No Work Experience Interview Preparation Guide

Download PDF

The manager wants to know if you have perseverance: I got a D in my first term of algebra. My study skills were all wrong. I joined a study group. By the third term I pulled it up to a B and kept it there.

Think of something related to work, school, civic, or leisure activities. Tell it as a story. Give details. The manager wants to see how you define problems, identify options, decide on a solution, handle obstacles, and solve the problem.

Focus on work, not character weakness. Turn it into a positive, I'm accused of being a workaholic. I like to stay and get caught up on the odds and the ends before I go home.

Money is not a good answer. A good answer is something like, having responsibilities and being acknowledged when the job is done right.

Stress positive.

Think about it.

You're on your own.

Both, I enjoy working as a part of a team and I can work independently to get my share of the work done.

If you do, get some help. Enroll in a program.

It's not illegal to ask this question if it has a bearing on the job you are seeking.

Fessing up to failure shows maturity. Avoid examples that might reflect on your ability to do the job.

A personal touch works well here, such as your marriage, birth of child, or helping someone in need.

Certainly, not before I'm 65.

Don't brag about car racing, sky diving, scuba diving, or any other sport that might be dangerous. They suggest a likelihood of injury and absence from work.

Continuing education courses suggest growth, ambition, promotability-and may qualify for tuition assistance.

School activities show that you're sociable and that you enjoy being part of a group, and that you can work with other people. This is important in the work place.

A long time. This is the job I've been hoping for.

Several for back-up, but this is where I really want to work, this is where my hopes are.

Friend, relative, newspaper story, advertisements-anything to show that they are not a random choice.

Call the Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development. Get the information on the company size, its key products or services, the markets where it competes and its overall reputation.

Using your fingers, name a skill then list your qualifications. Move to the next skill.

Use your fingers and count off the skills-1...2...3...

Talk about the interesting details of the job and why they fascinate you.

Talk about your experience, qualifications, and accomplishments-Not your childhood, family and friends.

► Travelling.
► Foreign languages.
► Football.
► Winning any competitions i.e. chess, karate.
► Running marathons.
► A member of any societies or charities.