Interview Tips for High School
Whether you're trying to get a job or get into a college that will help you get a great job some day, interviewing can be a nerve-wracking process, especially if you're a high school student who's worried that there's someone older or more experienced interviewing for the same position. Learning how to interview can help you beat your nerves. Though learning how to interview can't make you more qualified, it can help you represent yourself in the best possible light.
-
Do Your Research
-
According to Adventures in Education, you should get background information on the company that you hope to work for before the interview. This also applies for the college interview. Whether you're applying to be an employee or a student, the interviewer will probably ask some company- or school-specific questions, such as "Why do you want to go to this school?" If you haven't done your research, it will show, and the interviewer might think that you're not serious about wanting the position. You should also realize that some high school students have the negative reputation of being lazy and uninterested. Your extensive knowledge of the company can help to combat that stereotype. Do research using the company or school's web page and web pages that mention that company or school.
Always Give Examples
-
Anyone can say that she is motivated, dedicated and passionate about a topic, but not everyone can prove it. High school gives you plenty of opportunities to develop and prove your character through classes, clubs, volunteer activities and after-school jobs. When a college or job interviewer asks you to describe yourself or detail how you will benefit the school or company, as Fastweb notes that they will do, draw from this experience to give examples. Remember the words "for example" or "for instance," and try to use them whenever you can. According to Fastweb, you should never give an answer to a question without an example to support it.
-
Ask Questions
-
Though many high school students are afraid to ask questions during an interview because of nerves or a concern about how they will sound, DeVry notes that the best interviews take place when the interviewer and interviewee can freely talk about their ideas. Fastweb notes that the questions you should ask should not be the kind of questions that can be easily answered by researching the school or company but the kind of questions that show you have been thoughtfully considering the company and your place within it. For instance, at a school, you might ask about research opportunities. In a job interview, you might ask about community involvement.
Relax
-
Especially if this is your first job interview, you're probably feeling very nervous. Nerves can greatly impact a job interview. They can make you stumble or cloud your mind. To chase away the nerves, DeVry recommends getting a good night's sleep the night before your interview. You should also prepare for the interview by asking a friend or family member to role-play with you by asking you interview questions that you can answer in a comfortable environment. Finally, think about the worst that can happen. If you don't get this job or get admitted into this school, there are hundreds if not thousands more. Thinking about all the options that exist for you can help put your nerves at ease, as can taking a deep breath and clearing your mind before you enter the interview room.
-
References
- Photo Credit job image by Andrey Kiselev from Fotolia.com
