Your first job will prepare you for the future. However, you won't get that first job without following some necessary guidelines. Here are some basic tips for what to do before, during, and after your interview.
The first thing you do after setting up an interview:
Research the company. Regardless if your interview is for McDonald's, Starbucks, or a political canvasing company – research the local company. What McDonald's is doing in New York could be completely different from what McDonald's is doing in the Midwest. Did you know that McDonald's is a franchise opportunity business? Learn what the local franchise activities are. Most franchises participate in the local community.
The second thing is to look up common interview questions and good answers to give at an interview. The interview is not only a way for a potential employer to get to know you, but also a way for them to test you. They are testing you to see if you are a good investment for the company. No employer willingly pays money per hour to a person who doesn't care about the job or what the job does for the employer. If you don't care about the job, you won't get the job.
Anther important thing to do before your interview is practice. Before you go through an actual interview, you should first go through what is called a 'mock' interview. Ask a parent, school counselor or teacher if they can do a mock interview with you. This means they will pretend to be the person interviewing you for the job. You will act the same way you would in the real interview. Afterwards, the person acting as an interviewer will give you suggestions on how you can improve your chances of being hired.
Some of the questions you may be asked could include: How has your education prepared you for this position? What was the single most important lesson you learned in school? What about your hobbies or activities in school? Why do you want to work here? Knowing your answers to these questions will to a lot to prepare you.
Getting dressed for the interview.
Don't wear your leather jacket, unless it is a nice, business-style jacket. Even then, I highly discourage anyone from wearing leather anywhere in the outfit, other than the belt for men. You really don't know who you are meeting, and the interviewer may have beliefs against wearing leather. A leather jacket simply doesn't look interview-appropriate.
During the interview.
Even if you know within the first 60 seconds that this is not the job you want, be polite and listen to the interviewer. He or she may say something that changes your mind. There may be a job in the future you would like to have. During the interview, sit in a professional demeanor thats tells the interviewer you are listening.
Don't lean on the table or desk. Don't place your head in the palm of your hand leaning on the table or desk. Know what you are going to say and what you're interested in hearing about the job. At the end of the interview, always thank your interviewer. S/he has taken the time to meet you and get to know you.
After the interview.
After the job interview, make sure to send a thank-you letter by e-mail or United States Postal Service.
If you are not interested in the job, let them know that you appreciated the chance to meet them, but you feel the job is not the right opportunity for you at this time.
If you are interested in the job, send a thank-you letter letting them know you are interested, and remind them of skills and personal attributes you have.
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