Critical Thinking Questions
1. “Building a network of contacts to find jobs seems selfish. It involves acquiring friendships
just to use them for one’s personal benefit.” Discuss this view. (LO1)
This argument can be supported, for one can “use” people in building a network of contacts. A
2. Do employers who offer unpaid internships take unfair advantage of students’ knowledge
and skills? Under what circumstances might it be a good idea to take an unpaid internship?
When might it not be a good idea? (LO1)
The argument that some employers who offer unpaid internships take advantage of students can
be supported. Some less ethical organizations will justify hiring students for free labor under the
3. Maryann Brennan followed a broad program of study in college and received a degree in
general management.
She did her best work in English, especially in the writing courses. She also did well in
history, managerial leadership, organizational behavior, and psychology. As much as she
could, she avoided math and computer courses.
Her overall grade point average of 3.7 (4.0 basis) placed her in the top 10 percent of her
class. What advice would you give her as she begins her search for a career job? (LO1, LO2,
LO3, LO4 , LO5)
Although she has serious limitations in today’s job market, Maryann has marketable skills.
Especially marketable are her writing skills. She also has a broad liberal background and a good
4. Discuss the value of each of the sources for finding jobs (a) before an internship, (b) right
after graduation, and (c) after 20 years of work in a specialty. (LO1, LO2, LO3)
A university career center would be a very good source before an internship or right after
graduation. In most cases, after 20 years, it would not. However, some universities are beginning
to initiate services for their alumni.
Online databases are useful before internships, immediately after graduation and after working 20
years. They can be searched to filter the most appropriate jobs in one’s area of interest and
pages were best used by those in technical fields, but as the tools for creating webpages get easier
to use, a wider variety of job seekers are using them.
Prospecting can be productive for a college student seeking an internship or a first job. The
5. Assume that, in an interview for the job you want, you are asked the questions listed in the
text under the heading “Anticipating Questions and Preparing Answers” in the text. Answer
these questions. (LO6)
As the answers to these questions will vary widely, you must evaluate each answer on its merits,
6. The most popular arrangement of résumé information is the three-part grouping:
education, experience, and personal details. Describe two other arrangements. When would
each be used? (LO4)
Functional or skills. This plan involves identifying the major functions or skills needed for the
job one is seeking and explaining the experience you have in that area. This form emphasizes
Accomplishments/Achievements. The accomplishments plan presents a picture of one as a
7. Distinguish between the print résumé and the electronic résumé. When would each be most
appropriate? (LO4)
The print resume is used in situations where one is face-to-face with an employer or when one is
applying by mail. The traditional and scannable print resumes differ in format, noun and verb
The electronic format is used in situations where one transmits application documents
8. What is meant by parallelism of headings? (LO4)
Headings are parallel in structure when they are worded in the same grammatical form. That is,
9. Describe the cover message and résumé you would write (a) immediately after graduation,
(b) 10 years later, and (c) 25 years later. Point out similarities and differences, and defend
your decisions. (LO2, LO4, LO5)
Each student’s description should emphasize the changing emphasis in content over time. Soon
10. What differences would you suggest in writing cover messages for jobs in (a) accounting, (b)
banking, (c) advertising copy writing, (d) management, (e) sales, (f) consulting, and (g)
information systems? (LO5)
The students’ analyses will differ with perceptions of the work to be done. But generally their
answers should reflect these job characteristics:
11. Discuss the appropriateness of beginning a cover message with these words: “This is to
apply for . . .” and “I would like to. . . . ” (LO5)
Such beginnings are dull and unimaginative. They belong to the stereotyped beginnings that
12. “In writing cover messages, just present the facts clearly and without analysis and
interpretation. The facts alone will tell the employer whether he or she wants you.” Discuss
this viewpoint. (LO5)
This is a thought question and may produce various opinions. Some may feel that employers are
sufficiently intelligent to interpret the significance of the facts. Others may feel that
13. When should the drive for action in a cover message (a) request the job, (b) request an
interview, and (c) re- quest a reference check? (LO5)
A request for the job would be most unusual in a first application letter. Perhaps it would be
justified when there has been previous contact between reader and writer (other than writing).
14. Discuss some of the advantages that writing a thank- you note to the interviewer gives the
writer. (LO7)
Some of the things students should be able to bring up include being viewed as courteous and
interested in the position and company. They also get their name before the employer again and in
15. Identify some of the benefits one gains from continuing to read professional journals for job
information after one is employed. (LO8)
Reading ads keeps one abreast of the skills in demand, the locations and pay of jobs in the field,