When You Get The Big Interview, Above All Else, Act Professional

You need money. Money for that new CD or outfit; money for the car you’ve been eyeing; money for school. Whatever the reason, you need a job.

According to several Spokane managers and personnel directors, however, getting that job requires much more than simply filling out an application. The key is to act professionally, demonstrate a strong work ethic and have a positive attitude.

Tiney Schafer, Human Resources Director for Arby’s Restaurants, said it is important to act professionally. An interview is the chance to demonstrate that professionalism. An applicant should not show up for an interview in “unclean and tattered clothes,” she said. Inappropriate dress, she said, suggests the person is not serious about getting a job.

Do not, however, move too far in the other direction as if you’re headed to “the prom,” said Mary Eye, executive team leader for the Target store at NorthPointe. Khakis and a nice shirt are often acceptable, she said. The rule of thumb is to dress appropriately for the job for which you are applying.

Another factor in conveying professionalism is “eye contact,” said Donna Mirabello, assistant manager of Taco Bell on Sprague. She said eye contact helps her determine if a prospective employee will be able to effectively communicate with customers. In an interview, a person has to be able to sit down and talk about themselves, as well as fill out the application completely.

Mirabello suggested applicants get a better feel for the business and the nature of the work before coming to an interview. For example, if you’re applying at a restaurant, look over the menu and if possible, place an order to be better prepared for an interviewer’s questions.

Bret Hinson, North Division Hastings Manager, said that most interviewers are going to ask the same questions. Therefore, he said, it’s important to be prepared and concise in your response. Practice mock interviews with family and friends to gain confidence.

“A lack of maturity” can often interfere with the task at hand, said Rick Anderson, Operations Manager for Sears at NorthTown. He expects “an honest hour’s work for an honest hour’s pay.”

Sometimes inexperienced job hunters have trouble understanding this concept, he said.

Kimbre Vega, Personnel/Training Coordinator for Riverfront Park, looks for teens who can take pride in their work - people who want to be a member of the team. When dealing with people on the job, Vega wants teens to think about how they would want to be treated.

Applicants should come prepared for an interview and should be themeselves. She suggests bringing a resume or a list of questions that you can ask during an interview.

Information about the applicant’s past work experience (both paid and unpaid), coupled with knowledge about school and community activities, help employers form a more accurate picture of the applicant.

Target’s Eye considers a positive attitude as essential. Teens must “want to work and like what they’re doing,” she said. Above all, be dependable.

And, if you don’t land the job, don’t be discouraged.

“Sometimes the best employee isn’t the one we hired the first time,” Schafer said.

Demonstrate perseverence and “stay in contact (with the employer),” Anderson said. “Don’t just fill out the application and wait and see.” Keep checking back to let the company know you’re serious and interested.