Congratulations, you scored an interview for your first job! Now what? Prepare, know your schedule, and turn your phone off. Discover these tips and others for your first interview as a teenager.
1. Know YOU
Make a list of the following, this will help you prepare for the interview and boost your confidence. Write them down and take them with you to the interview.
- Top Strengths
- Skills (include skills and technical skills, such as punctual, team player, Microsoft Word, basic programming, etc.)
- Hobbies and pastimes (to show your aptitudes and interests)
- Activities and accomplishments (school-related, extracurricular and personal)
After making the list share with close friends, family and teachers and see if they would add any assets to your list.
2. Dress Appropriately
Rule of thumb is to “dress-up”, no not in a costume; rather dress one level nicer than the job you are applying for.
Here are some interview DON’Ts mentioned by career counselors:
- wrinkled clothing
- hair in your face
- short or revealing clothing
- open toed-shoes or sandals
- gaudy jewelry
- clingy clothing
- inappropriate tattoos (cover)
- excessive piercings (remove)
3. Conduct Practice Interviews
Have a sibling? Mom or dad? Or even a pet dog? Practice answering interview questions to whoever will listen. Practice makes perfect, right? So get familiar with frequently asked interview questions and craft responses so you feel confident and prepared to go to your interview.
First, greet your interviewer(s) with a firm handshake, look them in the eye, and introduce yourself. You want to appear calm and confident with your handshake, so practice shaking hands with those around you.
Be prepared to tell them a little about yourself because often their first question is: “Tell us a little about yourself”, introductions should be around 30 seconds. Topics to consider are what your grade level, age, school, course of studies, extracurricular activities (school, community, church) are, what you like to do in free time (and yes, hanging with friends is normal for a teenager!), future plans, and what is driving you to find a job?
4. Know Your Schedule
Gather your schedule before showing up for the interview. If you play sports, have other extracurricular activities or have a family vacation scheduled, bring those dates with you to the interview to review with the employer. You may even want to go as far as creating a sheet with all of the dates and times you are or aren’t available to leave with them after your interview.
5. Turn off your phone
Nothing is more embarrassing than your phone going off during an interview, so before you leave the car to interview, turn your phone completely off.
It’s time…Good Luck with your interview! If you’ve followed the tips, you’re on your way to being well prepared and remember you can do anything you put your mind to!
