I'm 17 and I applied at some store that sells children's learning supplies, etc. Honestly, it is a very nice store and it seems like a great environment to work in (in the past, I worked at fast food stops... hated it!). I was wondering if you can give me some tips for my interview.
I hope that I get the job!
2006-11-27 14:51:34 · 9 answers · asked by Ohay 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
To add to the above... know how you will answer the questions that normally come up in an interview
Tell us about yourself
What do you have to offer our company
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years
Tell us about your strengths and weaknesses
Tell us how you handle conflict/ give an example of how you've had to deal with a problem at work and how did you resolve it
Since it is in a retail store, you might be asked:
How would you deal with an angry customer
What does good customer service mean to you
The quicker you answer (it looks bad if you have to sit there and think) and having a quality answer makes a good impression. Plus, since you already know what you are going to say for the most part, it helps take away some of the pressure of the interview process.
2006-11-27 15:09:28 · answer #1 · answered by Cruel Angel 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Eye contact with the interviewer, smile, shake their hand when you introduce yourself. If you have any background with children you should bring that up since it is a children's learning supply store--babysitting, tutoring etc. If not, dont worry about it, but it could be beneficial if you do have any. Think of why you want to work there because they will probably ask--you said above that you think it looks like a great environment to work in. Maybe talk about having aspirations of working with children if you have them...you dont need to lie but play up anything that may make you seem more appealing to what their store focuses on. You have customer service experience even if it is in fast food so that is helpful. Make sure you dress nice and look presentable--dont show up in jeans. If you have a skirt or dress pants and a nice top wear that.
So look neat and clean, smile, be yourself and be confident! Oh, and BE ON TIME--and if possible 15 minutes early--if you cant be on time for the interview they will assume you wont be ontime for your scheduled shifts.
GOOD LUCK!!
2006-11-27 15:02:39 · answer #2 · answered by c m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well the most important thing is to dress well and act well. Be presentable, so wear something that is smart and clean. Don't be late, come at least 15 minutes earlier, even if your interview is conducted 30 minutes after don't spoil the mood by showing funny faces to the people around you as it will give a negative views on your personality. Be confidence when answering Qs. So don't slouch, mumble, or anything very obviously weird to the eye. Good luck.
2006-11-27 15:02:55 · answer #3 · answered by maggotier 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that you smile and make eye contact. Have a firm (but not a "death grip") hand shake. Show them that you know something about their business. If it is a chain, Google them and learn important facts about their business. If it's not a chain, try to learn about similar businesses.
Be prepared to answer commonly asked questions such as:
Why do you want to work here? (Cleaner environment than a restaurant? Want to be a teacher?)
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? (Since you're 17, I would suggest that you say in college or just graduating, unless this is what you plan on doing for a career. If you plan on working during college, by all means say so!)
What is your greatest asset? (Hardworker, good customer service skills, rarely late to work, etc.)
What is your greatest weakness/ (Don't be too negative, but don't try to tell them you don't have any weaknesses. Perhaps "sometimes I spend too much time with a single customer because I really want to make sure that they have a pleasant experience, but I am aware of this and try to make a conscious effort to make sure that I give my attention to all of my customers.")
What did you like about your last job? (Probably can't go wrong with an answer like "meeting all different types of people".)
What did you dislike about your last job? (Don't be too negative and *never* criticize your boss, unless his/her behavior rose to the level that you reported it to their superiors! You might mention the grease, the unattractive uniforms, hours that interferred with your homework...)
How did you and your boss get along? (If had very few problems and/or were recognized by awards (employee of the month), say so. Otherwise, you might say "sometimes we didn't see eye-to-eye, but I always tried to do my job to the best of my ability.
Good luck and try to get a good night's sleep!
2006-11-27 15:20:22 · answer #4 · answered by Well, you asked... 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remember, you are the product and you're selling yourself. Dress appropriately: a nice button up shirt and a nice clean pair of slacks or knee length skirt. Speak clearly and without slang. Remember to smile and be honest, you like the store, say that. Try this Web site or others for some help www.collegegrad.com/intv/. And good luck
2006-11-27 15:05:02 · answer #5 · answered by Lori H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For an interview remember that you're selling them on you. Dress appropriately for the interview, speak appropriately, make eye contact and be prepared to tell them why you would make a great employee for their store. It also helps if you do some research before your interview to show them that you know about their business. In interviews, employers are looking to see that you're going to be a dependable, dedicated employee who will help build their business. Best of luck!
2006-11-27 14:56:38 · answer #6 · answered by greta171 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For your interview, wear something that you know you look great in. If you feel comfortable in the outfit, then you will ooze confidence.
Be yourself and have a quick laugh. Don't be stiff. If you trip walking in, make a joke about it :).
Have a great, firm hand shake and look them in the eyes. Sit up straight, talk to them, and remember that you are the best person for this job.
Oh yeah...did I mention to be yourself?
You will do great!!!!! I know you will!!!!!!
2006-11-27 15:11:59 · answer #7 · answered by Sweet Susie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Be calm and confident. Tell them that you know that with your experience you are prepared to be a manager, but look forward to gaining experience at the level offered. BE the actor if you don't have the experience! You might get it!!! GOOD LUCK!!
2006-11-27 14:59:57 · answer #8 · answered by New Millennium Minds 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check this for a list of blogs related to job interview
http://www.jobsforuscitizens.com/blogs/?cat=5
2006-11-28 17:04:56 · answer #9 · answered by TheGuru 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