How to Fill Out a Job Questionnaire
Prospective employers use job questionnaires as a way to narrow down candidates for open positions. As a potential candidate, it is important to do well in order to gain employment. However, you can sometimes be caught off guard when presented with questions that seem to have no significance in determining whether or not you can actually do the job. But each question has a purpose, and once you understand the design of the questionnaire, you'll be able to pass it and possibly get the job.
Instructions
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Instructions
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Become familiar with the two types of questions most commonly used on job questionnaires. Multiple Choice questions can be statements for you to either agree or disagree with, or they can be a mix of situational and behavioral questions regarding your thought process, personality or view of others. True or False questions are usually statements about your personality, behavior or work ethic. The point of both types of questions is to help the employer get to know your true character by asking you a series of tough questions.
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Learn the basics about the purpose of job questionnaires. Realize that the questions are intentionally crafted to yield negative answers from you. If you agree with negative statements on a questionnaire, it is considered a negative answer. Negative answers hurt your chances of being hired. Employers want employees with positive attitudes. Therefore, choose answers that make you seem like a positive addition to the team.
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For Multiple Choice questions, choose the best response from choices similar to these: strongly disagree, disagree, impartial, agree, or strongly agree. Here is where things get tricky. Choosing the impartial response always will be considered the wrong answer, because it implies that you are indecisive or simply do not have an opinion. Employers don't want to hire someone who cannot make clear, concise decisions. Therefore, select "strongly disagree" or "strongly agree."
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Answer True or False questions truthfully but with wisdom. For instance, for "I am always late," your answer should be "False" -- even if it's currently true. Although some would consider this a lie, you'll have the ability to correct this personal flaw before you begin working, which will make your response truthful. Always choose your response based on what you believe an employer is looking for in an employee.
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Tips & Warnings
- Try to relax your mind before you take the test. Get a good night's sleep if possible. It is important to have a refreshed mind so you can be alert to identify the best answers.
- If you are having a hard time determining how to answer a question, ask yourself how you would want an employee to respond. Consider the type of position you are applying for as well as the industry. Also think about the type of people you will encounter -- coworkers and customers alike.
- If you're taking the questionnaire using a computer, try to answer the questions quickly as some systems monitor how long it takes you to respond to each question. If you take too long to answer, it counts negatively against your overall score.
- Identify the terms before you begin the test. Some questionnaires will offer the option to begin the test, save your responses, and resume the test at a later date. If you find a questionnaire does not offer this option, schedule an hour of uninterrupted time to take the questionnaire so you won't feel rushed.
- Never begin the test without thoroughly reading and understanding all instructions.
- Beware of rephrased questions. This is a trick used to make you contradict yourself. These questions are basically the same questions worded in a different way. Usually, they are not asked back-to-back but are instead staggered throughout the test. Try to remember how you answered similar questions, so you'll be consistent with your answers.
References
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