Today was my son’s very first job interview. Actually you have to admire him, he hasn’t even officially graduated from high school yet (will June 4th). However, when the ad appeared in the local newspaper for video game testers you bet he (okay we) were all over it. What a great opportunity – and since he’s been playing video and PC games since the age of 3, 15 years of experience should count for quite a bit.

However, he has more going for him then just gaming. His communication skills – both oral and written – far outstrip many individuals two or three times his age (not bragging, just fact).

Okay Diane… So where’s this all leading? Well, while he was not at all nervous heading into, driving to, arriving at, or standing up and walking down the hall – nor was he nervous returning – very few people can be as calm as he displayed when it comes to that all-important interview.

So I went scouting and found typical interview questions and the best responses. If you’re getting ready or praying for that all important call, brushing up a bit on your interviewee skills is never a bad idea.

I might mention that the company he interviewed with, for summer jobs only, is a major game player (no pun intended) in its industry – Petroglyph. While he was lucky and already familiar with many of their products and/or games they have played a large part in creating, not everyone is so lucky. You may be shooting in the dark for “any old company” (especially in today’s economy).

So the following is critical…..

With the internet at your fingertips, take the time to see if the job you’re going to interview with has their own website. You can often gleam tons of very useful information – ahead of time – and form questions that you can ask when they get to that all important interview section called, “Okay so now it’s your turn, do you have any questions about us?”

No need to just sit there and shake your head. Have a small arsenal of questions ready (you may not have to nor need to cover them all), but the very fact that you’ve taken the time to research them means you are just that more meticulous then the person coming in next.

Commenting is a way to self promote, even if you are responding to the above. Take a few seconds and please leave your feedback! (Another smart move on your part!)

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• 6 Key Steps in Job Interview Prep (usnews.com)