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What is a good way to prepare for a job interview ?

I am a senior in high school looking for a job.

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Subject: Career question for you

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Jake’s Answer

There are a few things you can do to best prepare for a job interview. The first is to understand the job and the responsibilities that the job will require. Also, you want to make sure you research the type of company you are applying to and what their values are. Then, you want to make sure your resume is updated with your most recent experience. You want to create your resume with the job in mind, choosing your experiences to show that are similar to what the job will require.

After you have created a rough draft of your resume, I would suggest reaching out to your school counselor and asking to practice interviewing with them. With all interviews, practice makes perfect! The biggest thing with any job interview is being yourself. Remember, you want to like the employer just as much as you want them to like you! This will make sure that you are a great fit for the company.

Some key tips that have helped in my interviews include having a specific handful of experiences that I can speak to depending on the question. For example, I may have an experience that I can pick different parts of depending on what is being asked. This makes preparing for the interview much easier!

Another great tip is being able to ask a specific question to the person you are being interviewed by. This can be done by researching their LinkedIN Profile before the interview if you are able to. Any kind of personalized question with make the interviewer appreciate you more. For example, I may ask an interviewer about the specific college they went to, and how their degree led them to where they are now.
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Jackie’s Answer

interviews can be nerve wracking to say the least but there are some key things employers look for while interviewing. Keep in mind behavior driven results like how you hold yourself accountable to achieving your work objectives. They look for initiative. For example, how do you motivate yourself to bring your A game every day? Time utilization is another important skill to have like describing methods you use for keeping yourself organized and on time.
Are you able to listen? For example, why is it important to be a good listener? What can you learn from listening to the experiences of others?

Of course, verbal communication skills are super important. For example, describe a time when you had difficulty getting your point across. How did you eventually succeed?'
Building trust with clients and the ability to do so will be looked at for example, what draws people to you? what specific characteristics do you possess that make others want to work with you?

Be 10 minutes early and dress for success! Business professional attire for all interviews is typically expected. However, dressing to fit the position you're applying for is always a good idea. For example, you may not need to dress in a suit and tie if you're applying for a position that uses different dress codes like construction etc....
Be yourself an have fun!

Jackie recommends the following next steps:

Keep on topic when asked questions!
Always have a question for your interviewer
Don't be afraid to state that money is your motivator
Always cover tattoos even if they are not offensive.
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Vamshee’s Answer

Know your Resume: Meaning, you know what you have put on your resume and able to answer any questions specific to your courses, achievements, projects, experience etc.

Know The Job Requirements and Responsibilities: This will help you focus on the topics which are of interest for the position. So you can prepare and tailor your answers accordingly.

Attitude is important: They observe how you look, how you behave, your confidence etc. Its ok if you cannot answer 1 or 2 hard questions, but you can be able to show that you can learn or know how to go about it.


Reasearch and prepare for Common Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them

Why do you want to work for us? Focus on what makes you passionate about the job and company. Demonstrate how you fit into the company’s culture.

Tell us about something from your résumé. Pick out the accomplishment that most clearly relates to the job.

Why should we hire you? Use your concise elevator pitch, which should touch on the skills and experience you have that qualify you for the role.
Highlight your achievements and credit those who helped you along the way.

“It’s really important to make sure that you tailor your experience for the position that you’re applying for.”


When discussing your achievements, Stress the importance of tailoring your response to the job you are interviewing for. “People tend to talk about why they’re the best candidate in the world instead of the best candidate for that specific role,” she says. “It’s really important to make sure that you tailor your experience for the position that you’re applying for.”

Tell us about a challenge you faced at work and how you dealt with it. Highlight your problem-solving, teamwork and leadership skills.
Why are you the best person for the job? Focus on past successes that are most relevant to the job.
What is your greatest achievement? Tell a short story about an achievement, how you overcame challenges to accomplish it, the impact it made and what you learned in the process.
Be honest, positive and constructive as you consider how to answer interview questions about flaws and failures.

