Maggie
First Ever Job Interview?
I just thought to share this because I'm extremely worried. So I'm 16 years old, I applied for many fast food restaurants and even retail stores but the only company that got back to me was Jack's. After I applied to them I literally received a message 30 minutes after completing the application to schedule and set up an interview up with them.
So the interview I set up took place yesterday, it was my first job interview ever. Didn't know really what to expect and it went like this. So I first got there, was relatively 15 minutes early so I waited then met with the woman who was hiring me I guess. Honestly she looked like a younger employee not a HR manager. So we sat down and she didn't introduce herself at all, she immediately ask for my name, email, and was this my first job, which I thought was normal. Although, the message said to bring my ID and SSN card she didn't even bother to ask for it she immediately begin the interview with the question why do i want to work there. Mind you this interview was scheduled to be 30 minutes it literally only lasted 5-6 minutes she only asked me 2 QUESTIONS which I thought was very weird and a red flag. After that question she asked what days would I be available when school starts, so I gave her the info on that. Then after, she spoke about how they were letting people go because the employees they had would not be working and would often be on there phone and she gave me expectations on what she expects of me I guess. So after that, she said that was all and said the interview was over and that it was all she needed to here. She didn't ask what questions I had or anything she just ended it right then and there and got up. What really confused me is the fact she said she would send paperwork after the interview was over and im not sure what she means by that. I even asked her again will I be expecting a call back for the job offer or paperwork and she stated that I will be receiving paperwork again. Honestly, a no experience kid like me in the workforce, I just said ok and walked out of the store and thought nothing of it. Until it hit me on the way home, how would she send paperwork? Through the mail? What would the paperwork be about? When could I be expecting this paperwork? If i was paperwork why couldn't I do it there? It overall was just very confusing and I thought it was super unprofessional because she even cussed at one moment before we even began the interview. Mind you after all this I still don't even know the woman who was hiring me name. Does this mean I didn't get the job? is this a sign? Can any of you guys please share your opinion on this?
3 answers
Sasha Joogoolsingh
Sasha’s Answer
Bravo on securing your first job interview! This is a significant step forward in your career journey, and the experience will undoubtedly serve you well in the future.
Let me share some insights based on your interview experience. Typically, when a recruiter or company contacts you, they will introduce themselves, provide information about the company, and describe the role in question. They may also ask general questions to gauge your skills and experiences in relation to the role and the company's hiring process.
During this phase, I strongly encourage you to ask any questions you might have about the role, what is expected of you, and the subsequent stages of the recruitment process. This way, you'll gain a clear understanding of what the job entails and the recruitment process.
It's also crucial to ensure that the job and the company culture align with your aspirations. If you sense any "red flags", trust your instincts! Always take the time to research the company. Employee reviews and feedback about the hiring process and work life at the company can offer valuable insights into the company culture.
If you're unsure about the next steps, don't hesitate to reach out to the recruiter or HR for clarification or to follow up on any comments or questions you might have. I must caution you, however, that in today's job market, you might not always hear back from recruiters. If this happens, please don't let it dampen your spirits. I urge you to continue applying, tap into your parents' network, and explore other networks to aid your job search.
Remember, not all employers will respond, but the right employer and the right job will find their way to you! Best of luck with your job search!
Chinyere Okafor
Chinyere’s Answer
Firstly, congratulations on securing your first job interview! It's completely normal to feel nervous and uncertain during your first interview experience. From your description, it does sound like the interview was relatively short and lacked some professionalism in certain aspects.
While it's challenging to determine for sure whether you got the job based on the details provided, it's important to keep in mind that different companies have different hiring processes. The fact that the interviewer said she would send paperwork after the interview could mean that she wants to proceed with further steps in the hiring process. The paperwork might include forms related to employment, such as tax forms or other necessary documentation.
As for how she will send the paperwork, it could be through email or traditional mail, depending on what contact information you provided during your application process. If you're unsure about when to expect it, you can reach out to Jack's and inquire about any updates regarding your application status.
Remember that interviews serve as a mutual evaluation process where both parties assess if they are a good fit for each other. While this particular interview experience may have left you with some uncertainty, try not to dwell too much on it and remain open-minded about future opportunities.
It's always a good idea to continue applying for other positions while waiting for a response from Jack's since securing multiple options increases your chances of finding employment. Don't let this one experience discourage you – treat each opportunity as a learning experience and take note of what went well and what could be improved upon in future interviews.
Stay positive and continue searching for new opportunities – success will come with persistence!
Best wishes.
Megan Brandenberger, MBA
Megan’s Answer
It seems like the interviewer might have lacked confidence during the meeting, but remember, this can happen occasionally. As you proceed with more interviews, make it a habit to conclude by thanking them for their time. It would also be beneficial to carry a pen and notepad to jot down important points and ask for a method to follow up or inquire about your application status.
With each interview, you'll gain more experience and learn something new. This process will become smoother with practice. Best of luck!