Interviewer: Good morning, Joshua. Thank you for coming in for the interview.

Joshua: Thank you for inviting me.

Interviewer: Well, as you know from the job ad, here at UsWork we’re focused on creating space for people who want to work together. We're creating a new position for an intern who would work at the reception desk and help our tenants on a daily basis, but especially on the first day, called an induction day.

Joshua: Can you explain what it would involve?

Interviewer: It’s the first day for anyone who starts working in the space. They need to receive important information where they can sit, drink coffee and understand the rules they need to adhere to. You would also have to demonstrate how the photocopying machine works and where the kitchen is.

Joshua: Ok, that’s clear.

Interviewer: So, I know you’re a very young person, but your CV looks interesting and I can see you already have some experience. Could you give me an overview of what your responsibilities were at the climbing wall you worked for, let me see…, two years ago?

Joshua: Yes of course, but do you mean Climbing World or Climb Together because I think it was the same year. I worked at both of them as a receptionist. Prior to that, I was a cleaner in both of them.

Interviewer: Actually, you can tell me about both of them. What duties did you have?

Joshua: My main responsibility was to greet visitors, and sell tickets, drinks, or snacks. I also had to learn how to operate the cash till, which was pretty difficult. My duty was also to put posts on social media.

Interviewer: OK, and what did you enjoy about your job most?

Joshua: Well, apart from the fact that I’m a climber myself and I could use the wall for free, I loved being able to meet like‑minded people who shared my passion.

Interviewer: Right, and is there anything that you perceive as your weakness?

Joshua: Hmm… I’m not sure. I’m constantly working on my strengths and I try not to focus on my disadvantages. I’m a people person and I believe I have excellent communication skills. I also think I deal with problems quite well. When you’re working with people you simply need to be on the ball.

Interviewer: I agree, Joshua. I must admit that we’re looking for people with a positive attitude who can overcome obstacles and make decisions quickly. Do you remember the biggest challenge you had in your previous job?

Joshua: Actually, I do. I remember one guy who claimed to have a monthly pass, but said he’d lost it. I checked his name in the system, but I couldn’t find it. He persisted and was getting aggressive. But I remained calm and explained to him politely that his name wasn’t in our records. He then started to call me names, but I asked him firmly to leave the building, and he did.

Interviewer: I’m impressed Joshua. Where did you learn to remain calm under pressure?

Joshua: Last year when I was in third grade of my high school, we had workshops on how to be assertive and deal with uncomfortable situations. The trainer taught us some strategies to help us in stressful situations, and I applied one of them.

Interviewer: I can see that despite not having formal qualifications, you seem to have the soft skills we need for this position, so a good fit for whom we’re looking for. Right, do you have any questions for me?

Joshua: I’m basically interested in the working hours. Is it a 9‑5 job, or are the hours flexible? You know, I’m a student and I have quite a tight schedule in the morning, and early afternoons, but I’m mostly free in the evenings.

Interviewer: It works like this: every month you fill in a timesheet where you state your availability and we adjust the times to when people can do the job.

Joshua: Ok, that’s great. Thank you.

Interviewer: Thank you Joshua, I think that’s all. We will get back to you once we’ve interviewed all the candidates.

Joshua: Ok, thank you! Goodbye.