Job Interview Prep
As summer job season arrives, you can help your student prepare in advance for these common interview questions:

Tell me about yourself. OK, this might seem like a no-brainer, since the interviewer is sitting with your life story (resume) in front of her. But the vagueness of the question is purposeful, since it gives the prospective employer the chance to evaluate your unrehearsed reaction to what is important in your life. So, what are your goals and personal priorities?

Why do you think you would like to work for this company? The answer to this question could/should be consistent with your answer to the previous one. In other words, the things that have motivated you and shaped you through life should be related to why you are knocking on this particular employer's door.

What sort of skills do you have? Be honest in your answer, since if you embellish your skills in the interview, the truth will become painfully evident once you start working. It will also make your adjustment to the company that much harder, since you will be dealing with greater expectations than you can deliver. You're better off being honest and open, and if there are critical skills you're lacking, showing a genuine interest in learning them.

Have you ever made a mistake at work or school, and how did you deal with it? You don't have to be too open with these kinds of questions, but it would be good for you to be able to share an example of how you learned a lesson "the hard way."

Is there anything else that you'd like to share about yourself? Here is a question that can help you hit a homerun during the interview, if you come prepared. Now is the time to elaborate on your skills, experiences and personal history that make you stand out from the rest of the crowd. For example, you can tell about your experiences with hall council or student government and how you were successful in helping other students bond. These types of skills are invaluable to an employer who needs to maintain peaceful relations between all people.

Whether your student is shopping for a summer job or a full-time gig after graduation, thinking about these questions ahead of time can help him feel better prepared.