Job interview skills for school leavers

Graduating from school is a big deal. But now the real work begins. Getting a job. For school leavers this can be a stressful time but having good interview skills is essential in securing the employment in a job you desire rather than just settling for any old job. In tough economic times you need the skills to help you stand out. Job interview skills are so important when entering the job market. Let this guide help you get your dream job!

This guide to interview skills is tailored for school leavers but can be applied to anyone seeking that dream job or perhaps a career change:

1. Dress for success

Yes Generation Y seems to think black pants with white shoes and half done up tie is formal wear to a job interview. Wrong. Wear a business suit with a tie done right up to the collar and wear proper business shoes. However and I put a disclaimer on this, clothes for the job interview really depends on what company or organisation you are seeking a job with. If it's say an IT company and they have a very relaxed culture then the half done tie with white shoes may fit right in. If possible, prior to the interview go into the business and look around at what people are wearing and you will see what might fit for the job interview. Take the time and spend a little money to make yourself look a million dollars and you're more than half way there.

2. Grooming

Again teenagers these days are quite happy to get around with some fluffy stubble, a nose ring, eyebrow ring and tongue stud. I recommend you shave, get a hair cut and take all piercings etc out. Again this may very well depend on the company you're seeking a job with but we know that first impressions count. Sure keep the piercings in and the tattoos on show if you going for a job interview in a tattoo parlour but if not then take them out.

3. Smile

Again first impressions count and smiling in a job interview is important. It means you're happy to be there and perhaps even want the job! Presentation is everything, so bounce into the room with energy and a smile and you're off to a good start. A firm handshake too is very important.

4. Communicate well

Being able to articulate and communicate an intelligent answer in a job interview goes without saying. If you struggle with this or suffer from anxiety then there are a few things you can do. One person I know who struggled with stress in interviews joined Toastmasters to learn public speaking skills. If you're 18 you can join Toastmasters and I can personally recommend it as a great way to boost confidence.

5. Do some homework

School might be finished but there's still homework to do. More and more employers are using what is called cognitive behavioural interviewing. What this means is they will usually ask you situational questions. For example, "Tell me a time when you had to handle a person who wasn't contributing to the team, or describe a situation where you felt overwhelmed with things to do, what did you do to manage it?" Try to think of some great examples where you've achieved success by putting steps in place to overcome a problem like the ones mentioned.

6. More homework, the night before

The night before the job interview or preferably several times, read your resume or application that you submitted to the business you're having the job interview with. Often employers will ask you about it in the interview and you don't want to sit there and say "Did I say that?" Make sure you answer interview questions based on the selection criteria.

7. Body language

Oh so important a must have job interview skill. Have an open body language, for example, sit up with a straight back don't fold your arms don't cross your legs. Don't look too rigid though. Just be relaxed and appear open and friendly to the interviewer. Great public speakers use these techniques to wow audiences, maybe you can use them to get your dream job!

8. Strengths and weaknesses

That old chestnut. A mortal sin in job interviews is saying you have no weaknesses. Another mortal sin is saying you don't know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Your strengths got you the job interview, that is you have written them on your CV. Is it team building, problem solving, thinking laterally, organisational skills, time management or some technical knowledge? Now for weaknesses. You can state weaknesses without making yourself sound terrible. For instance I have used "One of my weaknesses is that I expect a lot of people, I expect them to work to high standards all the time and I get disappointed when they don't." See how a weakness can almost turn into a strength?

9. Have some direction

In job interviews employers love to hear a candidate have some direction in life whether it be education and development plans or professional goals. A good tip here is to make them align with the goal and objectives with the business you are seeking a job for. This way the employer will be thinking that you will fit in with the culture straight away.

10. Don't get focus on the money

Sure we all love money and we all want to create wealth. However don't ever ever say you are applying for the job because of the money. Be honest, if it's important then say it is important but don't let it be the focus. The key is to state that the company seems to fit right in with your skills, goals and qualities and that you would feel highly fortunate to be an employee with them.

So there we go. Ten tips for job interview success for school leavers or just about anyone. Want to get the edge over others? Check more of my articles: