First Interview

Exxcell · #1 05-16-2013, 08:39 PM

So, I have my first 'real' interview next week for a part-time job at one of the largest A/V companys in the Midwest.
I'm only 16 and I'm wondering what to expect and what not to do during the interview process. Any tips?

Ziltoid · #2 05-16-2013, 08:45 PM

Dress well, have a good handshake, don't sit before they tell you to, don't bullsheet.

Gather some information on the company it might be useful. Prepare yourself to the basic questions (qualities, shortcomings, "are you a team worker", what's the role you usually take in a "team", where do you see yourself in X, etc.)

That's what I got on top of my head.

blastoff99 · #3 05-16-2013, 08:46 PM

Turn your phone off.
Arrive ten minutes early. Not earlier.
Make eye contact with your interviewer.
Don't chew gum.
Shake hands firmly but don't crush anybody.
Have a copy of your resume and application with you.
Know any questions YOU want to ask.
Don't be afraid to smile.

tplyons · #4 05-16-2013, 08:49 PM

Research the company ahead of time. Know the company.

Bring your resume. Know your resume. Talk to that. If you don't have much work experience, it will be short, but be able to talk to your achievements. Captain of the baseball team? Team player? Show that.

Exxcell · #5 05-16-2013, 09:11 PM

Since I was asked to fill out an application online and send in a resume via email, what does having my résumé in hand accomplish? I have very little formal employment background, but quite a bit of experience and was trained by the company prior to the interview. Thanks so far! I never thought about me asking questions. Any thing I shouldn't ask?

ryco · #6 05-16-2013, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exxcell

Since I was asked to fill out an application online and send in a resume via email, what does having my résumé in hand accomplish? I have very little formal employment background, but quite a bit of experience and was trained by the company prior to the interview. Thanks so far! I never thought about me asking questions. Any thing I shouldn't ask?

It shows you are interested and prepared.

iamlowsound · #7 05-16-2013, 09:30 PM

Read around on this site for a while and you will ace any interview. http://theundercoverrecruiter.com/

lowsound

LiquidMidnight · #8 05-16-2013, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exxcell

Since I was asked to fill out an application online and send in a resume via email, what does having my résumé in hand accomplish?

Ideally, everyone who is interviewing you will have a copy of your resume, but we don't always live in an ideal world. As stated earlier, it's better to be prepared with extra copies of your resume than not. When it comes to selection, it's always good to expect the unexpected. It's possible that the first thing you do when you arrive at the employer's is sit down at a computer and take a psychometric test.

MJ5150 · #9 05-17-2013, 12:38 AM

A question you could ask is "what makes people in the position I am interviewing for successful at this company?"

-Mike

i_got_a_mohawk · #10 05-17-2013, 06:50 AM

+1 to everything said already.

Basically be you on your best day, don't make out that you're something you aren't (i.e. don't try and BS people).

DogBone · #11 05-17-2013, 07:08 AM

Great advice on this thread!

Be honest, and remember you are interviewing them as much as they are you.

Asking THEM questions shows them you have initiative and intelligence.

Good luck.

RS · #12 05-17-2013, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

A question you could ask is "what makes people in the position I am interviewing for successful at this company?"

-Mike

Yes. One of my top pet peeves as an employer is when I ask an applicant at the end of the interview if they have any questions for me and they say "No". This is a good one and there are other you can research online. Also, express your interest directly at the end of the interview. Another peeve is interviewees that display no apparent drive/motivation.

Factor88 · #13 05-17-2013, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

A question you could ask is "what makes people in the position I am interviewing for successful at this company?"

This is a fantastic question.

Also, another plus 1000 to turning your phone off. Not on silent, not on vibrate. OFF. If you are like most 16 year olds nowadays you have been genetically programed to look at that miniature idiot box every couple minutes, and you don't want to do it in a job interview. Even, by the way, if the people interviewing you are looking at theirs.