How to Interview for a Part-Time Job (Solo or With Your Crew)
You interview for a part-time job by showing up a little early, answering for yourself, and naming the days you can work. Go on your own, or go with a crew. Crews can interview together, employers decide who they hire, and each applicant is considered on their own.
Interview tips
- 1
Read the posting before you go. Note the role, the days, and anything the shop asked you to bring.
- 2
Arrive a little early. If the shop is busy, wait until someone can greet you.
- 3
Answer for yourself, even when friends are in the room.
- 4
Say which days and hours you can work. If a day does not work, say that plainly.
- 5
Ask one question about the shift, such as what the first week looks like.
- 6
Thank the person who met with you, then send a short note the same day.
Common questions and sample answers
Why do you want this job? A clear answer is: I want hourly work I can keep, I can work the days on this posting, and I like helping people when the shop is busy.
What hours can you work? Name the days and the times you can keep. If a day does not work, say so. Do not agree to a shift you cannot attend.
Tell me about yourself. Share how you like to work with people, one task you learned quickly, and the hours you can work. Keep it to a few sentences.
How do you handle a busy moment? A clear answer is: I stay calm, help the next person, and ask a teammate when I am unsure.
Why should we hire you? A clear answer is: I show up on time, I learn the tasks you show me, and I treat people with care.
What to wear and bring
Wear clean clothes you can move in. Closed-toe shoes are a safe choice for a shop floor. Skip a strong scent, and skip a large graphic that is hard to read across the room. A suit is not required.
Bring a short list of the days and hours you can work, a pen, and the email address you want the shop to use. If the posting asked for something else, bring that too.
Crew interview etiquette
Crews can interview together when the employer wants to meet the group. The employer still decides on each person.
Crews can interview together, employers decide who they hire, and each applicant is considered on their own. One person can be hired even if the rest of the crew is not. A no to one person is not a no to the others.
Agree on a time everyone can attend before you reply. Arrive together, and let each person speak for themselves. Do not answer a question that was asked of someone else. You can also interview on your own if the employer meets people one at a time.
A thank-you note you can send
Send a short note the same day, or the next morning. Use email if the shop gave you an address. Copy the note below and replace each bracket with your own details.
Subject: Thank you for the interview
Hello [name], thank you for meeting with me about the [role] opening. I enjoyed learning how the shift works. I can work the days we discussed, and I would like to be considered for the job. Please email me at [your email] if you need anything else. [Your name]
Where to look
Open jobs are listed on the homepage and on the open jobs page. The guide on part-time jobs with friends explains how to apply as a crew or on your own.
Questions
Can crews interview together?
Yes. Crews can interview together, employers decide who they hire, and each applicant is considered on their own. The employer can still meet the group when that is what they want.
What should I wear to a part-time interview?
Wear clean clothes you can move in, and closed-toe shoes if the work is on a shop floor. A suit is not required.
What should I bring?
Bring a short list of the days and hours you can work, a pen, and the email address you want the shop to use.
What are common part-time interview questions?
Shops often ask why you want the job, which hours you can work, how you handle a busy moment, and why they should hire you. Answer for yourself, and keep each answer short.
How do I follow up after the interview?
Send a short thank-you note the same day or the next morning. Thank them for the meeting, restate the days you can work, and leave the email you want them to use.