vertical scale (y-axis).
c. Use varying widths for the bars.
d. Use a break line to show that intervals have been omitted on the y-axis.
Answer:
Which of the following is FALSE concerning the communication of negative news
within an organization?
a. Employee morale, like customer goodwill, is fragile and easily damaged.
b. Sensitive handling of bad news related to the organization can help build unity and
trust.
c. Delivering bad news as soon as possible minimizes damage resulting from rumors
and shows respect for employees.
d. The most effective approach is to use one strong communication method for
communicating with employees.
Answer:
Visual enhancements in a business document
a. are unnecessary when the writing is effective.
b. distract from important information in long, complex documents.
c. can be overused and create clutter.
d. can be applied easily using word processing features.
Answer:
Intrapersonal communication occurs when
a. two people are involved in the process.
b. teamwork dynamics contribute to the feedback.
c. individuals from two different organizations communicate effectively.
d. an individual processes information individually.
Answer:
Which of the following is NOTan advantage of video interviews?
a. They make better use of a recruiter’s valuable time.
b. They screen out applicants who cannot work under pressure.
c. They allow students who may have financial constraints to meet with large
companies.
d. They eliminate the need for face-to-face interviews.
Answer:
Which of the following best describes the appropriate use of euphemisms?
a. Eliminate euphemisms because people can recognize such expressions for what they
areunpleasant ideas presented with a little sugar coating.
b. Avoid euphemisms with excessive sugar coating and those that appear sarcastic.
c. Use euphemisms whenever possible because they show your attempt to be polite and
positive.
d. None of the above describes appropriate use.
Answer:
When a manager exercises strong control and motivates her employees through external
incentives such as a paycheck, she is exhibiting the ____ management style.
a. Theory X
b. Theory Y
c. Situational leadership
d. Total Quality Management
Answer:
An email message with the subject of “Crescent City Grill Launch Party” should have
which of the following as its first sentence?
a. Please remember to include the mayor on the guest list.
b. Attached are the notes from our Monday meeting discussing the launch party of the
Crescent City Grill on March 3.
c. BTW, what time did we decide for the buffet to open?
d. The meeting notes are attached.
Answer:
Which sentence is a good example of a buffer for a bad news message?
a. Your letter dated April 14 has been referred to me for reply.
b. I can understand how you felt when you had to pay $168.
c. Your credit application was reviewed by two loan officers.
d. Your claim has been denied, but let us explain why.
Answer:
Conducting pilot test of a survey instrument involving a small group of the population
can
a. correct problems in clarity, ease of answering, and quality of answers.
b. complicate the clarification of questions developed for a larger sample group.
c. be a better alternative to the use of open-ended questions.
d. use information from biased sources and correlate it to unbiased sources.
Answer:
You will be making a presentation to an Arab audience. Remember that
a. Arab audiences will listen more attentively if you use a direct approach.
b. Arab listeners keep their eyes lowered to show you respect.
c. Arab listeners may stare into your eyes.
d. None of the above
Answer:
Which of the following statements is correct concerning the use of graphics?
a. The use of graphics makes text discussion unnecessary.
b. Three or four pages of graphics can effectively convey several hundred pages of text.
c. Graphics should be reserved for communicating ideas that are highly quantitative.
d. The term “graphics” in business reports refers only to the use of bar charts, line
charts, and pie charts.
Answer:
“The training session was worthwhile; it was worthwhile because employees learned to
do the task correctly.” is an example of which of the following techniques used for
emphasis?
a. Position
b. Repetition
c. Words that label
d. Passive voice
Answer:
Cecilia is a training and development manager who has been asked by a professor to
speak to her class about careers in training. However, since she is currently conducting
an important staff development program, her schedule is very busy and she must refuse
the invitation. What would be the best way to end her message declining the request?
a. Again, I am very flattered by your request.
b. I apologize that I am so busy right now, but perhaps next semester I can speak to
your class.
c. I’ll call you if I have a change in schedule that would accommodate your timeframe.
d. My training assistant, David Freel, has extensive experience and would enjoy
speaking to your class. Please feel free to contact him at 469-8000.
