Master the skills to make a great impression and stand out during your job interviews
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially if it's your first job interview. However, with proper preparation, you can walk in with confidence and showcase your potential to employers. The interview is your opportunity to make a positive impression and demonstrate why you're the right person for the job—regardless of your previous experience level.
Research shows that candidates who prepare thoroughly for interviews are significantly more likely to receive job offers. Even spending just a few hours preparing can dramatically improve your performance and confidence.
1. Tell me about yourself.
This is often the opening question. Keep your answer brief (30-60 seconds) and focus on your education, skills, and interest in the position. Avoid overly personal details.
Example: "I'm a junior at Pope John Paul II High School where I maintain a 3.8 GPA and am active in several clubs. I particularly enjoy community service projects and have volunteered regularly at our local animal shelter. I'm interested in this position because it combines my customer service skills with my passion for helping others."
2. What are your strengths?
Choose 2-3 strengths that are relevant to the position and provide brief examples that demonstrate these strengths.
Example: "One of my greatest strengths is my ability to organize and manage my time effectively. For example, I balance my schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and volunteer commitments by creating detailed schedules and prioritizing tasks. This has helped me maintain good grades while still participating in activities I care about."
3. What is your biggest weakness?
Choose a genuine weakness, but focus on how you're working to improve it. Avoid clichés like "I'm a perfectionist" or weaknesses that are critical to the job.
Example: "I sometimes find it challenging to speak up in large group settings. I've been working on this by volunteering to present more often in class and joining the debate club to practice expressing my ideas more confidently."
1. Do you have any work experience?
If you have formal work experience, describe it briefly. If not, talk about volunteer work, school projects, or other activities that have helped you develop relevant skills.
Example: "While this would be my first formal job, I've gained relevant experience through my volunteer work at the community library. For the past six months, I've helped organize books, assist patrons, and support the children's reading program, which has developed my customer service and organizational skills."
2. How do your skills match this position?
Review the job description beforehand and highlight how your skills and experiences align with what they're looking for.
Example: "This position requires strong communication skills and attention to detail, which I've developed through my role as secretary of the student council. I'm responsible for taking detailed notes during meetings and communicating important information to the student body through various channels."
1. How would you handle a difficult customer?
Emphasize your patience, listening skills, and desire to find solutions.
Example: "I would first listen carefully to understand their concern without interrupting. Then, I would acknowledge their feelings and apologize for any inconvenience. I'd try to find a solution within my authority or involve a manager if needed. I believe staying calm and focusing on resolving the issue is key to turning a negative situation into a positive experience."
2. How do you handle multiple tasks and priorities?
Talk about your organizational methods and ability to prioritize tasks.
Example: "I maintain a digital planner where I list all my tasks with deadlines. I evaluate which tasks are most urgent or important and tackle those first. For example, when balancing multiple school projects, I create a timeline working backward from due dates to ensure everything gets completed on time. I also break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps."
Always prepare 3-5 thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the position and helps you determine if the job is a good fit for you.
Avoid asking about salary, benefits, or time off in a first interview unless the employer brings it up. Also, don't ask questions that could easily be answered by looking at the company's website or job posting.
Within 24 hours after your interview, send a brief thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity and reaffirm your interest in the position.
Subject: Thank You - [Position] Interview
Dear [Interviewer's Name],
Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today to discuss the [Position] opportunity at [Company Name]. I enjoyed learning more about the role and how I could contribute to your team.
Our conversation about [specific topic discussed] was particularly interesting, and I'm excited about the possibility of [specific aspect of the job].
Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any additional information. I look forward to hearing from you about the next steps in the process.
Thank you again for your consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
If you haven't heard back within the timeframe mentioned in the interview, it's appropriate to follow up with a polite email or phone call. Wait at least one week before following up unless they specified a different timeline.
Buzzy Network members can access mock interview sessions with feedback from experienced professionals to help build confidence and refine their interview skills.
Join Buzzy Network