Preparing your teen for a successful job interview
- Jan 4, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 22
Are you ready for the big day? As a parent, helping your teen prepare for their first job interview can be challenging and overwhelming.
However, with the right tips, you can make this process go as smoothly as possible. Here at Jooble, we understand that you want to put your best foot forward to help your teen’s job search succeed.
This article aims to give you the tools you need to help your teen ace their next job interview. From interview advice to helping them know what to bring, we’ve got it covered. So read on and prepare yourself; your teen is going in prepared!
What should a teen bring to a job interview?
Preparing for a job interview is an important process to help teens make the best impression and gain employment. As a parent, providing guidance on what your teen should bring is essential. To get a clear idea of what they really need, we enlisted the help of career experts here at Jooble. Read on to see what they recommend.
The most important thing for teens to remember when going into an interview is confidence and enthusiasm. This can be helped by giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed.
When going into an interview, teens should bring multiple copies of their CV and cover letter. It’s also a good idea to research the company ahead of time so they can answer any questions with confidence.
Additionally, writing down a few questions of their own shows future employers that your teen is engaged and interested in the position. When it comes to attire, conservative clothing is always preferred in interviews.
Teens should dress professionally, making sure clothing fits properly and appears neat and clean. Even if a company has a casual atmosphere, dressing conservatively still shows respect for the interviewer, who may expect applicants to be dressed appropriately.
With technology playing a big part in our lives today, teens could bring a portfolio or laptop containing relevant projects or papers related to the job. Visual examples of specific work demonstrate skills that words alone can’t express, and can convey knowledge or expertise quickly, a great way to stand out from other applicants.
Another useful item is references from past employers or teachers. These let future employers know your teen has done well in previous positions, or demonstrated good performance at school or in activities outside school hours; evidence that they take their career seriously.
Finally, having hard copies of certifications such as first aid or food safety shows potential employers that your teen already possesses certain skills applicable to some jobs. It’s also helpful if teens compile information about any awards or scholarships they’ve received, as tangible proof of their abilities outside the classroom.
There are many key items teens should bring to an interview. From CVs and cover letters to appropriate attire and certifications, all these things contribute towards creating a positive impression.
Seven tips to share with your teen about job interviews
For any parent, it’s crucial to give teens tips and advice on what to expect in a job interview. While it may seem intimidating, it’s a great opportunity to help them develop important life skills and prepare for the real world.
After all, a job interview isn’t just about getting the job. It’s about showcasing knowledge and confidence, networking, and learning how to present yourself professionally. Here are a few tips parents can share with their teens to make sure they’re prepared for their next job interview.
1. Use the STAR method to answer interview questions
The STAR method is a way of structuring your response to give the interviewer clear and precise details about relevant experiences or skills. The acronym stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result.
When answering a question using the STAR method, explain to your teen that they should begin with the Situation they were in. This could be something like a project they undertook at school. Then explain the Task that needed to be completed: what exactly was required of them?
Next, detail the Actions they took to complete the task, including any methods or processes used. Finally, discuss the Results of their efforts: what did they achieve? Using the STAR method helps demonstrate that your teen has a deep understanding of the experience or skill they’re referring to, and gives employers evidence to back up their claims.
Employers like candidates who take the time to answer questions with attention to detail and clear supporting examples. The STAR method keeps your teen’s answers organised and concise, making it easier for employers to follow and remember them during the hiring process.
2. Have their interview attire ready the night before
When it comes to interviews, first impressions are everything. To make sure your teen looks their best, have their outfit ready in advance and fully ironed. Depending on the type of job, professional yet smart attire is typically advised. This could include a shirt and trousers, a skirt or dress with a blazer, or even an appropriate pair of smart trousers, accompanied by the right shoes.
It’s also worth considering accessories such as jewellery or scarves, but remind them to keep it simple and not too distracting.
3. Have a portfolio ready
If your teen is applying for a job that requires creativity or showcasing their work, they should prepare a portfolio containing samples of their best work. This could include anything from artwork and photography to writing samples, designs or any other creative project.
Having a portfolio ready shows that your teen is serious about the job and can help them stand out. It’s also a great way to add personality to their interview, letting them show off their skills in an engaging, visual way.
4. Practise interview questions with family or friends
Interviewing isn’t easy, so make sure your teen practises the questions they may be asked beforehand.
Have family members or friends ask them common interview questions, like 'What inspired you to pursue this career path?', 'What do you think makes you the best candidate for this position?' or 'What are your biggest strengths?'
This helps them get a feel for the types of questions they can expect, and stay focused when answering. Practising beforehand also ensures your teen sounds confident and prepared during the interview, which is always important for leaving a good impression.
5. Arrive early
It’s important that your teen arrives at the interview early. This helps them feel calmer and more prepared, and arriving on time shows employers they’re reliable.
Encourage your teen to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes before their scheduled time, so they have enough time to find the office, use the toilets if needed, and get settled before the interview begins.
6. Maintain good eye contact and posture
Good eye contact and posture can really help make a great impression. Encourage your teen to maintain good posture by keeping their back straight, shoulders squared and head up.
They should also avoid crossing their arms or legs, as this can come across as defensive or uninterested, and instead focus on making steady eye contact with the interviewer throughout the conversation. This shows they’re engaged and confident in their answers.
7. Follow up with a thank you note
Once the interview is complete, encourage your teen to follow up with a thank you note. This can be an email or a physical letter, but either way it should express gratitude to the interviewer for taking the time to get to know them and discuss the position.
This is also a great opportunity for your teen to reiterate their interest in the job and remind the employer about their qualifications and experience. Following up shows employers that your teen is organised, polite and serious about getting the job, all qualities employers look for in potential hires.
The bottom line
Helping a teen prepare for a job interview can be challenging, but it’s an important part of helping them start their professional career. Don’t let them go in unprepared; use these tips to help your teen make a great impression at their next job interview.
About the author
This is a guest post by Jooble UK, an international job search website used daily by millions of people in 69 countries.
The company has been operating in the online recruitment market since 2006, growing from a start-up founded by two students to a global employment platform. Today, Jooble is among the top ten websites in the world by traffic in the jobs and employment segment.
Find out more
The Parents’ Guide to Apprenticeships gives a full overview of apprenticeships, both after GCSE and sixth form, including:
types of apprenticeship
how to research an apprenticeship
top ten apprenticeship providers
the application process and how it works
helping to prepare teens for interview so they make the best impression
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