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What are some tips to have a good job interview?
I am a Senior in high school and I want to know how to perform well when I have to attend a job interview.
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29 answers
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Patrick Obviously, you've researched the employer. Obviously, you've practiced answers to questions you know will be asked. Obviously you've printed out five copies of your résumé to take with you. And obviously you have your own questions ready (not too many). Below I've listed a few other things you should be doing to ensure you nail your next interview:
BE PREPARED
The preparation you do demonstrates your overall discipline, and it shows the interviewer the way you work—and whether you would put similar effort into the job itself. Also be sure to indicate interest in both the company and the job . Sometimes it can be a red flag if you overemphasize your desire to work for an organization and undervalue the job. Recruiters or hiring leaders may think you just want to get a foot in the door, and you won’t be committed to the role—so balance your knowledge and enthusiasm about both the job and the organization.
BE YOUR BEST
Interviewers are looking for your hard skills, but they’re also looking for soft skills like leadership, initiative and creativity. And soft skills aren’t really soft at all—since they affect teams, innovation and company culture. Most interviews use interviewing techniques which push you for specifics or behaviors. Be ready to share stories and examples which will ensure the points you make aren’t just generalizations, but demonstrate of your behaviors, your choices, your growth and your impact.
STAY CONNECTED
Most of all, stay professional throughout the process. Whether or not you get an offer and whether or not you accept it, always be graceful and maintain relationships. Everyone you meet in the process is part of your network. The more contacts you have in your network will be the meaningful connections that'll pave the way to a future full of opportunities.
Hope this was helpful Patrick
BE PREPARED
The preparation you do demonstrates your overall discipline, and it shows the interviewer the way you work—and whether you would put similar effort into the job itself. Also be sure to indicate interest in both the company and the job . Sometimes it can be a red flag if you overemphasize your desire to work for an organization and undervalue the job. Recruiters or hiring leaders may think you just want to get a foot in the door, and you won’t be committed to the role—so balance your knowledge and enthusiasm about both the job and the organization.
BE YOUR BEST
Interviewers are looking for your hard skills, but they’re also looking for soft skills like leadership, initiative and creativity. And soft skills aren’t really soft at all—since they affect teams, innovation and company culture. Most interviews use interviewing techniques which push you for specifics or behaviors. Be ready to share stories and examples which will ensure the points you make aren’t just generalizations, but demonstrate of your behaviors, your choices, your growth and your impact.
STAY CONNECTED
Most of all, stay professional throughout the process. Whether or not you get an offer and whether or not you accept it, always be graceful and maintain relationships. Everyone you meet in the process is part of your network. The more contacts you have in your network will be the meaningful connections that'll pave the way to a future full of opportunities.
Hope this was helpful Patrick
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Prepare an elevator pitch that speaks about how you bring value to the company.
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I would say be confident, but that is easier said than done. Just be yourself, i think most employers are looking for someone that will fit their culture and values more than doing the job as everyone can learn in time. Be yourself and don't forget to ask questions!
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Everything will work out. If you don't get the first job you're looking at, you will still get one. Don't stress and be yourself!
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Practice with others, don't think too much about it. Be confident and speak about the experiences you've had, and don't forget to ask questions!
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Daniel’s Answer
Great Question Patrick!
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!
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!
Hi Patrick,
Since you’re graduating high school there will be a ton of leeway for job interviews. College interviews are definitely more rigorous. There won’t be technical questions, you probably won’t be doing behavioral interviews. You’re at the start of your career. It’s a good idea to research the company and see what their interests are. Research their recruiters on LinkedIn. Use your AP/IB classes, mention your volunteering, any awards, SAT/ACT scores, and any work experience. At the interview be excited about the job and relate how your achievements to translates into their success.
Natalie
Updated
L. Victoria’s Answer
When preparing for an interview:
1) Arrive early. (If you are attending in-person, make time for potential traffic).
2) Ensure you are presentable and business professional in appearance. First impressions are important.
3) Show interest in the company ahead of time by doing research on the company, role, and function you have applied for.
4) Be honest. (There is nothing wrong with this. Show you are willing/eager to learn despite what you do not know).
5) Be prepared with examples that support the role. Whether you have professional examples, academic or personal ones. (I.e., STAR Method)
6) Partner with someone you know to do a mock interview. (Someone who can give you constructive feedback).
7) Ensure you have an updated resume. Bring hard copies to your (in-person) interview to provide to the interviewer.
8) Be prepared with questions for the interviewer. This shows interest.
