Getting a job can be challenging. The sense of panic and disorganisation hits you when you’re sending that resume and thinking ahead about the interview.
The following tips are helpful for attending a Job Interview as a teen, but these tips can prove themselves useful for individuals of any age.
Research, Research and more Research
Before applying to your perfect job, knowing where you’re applying is essential.
Applying your knowledge of the workplace in your interview will impress your employer because it’ll demonstrate to them that you’re capable of taking responsibility and doing work in your own time (homework, if you will.)
It also gives you an insight into what you’re getting into and will make you less nervous come the day of the interview.
Common Questions are coming your way!
If you ask anyone who’s completed more than one job interview what questions they were asked, they’d most probably tell you one of these:
- How do you handle yourself under pressure?
- How did you hear of this position?
- Where do you see yourself in (X) years?
- Why are you applying for this job?
And these additional questions are specifically common for teens:
- How will you be able to manage work and school?
- What will you do if your mode of transportation to work is unavailable?
These are just a few examples. There are numerous interview technique resources online to help, including the FREE trainings from Connect by Nova.
Ask your peers or family for other common questions, hints and tips. Writing bullet points and notes to give you a basis for when you answer interview questions will be helpful. Responding quickly will present yourself as independent, intelligent and impressive. All these tips will boost your chances of having a successful interview.
On to our next teen interview tip:
Advice, please – Ask others!
There are many people in your social circle who, chances are, have been in this situation before.
- Parents, Guardians or extended Family
- Friends,
- Neighbours
- Teachers
Ask them about anything to do with the interview! You will get many valuable tips from them, which may give you that head start. Having that relatable connection with someone who’s experienced this before will help you remember it so you can apply it to your interview.
Smart Fit
Wearing appropriate clothing is almost as important as showing up to the interview itself! How you dress for the interview will give your employer a lasting first impression. How you dress can be used to your advantage, but it can also be an immense disadvantage if you do it wrong.
Wearing smart business clothes is the way to go. Smart slacks or dark-coloured jeans, a button-up shirt, or even a suit. Although, of course, that isn’t mandatory.
Calm down
Manage your stress. Handling your nerves is a tricky task. You don’t need to overthink it and turn the interview into a bigger deal than it is.
Although you should prepare, leading up to the interview, do something enjoyable, like reading a book or socialising with friends. With enough preparation and confidence, you will be able to execute this interview flawlessly.
Yes, you heard me, confidence! If you demonstrate to whoever is interviewing you that you have a cool head, it will convey to them that you can handle yourself under pressure. Having a cool head is an attractive trait for managers.
Prepare well and take a deep breath. You got this.
Following these tips can make or break a great interview. That is why it’s vital to implement them. Following these steps makes you an excellent candidate for an employee.
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Lucas Gaspar is a student at Cayman Prep, he spent a week interning with Connect by Nova during his mid-term break. ‘I really enjoyed my experience at Connect by Nova. They taught me many skills in blog-writing and research and I feel like I had a good learning experience. I give them my gratitude for making me a part of the workplace!’ Lucas Gaspar.
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