If you’re a teen and never held a job before, the interview can be a terrifying experience. You have no idea of what to expect and you want to make the best impression you can. Follow these tips and you’ll be off to a great start.
1. Arrive on time.
This is probably the most important rule I can think of. If you can’t even get to to the interview on time, how will a manager know you’ll come to work on time? Especially for the retail type jobs teens hold, employers want someone who shows up for every shift on time. Bonus tip: On those online application tests, when/if they ask you how many times do you think it’s OK to be late in a month, the answer is always ZERO. Always.
2. Dress to Impress.
Yes, it’s the same tip you’ve heard over and over again. But that doesn’t mean it’s not important. While you don’t necessarily need to go in with a suit and tie for most jobs, you still need to look presentable. I aim to dress like I see the current employees dressing, maybe a step above that. For example, during my last interview, I wore khaki pants and a thin sweater. Nice, but not overly dressy. Basically, stay away from T-shirts, shorts, and anything ripped or torn.
3. Cell Phone –> Off
No interviewer will be impressed by a ringing phone during the middle of your discussion. Keeping it on silent (Note: vibrate is NOT silent) is an option too, but you might get nervous and start thinking “Is it really on silent?”. Keeping it off, but in your pocket, can also be helpful if you have to fill out more paperwork during the interview and you need phone numbers for references.
4. Be Polite
Smile. Laugh if the person interviewing makes a joke. You want to appear friendly and nice. Also, be confident. Explain why you want the job. How does it fit you? Don’t come off cocky. Stick to your positives and act like you want to be there.
5. Follow Up
Unless you are told right then and there that you’re hired, remember to check on your status a few days later. If a week goes by and you’ve heard nothing, definitely call back and ask for an update. Don’t appear desperate or act annoying by calling everyday. Mangers need time to think about who the best applicants are.
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It’s been my experience that there are few hard and fast rules to interviewing.
When I interviewed for the best paying job I’ve ever been offered (I turned it down…sounded boring), my phone rang not once, but twice. There are ways to recover. As soon as it rings, silence it. My phone has a side button that will shut the thing up. Apologize, and then when the call’s complete, turn it off.
People forget about phones all the time. So long as you handle it professionally, and don’t answer the phone – even just to say “not right now” or something to that effect – they’re unlikely to hold it against you.
Likewising, being underdressed is bad, but so is being overdressed. Though less bad, it can still a point against you. Try to guess the kind of job you’re interviewing for, and dress 1-2 steps above what you expect everyday wear to be. Construction crew? Interview in business casual, maybe even just a newish pair of jeans. Office work varies. The government or a legal firm is probably suit material, an oil company or engineering firm is just business formal. The back office at a manufacturing plant is business casual. Know your audience.