Most teens want to get a job and earn some extra cash. They often look for part-time positions at restaurants, cafes and retail stores to gain experience in the workplace.
Help your teen practice answering common interview questions, and encourage them to prepare by googling “job interview tips for teens.” Teach them to speak clearly without interrupting the interviewer.
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1. Don’t Bring Gum
When your teen is dressed in jeans and a tank top for their interview, it’s easy to want to yell “NO!” But even if the job they are applying for is casual or temporary, there are some things that just aren’t appropriate.
Gum chewing can be distracting and it’s difficult to articulate while doing so. It is also a sign of nervousness, which can be interpreted negatively by the interviewer.
Encourage your teen to do some research on common interview questions and prepare their responses ahead of time. It is also a good idea to have them role-play an interview with someone else so they can practice and become comfortable with the process. This will help them to appear polished and professional, which is important for demonstrating maturity. It will also allow them to practice making eye contact and speaking clearly. Ultimately, it will show the interviewer that they are prepared and responsible enough to be an asset to their team.
2. Don’t Talk About Yourself
If your teen is interviewing for summer or part-time work, they need to know that they should avoid talking about themselves during the interview. This includes discussing their current or past relationships, personal hobbies, or any other sensitive topics that could make them seem unprofessional or irresponsible.
Instead, they should focus on the skills and qualities they can offer to the company or school. Encourage them to come prepared with a list of 2-3 key points they want to communicate to the interviewer so that their answers are more focused.
This is especially important if the job they are applying for requires good communication skills, as this will help them stand out from other candidates. Teach them to be aware of their body language and avoid making any negative facial expressions, which can convey the wrong impression. It is also important for them to practice answering common interview questions ahead of time so that they can think on their feet and respond with confidence.
3. Don’t Bring Any Other People
The goal for many high school students is to land a part-time job or internship. Interview skills are important for students to have in order to make progress towards this goal.
Teens should prepare answers to common interview questions, such as “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” and “Why should I hire you?” They should also practice with a friend or an adult. Role playing an interview is a great way for teens to become more confident before their real interview.
Encourage your teen to avoid nervous habits during an interview, such as playing with their hair, rubbing their chin, biting their nails or jingling things in their pockets. These behaviors can distract interviewers and are not professional. It is also important that teens wait to take a seat until they are invited in and not talk while their interviewer is talking. They should also use full sentences and avoid phrases such as “yeah, right,” or “uh huh.” This shows that they are thoughtful in their responses.
4. Don’t Go Outside
Teens are eager to learn skills that feel relevant to their lives and interviewing is no exception. When teens are confident and comfortable with job interviewing, they can make an impressive impression on employers.
Teach your teen to research the company they will be interviewing with before their job interview. This is a great way for them to find out more about the company’s culture, work environment and reputation. It also gives them topics to discuss during their interview and show the interviewer they are prepared and serious about the position.
Ask your teen to practice their interview with you before the actual interview. Role playing allows them to get used to the feeling of talking in front of someone and can help them avoid nervous tics like rubbing their arm or jiggling their foot during the actual interview. During the role play, have them dress appropriately and sit in the chair as if they were going for their real-life job interview.