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

Interview Preparation

  1. Be focused. Practice your answers and keep them focused on the job at hand. Show the match between your skills, accomplishments, and this job.
  2. Rehearse your route. Drive, take the bus, or walk to the place of the interview beforehand so you are sure you know where it is and how long it takes to get there.
  3. Set an alarm or write a reminder for yourself to make sure you don’t miss it.
  4. Arrive early (10 or 15 minutes). This way you have some time to get used to the environment and relax.
  5. Dress neat and professional even if it seems to be a casual work environment. This helps to show your respect for the employer.
  6. Be nice to the receptionist! Often employers will check with the receptionist to see who was considerate. Being rude to the receptionist is a good way to lose the job.
  7. Make eye contact. It shows the employer that you are confident and trustworthy. (Even though it may be only shyness on your part.)
  8. Be real. You should prepare to present the BEST you in relation to this job, but it is still the REAL you.
  9. Be positive. Don’t ever say negative things about yourself, a former job, a supervisor, an employer, or anything! (See Dealing with Negative Questions.)

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.