1.
You work for a carpet cleaning company. Your cleaning team is scheduled to clean the carpets of a large office building. As you are loading equipment into the company van, you accidentally break the wheel off of one of the shampooer machines. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tell the supervisor that another employee broke the wheel.
D. Explain the accident to your supervisor and ask how to proceed.
Explanation
The BEST response is to explain the accident to your supervisor and ask how to proceed. This shows accountability and a willingness to find a solution. Blaming another employee may lead to mistrust and damage team dynamics. The WORST response is to complain to your co-workers about the quality of the machine. This is unprofessional and does not address the issue at hand.
2.
You work at an auto repair shop. A customer wants to buy a tire and explains which type he wants. When you check your inventory, you discover that your shop doesn’t have that type of tire in stock. You explain to the customer that the tire is out of stock, but you can order it for him. The customer gets angry and complains that your store never has the parts he needs for his car, and he always has to wait while the parts are on special order. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Apologize for the inconvenience and offer the customer and approved discount for special orders.
D. Tell the customer that if he is unhappy with your shop, he should take his business elsewhere.
Explanation
The best response is to apologize for the inconvenience and offer the customer an approved discount for special orders. This shows empathy towards the customer's frustration and offers a solution to meet their needs. It also demonstrates good customer service by acknowledging the inconvenience caused and providing a potential resolution. On the other hand, telling the customer to take his business elsewhere is the worst response as it is dismissive and unprofessional. It does not address the customer's concerns or attempt to resolve the issue, potentially causing further dissatisfaction.
3.
The factory where you work implemented a new policy that requires all employees in your work area to wear safety goggles. This morning the safety manager informed all employees that there are boxes of safety goggles in the three supply rooms. Before your shift begins, you go to one of the supply rooms to get goggles. You search all the shelves and find that there are no safety goggles left. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Don't wear eye protection, and be extra careful in your work area.
D. Check the other supply rooms for safety goggles.
Explanation
The best response in this situation is to check the other supply rooms for safety goggles. This shows initiative and problem-solving skills by actively seeking a solution to the problem. On the other hand, the worst response would be to not wear eye protection and be extra careful in the work area. This is a risky and irresponsible choice that goes against the safety policy implemented by the factory. It is important to prioritize safety and follow the guidelines set by the company.
4.
You work as an assistant manager at a toy store. Several employees express to you that they are not able to work enough hours because other employees sign up for more shifts than they should. You decide that you need to make a schedule to balance employee’s work hours. When you post the schedule, an employee is surprised to see that some of her hours have been cut, and she asks for them back. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Explain why you made the schedule and offer the employee the option of filling in for employees who need to miss a shift.
D. Give the employee more hours by taking away another employee's hours.
Explanation
The best response is to explain why the schedule was made and offer the employee the option of filling in for employees who need to miss a shift. This shows that the manager has considered the employee's request and is willing to find a solution that benefits both the employee and the store. It also promotes teamwork and cooperation among the employees. On the other hand, giving the employee more hours by taking away another employee's hours is the worst response as it creates a negative and unfair work environment, potentially causing conflicts among the employees.
5.
You have been working as a postal service clerk for three months. You do not like being inside all day, so you decide you would rather be a mail carrier. You take the mail carrier test and do very well. Now you plan to continue working as a clerk until a mail carrier position becomes available at the post office where you work. What is the next step in this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Check the job postings for a mail carrier position.
C. Begin work as a mail carrier.
Explanation
The best response in this situation would be to check the job postings for a mail carrier position. This step is important because it allows the individual to stay updated on any available mail carrier positions and apply for them when they become available. Beginning work as a mail carrier would be the next step after successfully securing a position. However, accepting a position as a mail carrier without checking the job postings first may not be the best approach as it could potentially limit future opportunities for advancement or better positions within the post office.
6.
You work as a cashier at a large supermarket. It is a busy time of the day, and there are five customers in your checkout line. As you are ringing up the first customer, the receipt printer runs out of paper. You look around your counter for an extra paper roll, but there isn’t one. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Close your register and direct the customers to other check out lines.