Attend some mock interviews and apply for jobs you may not be interested as well just get some interview experience and you can always demand for more salary or say no to position if you decide not to take up the job.

Hope this helps!
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Deepthi’s Answer

Hi Isaiah, Good question!

1. Spend some time reflecting and journalling - why are you applying for this position, what makes you the best candidate for the job, what are your strengths, where will you need help, what other information about the job will be helpful for you to make a decision on how to proceed with the application.
2. If you are able to, speak to someone that is currently in the job that you're already applying for. Understand their perspective on what makes them thrive in their role, what they like/don't like about the job.
3. Do your homework on the company and role - understand what the company's vision is, understand how this role contributes to that vision.
4. Integrate your reflections (such as your strengths/experiences that will make you the best candidate) into your resume/CV and cover letter.

Two steps that really differentiates the best candidates
a. During the interview, each interviewer will ask what questions you have for them. Have 2-3 questions ready. Not questions you can find an answer to on Google. But a question that you can only get an answer/perspective from this person. For e.g., what are your current challenges and how can this role you're filling help you meet those challenges?
b. After the interview, make sure you send a thank you note, along with 2-3 takeaways from your interview and reiterate why you are the best candidate.

Best of luck!
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Diane’s Answer

Your high school should have a guidance counselor that can help give you resources and hopefully practice with you as well. Also, the public library should have book on preparing for an interview with questions to practice with. You can also look online for "entry level job interview questions" and practice answering them. The more you are authentic and not trying to be someone you are not, the better you will do!
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Mark’s Answer

I think the best ways to prepare for a job interview is to familiarize yourself with the company/position that you are applying for as much as possible. This can be done by researching the company online or talking to people that already work there or in a similar position. Another step is to review your resume and think of examples of past experiences you have had in school or part time jobs that might apply to the position you are interviewing for. You may not think of it, but these 'skills' will likely carry over to just about any future position. Were you a part of a sports team in high school? Then you would have developed time management and teamwork skills. Did you participate in a school play or club? Then you probably developed communication and self-motivation skills. Did you hold a parttime job babysitting or mowing grass? Then you might have learned multitasking and decision-making skills. If you spend some time thinking about these past experiences, it will come in handy when it comes time for the interview and give you confidence that you have skills that every company desires.
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Bob’s Answer

So you got the interview - well done!

Be very thorough on ability to talk to.your resume.

Be very clear on the job requirements and be ready to discuss all with value assing answers when asked to support your match

Build yourself a small book of sample answers - both technical and behavioral - such as ‘ tell me about a tome when a, b, c or d’ - so your are ready to answer. Focus on simple answers with what, when why, where, who, and how -where you quickly recall people, places, numbers, etc - and make your answers punchy.

Use a friend or family to do practice interviewing.

Dress up - first impressions are everything.smile and be confident.be positive and be flexible. Arrive early
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Segu’s Answer

Congratulations on your decision to look for a job! Preparing for a job interview can help you feel more confident and increase your chances of success. Here are some tips for preparing for a job interview:

Research the company: Before the interview, learn as much as you can about the company you're interviewing with. This will help you understand the company's mission, values, and work culture, which can help you tailor your answers to fit the company's needs.

Prepare your answers: Think about the questions the interviewer is likely to ask and prepare your answers in advance. This can include questions about your experience, skills, and why you're interested in the job.

Dress appropriately: Dress professionally and appropriately for the job you're applying for. This shows the interviewer that you're taking the job seriously and are committed to making a good impression.

Practice, practice, practice: Practice your answers to common interview questions with a friend or family member. This can help you feel more confident and prepared when it's time for the actual interview.

Bring a copy of your resume: Bring a copy of your resume and any other relevant documents, such as your high school diploma or work permit if required.

Be on time: Arrive on time for the interview or a few minutes early. Being punctual shows that you're reliable and respectful of the interviewer's time.

