6 Tips for Your First High School Job Interview

Jobs and job interviews can vary greatly. That being said, there are still some basic ways to prepare for your first high school job interview in any field. Above all, remember to breathe and be your own friend throughout the experience.

1. Practice with a Mock Interview:
Like most things in life, practicing for a job interview helps the interview to feel less foreign and scary when it finally occurs. A school counselor, mentor, parent, or other trusted adult or friend can all pretend to interview you. Some of the most frequently repeating questions that come up include “What are your greatest strengths?” and, “What are your weaknesses?” While it can feel strange to talk about either of these under a spotlight, preparing answers ahead of time will help a great deal. If you’re not sure about what other common interview questions to try, there are many resources online. The site The Muse offers a list of 31 common questions, along with examples of possible answers (though it’s best to come up with your own genuine responses). “Tell me about a challenge or conflict you’ve faced at work, and how you dealt with it,” is one of the questions they list that can often come up. If this is potentially your first job ever, it’s alright to describe a challenge you faced in school, athletics, or other extracurricular activities that highlights some of your strengths.

2: Research the Company and Field:
Every organization and field of work has its own unique culture. Visit the company you are interested in working for and/or check out their website and social media accounts to get a better feel for the environment and personality of the company and what your work experience there might feel like. Doing some research ahead of time also makes you better prepared to answer questions like, “Why do you want to work here?” and to ask relevant questions of your own.

3. Make a Positive First Impression:
The first impression you make with a possible employer is comprised of many factors; your demeanor, clothing, and timeliness all come into play. The Guardian recommends that you “[t]ake a few deep breaths before the interview,” which will help you to feel more centered in your body and can also reduce your body’s fight or flight stress responses if you are nervous. Wear clothes that you feel are professional and that fit you well; buttoned shirts and blouses are usually a safe bet along with other types of either business casual or business attire. Always arrive at an interview early–it is far better to have a few minutes of wait time than to rush in at the last moment. When you meet the interviewer, be sure to shake their hand and make eye contact.

4. Be as Professional, Authentic, and Enthusiastic as Possible:
While it’s important show your personality in an interview, try to also maintain a respectful and mature demeanor. Making sure your phone is off and that you aren’t chewing gum are some easy basics. Do be yourself and avoid presenting a false front, as pretending to be someone you aren’t may set you up for an unsuccessful or confusing work dynamic later on. Don’t be afraid to show your enthusiasm for the position–as Quintessential Careers points out, “[e]mployers list lack of enthusiasm as their No. 1 turnoff in interviewees.” It can be a bit of a balancing act to behave in a professional manner and still be sincere, and it takes practice.

5. Ask Questions and Follow Up

While listening is a great skill to demonstrate in an interview, it’s also important to be an active participant in the meeting and conversation. If you did your research as earlier mentioned, hopefully you’ll be able to come up with a few questions ahead of time about the company and position and some may occur to you on the spot as well. Kids Health shares that,

    “Questions don’t make you look stupid. Asking good questions shows the interviewer you’re
      thoughtful and that you’re not afraid to interact with other people — a particularly good
      interview strategy if the position involves dealing with people, such as sales.”

Taking notes during an interview also shows engagement and a willingness to learn. At the close of the interview, it’s a good idea to ask what their next steps in the hiring process will be.  Also, shake their hand again and thank them for the interview, regardless of how you thought it went or how interested you are in the position at that juncture. While it may seem old-fashioned, sending a handwritten note in the mail makes a strong professional impression and gives you an opportunity to remind the interviewer of who you are and why you are uniquely qualified for the open position. An email thank you can sent in addition to the written note.

6. Throughout the Process, Be Nice to Yourself
It’s great to challenge yourself and set ambitious goals. It’s also important to be kind to yourself and to be your own friend. Get ample sleep, eat well, exercise, breathe deeply, and do things that you enjoy before and after interviews to relieve any built-up stress. Most people go through multiple (if not numerous) job interviews in their life and learning to navigate them is a learning process.

While this may seem like a lot of work, your first job interview is definitely a situation where preparing ahead of time pays off. Best of luck on your interview, and on your evolving career path!

Written by Julia Travers

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