C. Explain that you need to refill the printer, and quickly get a spare paper roll from another counter.
Explanation
The best response would be to explain to the customers that you need to refill the printer and quickly get a spare paper roll from another counter. This shows proactive problem-solving and ensures that the customers can still receive their receipts. Closing the register and directing customers to other checkout lines may cause inconvenience and frustration for both the customers and the other cashiers. Writing out receipts by hand until a manager can get another paper roll is a time-consuming solution that may cause delays and further inconvenience.
7.
You work at a deli located near a big university. Your manager has posted a sign that says "Every Wednesday: 50% Discount for Students with Valid ID Card.” One afternoon a customer comes in and orders a sandwich. When you are ringing up the order, she asks for a student discount. You ask to see her ID. She says she never shows her ID card when she buys a sandwich. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Calmly explain the policy and pint out the sign.
C. Tell the customer not to come back to the deli again.
Explanation
The best response is to calmly explain the policy and point out the sign because it allows the customer to understand the requirements for the discount and provides them with an opportunity to comply. This response maintains good customer service and ensures that the deli's policy is upheld. On the other hand, telling the customer not to come back to the deli again is the worst response as it is rude and unprofessional. It does not address the issue at hand and may result in the loss of a potential customer.
8.
Your company just relocated to a new building, and you have a new cubicle. You are happy because this workspace has a window and a new desk. However, the cubicle walls are thinner than the ones in the old building, and you can hear everything that is going on around you. One of your managers has the office closest to your workspace. He always has his door open, and he talks loudly whenever he makes a phone call. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Slam your manager's door shut whenever he is being loud.
C. Kindly ask your manager to close his door when he makes a call.
Explanation
The best response in this situation would be to kindly ask your manager to close his door when he makes a call. This approach is respectful and addresses the issue directly with the person causing the noise. It shows professionalism and a willingness to find a solution. Slamming your manager's door shut whenever he is being loud is the worst response as it is confrontational and disrespectful. It could create tension and damage your professional relationship.
9.
You are a scheduling assistant at a doctor’s office. Part of your job is to call each patient two days before an appointment to confirm it. When you make these calls, you also explain that patients will be charged a $25 rescheduling fee if they fail to give notice 24 hours before canceling an appointment. Today a patient calls and says she is frustrated because there is a $25 rescheduling fee on her bill even though she rescheduled two days before her appointment. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Apologize for error and tell the patient that you will correct the charges her bill.
B. Inform the patient that there is nothing you can do and hang up the pHone.
Explanation
The best response is to apologize for the error and assure the patient that the charges on her bill will be corrected. This shows empathy and a willingness to resolve the issue. On the other hand, the worst response is to inform the patient that there is nothing you can do and hang up the phone. This is unhelpful and dismissive, which can further frustrate the patient and damage the doctor's office's reputation.
10.
One of the residents at the nursing home where you work has been disrupting the other residents by staying up late watching TV. He must turn up the volume because he has poor hearing, but the noise keeps other residents awake, and they are becoming angry. You know this resident has trouble sleeping and that he finds comfort in watching old shows. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Alternate between nights the resident can watch TV and nights he can't.
C. Allow the resident to watch TV in a community room away from the rooms where the other residents sleep.
Explanation
The best response is to alternate between nights the resident can watch TV and nights he can't. This solution allows the resident to still enjoy watching TV while also considering the needs of the other residents who are being disrupted. It provides a fair compromise that addresses both the resident's comfort and the sleep needs of others. Additionally, allowing the resident to watch TV in a community room away from the rooms where the other residents sleep is also a good solution as it provides a separate space for the resident to watch TV without disturbing others. This option respects the resident's need for comfort while also maintaining a peaceful environment for the other residents.
11.
You are a delivery driver for a restaurant. You are frustrated because you seem to be assigned all the deliveries that are on the outskirts of town. Because you have to drive so far, you make fewer deliveries than other drivers. This means that you also make less money in tips. You have already asked other drivers to leave some of the closer deliveries for you, but they haven’t done so. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Propose that the drivers split the tips equally so that it is in everybody's best interest to make as many deliveries as possible.
