8 answers
hana
Student
Davao City, Davao Region, Philippines
1
Question
Asked
973 views
job interview advices
im a 2nd yr college student, planning to get a job for the first time (i don't have any job experience at all) #college #job #jobinterview #callcenter
Login to comment
8 answers
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
845
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Hana.
You have gotten some great advice from others here. I think that preparing for an interview is the best strategy that you can have. I see that you feel like you do not have any experience, however, you can still do practice interviews. Ask your friends or family who have had job interviews to tell you about their experience or to ask you the questions that they have been asked. If you are being interviewed for a job, then the person who invited you to the interview knows that you do not have experience. That means that they are going to focus on your thoughts on how you might handle certain situations.
Here are some examples:
1. Tell me about a good customer service experience you have had. What was good about it? With this question, you can access the fact that you have probably been given customer service (in a store, at the movies) or you have seen it (a family member talking with a mechanic). You can answer this question and usually that tells the interviewer how you would handle a situation. Or you could tell them about a bad experience and what you would have done differently.
2. Since you have not had a job before, what are you most concerned about with a job? You should answer this question honestly. You can be worried about how you will learn what your job entails, what your hours will be, and who you will be working with.
3. Why did you apply for this job? Again honesty here is good. Maybe you have been there before and think that you might have the skills to do the job. You might have applied because the job is close to home or you need to be able to work nights. Maybe you are a fan of the company and think it might be a good place to work. You should have a reason for every job that you apply for.
You will do fine, even if you are nervous. No one is good at interviews. You just need to be yourself and answer the questions as honestly and thoughtfully as you can.
Gloria
You have gotten some great advice from others here. I think that preparing for an interview is the best strategy that you can have. I see that you feel like you do not have any experience, however, you can still do practice interviews. Ask your friends or family who have had job interviews to tell you about their experience or to ask you the questions that they have been asked. If you are being interviewed for a job, then the person who invited you to the interview knows that you do not have experience. That means that they are going to focus on your thoughts on how you might handle certain situations.
Here are some examples:
1. Tell me about a good customer service experience you have had. What was good about it? With this question, you can access the fact that you have probably been given customer service (in a store, at the movies) or you have seen it (a family member talking with a mechanic). You can answer this question and usually that tells the interviewer how you would handle a situation. Or you could tell them about a bad experience and what you would have done differently.
2. Since you have not had a job before, what are you most concerned about with a job? You should answer this question honestly. You can be worried about how you will learn what your job entails, what your hours will be, and who you will be working with.
3. Why did you apply for this job? Again honesty here is good. Maybe you have been there before and think that you might have the skills to do the job. You might have applied because the job is close to home or you need to be able to work nights. Maybe you are a fan of the company and think it might be a good place to work. You should have a reason for every job that you apply for.
You will do fine, even if you are nervous. No one is good at interviews. You just need to be yourself and answer the questions as honestly and thoughtfully as you can.
Gloria
Thank u so much !
hana
Laura Antoniello
8
Answers
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I recommend preparing for the interviews by thinking through what skills or projects you’ll likely be working on, and connecting them to similar experiences that you’ve had. This doesn’t have to be from another job, but it can be from a school project, a community service activity or even participation on a team. For example, if the job you’re interviewing for is on a large team, you could come to the interview prepared with some examples of how well you work in teams – maybe you were a leader on a group project, or maybe you played a team sport for several years. If it’s a more technical job, you can share examples of similar schoolwork you may’ve done. Even though these examples aren’t from past jobs, it all shows that you have the skills you need to succeed in this one.
One more tip is to make your resume stand out. Recruiters go through so many resumes that they don’t have time to read every word on all of them. So, try to show how you’re unique – and then bring that uniqueness to your interview! Good luck!
One more tip is to make your resume stand out. Recruiters go through so many resumes that they don’t have time to read every word on all of them. So, try to show how you’re unique – and then bring that uniqueness to your interview! Good luck!
Henry Marshall
Summer Intern
2
Answers
Jamestown, Rhode Island
Updated
Henry’s Answer
Hi Hana,
Great question -- job interviewing can be a stressful and arduous process.
My best advice is a few-fold:
1. Cast a wide net of job applications. The fact that you can put in applications online means that many of the barriers to applying are taken away. The result can be a more competitive applicant pool. But, on the positive side, it means that often times you're only an upload of a resume away from a completed application.
2. Prepare to not get applications everywhere. This can be frustrating, but the key is not to get discouraged. During my Junior year of college, I put in close to 100 applications and only heard back from 3 places. If you stay diligent and crush the interviews that you do get, you'll put yourself in a good spot.
3. Learn what will be required in the interview and practice up. Will there be technical components? Or will the interview simply be "fit" (questions like "tell me about a time you were a good leader..."). Preparing answers for some of these common questions can be a great way to prepare.
4. Be OK with being a little nervous in your interviews. It's only natural. Take some deep breaths and be yourself.
Hope this helps and good luck in interviewing and job searching.
Great question -- job interviewing can be a stressful and arduous process.
