What should I expect when interviewing for an entry-level job as a high school student?

This is my first time applying for an entry-level job while I'm still in high school. Can anyone share what the interview process is like and what kind of questions I should prepare for?

Interviews for entry-level roles generally aim to assess your interpersonal skills, basic competency, and understanding of the job role. As a high school student, you can expect most of the questions to be behavioral and situational in nature.

Behavioral questions usually revolve around your past experiences and how you've handled various circumstances. Examples include "Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenging situation and how you overcame it?". If you don't have much work experience, don't worry, you can use examples from school projects, clubs, sports team, or even personal life situations.

Situational questions, on the other hand, are hypotheticals designed to assess how you might handle a given scenario related to the job. An example might be, "What would you do if you saw a coworker taking supplies home without permission?"

Additionally, you can expect questions related to your availability and commitment, examples include "What is your availability during weekdays and weekends?" and "How long do you see yourself working here if hired?".

Being a high school student, the employer might also inquire about how you plan to balance school, extracurriculars, and work.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the company and the role you're applying for. You should be able to articulate why you're interested in the job and how it fits into your larger goals.

Don't forget to prepare some questions to ask the interviewer as well. This can demonstrate your interest in the job and can help you determine if it’s a good fit for you. Questions like, "What does a typical shift look like?" or "What qualities make someone successful in this role?" are appropriate.

Remember, at the end of the day, the goal of the interview is not just for the employer to learn about you, but for you to learn about the employer and the role as well. Good luck with your interview.