Remember to be yourself and stay positive during the interview. Good luck!
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Stefanie’s Answer

Research the company you are interviewing with. It's important to be knowledgeable about them and how you can fit in their overall big picture.
ASK QUESTIONS about the manager, staff, culture, or anything else you want to know. It's important to remember that you are interviewing them as well.

This is an opportunity to talk about the great things that you offer. Make sure this comes across in the interview because that information will not be in your resume.
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Jolese’s Answer

Hi Isaiah!
I think you asked a great question. Some ways I prepare for an interview are to print an updated physical copy of my resume for employers to use as a guide during the interview. It works as a reintroduction of myself before I even speak and it may eliminate some questions during the interview. Also I think of answers to basic interview questions like "why would you want to work for this company?" "what are some good/bad traits about myself." Lastly I research the company and jot down at least two questions for the interviewer. The questions may be about health benefit packages, human relations, work shifts etc. To calm my nerves during an interview I always remind myself that the other person on the other side of the table or phone is a human as well and most people can appreciate you just being your authentic self. I hope this helps and good luck on your interview journey!
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Daniel’s Answer

Great Question Isaiah!

I would encourage you to do research on the company. That will enable you to be knowledgeable about the company when the interviewer ask you questions. Also, by knowing information on the company it will let you ask strategic questions to whoever is interviewing you. I know its difficult but do your best to stay cool and think about the answers you give before blurting out something. Always have copies of your resume with you and ensure you dress professional for your interview. Even if the company has a pretty chill dress code dressing professional will make you stand out from the competition.

From someone who has interviewed hundreds of people at multiple companies (used to be in HR) I can't tell you how much the above items stood out. Individuals just being knowledgeable about our company displayed that the person being interviewed did their homework and really wanted this position. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions at the end. This always showed me that the person had interest in helping our company grow.

I hope some of these tips help and good luck!
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Aneree’s Answer

Hi Isaiah!

What a great question! The most important things to prepare for and know when preparing for an interview is:

- The role you are applying for and the expectations and responsibilities of that role
- Knowledgeable about the company. Understanding the industry as well as the company's mission, vision and objectives and how they marry into your key strengths and values.
- Knowing where your strengths and weaknesses are as a professional.

I hope this helps!
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Miguel’s Answer

Hi! This is what I'd recommend:

1) Learn as much as possible about the company and the person interviewing you. You can start by checking the company's website, especially the mission/vision statement. I'd also recommend checking LinkedIn and Glassdoor profiles.
2) Have a few questions and scenarios (examples) ready as you will usually be able to implement in one of the questions. One of the best ways to answer a question is succinctly telling a story via the STAR method (there are plenty of good articles online to learn this method).
3) To show interest and commitment to the role you are applying for, try taking certification or courses that will enhance your knowledge base. There are great free certifications/courses in LinkedIn Learning and HubSpot Academy.
4) Be yourself; the recruiter/hiring manager are looking for someone authentic and genuine. Not in a bragging manner, but lay out there your best qualities and your strengths. Sometimes you don't have to be the most expert in certain areas of the role, but if you show you are eager to learn, your interest may land you the job you are applying for because you would have demonstrated your willingness to learn and achieve.
5) Make good questions when they ask you by the end of the interview. This will surely show the recruiter/hiring manager that you are interested and curious about the role and company.

Lastly, if you don't get the job, take it as a learning curve and good practice for when the right one comes along.

I wish you the very best!
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Roxana’s Answer

Hi Isaiah!
Some tips here:
- Be authentic/transparent! (Allow the interview to know the way you are)
- Be On Time.
- Sell your self -> Be ready to describe who you are and why it will be the best decision for that company to have you working with them.
- Ask questions - Read about the company for you to have some questions to ask to the interviewer like (culture, leadership styles,etc)
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Jake’s Answer

Practice in a mirror or with a partner
Have a couple questions at the end of the interview to ask the interviewing company
Look into meeting with professionals to do mock interviews
Do some basic research on the company you are interviewing with
Make sure your resume is true to who you are (i.e. if you say you are fluent in that language, be fluent in that language)
Dress professionally for the interview
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