What kind of questions should I expect in a interview?

Question

I'm 16 and I recently applied for a cashier position and am scheduled for a interview. This is my first interview and I have no idea what to expect. I'm not sure how to dress or what kind of questions I have to answer. What can I expect?

Answer 1

How you should dress depends on what kind of a business you'd be working for. If it is for a fast food place or a grocery store, I'd think a good pair of slacks, a nice blouse and good shoes (no flipflops, high heels, or beatup sports shoes) would be fine. If it is for a department store or a shop at the mall, check out how the cashiers there dress, and try for a similar look. Keep your makeup very moderate, and fix your hair in a style that has gotten nice comments from adults in the past. Keep jewelry to a minimum.

From now until the interview, listen closely to youself and do your best to eliminate all the "like," "um...," "well," and "er"'s from your speech. As a teen, every sentence I said had at least two or three "like"s in it, and I didn't even realize it until someone pointed it out to me and asked me to stop it. Then, I became so aware of it that I almost couldn't talk for a week! Also, I really noticed it when other people were talking, and was amazed at how much it's used and how unnecessary it is. It's, like, a dead giveaway that the person you're, like, talking to is, like, a teenager, if they're, like, using "like" in their conversations!

Probably, the interviewer will ask you questions about your past work experience. Tell about anything you've done that shows responsibility, organization, initiative, etc. ... babysitting, making sales for scouts or other groups, working at the concession stand during high school sports events, organizing and running a garage sale, etc.

You'll probably be asked questions along the lines of: Why do you want to work for ____? What are your worst qualities (habits, traits, behaviors, etc.)? [I always say, "I'm lazy, but that makes me very efficient, because I'm always looking for a quicker, easier way to get the work accomplished." Any answer you give to a question like this should have your twist on it as to how you make it into a GOOD thing.] What are your best traits (skills, talents, qualities, habits, etc.)? What do you bring to this job? (What can you do for us? What do you have to offer? ... or other variations along this line.) Again, your answers should show your willingness and ability to learn quickly, follow through on getting the job done, being reliable, responsible, and trustworthy, being a self-starter, and a team player. If you have perfect attendance (or almost perfect attendance) in school, mention that ... it shows that you can get where you need to be when you need to be there. The interviewer will most likely ask if you have any questions about the job, so try to think up three or four, and ask the one that best fits the way the conversation has gone. "Is there any opportunity for advancement from this position?" "How long do most employees stay in this position?" "What is the most important thing I need to know about this job?" "What is the most difficult thing about this job?
"What would be the best thing (attitude, trait) I could bring to this job?"

Money may or may not be discussed during this interview. Ahead of time, talk to friends who do work of this type and see if you can find out what they are earning. Figure out a range that is somewhere in the middle. Then, if the interviewer asks you what kind of wages you expect, you'll know the kind of range to mention.

If they ask when you can work, be as open and flexible as possible. If you start in with, "Well, I can't start 'til after Labor Day, 'cause we're goin' on vacation. And then, I can't work Wednesdays, 'cause that's when my favorite TV show is on, and Saturdays I have to save for hangin' with my friends ..." etc., you'll be out of a job before you ever get it! It would be best to list the days and times you would be available, and say nothing about the whys and wherefors for the times you would not be available.

Sit up straight, and lean slightly forward (it shows attention and interest). Don't chew gum or suck on candy. If you have any tongue jewelry, take it out for the interview ... believe me, it makes wearers sound odd. Make frequent eye contact with the interviewer, but don't stare. Try to relax. When you are not using your hands in natural gestures, keep them calmly in your lap ... don't fidget, twirl your hair, or drum your fingers. If you get nervous, take a slow, deep breath, and let it out. Remember to smile and be pleasant. At the end of the interview, be sure to thank them for seeing you. If they offer their hand for a handshake, give them a nice, firm one ... no limp fish or bonecrushers!

Relax, smile, try to enjoy the process.
GOOD LUCK! I'll be thinking about you and wishing you well!

Answer 2

First off, they will want to know if you are available anytime. The best answer to this is Yes. Don't start by saying 'Oh I can't on Thursdays because of....and I can't on Saturday afternoons but only between 2 and 3 and ..." because it will lose you the offer. And the job offer is what you want.

Dress professionally and not casually. If you're unsure, dress like you're going to church and tone down only if you feel it's overdone for the job. (NO Tee Shirts, jeans or sneakers!) Go through the store before hand and see what people wear. Try to match the look and feel of their attire.

The job you're applying for will probably have the standard questiosn about "Where have you worked before?" and "What did you like about your job" but will also cover such things as "Have you ever worked as a cashier before"

Ideally, you want to answer in the positive on every question, but there are some where you won't be able to. Even so, you want to appear Positive about the experience. As an example, "Have youever worked as a cashier before?" "No, my last job didn't handle the cashiering, but I was in line for the position and I learn very quickly on every piece of equipment I've been assigned to."

Be yourself, don't speak long windedly and For GOD"S sake, practice your answers without saying "LIKE" or "Y'KNOW". This makes you appear more professional.

It's also good to ask a question with every answer. As in the example above, "....every piece of equipment I've been assigned. Is experience important in the person you're seeking?" Asking quesitons - even if it's questions about your interviewer - make you appear eager and interested. Even consider these questions YOU can ask: "How long have you been with the company?" "Did you start as a cashier?" "Is growth something to look forward to in this position?" Asking questions allows the interview to become more of a converstaion than an "Inquisition".

Also expect the following and be prepared with answers:
What is your best trait? (Answer: My ability to learn a job quickly and to get things done right the first time.)
What is your worst trait? (Answer: I feel I can be too picky sometimes in my work. I try to get things done right the first time and I can be a bit obsessive about this.)
and of course
Why should we hire you? (Answer: I feel that my ability to learn along with my experience is a genuine asset to the company which hires me. I am not looking for a temporary job or a stepping stone and plan to be the best decision you ever made.)

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years are you going to go to college or are you going to continue working for minimum wage. Do you have any interest? What goals have you set for yourself, I know that your only 16 but you need to start thinking about the future. I really wasn't thinking about that when i was 16 I just wanted school to be done with. I have my highschool diploma but I have a really crumy job that its really hard to break free from it because it pays the bills. just think about the future and try to jump start it early on because once you do that great things will happen for you OK!

Answer 4

well usually they just ask a few questions like why you are intrested in the job or ask about your previous jobs and things liek that. its not hard at all just dress your usually style and make sure that the whole time the manger is asking you questions that y ou make eye contact and you have a smile because what they will be looking for is if you have a "people personality".

Answer 5

Dress smartly but conservatively. Don't look sloppy or trendy.

I'd ask you about any work experience at all, even chores around the house (and what you did).
I'd ask if you feel you are responsible, and then I'd ask you for examples.
I'd ask if you know what it means to hold a job.
I'd ask about your grades at school and what your interests are.
I'd also ask how you plan to get to and from the job. Do you have your own car?

Good luck.

Answer 6

Questions about your character, like do you steal?

Questions about how responsible you are, like can you show up for work on time?

The rest is just about gauging your personality and if you will be fun to work with and can be nice and personable to the customers.