How do I prepare for a job interview?

Answer 1

You need to have a positive attitude and always look them in the eyes. Dress very well. Speak clearly and without any slang. Use a firm handshake and keep good eye contact. Let them know you're dependable and serious about doing good work. When you fill out an application well, you will have lots to talk about at the interview. Before you apply, fill out a sample application from any job site, so that you have your phone numbers, addresses and so on in a good, readable form to bring with you. This will help you fill out the application in less time than recreating the information each time. Put a list of additional skills (I.e. computer programs you know, typing if you can, and other business skills you may have), contact phone and addresses for your references, and a list of the same for any volunteer jobs (selling candy, etc. for school or organizations). I keep a few books of interview questions to read the night before. They will also expect you to be able to ask a few questions about the job--I never can remember these, so I write them down and refer to my list! If you have a resume, bring a copy of that along to the interview. Good luck! Most jobs available to teenagers are low paying, often physically demanding and dead-end with little or no future. Donot become so desparate for money that you are over eager to please someone offering only chump change by the hour and accept such time and energy wasting garbage. These types of low level jobs tend to lead nowhere, are tiring and distracting. They can also destroy your grades at school. Aim higher from the start. First, try to think in terms of the "big picture" of where are you going now, even if you are not sure, then later in college and far beyond afterward. You want be a little daring here and imagine that if all your dreams came true and you could become absolutely anything, what might that be. Forget about the barriers, complexity or difficulty of entry into almost any worthy field for now. Do not depend on friends to guide you. Think for yourself. Be very selective who you listen to. Model yourself after only the very best and brightest people in your class, and no one else. Never hangout with losers. They are destined to have awful low paying jobs they hate, for all their adulthood and lead rotten, unhappy lives in most cases. Instead you want real career in something great where the "work/reward ratio" is much higher than average,meaning the biggest money possible for the least work possible, to maximize the ultimate results of your lifetime efforts and is also doing something that means a lot to you personally, your tastes, passions, likes and dislikes so you will be happy at what you do as well, because it has deep meaning for you. You are likely confused about these things right now. Don't worry. Just start to sample various worthwhile professions in reality, outside of school, instead of falling into a stupid, typical high school grunt job. You do not have to make a big commitment. For now you are merely testing different waters for maybe a semester at a time. And sample a whole bunch of things. How? If for you dream "doctor" for example, it would be better to intern for free or work for one in almost any minor supporting role or to just come in to observe, to gain meanful insight. Or volunteer at a hospital to learn the ropes. They always need people. Do not worry about the money for now. If you call 20 doctors at random and explain your goal, some of them will help you or tell you where you might go to start. Likewise, you can use the same strategy to enter law, business, music, broadcasting, Wall St., major sports, high tech or whatever you think might be interesting. Or perhaps you turn a favorite hobby or passion into a valuable career. If you do lean towards one of the professions, look up the online catalogs for only top 10 ranked post-college graduate schools now, to begin to grow a sense of what the deal is, how to get in and what might it be like. If one is near-by, go there and walk around inside. Ask people questions. Don't be afraid. Sit in classes. Go to the admissions department and ask meet with someone. What do they want to admit you down the road? And keep in touch with them over time later, if you come to feel this is what you really want. Most people in life aim too low and screw themselves. Don't be one of them.

Answer 2

well there are many things you can do to make you stand out from a large percent of candadits. one you need to be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up. you need to be reliable and trust worthy!

well hope i got you started <3 natasha Ontario Canada

Answer 3

The most important tip for preparing for an interview is to prepare. The point of an interview is to show the company that you will be a valuable asset. For example, the company is having difficulties selling its products. How can you contribute yourself to solve the problem? What can you do? It also helps to show interest in the company so researching about the company's goals and visions will definitely help with the interview.

Before the interview, carefully read over the job description to which you are applying for and keep in mind to refer back to the job description and demonstrate how you will handle the job.

It is highly advisable to practice answering questions before an interview. Have a friend ask you questions and respond in ways that are appropriate. Some common interview questions include:

1. Why should I hire you?

2. Tell me about yourself.

3. Why do you want this job?

4. Tell me about your previous work experiences.

5. Why do you need this job?

As mentioned before, the best way to prepare is to practice, practice, practice. Answer the questions maturely and honestly. Remember to address your answers in some way back to the job responsibilities and how you can benefit the workplace.