9) Be yourself. That is one way to stand out from the competition.
10) A personal story may make you more relatable. Be prepared with one you would like to share.
11) Be prepared to go through a demonstration of your knowledge/skills.
1) Arrive early. (If you are attending in-person, make time for potential traffic).
2) Ensure you are presentable and business professional in appearance. First impressions are important.
3) Show interest in the company ahead of time by doing research on the company, role, and function you have applied for.
4) Be honest. (There is nothing wrong with this. Show you are willing/eager to learn despite what you do not know).
5) Be prepared with examples that support the role. Whether you have professional examples, academic or personal ones. (I.e., STAR Method)
6) Partner with someone you know to do a mock interview. (Someone who can give you constructive feedback).
7) Ensure you have an updated resume. Bring hard copies to your (in-person) interview to provide to the interviewer.
8) Be prepared with questions for the interviewer. This shows interest.
9) Be yourself. That is one way to stand out from the competition.
10) A personal story may make you more relatable. Be prepared with one you would like to share.
11) Be prepared to go through a demonstration of your knowledge/skills.
Updated
Jeanne’s Answer
Read up on the company, understand the company, read the financial report, company culture (values & mission statement), vision for the future. Be yourself, authentic, don't use Chatgpt for answers. Review common interview questions to practice and prepare, this will help you feel more confident. Have a quick of you sucesses ready as examples to sight, focus on the how you achieved what you did and why it was important. Bring a copy of your resume and be sure you know what's on it and are able to speak to it in a robust fashion with lots of example. Display how you work with others, teamwork, leadership, group dynamics, etc. Follow up to interviewer, send a thank you for their time and reiterating your interest in the role.
Response was written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE.
Prepare for the interview, due diligence on knowing the company
Response was written on behalf of a group of volunteers at HPE.
Jeanne recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Here are some of my favorite interview tips:
1) Be prepared. Know the employer by doing some research ahead of time. Go to their website, read up on their mission statement, get a feel for their company culture. You could even go to Glassdoor.com and see what people who work there have to say about the job. Also know what skills they are looking for in the job listing and be sure to highlight how you exemplify those skills during your interview.
2) Be confident and try to be relaxed (or fake it till you make it). You don't want to come across as nervous or unsure of yourself so do whatever it is you need to do before the interview to hype yourself up. The more prepared you are, the easier this will be.
3) Communicate clearly. That probably ties into the confidence thing, but it also has to do with some practice ahead of time. Don't go overboard with the practicing though --- you don't want all your answers to sound rehearsed. But know generally what you plan to say to some of the most common interview questions. And again, be sure to communicate how your skills align with the skills the employer is looking for.
4) Eye contact is important. Try not to find yourself looking at the ground or away from the interview too many times during the conversation.
5) Watch examples on Youtube of some good ways to answer some of the most common interview questions. I did this and it helped spark some ideas in how I wanted to answer these questions during my interviews.
6) Employ the STAR method when answering your questions. You can find plenty of articles about this, but STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Results. This will help structure your answers and ensure your responses have impact.
1) Be prepared. Know the employer by doing some research ahead of time. Go to their website, read up on their mission statement, get a feel for their company culture. You could even go to Glassdoor.com and see what people who work there have to say about the job. Also know what skills they are looking for in the job listing and be sure to highlight how you exemplify those skills during your interview.
2) Be confident and try to be relaxed (or fake it till you make it). You don't want to come across as nervous or unsure of yourself so do whatever it is you need to do before the interview to hype yourself up. The more prepared you are, the easier this will be.
3) Communicate clearly. That probably ties into the confidence thing, but it also has to do with some practice ahead of time. Don't go overboard with the practicing though --- you don't want all your answers to sound rehearsed. But know generally what you plan to say to some of the most common interview questions. And again, be sure to communicate how your skills align with the skills the employer is looking for.
4) Eye contact is important. Try not to find yourself looking at the ground or away from the interview too many times during the conversation.
5) Watch examples on Youtube of some good ways to answer some of the most common interview questions. I did this and it helped spark some ideas in how I wanted to answer these questions during my interviews.
6) Employ the STAR method when answering your questions. You can find plenty of articles about this, but STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Results. This will help structure your answers and ensure your responses have impact.
Updated
Eduardo’s Answer
The best way to perform well in an interview is to PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. That will help you relax and be more confident during interviews. Go to as many interviews as you can. Get used to the process. Make sure your first interview ever is NOT for your dream job. Instead, go to your dream job's interview once you have practiced a lot! This never fails! Did I mention you need to PRACTICE??? Good luck!