C. Speed on your way to make the deliveries so that you can try to make more deliveries.
Explanation
The best response is to propose that the drivers split the tips equally so that it is in everybody's best interest to make as many deliveries as possible. This solution promotes teamwork and fairness among the drivers, as it incentivizes everyone to work together to maximize their earnings. On the other hand, the worst response is to speed on your way to make the deliveries in an attempt to make more deliveries. This behavior is unsafe and could potentially lead to accidents or violations. It is important to prioritize safety and follow traffic rules while delivering.
12.
You work as an office clerk at an accounting firm. Jane, a co-worker with whom you share an office, is sneaking glances of your e-mails over your shoulder. This has been a problem for several weeks. You have already asked her politely to respect your privacy. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
C. Start reading Jane's e-mail over her shoulder.
D. Ask your supervisor if you can move to a different desk.
Explanation
The BEST response is to ask your supervisor if you can move to a different desk. This is a proactive and appropriate way to address the issue and protect your privacy. It shows that you are taking the matter seriously and seeking a solution that benefits both parties.
The WORST response is to start reading Jane's email over her shoulder. This would only escalate the situation and create a hostile work environment. It is important to handle conflicts professionally and avoid engaging in retaliatory behavior.
13.
Choose the BEST and WORST response.
You are close friends with a co-worker who recently had a baby. This co-worker has been sending you e-mails containing attachments with videos and pictures of her new baby. You enjoy hearing about the baby, but you find these e-mails distracting at work, and receiving her attachments sometimes causes your computer to freeze. How should you handle the situation?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Ask your co-worker to send all personal e-mails to your home computer.
D. Ask your co-worker to keep the news about her baby to herself.
Explanation
The best response is to ask your co-worker to send all personal e-mails to your home computer. This solution addresses the issue of the distracting e-mails and attachments without causing any harm or offense to your co-worker. It allows you to still enjoy hearing about the baby, but in a more appropriate setting outside of work. Additionally, asking your co-worker to keep the news about her baby to herself is the worst response as it is insensitive and could damage your relationship with your co-worker.
14.
Kyle has been in meetings all morning. At noon, he finally gets a twenty-minute break before he has to leave work to meet a client at a job site. As he is rushing to the break room to grab his lunch, a new co-worker stops him and explains that she can’t get her new voicemail to work. She asks Kyle for help, but he has no time. How should Kyle handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Wave his hand to indicate that he is in a rush and can't stop to help.
C. Offer to help the co-worker when he returns from the job site.
Explanation
Kyle should handle the situation by indicating that he is in a rush and cannot stop to help the co-worker, as well as offering to help her when he returns from the job site. This is the best response because it acknowledges his current time constraints while still showing willingness to assist in the future. The worst response would be to ignore the co-worker's request for help and not offer any assistance at all.
15.
Holly and Diego work at a factory. They are the first two workers on a complex assembly line. Holly’s job is to arrange materials in their proper places and send them to Diego’s station. Then Diego bolts these parts together and sends them to the next part of the line. Lately, Holly has been arranging the materials so slowly that Diego cannot put as many parts together. Workers at the end of the line are complaining to Diego about the delay. How should Diego handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Yell at Holly to speed things up because her work is slowing down the entire assembly line.
D. Go talk to Holly to ask if there is a problem, and see if she needs help with something.
Explanation
The best response is to go talk to Holly to ask if there is a problem and see if she needs help with something. This approach shows empathy and understanding towards Holly's situation, and allows Diego to address any potential issues or concerns that Holly may have. Yelling at Holly to speed things up would only create a hostile work environment and may not effectively solve the problem.
16.
Your supervisor has asked you to prune and trim all the trees in a large apartment complex. As you are working, another member of your crew seems annoyed because she needs to use the shears to complete a quick task. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Offer to stop for a few minutes so that she can complete her task.
C. Tell her to wait until tomorrow since your job is more important.
Explanation
The BEST response is to offer to stop for a few minutes so that she can complete her task. This shows understanding and willingness to accommodate her needs. On the other hand, the WORST response is to tell her to wait until tomorrow since your job is more important. This displays a lack of empathy and prioritizes one's own task over others, which can create tension and conflict within the team.
17.
