Interviewing
Interview Tips for High School Students
Prepare Ahead of Time (Days prior to the interview!)
- Do not go into an interview stone cold with no preparation!
- Predict questions you may be asked during the interview.
- Write them out on paper.
- It works a different type of your brain to actually write out your thoughts and will help you memorize your answers.
- Have questions prepared to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview that you actually take to the interview.
- Research any website the employer may have ahead of time.
- Predict questions you may be asked during the interview.
- Consult with others
- Consult about the prospective job and skills they see you in that would match (teachers, parents, counselor, etc.)
- Write down your strengths
- In the days before the interview examine your own strengths, so you have time to think about them ahead of time.
- Be prepared to answer why the job interests you and why you think you are the person for the job
- Also think about your weaknesses, as you may be asked about them and how you would best approach a question pertaining to them in a positive light.
- Prepare a portfolio
- Put in it items that apply to the job such as pictures, awards, certificates/ you diploma, etc. (This will help you stand-out which is the name of the game!)
- Have Your Resume and References Printed
- Take both to your interview
- Make sure you are using a professional sounding e-mail (Not Iheartteddybears@...)
- Have Your Voicemail Sounding Professional
- Make sure your voicemail is a standard voicemail and not something silly sounding
At the Interview
- Remember You Are Being Being Interviewed At All Times
- Even prior to starting the interview and right after from the minute you walk in the door you are interviewing.
- Arrive early for your Interview!
- 15 minutes early is your best bet. This is demonstrating that you will be early to work and that you are dependable.
- Dress Appropriately
- First impressions are huge so make sure you dress to nail the interview. A good rule of thumb is dressing a step up from what you would wear for the actual job.
- Treat the Front Office Well
- Act as if they are part of the interview (They are!)
- Be nice, professional, and maintain good eye contact.
- Cell phones Off or on Silent
- Remember not to check your phone while you are being interviewed.
- Greet the Interviewer
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- Maintain good eye contact, a firm handshake, and a smile.
- Be Positive and Enthusiastic About the Job
- Have Your List of Questions Ready
- Ask questions that lead the interviewer to know you are eager to hear more.
- Do Not Bring Up Pay!
- Leave letting the interview know hands down you want the job (If you do!)
After the Interview
- Compose a Thank-You E-mail or Note
- Follow-up with right after the interview thanking the interviewer for the interview and stating you want the job and why and that you look forward to hearing from the interviewer.