Job interviews
Posted by Courth on Nov 12, 2008 · Member since Apr 2007 · 3362 posts
I applied to Macy's for seasonal work and got a call back for interview(s) next week. I've never had a job or an interview in my life, and I'm 19. I don't know what to expect, and I really want to make a good impression. One of my 18 year-old friends was recently asked at an interview why she had never had a job before. I'm double worried about not having had a job yet. I just really want this to come through. I'd appreciate any help or advice that my vegweb family can give me. :)
just tell the truth! Thats what I do at interviews. And it's ok to take a second or two to think of an answer before you answer their question. Or say, "I haven't thought about that..." think about it, collect your thoughts then give them a good answer!
Maybe have a look on the internet for the sort of common questions they ask and work out how you might answer them. Sometimes they ask horrible questions like "in your last job, what was a challenge you had to overcome and how did you overcome it?" which sounds impossible to answer if you've never had a job, but if you've thought about it beforehand you might have some examples ready of times at school or college or in your life that you've overcome challenges and demonstrated the skills they are looking for - and those examples are just as worthwhile and valuable :)
Seasonal work is much easier to get hired for than the normal kind of work. They need people. Or, as we often call it in the retail biz... "warm bodies to throw out on the floor."
Uhh.... at least that's what we said at GameStop.
;D
Anyway, so you're already better off than if you were applying in June or something. And if you do really well at the job they may offer you a more permanent position.
AND, don't worry about not having been employed before. They don't ask you "Why not?" to be mean, they just want to know what you've been doing. Have you been devoting your time to school, volunteering, family obligations, athletics, etc? I mean, everyone has to start somewhere and you're starting now. It isn't a big deal at all. In fact, it can be a positive thing because they can train you however they want and you won't have already picked up bad habits from another job.
Hope that helps. Good luck on your interview! I'm sure you'll do great. At least you can spell... my boss will hire anyone who has a pulse when it's two weeks before Thanksgiving and he's still got positions to fill.
Dress nice. Smile. Have a positive, can-do attitude. You'll go far. At least in retail anyway.
8-)
Thanks guys!
The reason I haven't had a job before is that I was devoting my time last summer/fall to marching band leadership. After that I had small paying gigs playing my flute at various events, so I didn't need a job for the income.
Dress Nicely. Smile. Breathe.
RELAX!! Go in there calm & collected. You're an intelligent person w/leadership qualities like you mentioned above- what more could they ask for? It's really their loss if they don't hire someone like you. Good luck...no worries!!
In college I spent a few years as a supervisor at Target. I'd get teary-eyed if someone showed up to work ON TIME and dressed appropriately, prepared for their shift. If there's anything about having to show up on time with band and arriving prepared for the task emphasize it (or like your flute paying gigs).
I'm with HH right there. On time?!?! In dress code?!?!
Wow, I feel faint already.
Haha. If you guys only knew my HS marching band...
On time was 10-15 early to get set up and ready to go. No excuses. We had a dress code for rehearsal. Every day, black shorts, plain white shirs, sneakers. Always bring a water bottle. Not doing these things was punishable.
I bet you're in! ;)b Just relax, be yourself, be honest, maybe research a few common interview questions so that you feel prepared. Retail usually asks common questions, and it's a bit more relaxed. Just explain that you've been focused on school, but you're really ready for a job, and you'll give it your all. <3, sis.