The construction company you work for is putting a new roof on a house. Modesto, another worker, has placed the ladder against the house and is getting ready to climb up. You know that somebody should be holding the ladder at the bottom to steady it. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Walk over to the ladder and steady it yourself.
C. Don't do anything and hope that Modesto doesn't hurt himself.
Explanation
The best response is to walk over to the ladder and steady it yourself. This ensures the safety of Modesto and prevents any potential accidents or injuries. On the other hand, the worst response is to not do anything and hope that Modesto doesn't hurt himself. This shows negligence and a lack of concern for the well-being of others, which is not acceptable in a construction environment.
18.
You have just started working as a receptionist at a doctor's office. You need to transfer a phone call to an outside line but don't know how to do this. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tell the patient on the pHone that she will have to call back when the other receptionist is working.
C. Place the patient on hold and quickly ask a co-worker to show you how to transfer the call.
Explanation
The best response is to place the patient on hold and quickly ask a co-worker to show you how to transfer the call. This shows initiative and a willingness to learn, while also ensuring that the patient's call is not dropped or delayed. On the other hand, telling the patient to call back when the other receptionist is working is not a good response as it does not address the immediate need of the patient and may create inconvenience for them.
19.
You just started working as a nursing assistant yesterday. This is your first full-time job. You wanted the job and want to do well, but your supervisor, Ms. Donato, intimidates you. Yesterday she told you, “You are making the bed all wrong! Don’t make the bed like that!” Later, she came back, handed you a clipboard and said, “Here, fill in this chart.” You didn’t know how to fill in the chart. You are afraid that Ms. Donato will think that you aren’t a good worker if you ask questions. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Tell Ms. Donato that you want to do well, and ask her to explain things more clearly while you are still learning.
D. Complain how unfair and incompetent Ms. Donato is as a supervisor.
Explanation
The best response is to tell Ms. Donato that you want to do well and ask her to explain things more clearly while you are still learning. This shows initiative and a willingness to improve. It also opens up the opportunity for better communication and understanding between you and your supervisor. On the other hand, complaining about Ms. Donato's competence as a supervisor is the worst response. This not only shows a lack of professionalism but also does not address the issue at hand or help in resolving the situation.
20.
You work for an insurance company. Each week the sales team meets to discuss new products and sales strategies. During today’s meeting, Veronica is talking loudly on the telephone while the rest of the team is trying to solve a problem with one of the new products. You are having a difficult time listening to the conversation. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Tell Veronica that she is being her typical rude and loud self, just like everyone says.
D. Tell Veronica that because of her talking on the pHone, you are having difficulty hearing that the supervisor is saying.
Explanation
The BEST response is to tell Veronica that because of her talking on the phone, you are having difficulty hearing what the supervisor is saying. This approach addresses the issue directly and communicates the impact of Veronica's behavior on the team. It is a polite and professional way to express the difficulty faced due to the noise. On the other hand, telling Veronica that she is being her typical rude and loud self is the WORST response as it is confrontational and unprofessional. It does not address the issue constructively and may escalate the situation further.
21.
At your weekly staff meetings, one of your co-workers frequently interrupts the discussion to talk about the new house that she is building. Her constant interrupts make the meetings run late. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Talk with your co-worker and request that she not discuss personal matters during the meeting, as it is disruptive.
C. Confront your co-worker during the meeting and loudly inform her that no one cares about her or her personal business.
Explanation
The BEST response is to talk with your co-worker and request that she not discuss personal matters during the meeting, as it is disruptive. This approach addresses the issue directly and professionally, allowing for open communication and potential resolution. On the other hand, the WORST response is to confront your co-worker during the meeting and loudly inform her that no one cares about her or her personal business. This response is unprofessional, disrespectful, and likely to escalate the situation further.
22.
Your supervisor asks you to operate the forklift during your shift. He and your co-workers rely on you to operate the forklift carefully and follow safety guidelines. You are nervous because this is the first time you have operated the forklift outside of training. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Ask if a co-worker can help you at the beginning of your shift in case you have any questions.