Answer:
Your department hired a strategic planning consultant to restructure the workforce.
However, you believe that the consultant added no value to the company and simply
played back what you wanted to hear. You must write a letter to the president of the
consulting company to discuss your dissatisfaction. Which of the following is the
BEST approach to your letter?
a. Start with some facts about what the consultant was supposed to do. Enumerate what
was done incorrectly. End with a pleasant message expressing your appreciation.
b. Start with a statement about your dissatisfaction with the consultant. Continue with a
list of things that the consultant did incorrectly. End with a direct statement about how
worthless the consultant was.
c. Start with some good things that the consultant did. Accentuate the positive and avoid
as much negative information as possible. End pleasantly, saying that you hope you can
do business again in the future.
d. Start with some facts about what the consultant was supposed to do. Mention what
the consultant did well, but also be clear about what the consultant did not do well. End
with a pleasant message expressing the hope that the information you provided will
assist the consulting company.
Answer:
What is the customary way for the writer to sign a memorandum?
a. A handwritten signature below the message
b. Handwritten initials to the right of the sender’s name in the heading
c. Typed name at the end of the document
d. No signing necessary
Answer:
Which of the following sentences uses a word incorrectly?
a. Exactly how will the change effect us?
b. I consider the remark a compliment.
c. He should cite the source for the information.
d. The storm is losing its forward speed.
Answer:
Which of the following is the MOST accurate statement concerning the use of primary
and secondary research methods?
a. Secondary research helps to establish a starting point for primary research.
b. A researcher typically chooses between secondary and primary research as the
appropriate alternative for obtaining information for the particular problem.
c. Primary research refers to the predominant research method selected for a study, with
secondary research available as an option, if needed.
d. Secondary research includes observation, experimentation, and normative surveys.
Answer:
Data integrity refers to which of the following advantages of databases?
a. The ability to organize large amounts of data
b. The assurance that data will be accurate and complete
c. The assurance that the data are secure because access to a database is controlled
through several built-in data security features
d. The assurance that data can be transmitted quickly and efficiently over long distances
Answer:
Which of the following is NOT a weakness in data interpretation?
a. Inferring that results of one study are true for all groups.
b. Assuming constancy of human behavior and attitudes.
c. Trying to make results conform to a prediction.
d. All are weaknesses.
Answer:
In the formal memorandum format, the writer signs his or her name below the typed
message.
Answer:
Selection of the deductive or inductive method of organizing business messages
depends on the probable reaction of the receiver to the message.
Answer:
GE and other companies on the “most admired” list attract far more applicants than they
need.
Answer:
What is the difference between a citation and a reference? Why are both important to
proper documentation in a report?
Answer:
The following sentence is correctly punctuated: The mens’ clothing department has
been expanded.
Answer:
Slow, deliberative writing is recommended when drafting a business message.
Answer:
A manager who constantly emphasizes punctuality to subordinates arrives late to
meetings. The nonverbal message will be more strongly believed by the subordinates.
Answer:
In spite of its poor reputation, the grapevine is in reality no more or less accurate than
other channels.
Answer:
An ethnocentrist is a person who refuses to develop sensitivity to other cultures.
Answer:
You must develop a persuasive sales message about your company’s new universal
remote for use with personal media centers. Develop a list of specific questions that you
need answers to before you can write this message.
Answer:
Sierra is planning a presentation on teamwork. An important part of planning this
presentation should be for her to determine what she wants to accomplish during this
presentation.
Answer:
In the sentence “Even though your work was late, we completed the project on time,”
the negative information is in a de-emphasized position.
Answer:
Kelly, who is on Team A, constantly complains and criticizes her team members; she is
playing the role of detractor.
Answer:
While research has not determined the optimal number of members for effective group
work, an odd number offers some advantage.
Answer:
An appendix contains supplementary information that supports the report but is not
appropriate for inclusion in the report itself.
Answer:
Email and instant messaging are common ways to communicate informally in an
organization. How could cultural differences influence the effectiveness of electronic
channels? In what ways could management help employees avoid potential
communication problems?
Answer:
The writer’s business title may be typed following or on the line below the writer’s
typed name.
Answer: