Human Resources Technician Problem Exercise January 28, 2015
; &nbs p; &nb sp; The problem exercise consist of multiple choice questions in three areas: Data Analysis and Computation, Reading Comprehension and Language Skills, and Interpersonal and Public Relations. Candidates must receive a rating of at least 70%, which may be an adjusted score.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
For questions 18 through 20, the sentences in the following paragraphs may or may not be in the proper order. Choose from among the answers that list the sentences in the order that is most grammatically correct and mark the appropriate answer on your answer sheet. Example: (1) I have a son named John. (2) He will start tomorrow. (3) That means he is old enough to start school. (4) He is five years old.
- 1,2,3,4
- 2,4,3,1
- 1,4,3,2
- 4,3,2,1
- 2.
II. Reading Comprehension and Language SkillsQuestions 11 through 13 are based solely on a paragraph preceding each question or group of questions. These questions are not designed to test your knowledge of a subject, but rather your ability to understand what you have read.
- 3.
I. DATA ANALYSIS AND COMPUTATION INSTRUCTIONS: REFER TO INDEXES PROVIDED IN ANSWERING ITEMS 1 – 5. The codes are coded indexes of occupations, age groups, sex, veteran and dependency status, and education of a number of employees. Referring to these indexes, you are to determine the code for the information given in the problems that follow. Each code number constructed must be composed of six digits arranged in the following order:
- The first and second digits to the left represent the occupation of the employee.
- The third digit represents the age group into which the employee falls.
- The fourth digit represents the employee, sex, veteran status and whether or not he or she has any dependents.
- The fifth and sixth digits represent the educational status of the employee.
- 4.
Items number 6 – 10 are based upon the pay chart shown. (REFER TO PAY CHART). Annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increases for the years 2013 and 2014 are as indicated.
- 5.
Questions 21 - 30
- 6.
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- 7.
The code number of a male 46 years of age, whose trade is that of a carpenter, and who is a veteran and has an eighth grade education and no dependents is:
- A.
05-3-5-05
- B.
05-7-5-05
- C.
1-7-05-5-05
- D.
1-46-05-5-3-0
Correct Answer
B. 05-7-5-05Explanation
The code number represents the various characteristics of the individual. In this case, the code "05" indicates that the person is male. The code "7" represents the age group of 46 years. The code "5" signifies that the person is a carpenter. Lastly, the code "05" indicates that the person is a veteran with an eighth-grade education and no dependents. Therefore, the correct code number for this individual is "05-7-5-05".Rate this question:
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- 8.
What is the code number of a female, 50 years of age, who served in the army overseas as a nurse, and who has completed one year of college course work, and has a 15 year old son to support?
- A.
8-8-8-10
- B.
16-8-8-1
- C.
16-8-8-10
- D.
16-05-8-1
Correct Answer
C. 16-8-8-10Explanation
The code number represents different factors about the individual. In this case, the code number 16 represents being female, the code number 8 represents being 50 years of age, the code number 8 represents serving in the army overseas as a nurse, and the code number 10 represents having completed one year of college coursework and having a 15-year-old son to support. Therefore, the correct answer is 16-8-8-10.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The code number of a 43 year old female who works as a laundry worker, has two dependents and completed the fourth grade in school is:
- A.
4-14-4-03
- B.
14-6-4-03
- C.
14-4-16-03
- D.
14-16-03-4
Correct Answer
B. 14-6-4-03 -
- 10.
The code number of a male electrician, a veteran with no dependants, 44 years old, and who has completed one year of college work is:
- A.
5-08-6-10
- B.
5-08-44-1
- C.
08-6-5-10
- D.
08-6-7-10
Correct Answer
C. 08-6-5-10Explanation
The code number represents the characteristics of the electrician. The first digit "08" indicates that the electrician is a male. The second digit "6" represents that the electrician is a veteran. The third digit "5" shows that the electrician has completed one year of college work. The last digit "10" signifies that the electrician is 44 years old. Therefore, the correct answer is 08-6-5-10.Rate this question:
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- 11.
The code number of a firefighter, a 32 year old female, who finished eleventh grade and has no dependents is:
- A.
1-09-3-08
- B.
09-3-2-08
- C.
09-3-5-08
- D.
09-32-11-1
Correct Answer
B. 09-3-2-08Explanation
The code number represents the characteristics of the firefighter. The first two digits "09" likely indicate the gender of the firefighter, with "09" representing a female. The next digit "3" could indicate the level of education, with "3" representing eleventh grade. The fourth digit "2" might indicate the number of dependents, in this case, none. Finally, the last two digits "08" could represent the age of the firefighter, in this case, 32 years old.Rate this question:
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- 12.
What will be the monthly pay (to the nearest dollar) in 2014 for Director after the 2013 and 2014 COLA’s have been applied?
- A.
$4,910
- B.
$4,806
- C.
$4,791
- D.
$4,650
Correct Answer
B. $4,806Explanation
The question asks for the monthly pay in 2014 after the COLA's have been applied. Since the answer is given as $4,806, it can be inferred that this is the correct monthly pay amount after the COLA's have been applied in 2014.Rate this question:
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- 13.
What will be the monthly pay (to the nearest dollar) in 2013 for Assistant Director after the 2013 and 2014 COLA’s have been applied?
- A.
$4,334
- B.
$4,134
- C.
$4,007
- D.
$4,279
Correct Answer
B. $4,134Explanation
The monthly pay for the Assistant Director in 2013, after applying the COLA's for both 2013 and 2014, will be $4,134.Rate this question:
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- 14.
What is the percent differential (to the nearest tenth) between monthly salaries for the following classes?Supervisor and Assistant Director in 2012
- A.
55.0%
- B.
51.8%
- C.
47.3%
- D.
42.7%
Correct Answer
B. 51.8%Explanation
The percent differential between monthly salaries for Supervisor and Assistant Director in 2012 is 51.8%. This means that the salary of the Supervisor is 51.8% higher than the salary of the Assistant Director.Rate this question:
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- 15.
What will be the monthly pay (to the nearest dollar) in 2013 for Lead Worker after the 2013 and 2014 COLA’s have been applied?
- A.
$2,690
- B.
$2,455
- C.
$2,550
- D.
$2,361
Correct Answer
C. $2,550 -
- 16.
What is the percent differential (to the nearest tenth) between monthly salaries for the following classes?Trainee and Workers in 2014
- A.
31.3%
- B.
34.7%
- C.
30.8%
- D.
30.4%
Correct Answer
A. 31.3%Explanation
The percent differential between monthly salaries for Trainee and Workers in 2014 is 31.3%. This means that the monthly salary of Trainees is 31.3% lower than the monthly salary of Workers in 2014.Rate this question:
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- 17.
It is customary in public employment for new appointees to serve a probationary period before they receive permanent appointments. The object of this period is to test them in actual service, to instruct them in the essential duties of their position, and to provide a ready means for eliminating people who prove that they are not suited for such work. During this probationary period, dismissals may usually be made at the discretion of appointing officers.
- A.
Demonstrated proficiency is the basis of retention of employees
- B.
Trial appointments protect the appointee from unfair dismissal practices
- C.
Government employees need experience and instruction before permanent appointment
- D.
Tests for determining the ability of employees should be practiced
Correct Answer
A. Demonstrated proficiency is the basis of retention of employeesExplanation
The correct answer is "Demonstrated proficiency is the basis of retention of employees." This answer aligns with the statement in the passage that the probationary period is meant to test employees in actual service and eliminate those who are not suited for the work. It suggests that employees who demonstrate proficiency during this period are more likely to be retained and receive permanent appointments.Rate this question:
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- 18.
The assumption that the value of experience is directly proportional to its duration is a fallacy. Experience must be appraised in terms of increased capacity to render service. This paragraph indicates that:
- A.
Length of service has little relation to the value of the service rendered
- B.
Increased capacity to render service comes with added experience
- C.
Long service on the part of an employee may or may not result in increased value to the organization
- D.
Seniority should be given consideration in an evaluation of an employee’s worth
Correct Answer
C. Long service on the part of an employee may or may not result in increased value to the organizationExplanation
The paragraph suggests that the assumption that the value of experience is directly proportional to its duration is incorrect. It states that experience should be evaluated based on the increased capacity to render service, rather than the length of service. Therefore, the correct answer is that long service on the part of an employee may or may not result in increased value to the organization, indicating that seniority should not be the sole consideration in evaluating an employee's worth.Rate this question:
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- 19.
A sound organization is intimately related to the effectiveness with which the personnel can work. A poor organization is one in which the parts are not well laid out, there is duplication of work, lack of clear responsibility, poor coordination, loose supervision, and ineffective delegation, which leads directly to loss of human effort, confusion of purpose, conflicts of will, and at times near-paralysis of movements.
- A.
The maximum utilization of personnel is dependent upon a good organizational structure.
- B.
An arrangement of the working relationships of individual employees is sometimes more important than an impersonal process of organization.
- C.
Lack of clear responsibility and poor coordination may lessen the effectiveness of even a sound organizational structure.
- D.
Competent personnel may often make a poor organizational structure seem better than it actually is.
Correct Answer
A. The maximum utilization of personnel is dependent upon a good organizational structure.Explanation
A good organizational structure is crucial for maximizing the utilization of personnel. This means that if the organization is well-structured, with clear responsibilities, effective coordination, and proper delegation, personnel will be able to work more efficiently and effectively. On the other hand, a poor organizational structure, with duplication of work, lack of clear responsibility, and poor coordination, can lead to confusion, conflicts, and a waste of human effort. Even if the personnel are competent, they may struggle to perform at their best if the organizational structure is not conducive to their productivity.Rate this question:
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- 20.
Which one of the following words is misspelled?
- A.
Arctic
- B.
Amateur
- C.
Auxiliary
- D.
Arrangment
- E.
Anxiety
Correct Answer
D. ArrangmentExplanation
The word "arrangment" is misspelled. The correct spelling should be "arrangement".Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which one of the following words is misspelled?
- A.
Develope
- B.
Attribute
- C.
Bargain
- D.
Believe
- E.
Clever
Correct Answer
A. DevelopeExplanation
The word "develope" is misspelled. The correct spelling is "develop".Rate this question:
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- 22.
Which one of the following words is misspelled?
- A.
Guarantees
- B.
Naturally
- C.
Necessary
- D.
Tentitive
- E.
Unknown
Correct Answer
D. TentitiveExplanation
The word "tentitive" is misspelled because the correct spelling is "tentative".Rate this question:
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- 23.
Which one of the following words is misspelled?
- A.
Privilege
- B.
Recipient
- C.
Similiar
- D.
Guilty
- E.
Freight
Correct Answer
C. SimiliarExplanation
The word "similiar" is misspelled because the correct spelling is "similar".Rate this question:
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- 24.
(1) A positive public image can help a department recruit and hold personnel, maintain high morale, and gain public cooperation.(2) One of the most important positions within a department for achieving these positive results is the uniformed park ranger.(3) The park ranger’s contacts with law-abiding citizens within the community may be the only contact those citizens have with the parks and recreation department.(4) It is necessary, therefore, for the park ranger to make a conscious effort to positively influence all those persons with whom he comes in contact with during routine daily activities.
- A.
1,2,3,4
- B.
1,4,3,2
- C.
2,3,4,1
- D.
4,1,2,3
Correct Answer
A. 1,2,3,4Explanation
A positive public image is important for a department because it helps with recruitment and retention of personnel, boosts morale, and encourages public cooperation. The uniformed park ranger is crucial in achieving these positive outcomes as they have direct contact with law-abiding citizens within the community, who may only interact with the parks and recreation department through these rangers. Therefore, it is essential for the park ranger to consciously make an effort to positively influence all individuals they come into contact with during their daily activities.Rate this question:
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- 25.
(1) There is also good reason for careful attention to internal communication.(2) Effective communication with those inside the organization makes for fewer misunderstandings and fewer disgruntled employees.(3) Thereby, harmony within the department translates into good public relations with outsiders.(4) In the area of communication, primary attention is usually centered upon relations with outsiders, park visitors, suppliers and others.
- A.
2,3,1,4
- B.
4,1,2,3
- C.
3,2,1,4
- D.
1,2,3,4
Correct Answer
B. 4,1,2,3Explanation
The correct order of the statements is 4, 1, 2, 3. The first statement (4) suggests that primary attention is usually given to relations with outsiders. The second statement (1) explains that internal communication is also important. The third statement (2) states that effective communication with employees reduces misunderstandings and dissatisfaction. The fourth statement (3) concludes that harmony within the department leads to good public relations with outsiders. Therefore, the correct order of the statements reflects the importance of both internal and external communication for the organization's success.Rate this question:
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- 26.
(1) The officer arrested the man as he attempted to enter the house through the window.(2) About midnight he saw the stranger break a window.(3) The officer became suspicious when he noticed a stranger loitering near the house.
- A.
3,1,2
- B.
2,1,3
- C.
3,2,1
- D.
1,3,2
Correct Answer
C. 3,2,1Explanation
The correct answer is 3,2,1 because the officer became suspicious when he noticed a stranger loitering near the house (3). Then, about midnight, he saw the stranger break a window (2). Finally, the officer arrested the man as he attempted to enter the house through the window (1). This sequence of events logically follows the order in which they occurred.Rate this question:
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- 27.
Assume that you intensely dislike a mannerism of a fellow employee. For the sake of maintaining good relations, you should be as polite as possible. In addition, you should also:
- A.
Not make your dislike known to any other employee
- B.
Force yourself to work with the fellow employee as much as possible in order to get used to the mannerism
- C.
Ask your supervisor not to put both of you on the same assignment.
- D.
Discuss the fault with your fellow employee so that he can improve
Correct Answer
A. Not make your dislike known to any other employeeExplanation
In order to maintain good relations, it is important to be polite and handle the situation professionally. Making your dislike known to other employees may create unnecessary tension and gossip in the workplace, which can harm relationships and productivity. It is also important to work with the fellow employee and try to get used to their mannerism, as avoiding them may not be a feasible solution. Asking the supervisor to not assign both of you together may not be the best approach, as it may come across as avoiding the issue instead of addressing it. Discussing the fault with the fellow employee in a respectful manner can be a constructive way to address the issue and find a solution together.Rate this question:
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- 28.
A fellow employee who is not your supervisor asks you to assist him for about one-half an hour because he is temporarily behind schedule. You are busy but can spare a half-hour if you work especially hard during the remainder of the day. You should:
- A.
Tell him that you would like to help but you are too busy.
- B.
Help him if you think he will return the favor.
- C.
Help him.
- D.
Suggest that he ask someone else.
Correct Answer
C. Help him.Explanation
Helping a fellow employee who is temporarily behind schedule, even if you are busy, is the appropriate course of action. It demonstrates teamwork, collaboration, and a willingness to support colleagues. Additionally, by working especially hard during the remainder of the day, you can still manage your own tasks effectively. It is not necessary to expect a favor in return or suggest that someone else should help, as helping others should be done without any expectations.Rate this question:
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- 29.
Suppose that you will not be able to complete an important job that you have been assigned, and you will be out of the office for the next few days. In general, the best action for you to take before leaving the office is to:
- A.
Delegate the remainder of you work equally among the other workers in the office.
- B.
Arrange your work neatly on top of your desk.
- C.
Advise your supervisor of the work which you have been able to do and what must be completed in your absence.
- D.
Leave a note on your supervisor’s desk informing him that you will complete the work when you return.
Correct Answer
C. Advise your supervisor of the work which you have been able to do and what must be completed in your absence.Explanation
Before leaving the office, it is important to inform your supervisor about the work you have completed and the tasks that need to be done in your absence. This allows your supervisor to have a clear understanding of the progress made and the pending work. It also provides an opportunity for your supervisor to assign the remaining tasks to someone else or make necessary arrangements to ensure the job is completed on time. Leaving a note on your supervisor's desk or delegating the work to others may not provide the same level of clarity and communication as directly informing your supervisor.Rate this question:
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- 30.
If you are harshly criticized by a co-worker, you should:
- A.
Tell him to register his criticisms with your supervisor.
- B.
Listen politely to his criticisms but not allow them to affect your work behavior.
- C.
Weigh the merits of his criticisms and then act accordingly.
- D.
Politely explain to the co-worker that criticizing your work performance is the responsibility of your supervisor.
Correct Answer
D. Politely explain to the co-worker that criticizing your work performance is the responsibility of your supervisor.Explanation
In this situation, it is important to address the co-worker's criticism in a professional and assertive manner. By politely explaining that criticizing work performance is the responsibility of the supervisor, you are setting boundaries and redirecting the co-worker to the appropriate channel for addressing concerns. This response acknowledges the criticism but also emphasizes the proper hierarchy and communication channels within the workplace.Rate this question:
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- 31.
The person who answers an irate, unpleasant, critical letter that is sent to a public office should:
- A.
Write his/her answers in the same tone as the letter.
- B.
Make his answer courteous and explanatory.
- C.
Answer by telephone.
- D.
Disregard the letter and not answer it at all.
