Interview Ace Exam Document
Interview Ace Exam
Career Readiness Assessment
NAME:
DATE:
Part I: Multiple Choice
Circle the best response
1. Which is the most important first step in interview prep?
ABuying a new outfit
BResearching the company mission
CMemorizing generic answers
DAsking about salary immediately
2. In the "STAR" method, what does the "A" stand for?
AAchievement
BAspiration
CAction
DAptitude
3. How should you answer "What is your greatest weakness?"
AState you have no weaknesses
BShare a "hidden strength"
CMention a real weakness and your improvement plan
DList several critical flaws
Part II: True or False
Write 'T' or 'F' in the box
1. Professionalism means arriving exactly at the scheduled time.
2. Non-verbal communication is as important as verbal answers.
3. Bring physical resumes to in-person interviews.
4. Guessing technical answers is better than admitting you don't know.
5. Virtual interviews require the same professional dress as in-person.
4. At the end of an interview, what should you do when asked for questions?
ASay you have no questions
BAsk prepared, thoughtful questions
CAsk only about vacation time
DAsk about the interviewer's salary
5. How soon should you send a "Thank You" note after an interview?
AImmediately
BWithin 24 hours
COne week later
DOnly if you think you failed
Part III: Fill in the Blank
1. A 30-60 second skills summary is an _________________________ pitch.
2. _________________________ questions ask you to describe past situations.
3. Researching the _________________________ statement reveals core company values.
4. Interview attire is typically Business _________________________ or Business Casual.
5. Follow up with a _________________________ note to show professionalism.
Part IV: Short Answer
1. Why should you "tailor" your resume and answers to a specific job description?
2. Choose one non-verbal cue (e.g. eye contact, posture) and describe its impact.
3. Draft a 2-3 sentence question for the interviewer that shows company research.
End of Interview Ace Exam
Interview Ace Answer Key Document
Answer Key
Interview Ace Exam — Instructor Version
Total Points
100
Part I: Multiple Choice (5 pts each)
B — Research is the foundation of prep.
C — Action (STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result).
C — Real weakness with an improvement plan.
B — Ask thoughtful questions to show interest.
B — Within 24 hours.
Part II: True/False (5 pts each)
F
1. Arrive 10-15 mins early, not exactly on time.
T
2. Non-verbal communication is critical.
T
3. Always bring physical resume copies.
F
4. Admit unknowns; don't guess technical info.
T
5. Virtual interviews require professional dress.
Part III: Fill in the Blank (5 pts each)
1. Answer: Elevator
2. Answer: Behavioral
3. Answer: Mission
4. Answer: Professional
5. Answer: Thank You
Part IV: Short Answer Rubrics
1. Tailoring (10 PTS)
- Alignment with company values/needs.
- Keyword optimization for ATS.
- Shows research/interest vs. generic application.
2. Non-Verbal Impact (10 PTS)
- Correct identification of a cue (eye contact, etc.).
- Explains link between cue and perceived trait (honesty, confidence).
3. Sample Question (5 PTS)
"I saw your recent expansion into sustainability; how will this role support those green initiatives?"
Interview Ace Grading Guide Document
Grading Guide
Interview Ace Assessment
Weighting
Core Exam
Scoring Overview
Objective Sections (Parts I-III) 75 pts
Short Answer (Part IV) 25 pts
Total Points Possible 100 pts
Philosophy
Prioritize professional tone and specificity. Correct technical answers in slang or casual language should receive partial credit.
Objective Grading (Parts I-III)
| Section | Points | Notes |
|---|
| Multiple Choice | 5 pts/item | All or nothing. |
| True or False | 5 pts/item | All or nothing. |
| Fill in the Blank | 5 pts/item | Accept minor spelling errors. |
Part IV: Holistic Scoring Rubric
Exemplary (Full Pts)
- Addresses all prompt layers.
- Professional vocabulary (e.g., rapport, alignment).
- Specific evidence provided.
Proficient (75%)
- Addresses core concept.
- Professional tone present but inconsistent.
- Reasoning is generalized.
Emerging (≤50%)
- Misunderstood concept.
- Uses informal slang.
- Lacks supporting details.
Part IV Look-Fors & Grade Conversions
Q1: Tailoring (10 pts)
Student should link research to showing value and passing screening software.
Strong
"Tailoring proves I've researched their needs and ensures keywords match their requirements."
Weak
"It's good to change it so they know you really want the job."
Q2: Non-Verbal (10 pts)
Look for connection between physical cue and professional perception.
Strong
"Eye contact signals confidence and honesty, helping build rapport with the interviewer."
Weak
"Good handshakes are cool because first impressions matter a lot."
Q3: Research Question (5 pts)
Should be open-ended and mention a specific company fact/initiative.
Example: "I saw you recently expanded into community outreach; how does this team participate in those schools?"
Feedback Bank
Strengths
"Excellent use of professional terminology; very prepared."