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How to prepare for job interview as a student

Consider the type of organization you are targeting as you prepare your interview attire.

 

Putting your best foot forward during the interview is a critical step towards landing a great job during high school.

According to Jobsearch.com, if the employer has advertised a job, look at the description and be prepared to say how you meet as many of the qualifications as possible.

Here are some tips to help you to take advantage of every interviewing opportunity:

1. Arrive for your interview about 15 minutes in advance:  Make sure you take a trial commute to the interviewing spot if you are unsure of the location or how long it might take to park.  Punctuality is a major concern for employers of teens and late arrival will often kill your chances of landing the job.

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2. First impressions have a high impact:  Take care with the way you dress and groom yourself to show the employer that you are taking the job seriously.  The employer will be especially concerned with your appearance if you are in a customer contact position like a server, store clerk, receptionist or front desk worker.

Wear wrinkle free clothing, avoid garments with those stylish holes.  For most jobs business casual will be suitable.  That means a nice pair of pants and a collared shirt for guys.  Girls can do without the collar but should wear a nice blouse, and can pair it with a skirt of appropriate length if preferred.

Consider the type of organization you are targeting as you prepare your interview attire.  Show a fashion flare in line with the orientation of the store if you are going for a job in retail. Avoid a shaggy look with your hair or wearing excessive cologne, make up or jewelry. Bring a note pad to jot down questions that may occur to you, points you want to remember to make in your behalf, and the interviewer's name if you tend to be forgetful.

3. The receptionist, secretary or other staff member who greets you may not be your interviewer: However, you can bet that the interviewer will ask about their impressions of you.  Sit up straight, look them in the eye, smile and converse respectfully with them. Ask a question or two or make some small talk.  Make them want to say to the boss that they like your personality and that you would fit in.

4. Greet the interviewer with a firm but not crushing handshake: a warm smile and look them in the eye.  Make a mental or physical note of their name and use it during the interview, so you remember it for your follow up.

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Always address the interviewer as Mr. or Ms. Employers will be evaluating how you might interact with their staff and customers, who are probably primarily adults.

5. Turn your cell phone off or to vibrate and resist the temptation to take a peek: at any time before, during or after the meeting when you are in view of the interviewer. Employers are very concerned about losing productivity among teen employees who are constantly checking their phones.

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