Interview Questions
What do you do outside of school or work?
Outside of school and/or work, I like to ...
EX: I play school sports. Also enjoy staying home playing video games and hanging out with friends or families.
What previous jobs have you worked?
My first job was ...
I do not have any paid work experience, but would like to work ....
EX: The first job I had was at McDonald's. Then I worked 2 jobs at the same time at Jay's Soul Food and Mercy Hospital.
What high school do you go to or graduate from?
I am a student at Seneca High School who is enrolled in the Business Pathway. I am on target to graduate in May 202x
Where is the appropriate place to have your phone during an interview?
You should leave your phone in your pocket or in your purse during the interview and keep the phone on silent.
What should you bring with you to your Interview?
Notepad and something to write with and copies of your Resume. Other papers might include: List of References (with accurate contact info); ID, Work History Papers, etc.
How would your teachers or last employer describe your work ethics/ work performance?
My teachers or last employer would say that I ....
EX: My teachers would say that I am a good student who turns in their work on time. My last employer and co-workers will say I work hard to make sure I get my job done the right way. I am often told that I bring good energy to the workplace.
Who should your Cover Letter be sent to?
Your Cover Letter should be sent to the Hiring Manager (the person who will be hiring you)
In what order should you list your Work Experience(s) or Education?
List your Most Recent Experiences first.
When should you arrive to your Interview?
You should arrive 10-15 minutes early! It shows them that you can be on time and even before the scheduled time.
Should you practice for your Interview?
YES! When people are under pressure they might get nervous and bring up things that have nothing to do with the question.
What is one of your biggest acheivements?
One of my biggest achievements is ...
EX: I worked on how to express my feelings (especially my anger), and understand more about how to control how I feel about things.
How should your Introduction Letter start off?
Your Introduction Letter should start off telling them a little about yourself and why you feel you are qualified for their job.
Who can validate the information you provided on your resume?
Your Teachers and/or your last employer (manager) can validate your performance and experiences.
What should you do once the Interview is over?
You should Shake Hands with the Interviewer; Thank them for the Interview; Ask them for a business card or get their contact info (email and phone).
Should you ask about different positions during the interview?
YES, because sometimes interviewers may not talk about other job opportunities within the company. So asking could open both your thinking and their thinking about other possible jobs.
How would you define or describe Leadership?
I would define Leadership as ...
EX: Leadership to me, is doing the right things every time and being a role model. I think that what makes a Leader is when people can look up to you and want to follow after you.
What should you do before you turn in your Cover Letter?
You should always use both Spell check and Grammar Check when writing your Cover Letter; and then have someone else read it and give you feedback.
Should your resume include your Desired Salary?
NO! You never talk about the salary on your resume.
What is the appropriate Body Language during the Interview?
Sit up straight; legs together or crossed, hands on the table to show your ready; make eye contact and slight nods when you understand the questions or when you understand what the interviewer is saying.
What is considered proper hygiene before your interview? Don't laugh ... First Impressions Matter!!
Pass both the Sight and Smell Tests! Shower, brush your teeth, eat some food, drink water (hydration), dress appropriately and ARRIVE EARLY before your interview starts.
Tell me about a conflict situation that you faced at school or work. How did you overcome it?
One conflict situation that I was involved in was ...
EX: Working in the fast-food industry put me in a lot of weird situations. But honestly, I do 2 things: 1) Ignore the customers or 2) Try to help with situation and looks for ways that I can make the situation better.
What is the main benefit of a good Cover Letter?
A good Cover Letter will usually get you an Interview!
When sending your Resume online, what is the best format to use?
PDF - because it maintains its original format and will not change.
What type of background research should you do on the company, if any?
YES, you should always do research on the company you are interviewing with because you can never be too sure about the company or the job. You should want to learn something about the company's culture and general job responsibilities that you will be doing.
Should you research your job position before your interview?
Yes, you never know what might pop up about the interview and you need to have a good and full idea about the job.