Ultimate Job Hunting Quiz

Estimated Completion Time
2 min
Ultimate Job Hunting Quiz
Image: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

About This Quiz

OK, we admit that this quiz could be a little depressing -- things aren't fun out there for job hunters these days. You might learn something that helps you get a leg up on all the other job seekers out there.
What's generally considered the best way to find a job?
networking
Internet career search engines
newspaper ads
informational interviewing
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Any career expert, human resources professional or former job seeker will probably tell you that networking is the way to go.

What percentage of jobs are filled through informal methods like networking?
40
50
60
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sixty percent or more of job seekers find a job through networking.

An article in the Wall Street Journal found that this percentage of successful job hunters had been helped by networking.
63
78
94
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A whopping 94 percent said they had found their jobs -- either directly or indirectly -- through networking.

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If you want to rake in big bucks after graduation, what's the best college major to pick?
marketing
computer sciences
pre-med
information sciences and systems
engineering
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, eight out of the 10 best-paid majors are in engineering. Petroleum engineering tops the list, if you're wondering.

In any given pile of resumes from a job posting, what percentage make the cut?
5
20
45
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Only 5 percent of 'cold' resumes make it to the next level. Yikes.

About how long does it take an employer to pass judgment on a resume?
5 to 12 seconds
23 to 35 seconds
30 seconds to a minute
one minute
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Chances are, a potential employer will glance at your resume for 5 to 12 seconds.

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Is it acceptable to announce on sites like LinkedIn and Facebook that you're looking for a job?
yes
no
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Sure -- go ahead. In years past, it might have looked a little desperate, but today's human resources experts say that in this economy, do whatever you can.

These days, resumes are often scanned and added to a database. What's something you need to keep in mind in case your resume is scanned?
resume length
keywords
reverse chronological order
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Keywords are very important. It's helpful to spruce up your resume with some of the language from the job ad or the company's Web site.

Can an interviewer ask you about your religion?
yes
no
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No. The company could get into some shady legal areas if it starts asking candidates about religion.

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What about if you're a U.S. citizen?
yes
no
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

According to HRWorld.com, this is also a 'hands-off' question.

True or fase: It's a good idea to send your resume to as many people as possible at a company where you want to work.
true
false
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

False. Sending out multiple resumes might seem like a good way to cover all your bases, but it's best to focus on one contact so you don't waste everyone's time.

True or false: Resumes should be one page. Period.
true
false
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You've probably talked to plenty of people who faithfully subscribe to the one-page theory, but there's really no set rule. Two is usually fine, and even three if you have extensive experience -- just make sure the information is well-organized and relevant.

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True or false: You should keep graduation dates on your resume.
true
false
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Many people try to hide their age by omitting graduation dates, but the company is going to check up on you anyway, so just leave the dates in.

True or false: You should have a section on your resume that lists all the technology and computer programs you're familiar with.
true
false
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Yes, you should play up your technical skills, especially if there are programs and services specific to your field.

According to the Department of Labor, about how many unemployed workers were there for every open job in January 2010?
2
5
7
9
10
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For every job opening, there were 5.4 unemployed workers seeking work.

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Before the recession, how many unemployed job hunters were there for every open job?
1
2
3
4
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Two-to-one is the average figure for 'normal' times.

We all know that the unemployment rate has soared since the recession started in September 2008, but this job category has also surged.
consultant
self-employed
part-time
involuntary part-time
night-shift
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Involuntary part time' refers to people who would like a full-time job but are piecing together part-time shifts to make ends meet.

As of October 2009, what was the average full-time workweek in the private sector?
33 hours
35 hours
37 hours
39 hours
41 hours
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The average workweek was 33 hours, the lowest since the government began keeping track in the 1960s.

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What percentage of employers will check your credit history before they make a job offer?
23
47
78
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Forty-seven percent will run a credit check, which is up from 25 percent in 1998. Thanks again, recession.

Can potential employers see your actual credit score?
yes
no
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

No -- they get a report, which shows credit history and debt, but not the actual score.

You Got:
/20
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