Answers to Chapter Review Questions
1. In this digital age, what is the primary route to finding a job? (Obj. 1)
Although digital tools are increasingly significant, person-to-person networking and referrals
2. When preparing to search for a job, what should you do before writing a résumé?
(Obj. 1)
3. List eight ways you can explore career opportunities while still in college. Obj. 1)
a. Visit your campus career center.
b. Search the Web.
4. What are the current trends in sources of new jobs? Which sources are trending upward
and which are trending downward? (Obj. 2)
Networking continues to be the primary source of new jobs (46 percent), but Internet job
5. Although one may not actually find a job on the Internet, how can the big job boards be
helpful to job hunters? (Obj. 2)
The big job boards can serve as a jumping-off point in most searches. They help candidates
6. What is the hidden job market, and how can candidates find jobs in it? (Obj. 3)
The hidden job market consists of jobs that are never advertised. Candidates can explore the
7. In searching for a job, how can you build a personal brand, and why is it important to
do so? (Obj. 3)
Personal branding involves developing your unique selling points. If you seek a job, you need
8. What is a customized résumé, and why should you have one? (Obj. 3)
A customized résumé is one that is prepared to respond to a specific job opening or to meet
the needs of a targeted organization. It is written for one application. A customized résumé is
9. How do chronological and functional résumés differ, and what are the advantages and
disadvantages of each? (Obj. 4)
A chronological résumé lists a candidate’s work history in the order of jobs, starting with the
most recent. A chronological résumé is advantageous because recruiters prefer this format.
They expect to see it, and it makes their jobs easier. Chronological résumés are easier to write
10. Describe a summary of qualifications, and explain why it is increasingly popular on
résumés. (Obj. 4)
A summary of qualifications provides a list of your most impressive accomplishments. It is
11. What is an ATS, and how does it affect the way you prepare a résumé? (Obj. 5)
An applicant tracking system (ATS) consists of computer-based software that helps
businesses post openings, screen résumés, rank candidates, and generate interview requests.
12. How can you maximize the keyword hits in your résumé? What three categories are
most important? (Obj. 5)
To maximize hits, you must include specific keywords or keyword phrases that match the
13. What is an e-portfolio? How can having one benefit you? (Obj. 5)
An e-portfolio is a collection of digital files that can be navigated with the help of menus
and hyperlinks much like a personal website. An e-portfolio provides viewers with a
snapshot of your performance, talents, and accomplishments and may include a copy of
E-portfolios have many advantages. On websites they can be viewed at an employer’s
14. What are the three parts of a cover message, and what is contained in each part?
(Obj. 6)
A cover message includes (a) an opening that captures attention, introduces the message,
15. Why is it important to include a cover message with all résumés you send, even if you
send them by e-mail? (Obj. 6)
A résumé that arrives without a cover message makes the receiver wonder what it is and
Answers to Critical Thinking Questions
1. How has job searching for candidates and job placement for hiring managers changed
in the digital age? In your opinion, have the changes had a positive or a negative effect?
Why? (Obj. 1)
Job searching and hiring for candidates and hiring managers have changed dramatically in
the digital age. In the distant past, candidates checked classified ads primarily in newspapers
in their local areas. They prepared beautiful print copies of their résumés and sent them out
2. The authors of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters claim that every year 50 million
U.S. jobs are filled, almost all without a job posting. Why do you think businesses avoid
advertising job openings? If jobs are unlisted, how can a candidate locate them?
