Interviewer ?'s
Background: You are interviewing at your favorite fashion store.
Question: “Why did you choose our store out of all the other clothing stores?”
I choose your store because ....
ex. I really like the clothes that you sell.
ex. I like the employees and think I would get along well with them.
Background: You’re interviewing for an important corporate position.
Q: Is it appropriate to wear gym shoes and sweatpants to the interview?
No, because it is not professional.
Background: You’re interviewing at a local grocery store as a clerk.
Q: Is it okay to take a phone call during an interview? Why or why not?
No, it is not okay because it is unprofessional to interrupt and waste the interviewer's time with personal matters unless it is an emergency.
Q: It is appropriate to use curse words during an interview.
False, curse words are not appropriate in formal settings and formal discourse such as job interviews and college interviews. It can be deemed highly unprofessional.
Background: You just started a new job in our department store. It is your first week.
Question: How do you handle a difficult customer who, when trying to return their item, is yelling at you for how slow you are moving?
I would ...
ex. apologize and then go and get my manager.
ex. apologize and explain why the process is taking longer.
Q: Would it be appropriate to wake up and immediately leave for an interview without making sure your hair is styled appropriately? Why or why not?
No, because looking unkempt is not appropriate for an interview.
Background: You are in an interview to work as a donation processor at a thrift store and the interviewer asks you to tell them about yourself.
Q: Give 2 examples each of what would be deemed appropriate and inappropriate information to share with the interviewer.
Inappropriate: I had food poisoning last week and my parents are planning a surprise party for my grandma.
Appropriate: I enjoy working in group settings, and I am in school right now to become a speech pathologist.
Q: You can ask the interviewer questions you have about the position and company during the interview.
True, this shows the employer that you have a genuine interest in the company and are seeking more information about the roles and responsibilities of the job. It is highly encouraged to ask the employer questions during the interview.
Background: You are interviewing to work as a waiter at a sit-down restaurant.
Question: “Are you applying to any other jobs?”
Ex. Yes, I am applying to another job but I am very interested in this position.
Ex. No, I am not applying to any other jobs right now.
Background: You’re interviewing to work at a local florist shop.
Q: What would be the appropriate steps for you to take to make sure your appearance is professional?
To look appropriate I would make sure my hair is tied back and my clothes are wrinkle-free, and...
Background: You are planning to interview at a library that is 20 minutes away from your house in an unfamiliar area of town and the interview begins at 2:30pm.
Q: What time should you plan to leave your house and what time do you want to arrive at the library? Explain your answer.
Answer: You should leave the house at 2:00 pm to arrive at the library around 2:20 pm. The earlier, the better, so you can have time to navigate the building. This also accounts for potential traffic and finding the library in an unfamiliar area.
Q: It is appropriate to wear a light amount of cologne/perfume to an interview.
Why or why not?
True, as long as the cologne/perfume is a light amount. Some people are highly sensitive to smells and heavy scents can cause migraines for certain individuals. It is always best to use one spray of cologne/perfume.
Background: You are interviewing to work at a local grocery store as a bagger/ courtesy clerk.
Question: Tell me about your strengths. What is your biggest weakness?
Be honest!
Ex. My strengths are that I am friendly, on time, and work well in a team.
Make your biggest weakness positive!
Ex. My biggest weakness is that I am too hard on myself when I make mistakes, but this helps me always do my best work.
Background: You are interviewing at a local pharmacy to fill prescriptions.
Q: Should you leave the noticeable dirt under your fingernails or make sure your hands are clean?
No because it is not appropriate to work with medications with filthy hands.
Background: You’re interviewing at a local coffee shop for an experienced barista position. You put on your resume that you have experience in this position because you make your own coffee at home with your Keurig. However, you have no previous experience as an actual barista.
Q: Do you disclose this in the interview, or wait until you’re hired and “fake it til’ you make it?”
Answer: You should disclose this information and be honest, saying that you are willing to be trained, enjoy making coffee, and are a fast learner.
Q: It is okay to have my identical twin attend my interview for me to get the job I applied for. Why or why not?
False, this is highly unprofessional and unethical. The purpose of the interview is to highlight YOUR strengths/weaknesses and what you can bring to the role.