CESP Interview Preparation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'informational interviewing' mean in the context of employment support?
- Practicing answers to common interview questions
- Meeting with a professional to gather career information rather than seek a job (Correct answer)
- Interviewing multiple employers simultaneously to compare offers
- Conducting background checks on potential employers
Correct answer: Meeting with a professional to gather career information rather than seek a job
Informational interviewing involves meeting with professionals to learn about a career field, building network connections and industry knowledge.
Question 2: A job seeker uses AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) technology. What should the employment specialist do to prepare for the interview?
- Advise the job seeker to leave the device at home to avoid drawing attention
- Contact the employer ahead of time to explain the communication method and allow extra time (Correct answer)
- Speak on behalf of the job seeker throughout the entire interview
- Suggest the job seeker apply only to remote positions
Correct answer: Contact the employer ahead of time to explain the communication method and allow extra time
Proactively informing the employer and requesting extra time ensures the interview is accessible and sets realistic expectations.
Question 3: Which question is legally permissible for an employer to ask during a job interview in the United States?
- Do you have any disabilities that would prevent you from doing this job?
- Are you a U.S. citizen or do you have authorization to work in the U.S.? (Correct answer)
- What religion do you practice?
- Do you plan to have children in the next few years?
Correct answer: Are you a U.S. citizen or do you have authorization to work in the U.S.?
Employers are legally permitted to ask whether a candidate is authorized to work in the U.S. under immigration law.
Question 4: What is the most effective way to help a job seeker prepare to answer the common interview question 'What is your greatest weakness?'
- Coach them to say they have no weaknesses
- Help them identify a real, minor weakness and describe steps they take to address it (Correct answer)
- Suggest they deflect by listing only strengths
- Advise them to blame past employers for their weaknesses
Correct answer: Help them identify a real, minor weakness and describe steps they take to address it
Identifying a genuine, manageable weakness paired with improvement strategies demonstrates self-awareness and growth mindset to employers.
Question 5: An employment specialist accompanies a job seeker to an interview as a job coach. What is the appropriate role during the interview itself?
- Answer questions on behalf of the job seeker when they struggle
- Sit in an unobtrusive location and intervene only if absolutely necessary (Correct answer)
- Actively prompt the job seeker after each question
- Negotiate salary and benefits with the employer during the interview
Correct answer: Sit in an unobtrusive location and intervene only if absolutely necessary
The job coach should be minimally intrusive, allowing the job seeker to demonstrate their abilities while remaining available if needed.
Question 6: Which type of question should employment specialists use MOST when conducting mock interview practice to build generalization?
- The exact same questions used in the real interview
- Varied open-ended questions similar to what might be asked (Correct answer)
- Yes/no questions only to reduce anxiety
- Questions exclusively about the job seeker's hobbies and interests
Correct answer: Varied open-ended questions similar to what might be asked
Varied open-ended practice questions build flexible response skills that transfer to unpredictable real interview situations.
Question 7: What should a job seeker be coached to do in the final minutes of an interview when asked 'Do you have any questions for us?'
- Say 'No, you've covered everything' to show respect for the employer's time
- Ask about salary and benefits immediately
- Ask one or two thoughtful questions that show research and genuine interest in the role (Correct answer)
- Ask when they can expect a job offer
Correct answer: Ask one or two thoughtful questions that show research and genuine interest in the role
Asking prepared, thoughtful questions demonstrates genuine interest and initiative while showing the job seeker has researched the company.
CESP Interview Preparation 3
What does 'informational interviewing' mean in the context of employment support?