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Interview Skills Guide

In this guide we will try to outline the specific things you should be prepared for to succeed in an ASE Interview, as well as give you some general information that you can use for job interviews in the future.

Not all mentors choose to interview students, even though we strongly encourage them to interview at least some candidates. Do not be discouraged if you do not get a call from a mentor.

Following your interview, DO NOT call the mentor to see if you have the position.

While this can be a good business tactic, the ASE Program is different than a regular interview. We ask that mentors do not inform students of their decisions in case a student gets multiple offers.

The ASE Program will call you if you are offered a position, not the mentor. The ASE staff will start contacting applicants in late April, and all applicants will be notified by the middle of May.

Important Job Interview Tips

  • Research the organization
  • Self-assessment/areas that need improvement
  • Perform practice interviews
  • Dress/groom professionally
  • Be early
  • Make eye contact.
Select from the following:

Read its web page, look up articles about the field of study and/or the organization’s research/work in it, do a search about the position you’re interested in. 

Know yourself, your strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments. Express qualifications – know three good reasons why you are an outstanding candidate and work them into your responses during the interview. 

Learn the kinds of questions you may be asked and develop your best answers. You can ask parents, friends of the family, advisors and teachers at school, and even your friends to be mock interviewers. If you have time, try to set up a mock interview with an actual business owner to help you prepare. Try your school’s career counselor for ideas of people to contact; your parents might know someone as well. 

It’s better to be overdressed than under-dressed for an interview. Wear something that you know you look good in and also is comfortable. Avoid revealing or tight clothing, perfume or cologne (many people are allergic) and excessive cosmetics. Keep jewelry simple and hair well kept. 

10 minutes is about right. If there is any chance you will be late (just don’t be), call to let your interviewer know. Turn your cell phone off. 

Eye contact demonstrates self-confidence, and helps the interviewer to connect with you. 

  • Listen to the interviewer
  • Share the conversation
  • Be positive
  • Ask questions
  • Point out why you like the organization
  • Express interest
  • Learn what happens next
  • Express thanks
Select from the following:

Respond completely to the question asked and try to understand why s/he is asking that question. 

Make your answers accurate, brief, and as interesting as you can. Avoid monopolizing the interview. 

Don’t knock your school, past employers, teachers, etc. Be enthusiastic (and honest) about the positive aspects of your experiences. Don’t be apologetic. Share your good characteristics you thought of before the interview. 

This is a must that gives you a chance to find out more about the position and employer, as well as to show your interviewer (and probably mentor) that you researched his/her organization and subject matter. Questions you might ask include hours/days worked, what you would be doing, what kind of person your mentor finds easy to work with, what his/her expectations are of an apprentice, if there are possibilities for future employment with the organization, and so on. You should sit down and brainstorm everything you would want to ask before your interview. Sharing the list with parents, advisors, etc. is a good way to hone your questions. Remember to prioritize your questions, because your interview time will be limited. 

Are there reasons why you think the organization is a    particularly good one? Are there factors that led you to choose to apply to this position over others in the same field? If so, citing them can help build a link between you and the mentor/interviewer. 

Assuming the position still interests you at the end of the interview, take time near the end of the interview to express that interest. Unless you tell them, the interviewer has no way of knowing this. 

Find out if the interviewer needs any more information or if s/he has any questions about your Adult Recommendations. 

Thank the interviewer for his/her time and interest. If appropriate, thank anyone who also helped you, but don’t linger. Get a business card and send your interviewer a thank you note the same day of your interview. 

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