First Job Interview Preparation Guide

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Keep your answer to under five minutes, beginning with an overview of your highest qualification then running through the jobs you have held so far in your career. You can follow the same structure of your CV, giving examples of achievements and the skills you've picked up along the way. Do not go into too much detail.

Ever since I could remember, I have looked forward to the day I was old enough to get a job. I cannot wait to start earning my own money so that I can save up for something special, like a car.Since I will be a senior in high school in September, I am starting to save for the books, supplies, and extra spending money I will need for college.

I am interested in working for your company because I am a customer of your store. As a customer, I have gotten to know your company well and appreciate your products and the environment that you have created here in your store. It is important for me to work some place that I admire, and I know that I would be proud to work here.

When working with children, it is important to always make them feel like they are special. To be successful in this position, I will be energetic, creative and understanding of the various needs of the all the children.

I am very proud of my high school athletic team's recent league championship. While I was able to accomplish many of my personal goals and set new school records, it was having the whole team come together to win the championship.

I did not have any salary expectations when I applied for this job because the job will not only provide a pay check, it will also give me experience in a field I hope to continue to pursue and learn more about.

I appreciate the investment your company is preparing to make in me, and I look forward to learning what your company can teach me, and how I can make an impact. My achievements in school and my after-school activities show that I am responsible, trust-worthy and a quick learner. I know that I can put these skills to good use working for you at your company.

I have had many experiences working in a team as a member of my high school athletic program. As a member of my sports team, I understand what it means to be a part of something larger than yourself and how to work with a group to accomplish a shared goal.

I recently had a school project in which some of my group members did not fulfill their responsibilities. To resolve the issue, the other group members and I split the remaining work and accomplishing the task at hand.

I did have an experience where I thought my new supervisor was unhappy with me. So I made a point to arrive early one day so I could talk to her in private. It turned out, she was not unhappy with me at all and she apologized if she came across that way.

Not exactly, but I am a fast learner and want to learn as much as I can about (blank).

I am a good listener and I like to be around people.

Yes I am. And if ever I am not, I will be sure to let you know in advance.

I have been called a perfectionist, but I like to do things right.

I get along easily with people, I do not think that would be a problem.

Yes. (if you do) or I do not have my own car, but my parents have agreed to drive me to work.

I would like to learn as many different positions and jobs as I can. I am really flexible.

I would politely listen to their complaint without interrupting them, and then try to help them solve the problem.

Candidate needs to be able to show how they are ready for this position; hopefully they can draw on their classes, computer skills and other positions, including volunteering.

I think I am the better candidate for this job because I am responsible, reliable and a hard worker.

You must be able to show they understand the behavior necessary for a work environment and perhaps how it differs from being in school. They also need to know how to avoid trouble and not join in without someone else that is being unprofessional.

You need to show discipline, organization and follow-through skills, along with the desire to excel.

Does the candidate have an understanding of how to overcome a difficult situation and still put forth their best effort?

Skills or attributes that may provide some additional information about you that was not addressed in the interview process that applicant will have the opportunity to reveal about him/her self as it relates to the position applied. Also provides an idea of how the candidate views themselves.

The panel should be able to determine if you have the skills needed for the position. Position requires exceptional organization, planning, verbal and written communication skills, managing multiple projects, attention to detail, follow-through.