C. Explain that you cannot operate the forklift and resign from your position at the warehouse.
Explanation
The BEST response is to ask if a co-worker can help you at the beginning of your shift in case you have any questions. This shows that you are proactive and willing to seek assistance when needed, which is important for ensuring safety and avoiding mistakes. It also demonstrates that you are taking the responsibility seriously and are committed to learning and improving in your role. On the other hand, the WORST response is to explain that you cannot operate the forklift and resign from your position at the warehouse. This shows a lack of confidence and commitment, and it is not a constructive solution to the situation.
23.
You are having a difficult time with a new computer program you need to use in order to complete your job correctly. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Ask an experienced co-worker for tips and consult the manual to help you learn how to use the program.
B. Skip over any tasks that require you to use computer programs you are unfamiliar wuth.
Explanation
The best response is to ask an experienced co-worker for tips and consult the manual to help you learn how to use the program. This shows initiative and a willingness to learn and improve. It also utilizes available resources to overcome the difficulty. The worst response is to skip over any tasks that require the use of unfamiliar computer programs. This not only avoids the problem but also hinders productivity and growth. It is important to address challenges and seek solutions rather than avoiding them.
24.
You are an assistant childcare worker at a day care center. A position with better pay has opened up, and you would like to apply for it. To qualify for the postion, you must have an advanced first-aid certification. You have not taken the course necessary to receive this certification. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
B. Apply for the job and say you have already completed the first-aid certification course, even though you haven't.
D. Sign up for the certification course so you can qualify for the position.
Explanation
The best response is to sign up for the certification course so you can qualify for the position. This shows honesty and a willingness to meet the requirements of the job. It also demonstrates a commitment to professional development and a desire to improve skills. On the other hand, the worst response is to apply for the job and say you have already completed the first-aid certification course, even though you haven't. This is dishonest and unethical, and if discovered, it could lead to consequences such as losing the job or damaging your reputation.
25.
You are taking a bookkeeping course to improve your workplace skills. You recently received your first grade in the course, and you did not do very well. You feel upset and discouraged. How should you handle this situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Drop the class, since you are obviously never going to do well in it.
B. Ask your instructor if a study group or any other help is available.
Explanation
The BEST response is to ask your instructor if a study group or any other help is available. This shows a proactive approach to improving your performance and seeking support. Dropping the class without exploring other options may limit your chances of success. The WORST response is to drop the class, assuming that you will never do well in it. This response is defeatist and does not allow for personal growth or improvement.
26.
You work as a cook in a popular restaurant, and the management just added a new item to the menu. You have never made this dish before. How should you handle this situation?
Correct Answer(s)
B. Wait until a customer orders that item and ask someone else to prepare the dish for you.
C. Ask someone with experience making the new dish to teach you how to make it.
Explanation
If you have never made the new dish before, the best way to handle the situation is to wait until a customer orders it and then ask someone else with experience making the dish to prepare it for you. This ensures that the customer receives a properly prepared dish and reduces the risk of mistakes or poor quality. Additionally, asking someone with experience to teach you how to make the dish will help you learn and gain the necessary skills to prepare it in the future. Watching a cooking show may provide some guidance, but having hands-on experience and guidance from an experienced person is more reliable.
27.
Your supervisor has asked you and a co-worker to sand the floors of a house your company is remodeling. The work involves using a large floor sander for the large areas and a smaller hand-held for the edges. You and your co-worker decide you will take turns using the large floor sander. You have never used this eupiment before, so your co-worker shows you how to use it. However, as soon as you begin using it, something doesn't seem right. How should you handle the situation? Choose the BEST and WORST response.
Correct Answer(s)
A. Ask your co-worker what you are doing wrong and how you can improve.
D. Turn off the floor sander and make your co-worker finish the task.
Explanation
The best response is to ask your co-worker what you are doing wrong and how you can improve. This shows that you are open to feedback and willing to learn from your mistakes. It also allows your co-worker to provide guidance and support, which can help you become more proficient with the floor sander.
The worst response is to turn off the floor sander and make your co-worker finish the task. This is an irresponsible and unprofessional approach, as it shirks your responsibilities and puts the burden on your co-worker. It also shows a lack of initiative and problem-solving skills, as you are not attempting to address the issue or seek assistance.