At some point most teenagers want to get a part-time or seasonal job.  If you are a teen who is about to have a job interview, these job interview tips will help you.  Perhaps no one has ever taught you the correct way to prepare for and approach a job interview.

It is just as important for teens to prepare adequately and to present themselves well at an interview as it is for adults.  There is a lot of competition for jobs.   A lot of employers have cut back on hiring, resulting in there being fewer jobs for teens available than there were a year ago.  Also, a lot of adults who have lost jobs and have run out of unemployment benefits are competing with you for jobs that used to mainly have teen applicants.  You want to stand out as an applicant.

The first impression you make when you walk through the door for your interview is very important.  You must dress neatly and professionally.  Even if the job itself allows workers to work in jeans, don’t wear jeans or a T shirt to your job interview.  Wear some nicely ironed khakis or dress pants, and a top or shirt that looks suitable for a well dressed employee.  A suit jacket, sports jacket, or sweater can be a nice addition.  Don’t wear your sneakers or flip flops.  You are not going to a sports or entertainment event.  You are presenting yourself as a high quality employment candidate who has good judgment.

Make sure your cell phone is turned off during your interview, and by all means don’t talk on your phone, text, or listen to music, while you are on the premises for your interview.

When you approach the interviewer, reach out to shake his or her hand and wait to sit until you are invited to do so.  Smile warmly and let the interviewer know you are grateful for a chance to interview for a job with this company.

Prepare ahead of time for potential questions and practice how you will answer them.  Reading through other posts on this site may help you prepare.  Answer confidently.  Know what your strengths and skills are and be ready to explain how they will benefit the employer.  Ahead of time, learn as much as you can about the position and the company so you talk intelligently about how you will fit into the job.  If you have not previously submitted a job application or resume, bring one along to hand to the interviewer.

If you have never had a job before, it’s fine to say this, emphasizing that you feel that this company is a great place to work and gain valuable experience.  Talk about volunteer work, school activities, team activities, etc., that have taught you valuable skills and principles which you can apply to this job.  If you have held a job before, don’t badmouth it!  Tell what you learned while working there and how the job prepared you to be a great employee in this new setting.

The videos below will humorously show you what NOT to do as a teenage applicant for a job!

If you need some help with ideas for the types of jobs that are available for teens, watch this newscast by teen reporter Jeremy Stroup.

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