Posted: 10/30/2013 9:51:41 AM EDT
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I have my first job interview on Friday. It's not for my first job, but it's my first job that isn't going to have my name on my shirt, or involve me working with someone I don't know.
I'm a college student, and I've worked internships, summer camps, and I did fast food in high school, but all of those had informal interviews. I just applied for a part time position at an Outdoor Gear store in town. I'd like to think that I'm pretty qualified for the position (Time in Scouting, plus a love of the outdoors), but I have no idea what to expect in the interview. Here's what I do know: I know about the company. I know what brands they sell, I know what hobbies they cater to, I know outdoor stuff. Here's what I don't know: What to wear. They sell brands like Outdoor Research and Mountain Hardwear. Their employees wear Chaco's when they're working. Should I go in in a suit, or wear something more like what the employees wear? Or split the middle with a nice button down and khakis? What questions should I expect? What questions should I ask? What should I bring? Do I need to print off extra copies of my resume? Is there anything specific I should do to prepare? |
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is the position anything special, managment etc? or is this the same as just working at target? Little bit more intense than Target, but yeah. I'd be an outdoor gear sales person working the floor and helping customers find the right pair of boots/jacket etc. Not sure if it's commission or not. |
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Always dress nice for an interview. If you have a suit wear it.
Always have extra copies of your resume printed on nice paper with you just in case they ask. Have somwthign to write with and somethign to write on in case you need to take notes. You should have a few questions ready to ask them, maybe ask about shift schedules or training program but don't ask about how much vacation you will get or how long your lunch break will be. Expect questions like " describe a difficult situation you have been in and what you did to solve it" or " describe a situation where you provided excelent customer service". If you look online you can find lots of sample interview questions. Pick out a handful of the hardest ones to answer and actually write out your answers before the interview. You won't be able to use your written answers in the interview but it will give you a chance to refign your answers and practice getting the wording right. Get a contact email for the interviewer if you can. In a day or two after the interview send them a email thanking them for the interview and mention that you look forward to hearing back from them. Good luck. |
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Overprepare, bring extra resumes, wear a suit, and study up on the company history
Questions: Whats your greatest weakness Whats your greatest strength Describe where you have been put in a tough situation and how you responded to it What do you expect out of an employer What should we expect from you Why do you want to work here. Just a few, |
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Quoted: Overprepare, bring extra resumes, wear a suit, and study up on the company history Questions: Whats your greatest weakness Vagina Whats your greatest strength Morning Wood Describe where you have been put in a tough situation and how you responded to it Devil's 3way. Paper plate saved my masculinity. What do you expect out of an employer Pay me money for peddling your worthless goods What should we expect from you A combination of my awesomeness, severe procrastination, and finding new ways to fuck shit up. Why do you want to work here. I don't. Mom told me to find a job before I get kicked out of the basement. Just a few, |
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<snip> Always have extra copies of your resume printed on nice paper with you just in case they ask. <snip> Don't underestimate this--this really shows you prepare well. The other reason is to make sure they have your real resume. I've handed people my resume and they showed me what the recruiter or HR gave them, which was a fabrication. |
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Small local Quoted:
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big box or small local? Small local ask them about what their needs are in an employee what they look for. they may be looking for someone specific to fill a void. i have a friend who got hired on at one of these places just so he could help boost their online presence in social media etc. jsut dont open the social media door unless they do first, just because you are young and use social media doesnt mean you understand social media. |
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Don't underestimate this--this really shows you prepare well. The other reason is to make sure they have your real resume. I've handed people my resume and they showed me what the recruiter or HR gave them, which was a fabrication. Quoted:
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<snip> Always have extra copies of your resume printed on nice paper with you just in case they ask. <snip> Don't underestimate this--this really shows you prepare well. The other reason is to make sure they have your real resume. I've handed people my resume and they showed me what the recruiter or HR gave them, which was a fabrication. this. and bring a notebook jot things down if you want to present the organized side of you. that notebook landed me my last job. it showed my boss that I know im human ill forget things, but that i work on trying to remember them. all his words, I didnt realize I was doing it. |
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Overprepare, bring extra resumes, wear a suit, and study up on the company history Questions: Whats your greatest weakness Vagina Whats your greatest strength Morning Wood Describe where you have been put in a tough situation and how you responded to it Devil's 3way. Paper plate saved my masculinity. What do you expect out of an employer Pay me money for peddling your worthless goods What should we expect from you A combination of my awesomeness, severe procrastination, and finding new ways to fuck shit up. Why do you want to work here. I don't. Mom told me to find a job before I get kicked out of the basement. Just a few,  haha
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All of these plus...
Go presentable.. be respectful... be polite... arrive early... cover any ink... be prepared to keep it covered all day every day... practice exemplary hygiene... set yourself above the crowd.. be absolutely non offensive.. I apologize for the lesson in common sense. but sometimes it really is the simple things. Good luck! Eta...polish your shoes... smile... firm handshake but it is not a contest... look the interviewer in the eyes... |
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Wear wrinkle free kahkis with a new black polo type shirt. Nothing that looks wrinkly or faded from washing. Remember to wear a leather belt that matches your shoes (which should be some new condition, brown chukkas or other "outdoorsy" but still kind of dressy looking shoes).
Get their at least 15 minutes early, so you are not all flustered and stressed out from trying to get there on time. Wake up early enough to eat a nice breakfast and take a relaxing shit. Be yourself. |
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