Management+Savvy+Quiz+Answers

Quiz Answers: //Takeaway:// Because the views on unusual job-hunting strategies are mixed, think carefully before straying from conventional tactics. Learn as much as possible about the firm and the hiring manager to gain a sense of how much the organization values originality versus tradition. If you decide to try a novel approach, remember that it often works best if it underscores your unique skill set and is consistent with your other self-promotional materials. //Takeaway:// Even professionals who are a good fit for a particular work environment may find it difficult to adapt to a new company's culture. Some distinctions are subtle, so pay careful attention to things such as how and when people communicate, and try to emulate their predominant style. //Takeaway:// Since it's not uncommon for employees to make coworkers look bad on the job, it's important to be prepared to deal with this situation. Being able to handle challenging or difficult coworkers – and maintaining healthy coworker relationships – is crucial for career success, particularly in environments that require a lot of collaboration. //Takeaway:// For young professionals, especially, it can be helpful to consult a mentor – or someone who has been with the company for a while – for advice. This person likely experienced his fair share of "problem employees" and may know how best to handle the situation in the given environment. //Takeaway:// In the creative field, surfing non-work sites may be considered part of the job, because it allows professionals to keep up with trends and seek new sources of inspiration. Employees should exercise caution, however, when using the Internet at work. It's never OK to visit inappropriate sites or browse excessively. Many companies have monitoring programs in place to prevent people from misusing the Web. //Takeaway:// Gossip occurs in every workplace, but in times of economic uncertainty rumors can become more prevalent and negative in tone. Employees may speculate about changes within their firms, and staff members who question their job security might spread rumors about coworkers with whom they feel competitive. Knowing how to respond to and deal with office gossip in a professional matter is crucial for career success. //Takeaway:// Networking sites are a useful resource for identifying new career opportunities, creating online profiles that highlight your skills and experience, and building a roster of business contacts over time. However, tried-and-true methods – such as networking at industry events, submitting well-written resumes and cover letters, and diligently following up with hiring managers – are still essential to landing the ideal job. Combining personal and online networking offers the best of both worlds. //Takeaway:// While employers and job applicants don't have to agree on a final figure right away, general salary requirements should be discussed early in the hiring process to avoid surprises later on. When inquiring about salary for the first time, job seekers should make sure they've made clear how their skills and experience will benefit the employer and be prepared to hear a broad range. Employers want to get a sense of a candidate's qualifications and fit for the position before extending a formal offer. //Takeaway:// More job seekers today know the value of uncovering beyond-the-basics knowledge of a firm to identify specific ways they can contribute to the organization's success. If you aren't doing so already, use your cover letter and resume to show you've done your homework and how your specific skills and experience can benefit the firm. Doing so will help you stand out from your competition and get you one step closer to an interview – and the job. //Takeaway:// In addition to serving as a "catch-up" day after the weekend, Monday is a day when many regularly scheduled meetings occur, which can decrease the time available to complete tasks. Tuesday, on the other hand, is the best opportunity to focus your efforts and establish momentum for the rest of the week. See the questions
 * 1) **d.** More than half (52 percent) of marketing executives and one-quarter (26 percent) of advertising executives said they view unusual job-hunting tactics as unprofessional.
 * 1) **b.** About four in 10 (42 percent) advertising and marketing executives said acclimating to a firm's corporate culture poses the greatest challenge for professionals starting a new job in the creative field. Learning new business protocols ranked second, with 30 percent of the response.
 * 1) **d.** Half (50 percent) of advertising and marketing executives said a colleague has tried to make them look bad on the job.
 * 1) **a.** Seven out of 10 executives said the best response when a colleague tries to make you look bad on the job is to confront the person directly.
 * 1) **c.** More than half (57 percent) of advertising and marketing executives said it's OK for employees to visit non-work related websites during business hours. When asked the maximum amount of time that should be permissible each day, the mean response was 32 minutes.
 * 1) **d.** Sixty-three percent of advertising and marketing executives said office gossip has a negative effect on the workplace; 25 percent said it has a very negative effect.
 * 1) **c.** Nearly two-thirds (62 percent) of executives believe professional networking websites will prove useful in the search for job candidates in the next three years. Further, 35 percent of respondents cited social networking sites – such as Facebook – as a recruiting resource they plan to tap.
 * 1) **b.** More than half (56 percent) of executives said they are comfortable with applicants asking about compensation and benefits in the first or second interview. In fact, two-thirds of executives said they most commonly discuss the subject by the second interview.
 * 1) **c.** Forty-four percent of executives said applicants use their cover letter to show they've researched the job, up from 37 percent in a 1997 survey on the same topic.
 * 1) **b.** Fifty-seven percent of executives said Tuesday is the most productive day of the week for employees. Monday was the second most popular answer, with 12 percent of the response.