Strengths Be prepared to discuss 2-3 of your strengths and give examples.

Possible Strengths Hard worker Punctual Determined Able to prioritize Self-confidence Thoughtful Teamwork Cooperation Dedication I'm enthusiastic I'm self-motivated Time management Practical Productive Active Good Interpersonal skills Organized Good Communication Problem Solving Skills Extremely honest Good Leader Creative Assertive Extremely Reliable Understanding Love to learn Committed Patient Positive Consistent Cheerful Generous Modest Genuine Wise Open Minded Helpful Pleasant Artistic Stable Funny Loyal Focused Sincere Flexible Personable

Provides one interview-appropriate strength 1 Gives example, explanation, or detail about strength Provides a second interview-appropriate strength Relates strengths to the job

What are some of your strengths? Well, I’m pretty good at communication. . .

Provides one interview-appropriate strength 1 Gives example, explanation, or detail about strength Provides a second interview-appropriate strength Relates strengths to the job

What are some of your strengths? I think I am pretty good at communication. I’ve learned from playing soccer how important it is to be able to communicate well with others, especially when there is a significant goal you want to accomplish

Provides one interview-appropriate strength 1 Gives example, explanation, or detail about strength Provides a second interview-appropriate strength Relates strengths to the job

What are some of your strengths? One of my biggest strengths is my ability to communicate well. I think I work very well with all kinds of people. I know everybody has different goals and abilities, so when I have to work in groups at school I try to keep that in mind. I think this is why teamwork is such a strength of mine as well. I always try to bring out the best in people.

Provides one interview-appropriate strength 1 Gives example, explanation, or detail about strength Provides a second interview-appropriate strength Relates strengths to the job

One of my biggest strengths is my ability to communicate well One of my biggest strengths is my ability to communicate well. I think I work very well with all kinds of people. I know everybody has different goals and abilities, so when I have to work in groups at school I try to keep that in mind. I think this is why teamwork is such a strength of mine as well. I always try to bring out the best in people and I love getting everybody talking and organized for school projects and I think I can do the same thing here at Creation Station.

Provides one interview-appropriate strength 1 Gives example, explanation, or detail about strength Provides a second interview-appropriate strength Relates strengths to the job

Weaknesses At least 2 Weaknesses ALWAYS back up your weaknesses with something positive/ progress. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4vb3jN-Kr_Q

Choosing Weaknesses * Never say something that will keep you from getting the job. * Think about the things you are already working to improve on * Back up your weakness with something positive!

Possible Weaknesses Overly Competitive Patience Time Management I hurry through projects Organization Multitasking Can’t count back money Stuttering/Speech I get nervous talking in front of people I’m a little shy Experience Busy Schedule – many activities Leadership Age – Young

Make It Positive: Age – I’m young: I know that I am young but I am very mature and responsible for my age. If you give me a chance to prove that to you, you will not be disappointed. I really want this job and I’m willing to work hard.

I don’t have a lot of experience: Make It Positive: I don’t have a lot of experience: I know I don’t have a lot of experience. This would actually be my first real job. But I have done chores around the house and I’ve also done some baby sitting for my neighbors. I tend to be a very responsible person so I’m sure I could handle whatever you asked me to do.

Make It Positive: I’m shy: Well sometimes I’m a little shy when I’m put into a new situation, but I do like people and I work very well with others. So, after a few days of meeting people I usually feel much more comfortable so I don’t think it will be a problem.

Make It Positive: Talkative: Sometimes I get in trouble in school for talking too much. I just like people and I can’t help talking to them. Thankfully this is a job where I would have to talk to people so instead of being a bad thing it would actually be a good thing because I could talk to the customers and help them to feel more comfortable and have a good experience at the store.

Make It Positive: Organization: Being organized isn't my strongest point, but since I’ve become aware of this I’ve implemented a time management system that really helps my organization skills. I keep track of all my assignments in my assignment book, so ever night I check it for homework and every morning I make a list of things I need to do for the day.

Make It Positive: Analytical: I like to make sure that my work is perfect, so I tend to perhaps spend a little too much time checking it. However, I've come to a good balance by setting up a system to ensure everything is done correctly the first time.

Make It Positive: Time Management: I used to wait until the last minute to study or do assignments for the coming week, but I realized that scheduling in advance makes much more sense. I do tend to wait until the last minute to do things. It’s not that I’m lazy, it’s just that I tend to be more motivated and work better under a little bit of pressure, and I think my good grades are pretty good indication of that.

Provides one interview-appropriate weakness 1 Backs up weakness with something positive Provides a second interview-appropriate weakness Student completes the answer without prompting

Reasons For Wanting This Job Why did you pick THAT job? Try to win them over Impress them Make them want to hire you https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_244688&feature=iv&src_vid=LuWGX8Ye8TQ&v=FHDVQkU-nGI

Reasons For Wanting This Job I would really like to work for Zebra Striped Whale because I love the environment in here. Every time I walk in I feel so welcome and comfortable. I love how it looks and feels and smells . . .

Reasons For Wanting This Job I would also really like to start proving to my parents that I’m responsible by earning money of my own. Plus, this is really close to where I live so it would be really easy for me to get here every day. .

Names the job they are applying for 1 Provides personal reason for working (responsibility, independence, gaining work experience, etc) Relates answer to the specific job (atmosphere, product, customer service, etc) Shows evidence of knowledge of the job/company Provides extended response/explanation w/o prompting

Future Goals Grades Honor Roll High School Graduation College College Major Future Career

Provides at least one goal for this current school year (in or out of school) 1 Provides at least one goal for high school At least one goal for college/post-secondary training At least one goal for the future/career No prompting necessary

Future Goals My main goal this year is to get on the honor roll. I’ve never done that before so I’m studying a lot and working really hard. Next year, in addition to good grades I plan on trying out for the volley ball team. I’ve been playing since I was 10 and would really like to continue since it’s one of my favorite things to do. After High school I’m not exactly sure what I want to do, but I know that education is important so I’d like to go to a good college. I’m not exactly sure what I want to study but I’ve always been good at Math, so I might pursue a career in that field.

Future Goals One of my goals for this year is to be student of the month. I’ve never gotten it before and I think it would be really cool. Next year I am hoping to run for student council to be an officer since I’ve really enjoyed doing that in middle school. After I graduate from high school I really want to go to the University of Pittsburgh because that’s where my dad went to school and all of his stories sound really fun, so I’d like to have a similar experience. Right now, I’m not exactly sure what I want to study though . . .

Future Goals This year I am planning to complete my Bat Mitzvah which I am really excited about. I’ve been working really hard on it. Next year I’d like to see if I can get a job working at Chik-fil-a in town. I’ve never really had a job before and I think it would be fun. After that, well, I’ve always wanted to move to New York City and work at Radio City Music Hall. I know It’s a long shot but I’d like to give a chance and see what happens . . .

Provides at least one goal for this current school year (in or out of school) 1 Provides at least one goal for high school At least one goal for college/post-secondary training At least one goal for the future/career No prompting necessary

Each one is worth 5 points. These questions are NOT timed. Each one is worth 5 points. To receive all 5 points be sure to back up your short answer with details and examples! Help the employer get to know YOU!!!