Correct Answer
B. Make his answer courteous and explanatory.Explanation
When responding to an irate, unpleasant, critical letter that is sent to a public office, it is important to maintain professionalism and address the concerns in a respectful manner. Writing the answer in the same tone as the letter may escalate the situation and further antagonize the sender. By making the answer courteous and explanatory, the person can demonstrate empathy, provide clarification, and potentially resolve the issue amicably. This approach promotes effective communication and reflects positively on the public office's reputation.Rate this question:
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- 32.
Occasionally, you will have to reject suggestions, disapprove requests or other such actions by saying “No” to someone. In these kinds of situations, saying “No:”
- A.
Can be tempered by suggesting some acceptable alternative.
- B.
May be more easily received with a concise explanation.
- C.
Should be done as soon as it becomes apparent to you that a refusal is required.
- D.
All of the above.
Correct Answer
D. All of the above.Explanation
When you have to reject suggestions, disapprove requests, or take similar actions by saying "No" to someone, it is often helpful to suggest an acceptable alternative. This can soften the impact of the refusal and show that you are still willing to work towards a solution. Additionally, saying "No" may be more easily received if you provide a concise explanation for your decision. This helps the other person understand your reasoning and reduces the chances of misunderstandings or conflicts. Lastly, it is important to say "No" as soon as you realize that a refusal is necessary. Delaying the response can create false expectations and prolong the process. Therefore, all of the given options are correct explanations for the use of "No" in these situations.Rate this question:
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- 33.
You are interviewing a very talkative person. The most desirable approach for you to obtain relevant information is to:
- A.
Let him ramble on no matter how irrelevant his subject matter may be at times because it may bear on the topic.
- B.
Stop him just as soon as he strays from the subject.
- C.
Interpose questions directly related to get the desired information.
- D.
Make a relevant statement to guide the information.
Correct Answer
C. Interpose questions directly related to get the desired information.Explanation
Interposing questions directly related to get the desired information is the most desirable approach when interviewing a talkative person. This approach allows the interviewer to steer the conversation towards the relevant topic and gather the necessary information. By asking direct questions, the interviewer can ensure that the conversation stays on track and avoid wasting time on irrelevant subjects.Rate this question:
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- 34.
You find that a citizen has made a false statement to you in order to benefit one of his/her friends. You should first:
- A.
Warn him/her that it can be dangerous to make false statements.
- B.
Threaten to expose him/her and his/her friend.
- C.
Make him/her sign a paper admitting that he/she lied.
- D.
Follow the procedure laid down by your department.
Correct Answer
D. Follow the procedure laid down by your department.Explanation
The correct answer is to follow the procedure laid down by your department. This is the appropriate course of action as it ensures that the situation is handled in a fair and unbiased manner. By following the established procedures, you can gather all the necessary information, conduct an investigation if needed, and take appropriate actions based on the findings. This approach ensures that the citizen's false statement is addressed in a professional and objective manner, without resorting to threats or coercion.Rate this question:
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- 35.
If you meet a person on the street who recognizes you from a visit to your department and he/she asks for information which you normally give out in the office, you should:
- A.
Give him/her as much information as you can.
- B.
Suggest that he/she go to the office and ask someone who has access to the files.
- C.
Give him/her an appointment to see you in the office.
- D.
Ignore his/her request since you are off duty.
Correct Answer
C. Give him/her an appointment to see you in the office. -
- 36.
An employee who overhears a fellow employee incorrectly explaining a procedure to a visitor should:
- A.
Call the employee aside, explain the correct procedure, and let the employee explain it correctly to the visitor.
- B.
Wait until the visitor has gone, then carefully explain the correct procedure to the employee.
- C.
Report the matter to the supervisors.
- D.
Interrupt and briefly outline the procedure correctly for the visitor.
Correct Answer
A. Call the employee aside, explain the correct procedure, and let the employee explain it correctly to the visitor.Explanation
The correct answer is to call the employee aside, explain the correct procedure, and let the employee explain it correctly to the visitor. This is the most appropriate course of action as it allows the employee who made the mistake to learn from their error and correct it themselves. It also ensures that the correct information is relayed to the visitor in a professional manner. Reporting the matter to supervisors may be necessary in some cases, but it should not be the first step taken. Interrupting and outlining the procedure for the visitor may cause embarrassment and confusion for all parties involved.Rate this question:
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Mar 14, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Jan 23, 2015Quiz Created by
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