- Why are you looking for a job? …
- Why are you interested in working for our company? …
- How has school prepared you for working at our company? …
- Why should we hire you? …
- What do you think it takes to be successful in this position? …
- How would you describe your ability to work as a team member?
Teens are an incredibly important part of the American workforce. You’re often the ones keeping restaurants, theme parks, and grocery store checkout lines afloat. You’re willing to do jobs some older workers aren’t. And you’re driven to save up for college or even just some weekend spending money.
As of July 2021, 36.1% of young people ages 16 to 19 had a job, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—which means that if you’re one of the many teens looking for summer, part-time, and college campus jobs, you’ll need to stand out against the competition to get hired. And an interview is your best chance to impress a hiring manager. From clothes to resumes, body language to etiquette, preparing well for an interview can make all the difference when you’re trying to land an enjoyable, well-paying job.
Here are nine tips that will help you nail your job interview—whether it’s your first one ever or just the next one on your calendar—and get hired.
Putting in some work ahead of time on a company’s history, values, and mission can make or break an interview. You can use this knowledge throughout the conversation to demonstrate that not only do you do your homework, but you are also a team player with the greater company purpose at heart.
This prep work also gives you the opportunity to fully consider the position, says Amy Marschall, a psychologist and the author of a mental health blog who works often with teens seeking jobs. “It looks good if you come in knowing things about the position as well as the company, and this helps you know if it’s a job you really want,” she says.
To do your research, Google the company and read multiple pages on their site (e.g., the “About” page or mission statement along with blog posts that demonstrate their values), use social media to see how current or past employees talk about the company, check out their Muse profile (if they have one) to get a behind-the-scenes look at company culture, and spend time at the actual business (such as a restaurant or grocery store) to see how it works.
You can also search for any news about the company to make sure you are up-to-date on any recent events, good or bad. For example, if the restaurant chain you’re hoping to work for just announced a brand new seasonal menu, you might want to read a bit about it and mention it in your interview.
Job Interview Prep
By Andrew M. Lee, JD
Think back to your first few job interviews. Did you know what to expect or say? Interviewing can be a stressful experience for teens looking for their first job—especially if they have learning and thinking differences. It requires certain skills that may be weak spots, like or focus. Plus, it’s unknown territory.
Practicing—first with you, and then with an adult she’s not as close to—can reduce the fear factor and build your child’s confidence. Use this list of common interview questions with your teen.
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Andrew M.I. Lee, JD is an editor and attorney who strives to help people understand complex legal, education, and parenting issues.
Jim Rein, MA has lectured on postsecondary options and summer programs for kids and young adults with learning and thinking differences.
Reread the Job Description, Then Do It Again
You may have skimmed the job description initially and decided it was perfect for you. But taking time to reread it and truly understand what each component and responsibility might entail is important to check that the job is really a good fit for you—and that you can prove it in an interview.
“This ensures you are ready to speak to each and every job duty listed. For each requirement in the job posting, write out in detail how you meet the qualification. Then, for each job duty, [think of] an example of when you previously did the same or similar duty,” says Kyle Elliott, a career and interview coach who spent several years working with teens on college campuses.
For your first job, this might mean referring to a role or responsibility you had in a school club or sport. You can highlight these experiences, skills, and accomplishments on your resume and integrate them into your interview question responses. For instance, if the job description says you need “strong leadership skills,” you might list on your resume that you were the president of your high school’s debate club or captain of the volleyball team and be ready to talk about times you really excelled in those roles at your interview. Or if the description says you should have “excellent customer service skills,” you might plan to bring up the time you worked the ticket booth at the school play and had to deal with a mixup.
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FAQ
What are 10 good interview questions?
- Tell Me About Yourself. …
- Why Are You the Best Person for the Job? …
- Why Do You Want This Job? …
- How Has Your Experience Prepared You for This Role? …
- Why Are You Leaving (or Have Left) Your Job? …
- What Is Your Greatest Strength? …
- What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
What are some interview questions to ask a teenager?
- What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?
- How many basketballs would fit in this room?
- If you were a pizza delivery man, how would you benefit from scissors?
- Why is a tennis ball fuzzy?
- How many square meters of pizza are eaten in the U.S. every year?
What are the 5 unusual interview questions?
- Can you tell me a little about yourself?
- Why do you want this position?
- What do you know about our company?
- Why should we hire you?
- What are you learning in your classes that will help you succeed in this position?
- What are your strengths?
- What are your weaknesses?