My best advice is a few-fold:
1. Cast a wide net of job applications. The fact that you can put in applications online means that many of the barriers to applying are taken away. The result can be a more competitive applicant pool. But, on the positive side, it means that often times you're only an upload of a resume away from a completed application.
2. Prepare to not get applications everywhere. This can be frustrating, but the key is not to get discouraged. During my Junior year of college, I put in close to 100 applications and only heard back from 3 places. If you stay diligent and crush the interviews that you do get, you'll put yourself in a good spot.
3. Learn what will be required in the interview and practice up. Will there be technical components? Or will the interview simply be "fit" (questions like "tell me about a time you were a good leader..."). Preparing answers for some of these common questions can be a great way to prepare.
4. Be OK with being a little nervous in your interviews. It's only natural. Take some deep breaths and be yourself.
Hope this helps and good luck in interviewing and job searching.
Luna Tawasha
Administrative Assistant
6
Answers
Rohnert Park, California
Updated
Luna’s Answer
This is a great question!
So many people can give you advise and its always to take it in as it will help shape you.
Make sure you do your research on the company so you get a better understanding of what your walking into, and how to ask questions clearly and thoroughly after your interview. Make sure you walk in with confidence and always stay humble!
Make sure you study the following:
-Tell them about yourself?
-Your strengths and weaknesses?
-Your long-term goal?
-How well do you work under pressure?
- Where do you see your self in 5 years?
- Why should we hire you?
Make sure you work on these pointers and always stay true to yourself!
Good luck on your future endeavors!
So many people can give you advise and its always to take it in as it will help shape you.
Make sure you do your research on the company so you get a better understanding of what your walking into, and how to ask questions clearly and thoroughly after your interview. Make sure you walk in with confidence and always stay humble!
Make sure you study the following:
-Tell them about yourself?
-Your strengths and weaknesses?
-Your long-term goal?
-How well do you work under pressure?
- Where do you see your self in 5 years?
- Why should we hire you?
Make sure you work on these pointers and always stay true to yourself!
Good luck on your future endeavors!
Nathan P.
Sales Trainer
5
Answers
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Hey Hana! You may not have job experience, but I would bet you have more applicable life experience than you might think. Spend some time making a list of all of the projects, groups, organizations, teams, etc. that you've been a part of over the last few years. Then think of some scenarios that you've had within those organizations that you could use as "experience". Just because you don't have much on the job experience, doesn't mean that you haven't had an opportunity to lead or problem solve or resolve conflicts or interact with a diverse group of people. Those skills and experiences are valid as well. Be yourself, talk about those things you've done, and you'll do great! Good luck!
Ashley Ceren
HR Business Partner
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Hana,
All really great advice above that should get you well on your way.
Remember not to be afraid to be yourself. Being authentic is typically received better than someone trying to be something they are not as the interviewer can almost always pick up on that. Also think of some of the 'big' stuff you have done at school, in life, at a prior job, etc. Choose something you are very proud of and come ready to talk about it. What was the problem? How did you fix it? How did you engage others to help you? What was the outcome? Regardless of the subject matter and relevancy to the job you are interviewing for, this process is something that can be applied to just about anything and demonstrates the ability to solve problems and engage others to reach success.
Good luck!!
All really great advice above that should get you well on your way.
Remember not to be afraid to be yourself. Being authentic is typically received better than someone trying to be something they are not as the interviewer can almost always pick up on that. Also think of some of the 'big' stuff you have done at school, in life, at a prior job, etc. Choose something you are very proud of and come ready to talk about it. What was the problem? How did you fix it? How did you engage others to help you? What was the outcome? Regardless of the subject matter and relevancy to the job you are interviewing for, this process is something that can be applied to just about anything and demonstrates the ability to solve problems and engage others to reach success.
Good luck!!
Hey! I think everyone here has already covered a lot of the things that will help you succeed. I just wanted to say that something I think you should keep in mind is don't undersell yourself. I tend to undersell what I've done and my greatest achievements but I think you should tell your own story in a way that highlights how great you are and why it will help you succeed in that job.
Kate Cao
Kathryn Sciba, CFP®
Relationship Manager
5
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Kathryn’s Answer
I suggest thinking about what industry you want to build your career in, and look for entry level jobs or internships that are closely or directly related. If you don't have time to get a job because you are in school, you can still reach out to professionals in your desired industry to see if they'd be willing to chat with you for 30 minutes about their experiance.
Kacey Polisky
Outside Plant Engineer
11
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Kacey’s Answer
My best advice is to be yourself. People will give you so many 'old school' tips on what to do or not to do during an interview but being unique and standing out amongst people who follow those rules is what will catch a hiring managers eye. Always dress classy, not stuffy. Always be polite and listen carefully the interviewer, don't cut them off to interject. Make eye contact but don't be a weirdo. Most importantly go in with a positive attitude, be authentic and genuine so no matter what the outcome is you will know its based on YOU and not someone you pretended to be.
Hope this helps
Kacey
Hope this helps
Kacey