Pre-Interview
What is a résumé?
A formal document used to apply for jobs that summarizes your professional qualifications, including work experience, skills, education, and achievements.
Tell me about yourself.
Share a short summary about your skills, interests, and what kind of worker you are! You can say something like, ‘I’m a hard worker, I like helping people, and I’m good at following directions. I’m excited to learn new things and be part of a team.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Looking for examples; be specific! You might say that you make a list of jobs you need to do, you listen to music while you work, you take a walk during your lunch, etc.
What techniques and tools do you use to keep yourself organized?
An employer is trying to get a basic understanding for how you work. Talk about the tools or routines that help you stay on track! You can say something like, ‘I use a checklist and a schedule to remember what to do. I also keep my workspace clean so I can find things easily.
What is an appropriate time frame for follow up with an interviewer after an interview?
Always send a thank-you email within a few days of your interview. In this email, you can ask about the next steps.
What can/should you do in order to prepare for an interview?
Research the company, practice mock interviews, familiarize yourself with common interview questions, print copies of your resume, create a list of your relevant accomplishments, get your clothes organized, plan your route there etc.
What are two of your strengths, explain?
Be creative and elaborate; provide examples. You can say something like, ‘I’m dependable, I work hard, and I get along well with others,’ or ‘I’m good at following directions and staying focused on my work
Describe a time when you made a mistake.
Be honest, take responsibility, and show how you learned from it! You can say something like, ‘One time I forgot to finish a task. I told my supervisor, apologized, and now I use a checklist so I don’t forget again.’ This shows you can learn and improve.
What three character traits would your friends use to describe you?
Pick three positive words that show you are a good worker and teammate! You can say something like, ‘My friends would say I’m kind, responsible, and helpful.
Name an appropriate way to follow up with an interviewer?
Write them an email!
What are three categories you should include on your résumé?
Name, contact information, education, experience, honors and awards, activities
What is an area of weakness that you need to work on? Explain.
Tell the truth but in a positive way! You should share something you’re working to improve and explain how you’re getting better. For example, ‘Sometimes I get nervous talking to new people, but I’ve been practicing by saying hello to coworkers and it’s getting easier.
Why should we hire you?
Explain why you would be a great worker and how you can help the team! You can say something like, ‘I work hard, follow directions, get along well with others, and I’m excited to learn new things
Have you ever been on a team where someone was not pulling their own weight? How did you handle it?
Explain calmly how you tried to help and stay positive! You can say something like, ‘One time a teammate wasn’t finishing their tasks, so I offered to help. We worked together to get the job done.’ This shows you can problem-solve and work as part of a team
What should you say in your follow up with an interviewer?
Thank them for the opportunity to interview and tell them you are excited by the opportunity.
Why is your social media important to look at before an interview?
Employers will research your profiles! If you have spelling mistakes, profanity, inappropriate pictures, etc. it could spoil your opportunity for the job.
Have you ever had a job before or done volunteer work? Tell us about it.
Talk about a previous job, internship, or volunteer work.
What type of work environment do you prefer?
Think broadly AND about the company that you are interviewing with! What type of work environment do they promote? Team oriented vs. Individual? Quiet vs. Loud? Open to ideas/change vs. Sound in their history?
What questions do you have for the interviewer?
1. How would you describe a typical day in this position?
2. When can I expect to hear from you?
3. What are the biggest challenges of this job?
4. What type of skills do you feel are needed to be successful in this position?
5. What is the best part about this job?
When is an acceptable time to bring up the topic of pay/salary?
After you have been offered the job.
Who can you list as a reference on your resume?
A previous employer, teacher, coworker, coach.
Tell me about a time you had to work with someone you didn't like and how did you handle it?
I had to work with someone I didn’t get along with, but I stayed polite, listened to their ideas, and focused on my tasks. We finished the work successfully.
Why do you want to work here?
Discuss the reasons you applied to the job and why you are interested in the company/position. You might say "I love working with animals, or I love working with people, or I grew up playing sports".
What would you like to be doing 5 years from now?
You can say something like, ‘I hope to be learning new skills, gaining more experience, and doing a job I enjoy. You might talk about continuing to work with that company, or going to school, etc.
When offered a job; what is an appropriate time frame to accept or decline?
Within a week.