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So, you’ve found the perfect job, applied and scored an interview. Congrats! You’re well on your way to #adulting. Think of your teen years as a test-run for being a full-fledged adult. Now’s the time to get some work experience under your belt and start earning some sweet paychecks.
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But you’ve got to ace an interview to get a job, and interviews are pretty nerve-wracking. Don’t worry! Calm the butterflies in your stomach with these six interview tips for starters. Then use our 5 practice job interview questions to go into your interview feeling confident.
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One of the best ways to ace your job interview is to study the current events of the company. Knowing what the current happenings of the company are key to being able to ask pertinent questions. Doing so will also show the interviewer that you have done your homework, and also have a genuine interest in the company.
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We get it. Some teens don’t want to come off as too stuffy or overdressed in a job interview. Sure, jeans and a t-shirt are comfy, but they don’t give the best impression. Regardless of what you’ll be wearing at the actual job, dress up. It’s okay to be a little casual, but leave the flip flops at home.
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On the flipside, don’t be too formal. Unless you’re applying for an office support job or a prestigious internship, a suit is probably too much. Instead, wear business casual attire. Remember to do the “shake test” before you leave home. Jump up and down and wiggle in front of the mirror to make sure you're appropriately dressed. When in doubt, cover up.
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First impressions matter. Even if it isn’t your fault, your potential employer isn't okay with tardiness. It gives the impression that you aren’t reliable and that you don’t value others’ time. But seriously. You could lose a part-time job if you're as little as two minutes late.
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Don’t waste all of your hard work! Practice your route the day before the interview. This will help you determine the best time to leave on the day of the interview. Remember, get to your interview 15 minutes early. Leave a little earlier than usual if you’re worried about the time.
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A hiring manager can tell when you’ve prepared for the interview. You’re able to answer questions and even come off as more confident. Show that you’re hireable by preparing ahead of time. Know an overview of the company’s history and what it sells. Remember the name of your interviewer and research them on LinkedIn beforehand.
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This shows that you have an interest in the company and the job. Come with at least three follow up questions to ask your interviewer so it isn’t a one-sided conversation. Bring a pad of paper and pen to remember your questions and take notes while you talk to the interviewer.
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But when we say prepare, we don’t mean you have to write a script. Nobody wants to talk to a robot. Be yourself! Job interviews are your chance to show employers what it would be like working with you. Show your real self so they can hire the real you.
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Manners seem like common sense, but interviewers still report a lot of weird behavior from teen interviewees. Use these quick job interview tips to avoid interview missteps like: – Your phone going off. Turn your phone off and keep it in your pocket or bag for the entire interview.
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– A “dead fish” handshake. A firm handshake makes you look confident and hireable. Practice shaking hands with your parents or friends—it might sound dorky, but a firm handshake can get you the job! – Accidentally cursing. Interviewers never want to hear you curse, even if you stub your toe in the interview room. Don’t use any language your grandma wouldn’t like, even if the interviewer curses.
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– Being too casual. Address your interviewer as “Mr.” or “Ms.” unless they tell you otherwise. – Talking over your interviewer. This is a two-way conversation. Wait for natural pauses or for your interviewer to ask a question before speaking.
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Everybody gets nervous in job interviews. The key is to not show that you’re anxious. Do you have any nervous tics? Do you rub your arm, jiggle your foot or fidget with a pen? Notice these behaviors so you don’t drive your interviewer crazy.
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Sit still during the job interview. Sit up straight, maintain eye contact and keep your shoulders up. Even if you feel like a nervous wreck, you want to look calm and professional. Practice your “interview posture” in the mirror to make sure you look confident, relaxed and professional ahead of time.
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Employers use your interview answers to gauge how successful you would be at the job. That’s why it’s so important to practice job interview questions and answers. Start practicing a week before your interview. Make a list of common interview questions and have a few answers prepared.
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Here are the most common questions you’ll encounter as a teen interviewee.
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This question is tricky. They aren’t asking about your pets or hobbies. Employers ask this question to get a high-level view of your skills, interests and experience. Use this question to detail your plans for the present and the future. Keep your answer brief and relevant to the job to make a good impression.
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Example: “I’m in my junior year of high school and I’m looking for a part-time job after school. I thought XYZ Shoes would be a great fit for my experience and skills.”
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Now is when you get to talk about hobbies and clubs. But don’t go off on a tangent! Choose no more than three activities. Each activity you list should reflect a skill the employer would find valuable. If you’re president of the Spanish club, that would be a great way to talk about your language and leadership skills.
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Example: “For the past year, I’ve served as the president of the fashion club, which is one reason I’m so interested in the fashion industry. That’s one reason why I want to work at XYZ shoes.”
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Even if your real answer might be “because I need money,” this is a chance to explain why you’re a good fit for the job. Why did you apply to this specific job? Do you admire the company? Are you a regular customer? Answer the question so you emphasize the talents that you bring to the team.
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Example: “I applied to XYZ Shoes because my family shops here regularly. I also admire your charitable work and think my communication skills would be a good fit for the company.”
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Don’t start rattling off all of your inadequacies. That’s just asking for a weird, TMI moment with your interviewer. This job interview question is actually asking how you address your weaknesses in the workplace. Everybody has a weakness, so don’t say, “I don’t have a weakness!” Admit a valid weakness, like perfectionism, organization, or fear of public speaking.
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Immediately follow that weakness with how you overcome it. Example: “My biggest weakness is organization. I get so into the zone that I don’t always keep my work area as tidy as I should. I compensate by following checklists and cleaning up as I go, so everything stays organized and tidy.”
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This is the interviewer asking why you’re the best choice out of all the applicants. It’s a hard question to answer, but it’s your chance to sell yourself and make a great impression. Look at the job description and identify which duties you would excel at. Tie that into your answer to show that you’ll not only fulfill the job requirements but exceed them.
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Example: “I’m an extrovert who loves working with people. I saw this position calls for customer service, and my strong interpersonal skills would be a great fit.”
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The best advice we can give you is to take a deep breath. Staying calm and preparing ahead of time will put you ahead of other candidates for your first interview. Follow our 6 golden job interview tips and practice these top five job interview questions. You got this!