by BRINLEE VUOLA
Staff Writer
Having a job can surely be a stressful thing to young teens who have pretty much no experience, like many of the upperclassmen at El Diamante or any high school. Not only is keeping the job a challenge in itself, but the process of trying to get it can also be difficult. This is where job interviews come into play; for people who have yet to have any job experience, thinking about a job interview can be highly stress inducing. It’s hard to know what the right things to say are so that the management team of the place you’re interested in is interested in you. But the interview process could actually be smooth sailing if you follow some of these tips.
For me personally, I believe the most important thing to harness for these interviews is confidence in yourself. While it can be hard for some people, showing the body language of confidence and speaking in a collected and composed manner tells the manager that you feel confidence in your abilities to work at the establishment. Think of yourself as a manager for a quick second; if someone came in for an interview and they looked lazy, too scared, or too doubtful of their own abilities, you may not be as quick to hire them as you may be to hire someone sitting up straight with a hopeful tone, constantly reassuring you that they can be a helpful asset to your team. Confidence is key. It may be challenging, but it’s best to take a couple deep breaths to calm yourself down, go over some material in your head, and go into the establishment with a big smile and hope in your eyes.
Of course, there are other things that you should have prepared for your interview day. Dressing formally–or in the preferred dress code of the establishment–and treating everyone you come across with respect will give people a great impression of yourself. Know what to expect depending on which place you’re being interviewed at. Answer questions truthfully. White lies are pretty common during interviews; they can make people seem a lot more trustworthy and better for the job that most. But honesty is morally a good thing to harness during these interviews, so it’s critical not to dig yourself into a hole with lies that could be caught in a matter of days after being granted the job.
Overall, just be yourself and make a good impression. If you get an interview scheduled for a certain place, it means the company is interested in you. Try not to lie too much or twist your personality in too many different unrealistic ways. Be yourself, show proper professional manners, and go in with the most confidence you’ve ever felt. Remember that during this process, you’re only one step closer to solidifying your place in the company.