Here’s a behavior cheat sheet that high school graduates can refer to for presenting themselves well during interviews:
Professional Appearance:
Dress professionally, adhering to the company’s dress code.
Maintain good personal hygiene.
Maintain good posture and make eye contact.
Smile and greet the interviewer with a firm handshake.
Active Listening:
Pay attention to the interviewer and listen carefully to their questions.
Avoid interrupting and let the interviewer finish speaking before responding.
Demonstrate engagement through nodding and appropriate verbal cues.
Effective Communication:
Speak clearly and confidently.
Use appropriate language and avoid slang or casual expressions.
Express thoughts and ideas concisely and coherently.
Avoid filler words (like “um” or “uh”) and use pauses to gather thoughts.
Positive Body Language:
Maintain an open posture, avoiding crossed arms or fidgeting.
Use hand gestures appropriately and sparingly.
Maintain good eye contact with the interviewer.
Show enthusiasm and genuine interest through facial expressions.
Answering Questions:
Listen carefully to the question before answering.
Provide specific examples from past experiences to support your answers.
Structure responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to demonstrate problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Be honest and authentic in your responses.
Asking Questions:
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company, the role, or the team.
Ask about the company’s culture, opportunities for growth, or specific projects.
Avoid asking questions that can be easily answered through research.
Showing Enthusiasm and Interest:
Demonstrate your passion for the industry or field.
Highlight your motivation to learn and grow within the organization.
Express appreciation for the opportunity to interview and your eagerness to contribute.
Here are a few recommended books for interview preparation:
“The Interview: From Formal to Post-Modern” by Allan J. Lichtman
“Cracking the Coding Interview: 189 Programming Questions and Solutions” by Gayle Laakmann McDowell
“The 2-Hour Job Search: Using Technology to Get the Right Job Faster” by Steve Dalton
“Knock ’em Dead Job Interview: How to Turn Job Interviews into Job Offers” by Martin Yate
“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie (for building interpersonal skills)
Encourage high school graduates to read these books to gain valuable insights into the interview process and improve their interview skills. Remember, practice is key. Conduct mock interviews, provide feedback, and help them build confidence in their abilities.