(Obj. 3)
Jobs that are unlisted often develop in one of three ways: (a) a growing company creates a
new job; (b) an employee quits leaving an open position; or (c) an employee is fired from an
existing job. Companies avoid advertising because doing so brings a flood of applications,
3. Some employment authors claim that the paper résumé is dead or dying. What’s behind
this assertion, and how should current job candidates respond? (Obj. 4)
In this digital age, the résumé is evolving, but the paper résumé is not disappearing. Although
applicants may not send their résumés by U.S. mail, the “job search is not going paperless,”
says Wall Street Journal online columnist Rachel L. Ensign [Is the paper résumé dead? 2012,
4. Why might it be more effective to apply for unsolicited jobs than for advertised jobs?
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of letters that “prospect” for jobs. (Obj. 6)
The advantage of unsolicited prospect letters is that the competition is reduced. Many people
5. Ethical Issue: After many months of job searching, recent grad Marcy finally found a
job. On her résumé, she fudged a little by boosting her grade point average and by
claiming an internship that she applied for but didn’t actually get. These small white
lies were absolutely necessary, she reasoned, in such a competitive and tough job
market. She felt that she needed extra ammunition in her battle to edge out other job
hunters. She breezed through the interview with no problems. Is Marcy justified in her
actions, and is she home free now that she has been hired?
Lying is never acceptable, regardless of how one rationalizes it. Although candidates may
feel justified in inflating their qualifications because of stiff competition, it still comes down
ZOOMING IN
Stepping Out of the Classroom and Into a Career
What do you know about the hidden job market, and how does networking help a new
grad find a job in this elusive market?
Most students know that not all available jobs are advertised or posted at websites. Many
jobs are filled in house, through employee referrals, or from an existing talent pool. Some
jobs are even created when employers discover a promising candidate. The hidden job
How can professional networking tools such as LinkedIn help job seekers get a foot in
the door of a favorite company?
Professional networking sites such as LinkedIn provide job seekers with updated news about
job openings. Candidates can also learn about an organization by examining what it posts
How many résumés should a recent grad prepare? What format is preferable?
This chapter presents many kinds of résumés, but students should begin with one basic
résumé that can be customized to fit each targeted position. This means changing the career
ZOOMING IN
Your Turn: Applying Your Skills
To: Heather Huhman <hhuhman@xxx.xxx>
From: Student Name
Subject: Ideas for Article Aimed at First-Time Job Seekers
As you requested, I have consulted friends, fellow students, and contacts in my social
Job Search Prior to Graduation
In general, most soon-to-graduate students realize the importance of thinking about the job
search and their résumés before they graduate. They realize that doing so gives them an
Benefits of Networking
Students also understand the importance of networking. They agree that knowing someone in an
organization helps them gain access. I spoke to recent graduates who have learned that if
Professional Networking Sites
Many students seem to be unaware of the benefits of professional networking sites such as
LinkedIn. They are more conversant with social media sites such as Facebook. The people I
I hope this feedback provides you with information that will help with your article. Please let me
Ethics Check Solutions
Ethics Check, Page 521
Are Phantom Job Listings Ethical?
Some jobs are advertised even when a leading candidate has the position nailed down. The
candidate could be an internal applicant or someone else with an inside track. Although not
required by law, management policies and human resources departments at many
companies demand that hiring managers list all openings on job boards or career sites.
Often, hiring managers have already selected candidates for these “phantom” jobs. Is it
ethical to advertise jobs that are not really available?
From a job candidate’s view, it seems reasonable and fair that all jobs be advertised. From a
company’s view, such a requirement seems unnecessary, restrictive, and unproductive. Human
resources specialists point out that advertising jobs results in a broader, richer pool of applicants
Ethics Check, Page 576
Cover Message Bloopers
Advice columns and Internet blogs are teeming with cover letter bloopers. Downright lies
aside, some candidates simply need a lesson in selling: P.S. I haven’t taken a sick day in
years; I don’t get sick. Or consider this candid job board posting: I have a lot of customer
service experience, but I am willing to do just about anything. I am in a lot of debt and need a
good solid job to help me get out of it. After reading this chapter, what advice would you give
such job seekers?
The first example is meant to be reassuring to the recruiter, but in reality only the youthful
assumption that good health is a guaranteed commodity seems noteworthy. The best advice, of
Photo Essay Solution
Photo Essay, Page 552
As the researchers discovered, Facebook can generate useful leads and promote feelings of
optimism for job seekers. Online networking can help develop referrals, and referrals can