First job interview, scenarios??

[sinningsaint]

DD is 16 and has got an interview for a job (her first) on a make-up counter next week. Gone through general interview technique and questions about the business/role etc. with her but struggling of thinking of a scenario they may ask her about and how she would deal with it. So far got if a product was unavailable/out of stock etc. or if a customer had an allergic reaction but nothing else. Any ideas of anything else that could come up or any other general tips?

[soundsystem]

A few standard retail ones:

Tell me about a time you've had to deal with a difficult situation. How did you handle it?

How would you deal with a customer complaint?

What would you do if a customer asked you a question and you didn't know the answer?

Sometimes it might be asked the other way round for her experience as a customer to see if she gets what's important to customers, for example:

What, for you, defines great customer service?

Tell me about a time you've had to queue and found it frustrating (looking for her to turn it into a positive and discuss what could have been done better)

Hope this helps and good luck to your DD :)

[twentyten]

Google the STAR technique- a good structure to answer questions. Practice handshakes!

[sinningsaint]

Googled and showed her the STAR technique, had never seen it before but seems a brilliant and idea for these kind of interviews. Thanks for the suggestions sound, she has used the STAR technique on all of them and has got some good answers at the ready. The interview itself has been brought forward to today so glad we went through it last night!!

[twentyten]

Good luck,

[Orlando]

If it's not too late - my dd went for an interview for a Saturday job at a museum last year. Lots of other people being seen. She found out later that one of the reasons she got the job was because she stood up when the interviewer came in to the room. So basic, but apparently it made a difference!

Good luck

[sinningsaint]

Just picked her up and apparently the only question they asked her was whether she would be comfortable working close to customers faces and giving makeovers, and the rest of the time they were just telling her about he role! Oh well if she doesn't get it (hard to tell whether it went well or not as it was pretty much based on first impression) at least she will be prepared for more interviews! Thanks for all your help though.