Advice for Going to Job Interviews Right After High School

I'm a high school junior thinking ahead to what I need to consider for job interviews after graduation. What are some common questions asked in first job interviews and tips for success?

Great that you're thinking ahead and preparing for your first job interviews. Employers often ask common questions to better understand your skills, work ethic, interests, and potential fit for the role and company. Here's a list of some frequently posed questions:

1. Tell me about yourself.

2. Why are you interested in this role/company/industry?

3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

4. Talk about a challenge you've faced and how you overcame it.

5. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

6. How do you handle feedback/criticism?

7. Why should we hire you?

Now, on to the tips for acing these interviews:

1. Preparation: Research the company well before your interview, understanding its products, operations, company culture, etc. Tailor your responses to the company's core values and mission.

2. Practice: Run through potential interview questions and rehearse your responses. You can even do mock interviews with family members or a guidance counselor at school.

3. Frame Your Experiences: You might not have professional experience, but you can discuss relevant activities, extracurriculars, volunteer experiences, or even class projects. The key is to highlight transferable skills like dedication, teamwork, leadership, and adaptability.

4. Be Honest: If you don't know the answer to a question, it's okay to admit it. Honesty is well-regarded, and it's always better to admit you don't know something than to pretend and potentially get caught in a lie.

5. Ask Insightful Questions: At the end of the interview, you'll usually have a chance to ask your own questions. Ask about the company culture, expectations for the role, potential growth opportunities, etc., to show you're actively thinking about how you could fit into the company.

6. Follow-Up: After the interview, send a thank-you note or email to the interviewer that reiterates your interest in the role and appreciates them for their time. This leaves a positive, professional, and lasting impression.

Remember, interviews are a two-way street. While the company evaluates you as a potential candidate, you should also evaluate the company as a potential employer. Pay attention to the treatment of employees, the office environment, and how the interviewer treats you, to get a glimpse of the company culture.