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Summer Job Applications & Interviews

June 02, 2025

Summer Job Applications & Interviews

In “Summer Jobs Applications & Interviews,” episode #233, Meredith Curtis gives teens wanting to grab a summer job some practical advice for the job application and interview. Learn to put your best foot forward with confidence. Mae Smith, a talent acquisition specialist, joins her to give the interviewer’s perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

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Show Notes

Homeschooled teens often grab a summer job during the family break. If you are planning a summer job, put your best foot forward in the application process and the interview!

Application Tips
  • Read application completely before filling it out
  • Follow directions completely – ‘yes’ or ‘no’ vs. longer answers
  • Highlight things that apply to the job you are seeking
  • Say it the best you can
  • Review before submitting
Application Tips from Mae

When you wade through applications, what stands out to you?

  • having done their research
  • prepared with concise and well thought out answers
  • is knowledgeable of what the job entails and can offer examples of similar work they’ve done

What communicates to you that the applicant will be who you are looking for?

Tips for In-Person Interview
  • Role-play interview with a trusted friend or family member
  • Prepare for questions
  • Research the company (Bill and the owner of a local Chick-Fil-A interviewed Micah. When Bill asked Micah why he wanted to work for his restaurant, Micah replied that he loved the way Truett Cathy ran his business according to biblical principles. He also liked the way the company was set up with local restaurant owners. Micah went into a lot of detail with enthusiasm. Bill was impressed.)
  • Arrive early (early is on time; on time is late)
  • Dress for the interview (suit & tie or polo & khakis, neat, CLEAN)
  • Stay calm & focused
  • Relate your answers to the company’s needs
  • Follow up with a thank you note
Tips for a Phone Interview
  • Keep a glass of water handy in case your mouth gets dry
  • Make sure the room is clear of people, pets, and noise of any kind
  • Do not eat or chew gum during the interview
  • Speak slowly and enunciate clearly
  • Stand up and smile while you are talking. You will come across better if you do this!
  • Use the person’s title when you address them. “Well, Mr. Glass, I see what you are saying.”
  • Keep a pad and pen nearby for notetaking
  • Have a copy of your resume handy so you can glance at it
  • Have a list of your accomplishments and goals nearby, too
  • Don’t interrupt the interviewer
  • Be friendly, but stick to the point
  • Give short answers

Share some interviews that did not impress you.

  • being totally unprepared for answers
  • using profanity
  • being too casual

Share some interviews that were impressive.

  • being time sensitive
  • answering questions concisely and thoroughly
  • knowing the industry and having looked up our website and social media to better understand our company
  • asking thoughtful questions – such as what is the company culture
More Tips for Getting Hired from Mae

Common Questions Interviewers Ask

  • Tell me about yourself- tell me about your experience
  • Tell me about your current position and what your duties are
  • Pay expectations
  • Look for questions online – LinkedIn, Indeed, Google, YouTube, AI

Do you have any more tips for getting hired?

  • virtual interviews- read directions carefully and either make note of or ask for the interviewer’s number ahead of time so that if you have any technical difficulties you can call and let them know – additionally test the link about an hour ahead of the interview to make sure it works
  • Also, research lots of interview questions ahead of time and have answers prepared for them.
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