Congratulations! You’ve secured a working interview! Still not sure what it is? Find out what it is and all the benefits in our recent blog post.

We’re here to help you understand what to expect and how to prepare, so you can stand out as the top candidate.

What to Expect

Throughout the working interview, the organization will likely assess two things:

1. Your skills and technical knowledge related to the role

   The main purpose of the working interview is to see how you’ll perform in the role. The company will likely assign specific tasks to test your abilities. For example, a receptionist may have to type out a document in a set time to show typing speed. For entry-level positions, companies may measure how quickly you learn to complete a task.

2. Your cultural fit with the teammates

   Culture is extremely important for a healthy workplace. Companies may ask you questions during the shift or watch you interact and collaborate with employees to see how you’ll fit into the team dynamic.

Keep these in mind when you’re preparing for your working interview!

Best Practices for Your Working Interview

Before you arrive

Firstly (and most importantly), prepare the day before to ensure you’re not rushing on the day itself. Take your time to get everything ready, so you don’t miss anything.

Start by re-reading the job description and pay close attention to any specific instructions. Look to see what you need to prepare, what the dress code is, personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, and if there are any instructions upon arrival.

Bonus tip: Memorize your supervisor’s name to make a personal connection right away.

Next, research the company and their values. In your working interview, you can mirror these values to show that you’ll be a good cultural fit. Then, use this information to prepare any questions about the company or the job. We recommend asking a couple of questions during the working interview to show that you’re interested in the role.

Finally, prepare the last-minute things:

• Check the commute time and plan your next day accordingly. We recommend arriving 10 to 15 minutes early.

• Set your alarm (or a few) for the morning.

• Pack or plan what you’re doing for lunch if the shift includes a break.

• Layout your clothes according to the dress code and set aside anything else you need, including the necessary PPE.

Now you’re all set for the shift tomorrow!

During the shift

Great job! You woke up on time and arrived 15 minutes early. Now it’s time to get started. The organization may be interviewing a few people, so this is your chance to prove yourself and make a lasting impression. On top of fulfilling the job responsibilities, go above and beyond to stand out!

Start by following the instructions upon arrival from the job posting. If there weren’t any instructions, ask someone for the supervisor from the job posting. Did you memorize their name? Once you meet the supervisor, they’ll likely give you a brief overview of the role. Here you can establish expectations for the working interview. If the supervisor doesn’t touch on these, our top questions to ask are:

• What are your expectations for the day?

• What are your top priorities for me?

• How often do you want me to update you on my progress?

• How would you like me to communicate with you if I have questions?

You don’t want to bombard them with too many questions right away. So, save the non-urgent questions for the rest of the working interview. If any questions come up, don’t hesitate to ask – it’s important to get a thorough understanding to perform at your best.

Before the shift begins, remember to put your phone away and stay focused on the tasks. If you can, tuck it away until your break.

Once the shift starts, be confident and outgoing. Others will pick up on your confidence and be more likely to trust your abilities. Keep a positive, can-do attitude to show you’re a great fit for the culture. Additionally, try and socialize with current employees to build relationships. If the supervisor asks for others’ opinions, they’ll be more inclined to give you a glowing review.

There are a couple of key things you can do to increase your chance of securing the role. If the offer presents itself, take on additional responsibilities to show what else you can do outside of the job description. This shows your many talents and willingness to take anything on. Or, offer assistance to colleagues to demonstrate your technical know-how and show that you’re a team player.

After the shift is complete

Now that the shift’s done, there are a few things to do before heading home. Whether your working interview lasts one shift or longer, these best practices look slightly different.

If your working interview is one shift long:

If you didn’t get a chance to ask all your questions, now’s the time to do so. Then, ask for feedback, this is important to understand how you can improve. You can use this feedback to ace more working interviews down the line.

Express your interest in the role and in continuing the process. Leverage the knowledge you gained and use it to show how you’ll add value to the company. If you have any questions about compensation or job details, now is the time to ask. These are crucial factors when deciding if you want to accept a permanent role.

Finally, ask them about the next steps and if there is anything they’d like you to do.

If your working interview lasts longer than one shift:

You can save most questions for the rest of the working interview or the final shift.

After your first shift, it’s important to ask for feedback. Use this feedback in the following shifts to prove how you can take and implement feedback. Then, let the supervisor know if you’re interested in the role. It’s never too early to express your interest! You may not get a reaction right away, but it will get them thinking about your future with them.

When you get to the end of your last shift, it’s time to use everything you learned to show how you’ll be a great addition to the team. Now’s the time to ask any questions you didn’t before, including compensation or job details if you accept a permanent role.

Then, ask for the next steps and if there’s anything else for you to do.

If all goes as planned, you’ll have a permanent offer on the way! Or, if this wasn’t the right fit, no worries, AmbiMi has plenty of opportunities where you can find your perfect match.

If you’re looking for a new role, check out our available jobs here!