Mock Interviews with Mr. Stender (Madeline's Dad)

Students prepared resumes and practiced interview skills. Mr. Stender did mock interviews with each student!

Social with Stevenson High School Transition

Special Olympics track is well underway! Our numbers are growing--be sure to sign up for bocce ball this fall! We have room for more athletes as well as peer buddies.

If you know a student preparing for a job interview, they might benefit from a copy of this interview preparation reminder sheet. Interviews can be very challenging and nerve wracking for the young adult. This tip sheet provides information that can be reviewed and practiced prior to any interview.

Job Interview Tips

1. Arrive early. At least 15 minutes in advance is a good rule of thumb. If you’ve never been to the interview location before, check it out the day before. Being late to an interview will hurt your chances of getting the job!

2. Make a good first impression. Putting the effort into how you dress and grooming yourself shows the employer that you are taking the interview seriously.

3. Bring a notepad. It will be handy to have in case questions come up, or you need to write something down. It also helps to write down the name of the interviewer so you can send a thank you later. Get business cards if possible. Having a notepad also shows that you put some thought into preparing for the interview.

4. Be personable. First impressions make a big difference! The receptionist or person that greets you when you arrive to the interview may not be the person you are there to meet. However, the interviewer will likely ask them about their impressions of you. Be mindful of things like sitting up straight, making eye contact, smiling and making small talk. You want everyone you meet to tell the interviewer that they like your personality and that you would fit in

5. Silence your phone. Phones can be a big distraction. Employers are always concerned about employees looking at their phone during work hours. Keep your phone on silent or turn it off during the interview, and place it out of sight.

6. Introduce yourself. Use a firm (not weak and not crushing) handshake, a nice smile and eye contact. Even if you have spoken on the phone or via text or email, introduce yourself if this is the first time you are meeting face-to-face. Always address the interviewer as Mr. or Ms., unless they ask you to call them by their first name.

7. Be positive. Show positive energy and enthusiasm throughout your interview. The interviewer knows you may not have all the answers, but a good attitude and positive energy can make up for what you don’t know. When sitting, sit up straight and lean slightly forward, to show you are interested in what the interviewer has to say.

8. Research and practice. Research common interview questions and practice answering them with a friend or family member so you can speak confidently during your interview. Record yourself in a practice interview to check your posture, eye contact, etc.

9. Express your interest. In the job interview, be prepared to say why you are interested in the job, even if you aren’t asked. Employers want to hire employees who are interested in the work they will be doing.

10. Ask questions. Most interviewers will end by asking if you have any questions, and you want to have some questions prepared. You may ask about things like work schedule, training or when you might hear if you got the position. Finish with a strong handshake and express your interest one last time.

11. Always send a thank you. Sending a thank you note or email after the interview is good way to show your appreciation for the interviewer’s time and reinforce your interest. Send the thank you note as soon as possible after the interview. This keeps you fresh in the interviewer’s mind.

12. Check your phone messages and email regularly. You do not want to miss the call or email if the employer wants to reach out to you.