Applying to The Job
True or False: You need to have experience before applying to any job
False: Certain jobs, like "entry level" jobs typically do not require a great amount of experience and are a good place for beginning workers to start!
True or False: You need to wear the fanciest outfit you have to every interview
False: It's important to dress appropriately for your interview, and that might mean something different depending on the job! For example, you may not wear a suit to an interview to become a lifeguard, but you might wear one to work at a law firm.
This is subjective, meaning it is up to the opinion of who is being interviewed and who is doing the interviewing. It is tough to know how much eye contact to give, but giving eye contact will let your interviewer know that you are confident and an active listener. Too much eye contact may feel overly aggressive if you are staring at them. Full points for a purposeful answer! Giving no eye contact is definitely something to avoid.
True or False: It is important to call the place you interviewed at the very next day to ask if you got the job
-False, you want to wait until they contact you or enough time has passed for you to then "follow up" with them
How many places should you apply to when looking for work?
There is no real correct answer for this other than to make sure that you keep track of the places you have applied to. It might be a better idea to look at more than one place so you have options! Check your email regularly to see if any potential employers have reached out.
What are some good habits to do the day before the interview?
-Make sure to get enough sleep
-Eat a healthy dinner
-Practice some of your responses to common interview questions
-Set out your clothes
-Set an alarm to make sure you are up with plenty of time if you have a morning interview!
-Plan how you will get to the interview
-Print your resume
Act it out! Demonstrate how you should sit during an interview and what you should do with your hands
If you did anything like sit up straight and keep still, then you get full points! Hands in a natural looking place is always a plus too. If you are worried that you move your hands around a lot, it is okay to keep them under the table if there is one.
Should you go to multiple interviews while looking for work?
You can absolutely go to more than one interview! It is okay to have options and to be proactive while you may wait for the result of an interview
What is the difference between "part-time" and "full-time?"
part-time work is going to have less hours needed than full-time work. Full-time employment is usually 35 hours or more per week. Part-time employment is usually 1 - 34 hours per week. What are some other differences between these two?
What are good habits on the day of the interview?
-Make sure that you are showered and look / smell clean before your interview
-Leave with enough time to get there early (but not too early)
-Don't eat something that might make your breath stinky
-Eat a healthy breakfast or snack in the morning
What should you do at the end of the interview?
-Potentially ask when they may make their consideration / decision for hiring
-Make sure to ask any questions if you have them
-Shake their hand if you are comfortable
What should you do if you receive word that you did not get the job that you wanted?
You should definitely continue looking for work. You can look up other places of business that may offer the same job or jobs with tasks that are similar!
What are places you can look for jobs? List as many as you can
-Internet job boards or websites
-Word of mouth (asking friends or family)
-In person at the place you might like to work
-In the newspaper or phonebook (old-school)
-Internal job board (what is this?)
NOTE: some places still accept paper applications!
How early should you show up to your interview? 5-minutes late, exactly on-time, 5 minutes early, 10-15 minutes early, 2 hours early?
5 minutes early (for half points)
10-15 minutes early for full points (you will have extra time to look over your notes)
0 points for 2 hours early, that's TOO early!
What are strengths and challenges / weaknesses when talking about a job interview?
If you said anything like the things you are good at or still need to work on, full points! If you mentioned "the place you are most ticklish" as a weakness or "how strong you are at the gym" as a strength, no points!
If an employer calls to offer you the job, and you accept, what would be the first question you might want to ask them?
-When do I start?
-(if you don't know already) ask what the pay rate is. It is OK to ask about this at this time.
-What should I bring for my first day?
-(Any other question that may help you get prepared for the job ahead of time)
What is the difference between "preferred" qualities on a job listing vs. "requirements?"
What should you do if an emergency comes up on the day of your interview?
Call as far in advance as you can (we know that emergencies are not planned) and tell your interviewer that you may be late or need to reschedule. Communication is key! If you must call them after, do as soon as possible.
(definitely 0 points if you ghost them)
What are some good questions to ask the interviewer when it gets toward the end of the interview?
-What is the uniform / dress code if working here?
-What would a normal day look like?
-What is your favorite part of working here?
-What types of things are you looking for in an applicant?
-(telling them that they have answered all of your questions but that you will be sure to reach out if you think of any more)
Problem Solving! If an employer offers you the job at the end of the interview, but you are still hoping to hear back from another employer you may want the job of more, what would you say to them?
-It is okay to tell an employer you would like to have a short amount of time to think over their offer
-It may not be the most professional to tell them that you have another job you would like more and are waiting to hear back from (0 points if you say this)