Just as important as your answers are your appearance and behavior. First impressions are hard to change so dress to impress. Men should commonly wear a clean button-up shirt, tie, dress shoes, slacks, and a neutral-colored suit if necessary. Keep your hair tidy and please do wash up if you emit an odor. It is best to keep the interviewer comfortable. Women should wear a neutral-colored suit, a dark skirt extending a little below the knees but not any higher, 1-2 inch heel shoes, and minimal perfume and accessories.

During the interview, sit up straight and keep eye contact with the interviewer. You do not have to stare directly in his or her eyes but you can simply stare at the forehead or nose. Don't forget to smile and give a firm handshake. Speak confidently and clearly. Do not speak softly and wispy. It may help to listen to yourself with a recorder.

Remember all of these key tips and you are well on your way to a successful interview. Do not take rejection to harshly but take it as a learning experience and stay focused to do better on your next interview.

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Here are 10 tips for interview success.

1. First impressions count

Greet your interviewer with a smile and firm handshake. Give eye contact. Try to make small talk during the walk from the reception area to the interview room. Liz Anderson, a human resources manager says, "You have to sell yourself before you can sell anything else and the first 30 seconds are when the interviewer subconsciously makes decisions about whether they like you or not and whether you will fit into the team."

2. Be prepared

Re-read your CV and the job advert just before the interview. Do your research thoroughly: Look at the company web site or obtain literature. You may be asked about the salary you are after so make sure you research that as well.

3. Don't waffle

Answer questions properly - even if you need a few moments' silence to collect your thoughts. Anderson advises, "It's better to say you need a minute to think about your answer rather than speak instantly and regret it afterwards."

4. Why should they hire you?

Most job adverts will list qualities they're looking for - a team worker, a good communicator - so it's up to you to think of examples of how you can demonstrate these skills. Be ready to talk about your knowledge, experience, abilities and skills. Have at least three strong points about yourself that you can relate to the company and job on offer.

5. Be positive

Your interviewer will be thinking about what it would be like to work with you, so the last thing they'll want to hear is you talking about your boss or current colleagues behind their back. Interviewers like to see someone who enjoys a challenge and is enthusiastic.

6. Remember your body language

It is not what you say, but how you say it. During the interview, do not fold your arms and lean back or look to the floor! Sit upright and try to maintain good eye contact. Use your hands and lean forward when making a point. Many people cannot think and control their body language at the same time, which is why you need to prepare.

7. Expect the unexpected

Your interviewer may try to catch you off guard: A survey by OfficeAngels has revealed that 90 per cent of employers ask 'killer' questions in interviews. It is impossible to plan for every difficult question, such as "How would your colleagues describe you?" but try to appear relaxed and in control. Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if necessary but do not evade it. Hopefully you will not befall the fate of those job candidates at B&Q who were asked to dance to "Blame it on the Boogie"!

8. Develop rapport

Show energy, a sense of humour and smile. Jean Smith, a social anthropologist says: "It's infectious, being positive and enthusiastic." Ask your interviewer questions about themselves and any issues the business is facing.

9. Clarify anything you are unsure of

If you are not certain what are meant by a particular question, ask for clarification. At the end, ask the interviewer if there is anything else he or she needs to know about. Do not be afraid to ask when you are likely to hear if you have been successful or not.

10. Remember your manners

It is better to choose than to be chosen. Tell the interviewer why you are interested in the company and job opportunity. Ask them for a business card and follow it up by sending a "thank-you" e-mail or letter, saying how much you enjoyed meeting them and how interested you are. Take the opportunity to detail the key advantages you bring.

Answer 4

Come properly dressed, bring a completed copy of application and other pertinent information. Be slightly early. Answer question correctly and honestly. No GUM, Thank the interviewer. Be informed about the company and positions I am applying for. Most important: be on time, be informed, be ready in appearance and attitude that will show respect a desire for the position I am applying for.

Answer 5

A couple of tips for getting an interview when applying for a job are to send an email after your application and calling after your application. Another tip is to make sure your resume is professional.

Answer 6

Job interviews are usually the only way to get into a job, so they are important. Some ways to prepare for them are mentally rehearsing your presentation and thinking of questions they might ask you, so you will already have an answer.

Answer 7

Interested, warm, friendly but professional. Be informed and prepared.

Answer 8

Some good tips for someone going on their first job interview are researching the company to find out what skills one might need, practice interviewing with someone, and dress appropriately.

Answer 9

Be on time.