Common Interview Questions
"Tell me about yourself"
Describe your interests/skills as they pertain to previous work or schooling
What is appropriate attire for an interview?
Dress nicely in accordance to where you're interviewing.
For a swim instructor, dress casually but clean cut and put together.
"why do you want this job"
"To make money"
"This position seasonal."
"When would my start and end dates be?"
"Why do you want to work here?"
You should always have a reason that is not just to make money!
Ex: I am attracted to the fast paced work environment this company offers
Is it acceptable to arrive early for an interview?
Yes! Not too early, five to fifteen minutes is appropriate, if not encouraged.
My interviewer is swearing, can I swear?
Absolutely NOT! Even if you could at previous position, even if you're interviewer swears, do NOT DO IT!
"We stay open on holidays."
"Do I receive time and a half pay for working holidays? How far in advance can I request them off, if at all?"
Why did you leave your previous position?
Be diplomatic; employers don't want to hear how awful your last job was!
Ex: "While I had a lot of growth opportunities in my previous position, I am looking for a change of pace and to broaden my opportunities"
Should I bring anything to my interview?
A hard copy of your resume never hurts. Unless your interviewer specifically requests you to bring something, just bring your resume.
"Tell me about your last position"
"Ugh, my boss was the worst and if all my old coworkers got hit by a bus I would not be upset... I would be driving it"
Welcome aboard! You'll be working about 26 hours start next week and we will move forward from there."
"How many hours should I plan to work in a week? Will my schedule be consistent?"
"What are your strengths and weaknesses"
Honest answers, provide short rationale for each
Strength Ex: good communicator, team player, optimistic
Weakness Ex: Time management, computer skills, multitasking
How should I greet the interviewer?
a firm handshake and a smile!
If you already know there name greeting them by name is appropriate, but always go for the handshake unless they specify they don't like them!
"This position requires weekends. Are you available for that?"
"I am available weekdays but on the weekends I am, too busy sleeping and playing Minecraft."
- Make sure you know if you fit a positions availability requirements before applying. If the availability they are asking for doesn't work for you but you're still interested, say so diplomatically.
"You get an hour of vacation for every 40 hours you work!"
"How does my sick leave accumulate? are the hours transferrable between each other?"
"Are there any blackout weeks where I cannot use my vacation?"
"Does vacation time roll over to the next year or reset?
"Can you provide an example of a time you demonstrated leadership in your previous work experience?"
This can be as detailed or undefiled as you want, as long as you answer the question in its entirety. No tangents or hyping yourself up too much!
Ex: "While working as a cashier, I was able to mitigate customer complaints myself, seldomly getting management involved."
How should I act when I am not talking/answering questions?
Make eye contact, show that you're listening through nodding and facial expressions. Do not appear disinterested or like you are not listening. Try not to fidget too much or let your eyes wander.
Appear interested and excited to listen!
Tell me about some of your achievements and skills?"
"I speak Italian, French, Korean, and Mandarin and Cantonese. I am scuba certified, I have CPR and emergency AID training, and I personally taught Chairman Mao how to swim."
- DON"T LIE
"You make your own hours and work from home! Have fun!"
"Am I considered an independent contractor? How does my wage work"