Teens and Job Interviews: Helpful Hints
Whether it’s a job interview or a college interview, here is some great advice for your teen.
As the Director of Camp Wise, Jodi Sperling and her staff interview over 200 teens and college students each year for summer positions. With 130 staff positions at this overnight camp, hiring is a competitive process, and only the best applicants are selected. “The interview is crucial for us,” says Sperling. “We’re hiring people who are the best role models for our kids, so we want staff who appear confident, happy, and warm. If someone can’t convey that in an interview, we won’t hire them.” Your Teen asked Sperling to share some tips for parents to give their teens to help them secure a job.
1. Do your homework. Know the position and company before you go in for the interview. If the company has a website, spend some time on it and familiarize yourself with what they do and how they do it.
2. Look the interviewer in the eye. More than anything else, eye contact conveys confidence and maturity.
3. Dress professionally. You probably don’t need to be in a suit, but looking clean and put together shows a professionalism that any employee will admire, even if you’re interviewing for a position where the dress is more casual.
4. Be on time.
5. Don’t be afraid to pause before answering questions. This shows thoughtfulness and will often lead to better responses than just speaking immediately.
6. Connect the dots. Before your interview think about any work, hobbies, or volunteering that could translate into skills for the job. Babysitting can show that you’re responsible and caring. Sports teams can show that you’re a team player. You can turn any experience into relevant job experience with a little creativity!
7. Don’t swear! Sometimes words that are part of your regular speech would be judged by an adult as unprofessional and immature.
8. Turn off your cell phone…and don’t even look at it during the interview.
9. Come prepared with a few questions. Asking questions shows that you take initiative and that you’ve done your homework.
10. Sell yourself. In an interview you want the interviewer to think that you are the best possible person for the job. Don’t be embarrassed to highlight your strengths.
11. Don’t chew gum.
12. Project confidence. Even if you’re really nervous, the interviewer doesn’t need to know that. You want to convey that you’re comfortable in new situations, so even if you’re shaking, tell yourself the job is yours and you’ll do great.
13 Smile!
