Independence for Foster Youth in Washington State

Menu 
  • Home
  • Jobs
    • Read First…
      • The Basics of Finding and Getting the Right Job
      • Discover Your Skills
      • How to Keep and Improve Your Job
      • Thank You Letters
    • Find the Right Job
      • Volunteer First to Get a Better Paying Job
      • Find Hidden Jobs
      • Use Job Ads
      • Who Can Help Me Find a Job?
      • Get the Upper Hand With Employer Research
      • How to Approach Employers In Person
    • Create a Great Job Application
      • Create a Successful Job Application
      • Application Strategies for Awkward Situations
    • Write a Resume
      • Write a Great Resume With Little or No Job Experience
      • Resume Example 1 – Food Service
      • Resume Example 2 – Office Work
    • Cover Letter
      • Your Cover Letter Step-by-Step
      • Your Cover Letter – A Style Guide
      • Cover Letter Example 1 – Food Service
      • Cover Letter Example 2 – Office Work
    • Ace Your Interview
      • Interview Preparation
      • Deal with Negative Interview Questions
      • The Five Big Interview Questions
    • How to Get
      • Get an ID Card
      • Get a Social Security Card
    • Programs that Can Help You Get a Job
      • Independent Living Program
      • Transitional Living Program
  • Education
    • Preparing for College
      • Why Go to College?
      • Get a Mentor
      • Choosing a College
      • Prepare for College Early
      • Programs and Resources
    • Pay for College
      • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
      • Types of Aid
      • Students with Disabilities
    • How to Get
      • Get an ID Card
      • Get a Social Security Card
    • Washington State Programs
      • Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
      • Passport for Foster Youth Promise Scholarship
      • Independent Living Program
      • Transitional Living Program
      • Extended Foster Care Program
      • Supplemental Education Transition Planning Program (SETuP)
      • Washington College Campuses with Foster Youth Support Staff
  • Housing
    • Prepare to Live on Your Own
      • How Much Rent Can I Afford?
      • Selecting a Roommate
      • Rental Rights and Responsibilities
    • Find Housing
      • Tips on Finding Housing
      • Living on a College Campus
    • Get Housing
      • What to Expect When Renting
    • Keep Housing
      • Tips to Keep Your Housing
      • Problems & Eviction
      • Moving Out
    • How to Get
      • Get an ID Card
      • Get a Social Security Card
    • Programs that Help with Housing
      • Independent Living Program
      • Transitional Living Program
      • Independent Youth Housing Program
      • Extended Foster Care Program
      • Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
  • Budget
    • Creating a Budget
      • Why Create a Budget?
      • Get a Grip on Your Spending
      • Construct Your Budget
    • How to Get
      • Get an ID Card
      • Get a Social Security Card
    • Washington State Programs
      • Washington Basic Food Program
      • TANF
      • Working Connections Child Care
      • Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)
      • Independent Living Program
      • Transitional Living Program
  • Health
    • Medical
      • How Do I Find a Doctor?
      • Annual Physical Exam (EPSDT Exam)
      • Health Insurance – What I Need to Know
      • Getting Medical Records
    • How to Get
      • Get an ID Card
      • Get a Social Security Card
    • Washington State Programs
      • Washington Prescription Drug Program
      • Apple Health (Medicaid) to 26
      • Washington Apple Health (Medicaid)
      • Washington Basic Food Program
      • TANF
  • Self-Advocacy
    • NYTD Survey
      • National Youth in Transition Database – NYTD
    • Make a Difference and Get Involved!
      • Self-Advocacy Resources
  • LGBTQ

Will You Do the Job?

1. Is there anything that would prevent you from meeting the work schedule I’ve described?

What you want to do:

[If you can meet the schedule, say so. If you cannot, tell the employer specifically where you will need changes. If there is a conflict with your religious obligations, now is the time to say you would need an accommodation for that.]

2. Here are our attendance requirements. Will you be able to meet these requirements?

What the employer really wants to know:

Will you have a dependable attendance record?

What you want to do:

Reply with a strong “yes” or “definitely.”

Then, if you can, give a specific record from your previous job.

“In my last job I maintained an exceptional record for attendance, with fewer than 3 unscheduled absences per year.”

3. What motivates you to do your best work?

What the employer really wants to know:

Employer wants to know if you are motivated by something other than money.

What you want to do:

Make a statement that indicates you have internal motivation to perform well.

“Knowing that I have done a job to the best of my ability is motivating to me.”

Then, name something specific that others can do to help you perform a job well.

“It helps me if I know what is expected of me and get feedback about what I am doing well and where I need to improve.”

4. What is most difficult for you to do in a job? How do you deal with that?

What the employer really wants to know:

The employer wants to know if there are difficulties that will prevent you from doing a good job. The employer may also be looking for whether you will criticize others.

What you want to do:

Name something specific that is not a weakness in you and is not critical of others.

“It is difficult for me when I’m not sure which of my tasks that I have been assigned are highest in priority.”

Then, state a clear way of dealing with the difficulty that is focused on performance.

“When I’m uncertain about that, I ask my supervisor to help me set priorities so that I’m sure I am going to be working on the most important things first.”

Search

Ace Your Interview

  • Interview Preparation
  • Deal with Negative Interview Questions
  • The Five Big Interview Questions
    • Can you do the job?
    • Is This Job of Interest To You?
    • Will You Do the Job?
    • Will You Fit the Culture and Style of the Organization?
    • Will You Get Along With Others?
  Questions or comments about this page? Can't find the information you need? Email Kathy Ramsay.