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First Job Search Interview Questions

posted in: Job Seekers, Students, Youth | 0

Your first job search can be daunting. Luckily, we have a team of expert Employment Specialists who know the ins-and-outs of finding work. Last month, we gave you some tips for your first job search–including some general tips on preparing for your first job interview. To help you better prepare for your first job interview we asked our team to come up with some common interview questions that you might expect to see and some tips to help you come up with the best possible answer.

Preparing for your first job interview? Contact us today to find out how we can help.

Tell me about yourself.

  • They aren’t looking for your life story with this question
  • They want to know:
    • Who you are
    • What your interests are
    • How you became interested in this job

Tell me about a time when you took initiative.

  • They want to see how independent you can be
  • They want to know that you are confident in your skills
  • They want to know that you don’t need too much supervision

Why do you want to work here?

  • They’re checking that you actually want to work with their company, in that job
  • DON’T say “because my parents want me to get a job” or “because I need the money”
  • Build your connection story to the company and strengthen your reason for wanting to work there

What are you passionate about/ What motivates you?

  • They are figuring out if you’re a good fit
  • Answer with something that’s related to the job

Tell me about a time when you had to deal with an upset customer.

  • They want to see how you solve problems
  • They want to gauge how customer-centric you are
  • If you don’t have any work experience, try to find a relevant, similar situation from your personal life or school that you can apply to the question

Tell me about a time someone critiqued something you had done. How did you respond to that feedback?

  • They want to know if you are open to receiving feedback
  • All feedback, especially constructive (negative) feedback is in an attempt to make you successful
  • Try to address these two points in your answer:
    1. What was the critique?
    2. How did you improve afterwards?

What would you do to make sure that a customer leaves the store / restaurant happy?

  • Aimed at finding out your level of commitment to customer service
  • Think of how you would like to be treated as a customer

What would you do if a customer had been in line for a long time, and was upset that the ice cream machine was broken?

  • They are helping you put yourself in the role by providing context
  • This is to see that you will handle the situation with tact

What would your teachers/former boss say is your best quality?

  • This helps them understand your strength as a contributing member of a team
Still feeling a little nervous about your first job interview? Get in touch with one of our expert staff today and find out how we can help you prepare for your first job interview.

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