Job Applications and Interviews

Decide What You Are Looking For

Before applying, think about:

• The kind of work you would like to do.
• Whether you want full-time, part-time, seasonal, remote, or temporary work.
• The days and hours you can reliably work.
• How far you can travel.
• Your transportation needs.
• Your preferred pay range.
• The skills or experience you want to develop.

Be realistic about your schedule. Do not tell an employer you have open availability if you know you cannot work certain days or hours.

Read the Entire Job Posting

Review the job description carefully. Look for:

• Required duties.
• Minimum qualifications.
• Preferred qualifications.
• Work schedule.
• Location.
• Pay or salary range.
• Physical requirements.
• Application deadline.
• Materials you must submit.

You do not necessarily need to meet every preferred qualification. If you meet most of the important requirements and believe you can perform the work, consider applying. Watch for words that appear repeatedly — when they honestly describe you, include them in your résumé or application.

Research the Employer

Visit the organization's official website and learn:

• What it does.
• Who it serves.
• What products or services it offers.
• Its mission and values.
• Where the position fits within the organization.
• Any important recent developments.

Research will help you write a stronger application, prepare better interview answers, and identify suspicious job offers.

Prepare Your Information

Create a private job-search record containing:

• Your contact information.
• Education and training.
• Employment history.
• Volunteer experience.
• Certifications and licenses.
• Skills and accomplishments.
• Names and contact information for references.
• Dates when you worked or attended school.

Always ask someone before listing that person as a reference. Never include your Social Security number, bank information, passwords, or a copy of your identification on a résumé.

Create or Update Your Résumé

A basic résumé should include your name and contact information, a short professional summary, work and volunteer experience, education and training, relevant skills, and certifications or accomplishments.

Use short statements that begin with action words. Whenever possible, show a result. Keep the formatting clean and easy to read. Carefully check spelling, dates, phone numbers, and email addresses.

Customize Your Application

Do not send exactly the same résumé to every employer. Adjust it to emphasize the qualifications most relevant to each position.

Answer every application question truthfully. Follow all instructions — an employer may use your ability to complete the application correctly as an early measure of attention to detail.

Keep Track of Your Applications

Record:

• Employer's name.
• Position title.
• Date submitted.
• Job-posting link or a saved copy.
• Contact person.
• Interview date.
• Follow-up date.
• Current status.

Save the original job description. It may be removed before your interview, but you will need it to prepare.

Prepare for the Interview

Practice answering common questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work here?
• Why are you interested in this position?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What is one area you are working to improve?
• Tell me about a time you solved a problem.
• Describe a disagreement you handled successfully.
• Why should we hire you?
• What days and hours are you available?
• Do you have any questions for us?

Prepare a 30- to 60-second introduction that covers who you are professionally, your most relevant experience or strengths, and why you are interested in this opportunity.

Prepare Interview Questions

An interview is also your opportunity to evaluate the position. Consider asking:

• What would a typical day in this position look like?
• What are the most important qualities for succeeding in this role?
• How will performance be evaluated?
• What training is provided?
• What are the biggest challenges someone in this role might face?
• What are the next steps in the hiring process?

Avoid leading with questions that could have been answered by reading the job posting or employer's website.

Get Ready for Interview Day

Make a Positive Impression

During the interview:

• Greet the interviewer politely.
• Listen carefully to each question.
• Take a moment to organize your thoughts.
• Give clear and honest answers.
• Use specific examples.
• Show interest and enthusiasm.
• Avoid criticizing previous employers, teachers, or coworkers.
• Ask your prepared questions.
• Thank the interviewer before leaving.

If you do not understand a question, politely ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify it. If you do not know an answer, do not pretend — explain how you would find the information or learn the skill.

Follow Up

Send a brief thank-you email within approximately 24 hours. Include your appreciation for the interview, the position's title, one detail you enjoyed discussing, and a brief reminder of your interest and qualifications.

Thank you for speaking with me about the customer service associate position. I enjoyed learning about your training program and the importance your team places on helping customers. My experience assisting visitors at community events would help me contribute positively to the position. I appreciate your time and look forward to hearing from you.

If the employer provided a decision date and that date passes, send one polite follow-up message. Do not repeatedly call or email.

Evaluate the Offer

Before accepting, make sure you understand:

• Pay or salary.
• Expected schedule.
• Work location.
• Job duties.
• Starting date.
• Benefits, if offered.
• Training or probationary requirements.
• Who your supervisor will be.
• Whether the offer is contingent on additional requirements.

Ask for important details in writing. You do not have to accept immediately. It is reasonable to ask when the employer needs your decision.