Alyssa Miller

Are you looking for a summer job?  Once you find one that fits you, there will be an interview process you must go through.  Interviews can be a bit nerve-wracking, but don’t worry.  Below is a list of tips you need to get you through a job interview and to work within no time.

1. If they don’t contact you, you contact them. - Whether you call or go into the business, if they haven’t contacted you within a week of submitting your application, you contact them.  It shows your interest, desire, and drive to work for the company and they will appreciate your eagerness.

2. Be confident and stand tall. - When you are called for an interview and you go in, stand up tall, and shake the hands of those you meet.  Confidence goes a long way with anyone you will come across.

3. Remember the name of your interviewer. - It is important to remember the name of the person you will be interviewing with because it displays responsibility and makes the interviewing process go quicker and smoother.

4. Bring your resume with you. - Even if you gave the company your resume when you applied, having another one with you shows you are responsible and prepared.

5. Be ten to fifteen minutes early to the interview. - Your interviewer will appreciate your timeliness, even if they cannot get with you at the scheduled time. Being early for an interview is most likely how you will show up to work.  No employer wants a late employee.

6. Be honest about your availability. - It is important that your possible employer will know your availability to determine whether you are right for the job.  If you aren’t available much, you may not be good for the company.  If you don’t want to work 20+ hours a week, let them know beforehand.

7. Brag about your good qualities, hide your bad qualities. - You are going to an interview in hopes to impress, so brag about your good qualities.  Don’t dwell on your bad qualities.  When they ask what is your biggest flaw, tell them you get too into your work.  Do NOT tell them you are lazy, forgetful, hard to please, or unmotivated.

8. Flatter the company/business. - Whether or not you truly like the place you want to work for, tell your interviewer that you eat/shop/go there and really enjoy the atmosphere and service you have received in the past and want to add to it.

9. Thank your interviewer. - Your interviewer took time out of his/her work day to interview you for a position you want so thank them for doing so.  Shake their hand(s) on the way out as well.

10. Follow up. - If the business hasn’t called you within a week of the interview, call or go there and ask about the status of your application.  If they decide you are not the right fit for them, don’t get flustered and don’t argue the point. Ask what you could do better for future interviews and thank them for their time.

If you follow these tips, there should be no reason why you won’t get the job you want for the summer.  Just remember to be confident in yourself, stand tall, talk about your good qualities, thank your interviewer, and follow up with the company.