How to stand out for employers?

Question

I'm 17 and interested in a part time job. I have applied almost everywhere. I've landed interviews with Armani Exchange, Macys, Benneton, Forever 21 and am planning to go to a job fair with Starbucks or Peets...
My interview with Armani was a bit on the bad side...
I dont know how to appeal to the employers.. please help?

Answer 1

I've interviewed many people over the years. The first thing that stands out is any experience. Anything relevant to the job is important. If the company or business is interviewing you, they realize that your on-the-job experience is minimal. They accept that, so should you. However, play up what experience you do have. Have you ever done sales before? It could be school sales, club sales, etc. All of those could add up.

Second, familiarity with the company or business and the job. If you have zero idea of what you will do or what the business or company does, this is not good. So learn about products and departments. Macy's, for example, is a very big store. Which areas interest you and why?

Third, enthusiasm. If you come in nervous or sounding like you don't care (and I swear, one guy I met sounded like he just smoked a joint before the interview!), this will impress no one. How to fight nerves? Breathe deep a few times. Think about possible questions. You said you had an interview with Armani. What questions did they ask? How could you better have addressed those questions? You don't want memorized answers, but you want yourself to be fluid - that is, you want the answers to be eloquent, yet succinct. For example, "Why does Armani interest you? What department interests you? What makes you better than other people your age?" Get answers prepared. Even if the interviewer never asks you these questions, you are already thinking about the job, which is good. The more prepared you are, the better you will come across.

Then, shake hands firmly. Be polite, but confident. Act like you deserve this job. You can even be a tad aloof - act like you know you can do better, so let's see what this company can do for you. Remember, you are interviewing them as well. There's little sense in getting a horrible job at Macy's when you could get a great job at The Gap, for example. But don't be cocky. Always be respectful. Be proud of your accomplishments and try to showcase them. For example, if you have a great GPA, state that your grades are a reflection of your concientiousness and willingness to learn and work hard. Involved in lots of sports? State that you are fully aware of how a great team operates and know about commitment to getting a job done right. In other words, draw from your experience. If you sit there saying "Uh" or one word answers, or "I don't know", you will impress no one.

Lastly, dress appropriately for the job. For example, don't come in a suit if everyone there works in T-shirts. Don't come in a T-shirt if everyone dresses up in nice jackets and pants. Don't have wild hair. Depending on your gender, shave or wear minimal make-up. You want to look professional, not slovenly or overly made-up.

Given your age, I would recommend rehearsing. Again, take the questions you received from Armani. Talk to an adult about them (like a parent). And then rehearse answering those questions with your mother, father, grandparent, aunt, neighbor, etc. Do NOT rehearse with another teen - they have as little experience as you. By rehearsing with an adult, they can point out weaknesses and strengths. Be prepared for the criticism, not offended. You want to learn.

Once you are positive Armani said "no", feel free to ask them "why?". Again, they may provide you with important feedback. If they say that you interviewed well, but they hired someone with more experience, then you at least know your interview skills are fine, you just need to get your foot in the door somewhere. But if they stress a few weaknesses in how you presented yourself, again, listen carefully. And don't be shy about asking - you gain nothing by keeping quiet.

Good luck!

Answer 2

You may need to apply to lower end stores, like Old Navy or American Eagle. Places like Armani usually want people who are experienced and know what they're doing. People pay too much for the merchandise to be helped by someone who doesn't know the first thing about the merchandise.

I don't mean to sound mean, but it's just like a first time server would not be able to get a job at a 5 star restaurant. They want experience.

But, as always, it's good to go in, well dressed, well groomed, know something about the company (they'll like you more if you already know alot about the product), appear confident, ask questions and appear eager and interested.

Good Luck in your search!

Answer 3

When I hire someone I always look for 3 things, confidence, curiosity, and appearance. If you're nervous it tell the potential employer that you aren't good at dealing with stress. Ask questions! an interview isn't supposed to be one sided, its a conversation. It comes off as not being serious about wanting the job if you don't ask questions, if you're not serious about the interview whats to say you'll take your job seriously? And when I say appearance I don't mean what you look like, I mean how you look. Take pride in your appearance. Press your clothes, style your hair, and smile. Nothing says I'm the man for your company like a great smile.