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Patrick, great question! Here are some tips for interview prep.
1. Research the company: Before the interview, research the company thoroughly. Find out about their products or services, their mission statement, their culture, and any recent news or developments related to the company.
2. Review your resume: Make sure you know your resume inside out. Be prepared to talk about your work experience, education, and any relevant skills or achievements.
3. Practice answering common interview questions: Review common interview questions and practice your responses. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.
4. Dress appropriately: Dress professionally for the interview. Some companies have a more casual dress code than others. When in doubt, dress a little nicer than you think might be appropriate.
1. Research the company: Before the interview, research the company thoroughly. Find out about their products or services, their mission statement, their culture, and any recent news or developments related to the company.
2. Review your resume: Make sure you know your resume inside out. Be prepared to talk about your work experience, education, and any relevant skills or achievements.
3. Practice answering common interview questions: Review common interview questions and practice your responses. This will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.
4. Dress appropriately: Dress professionally for the interview. Some companies have a more casual dress code than others. When in doubt, dress a little nicer than you think might be appropriate.
Updated
Siddharth’s Answer
One of the best ways to prepare for and perform well in an interview is to write down examples of work you have done in a STAR format which is Situation Task Action and Results.
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Richard J (Rich)’s Answer
Hi - the answers you have already are spot on. Keys there are "be prepared" - know the company and the job you are going for and find, even though limited, experience in which you can relate to the position. If it is something totally new, at least do research regarding the job and have some general background. But, be transparent and don't try and pretend you know something if you don't know it.
But here is what I tell folks for speeches, interviews, interactions, etc. These are the 3 C's
1. Be Confident, without Arrogance. Try to be as comfortable and respectful as possible
2. Be Concise. If you feel like you are talking too much - then you are. Be concise in your answers, but using STAR (explained above) be complete. This is hard to do - but don't ramble. If they have more questions they will ask
3. Be Correct. They know if you are struggling with an answer. If you don't know something - at least try to explain how you would learn it. But don't try to snow the interviewer / interviewers as they will know it.
I hope this helps.
But here is what I tell folks for speeches, interviews, interactions, etc. These are the 3 C's
1. Be Confident, without Arrogance. Try to be as comfortable and respectful as possible
2. Be Concise. If you feel like you are talking too much - then you are. Be concise in your answers, but using STAR (explained above) be complete. This is hard to do - but don't ramble. If they have more questions they will ask
3. Be Correct. They know if you are struggling with an answer. If you don't know something - at least try to explain how you would learn it. But don't try to snow the interviewer / interviewers as they will know it.
I hope this helps.
Updated
Lee’s Answer
If you do not have appropriate experience/related work (based on you are a Senior in High School) you want to talk about things you have done such as charity work, tasks you have done (side jobs, major home projects) and special interests that relate to what you are applying for. If you are applying for an internship you want to talk about what the company offers that is of interest to you. Maybe it is family business, industry leader, great place to work, etc. Internships give you insight to the company and lets you know if you are a good fit.
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. A lot of students have the same question.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read thoroughly on the job specification and understand what areas you can meet the requirement and what you need improvement
2. Prepare for some generic questions, e.g. Introduce yourself, what is your strength weakness, etc.
You answers have to pinpoint to the job requirement, i.e. on Item 1
3. Think about any specific questions related to the job the interviewer may ask and prepare
4. Check the interview location early and identify the transport to go there. Be punctual!
5. Dress properly to attend the interview. Prepare the clothes and fitting early. For girls, it may need to prepare the make up.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Read thoroughly on the job specification and understand what areas you can meet the requirement and what you need improvement
2. Prepare for some generic questions, e.g. Introduce yourself, what is your strength weakness, etc.
You answers have to pinpoint to the job requirement, i.e. on Item 1
3. Think about any specific questions related to the job the interviewer may ask and prepare
4. Check the interview location early and identify the transport to go there. Be punctual!
5. Dress properly to attend the interview. Prepare the clothes and fitting early. For girls, it may need to prepare the make up.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Judy’s Answer
Job interviews can be very scary. Always make sure you look your interviewer in the eyes. Be honest. Use positive body language such as sitting up straight, smiling, and not fidgeting. Listen carefully before responding. Sound energetic and enthusiastic, but never fake.
Updated
TRAVIS’s Answer
Look into the STAR interview method. It is an excellent way to answer behavioral interview questions. You can find videos on Youtube about it.
