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 and tricks, 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 provide you with the tools you need to help your teen ace their next job interview. From providing interview advice to helping them know what to bring to the interview, we've got it all 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 possible and gain employment. As a parent, providing guidance on what items your teen should bring with them to the interview is essential. To get a clear idea of what really your teen needs to bring to a job interview, we enlisted the help of career experts here at Jooble. Read below 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 promoted by providing teens with the tools and resources they need to be successful.
When going into an interview, teens should bring multiple copies of their CV and cover letter. It's also a great idea for teens to research the company they are interviewing with ahead of time so they can answer any questions they may have in advance.
Additionally, writing down a few questions of their own will show 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; ensuring 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 those applying for positions to be dressed appropriately.
With technology playing a big part in our lives today, teens should bring a portfolio or laptop containing relevant projects or papers related to the job they are interviewing for. Including visual examples of something specific demonstrates skills that words alone cannot express and can convey knowledge or expertise quickly—a great way to stand out from other applicants!
Another must-have item for any interview is references from past employers or teachers. This lets future employers know that your teen has done well in previous positions or demonstrated good performance at school or in activities outside school hours– evidence that your teen takes their career seriously!
Finally, having hard copies of certifications like CPR or food safety certification shows potential employers that your teen already possesses certain skills applicable to some jobs. It's also helpful if teens compile information about scholarships they've received as tangible proof of their academic abilities outside the classroom setting too!
Really, there are many key items that teens should bring with them when attending an interview. From CVs and cover letters to appropriate attire and certifications—all these things will contribute towards creating a positive impression during an interview session!
What 7 Tips should you provide your Teen about Job Interviews?
For any parent, it's crucial to provide teens with tips and advice on what to expect in a job interview. While this may seem intimidating, it's a great opportunity to help teens develop important life skills and prepare them for the real world.
After all, a job interview is not just about getting the job. It's about showcasing knowledge and confidence, networking, and learning how to present oneself professionally. Here are a few tips that 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 for answering interview questions is a way of structuring your response to provide the interviewer with clear and precise details about relevant experiences or skills. The acronym "STAR" stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
When answering an interview question using the STAR Method, explain to your teen that they should begin by explaining the Situation they were in. This could be something such as a project they undertook in 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 as a result of their actions? Using the STAR Method can help demonstrate to employers that your teen has a deep understanding of all aspects of whatever experience or skill your teen is referring to. It also provides employers with evidence to back up their claims.
Employers like candidates who take their time to effectively answer questions with attention to detail and clear supporting examples. The STAR Method ensures that your teen's answers remain organized and concise, making it easier for employers to read through and remember each of them during the hiring process.
2. Have your Interview Attire Ready the Night Before
When it comes to interviews, first impressions are everything. To ensure that your teen looks their best on the day of their interview, have their outfit ready in advance and completely ironed! Depending on the type of job being applied for, professional yet casual attire is typically advised. This can include a dress shirt and trousers, a skirt or dress with a blazer, or even an appropriate pair of jeans. Of course, this must be accompanied by the right kind of shoes.
It's also important to consider accessories such as jewelry or scarves. But remind them to keep it simple and make sure it's 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 that contains samples of their best work. This could include anything from artwork and photography to writing samples, designs, or any other type of creative project they've undertaken.
Having a portfolio ready shows that your teen is serious about the job and can help them stand out against other candidates. It's also a great way to add personality to their interview, as it enables them to show off their skills in an engaging and visual way.
4. Practice Interview Questions with Family or Friends
Interviewing isn't easy. So, make sure your teen practices 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 will help them get a feel for the types of questions they can expect during the job interview and help them stay focused when answering. Practicing answers beforehand will also ensure that your teen sounds confident and prepared during their job interview, which is always important to leave a good impression!
5. Arrive Early
It's important that your teen arrives at the job interview early. This will help them feel calmer and more prepared for their interview—plus, arriving on time shows employers that they are reliable.
Encourage your teen to arrive at least 10-15 minutes before their scheduled interview time so that they have enough time to find the office, use the restroom if needed, and get settled before beginning their job interview.
6. Maintain Good Eye Contact and Posture
Good eye contact and posture can really help make a great impression during a job interview. Encourage your teen to maintain good posture during their interview by keeping their back straight, shoulders squared, and head up.
In addition, they should 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 will show that they're engaged in the conversation and confident in their answers.
7. Follow Up with a Thank You Note
Once the job interview is complete, encourage your teen to follow up with a thank you note. This can be either an email or a physical letter, but either way should express gratitude for the interviewer, 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 after a job interview shows employers that your teen is organized, polite, and serious about getting the job—all of which are important 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 prepare to start their professional careers. Don't let them go into the job interview without being prepared; use these tips to help your teen make a great impression during their next job interview!
GUEST POST BY: Jooble UK,
Jooble is 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. In its — years of existence, the company has gone from a startup founded by two students to a global employment platform. Today, Jooble is among the TOP-10 websites in the world in terms of traffic in the Jobs And Employment segment
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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 enabling them to make the best impression
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