click here to return to list of Job Hunting Resources

Congratulations! If you have secured an interview, you are one step closer to landing the job! The interview will give you a chance to share your personality with potential employers and showcase your qualifications and knowledge about the company. It pays to be well prepared. Here are some helpful hints:

Prepare Prior to the Interview

• Learn about the company/organization – Research the company online, visit the company website, ask friends and family, stop by the Reference Desk at your local library and ask for company information. You can even visit the business if it is a local shop open to the public.

• Know the specific position you will be interviewing for or. If none was stated when you applied or /were contacted, have one in mind that matches your skills and interests.

• Be prepared to talk about your specific qualifications for the job. You also can emphasize more general strengths if they are relevant to the job; things such as good communication skills, bilingual knowledge, being a hardworking, enjoying customer service and trying new things, following instructions well, etc.

• Think about answers to broad questions about yourself – Where do you see yourself in one year, five years? What are your plans for your future, your career?

• Review & proof your resume one more time – Employers will likely refer to your resume and ask you to talk about orrequest more information about things listed. Always bring a few high-quality, printed hard copies of your resume to the interview. IIf you meet someone who does not already have your resume, you will be prepared to provide it.

• Practice interviewing with a friend or family member – Tell them about the company and the job you’re applying for, give them a copy of your resume, and ask them to act as employer and interview you for the job.

• Arrive 10 to 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your interview.

Personal Appearance

• Be well-groomed – Showered, hair combed, clean shoes and nails, non-wrinkled clothes, etc.

• Dress appropriately – Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewer what is appropriate attire. A nice pair of dress slacks and a nice shirt/blouse are typically appropriate for a high school student. If you have a coordinating blazer or sweater, you may wish to wear this as well. If you are a college student seeking a more advanced corporate or career job, you may wish to wear a business suit.

• Do not chew gum, eat or smoke during the interview.

During the Interview

• Use good manners. Learn the name of your interviewer and shake hands as you meet.

• Make eye contact when listening and talking.

• Relax, be friendly and answer each question briefly and directly.

• Try to respond to questions promptly; however, if you need a few seconds, don’t be afraid to say, “That’s an excellent question. Let me think about that for a moment,” while you gather your thoughts.

• Use proper English and avoid using slang.

• Be cooperative and enthusiastic.
  

• Remove ear pieces and cell phone extensions.

• Ask questions about the position and the organization. This demonstrates your interest in the company and the job. You might even introduce your question by linking it to a related fact you learned through your research on the company. “I noticed when visiting your website that you serve the youth market. What ages are you targeting specifically?”

• Thank the interviewer and shake hands again when you leave.

• Follow-up with a email or nicely handwritten thank you note to the interviewer, letting them know you appreciate their time and expressing interest in the job and company.

Some Employers Do Preliminary Testing

• Listen closely to instructions.

• Read each question carefully and completely.

• Print your responses legibly and clearly.

• Budget your time wisely and do not dwell on one question.

• Use any extra time remaining after you’ve answered each question to review and proof your answers.

What to Bring to Interview

• Government-issued identification (Driver's License, State I.D., etc.)

• Resume

• References