Job Interview Preparation Notes

Interview Preparation

First Impressions

  • Confidence: Walk in with confidence.
  • Introduction: State your name and experience clearly.
  • Voicemail: Ensure your phone has a voicemail set up.

Dress Code

  • Dress for the Desired Job: Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.
    • Construction: Clean jeans (no holes or tears), work boots, and a nice shirt.
    • Office Job: Slacks and a nice shirt; a suit jacket is a plus.

Company Research

  • Thorough Research: Always research the company before the interview.
    • Company Details: Understand what they do and how long they have been established.
    • Dress Code: Research typical attire on a day-to-day basis.
    • Key Personnel: If possible, identify HR or the president of the company.

Interview Approach

  • Preparedness: Go into the interview knowing what you want (hours, experience).
  • Positive Attitude: Never express a negative reason for wanting the job (e.g., "My mom told me to get a job."). Instead, focus on gaining experience and learning.
  • Previous Jobs: If asked why you left a previous job, avoid negativity. Frame it positively, such as seeking better opportunities or growth.

Interview Experiences

Scenario Questions
  • Answering: Be prepared for scenario-based questions that evaluate your problem-solving skills.
Personal Questions
  • Keep it Brief: When answering personal questions, keep it concise and pivot back to the job or internship.
  • Example: "My name is ". I'm interested in this job because I want to do this with my life, and I've already had these experiences."

Communication

  • Phone Issues: If there are audio issues, consider using your phone for audio.

Internships and Goals

Learning and Passion
  • Passion Integration: Integrate your passions into the interview.
  • Express Enthusiasm: Express that you want to learn as much as possible and take the information with you.
  • Genuine Interest: Show that you're not just there for a paycheck; demonstrate a genuine interest in learning and contributing.
  • Honesty: It's okay if you discover the job isn't for you.

Company Perspective

Qualities Employers Seek
  • Openness to Learn: Companies want someone open to learning and helping where needed.
  • Adaptability: Be willing to jump in and help, even if it's not in your job description.

Resources and Support

Available Assistance
  • Resume, Soft Skills, Interview Skills: Resources are available for resume building, soft skills, and interview skills.
  • Post-Interview Feedback: You can call or email for feedback after an interview.

Resume Creation

Resume Types
  • Varied Resumes: Different resumes for different experience levels.
  • No Prior Job Experience: Volunteer work, farm work, or babysitting experience can be added.
  • First Job: As you gain more experience, initial jobs may become less relevant.
First Resume
  • Share Information: Share all relevant information to create a draft resume.