How to Ace a Job Interview as a Teen

Who isn't nervous going to their first interview? Let's be honest, it can be a bit daunting. I remember going through a mental checklist in my mind the night before my interview... Outfit? Check. Resume? Check. Answers to possible questions? Check. I knew I was prepared and ready, but I was just so nervous!
person holding black book and clear plastic disposable cup
I recently interviewed for a job at my Dad's real estate company, as a marketing communications specialist. After several days of researching common interview questions, putting together my resume, and searching Pinterest with my friends for outfit ideas, I got the job and started the very next week! (In case you were wondering, my Dad did not conduct the interview. 😉)

If you have a job interview coming up and you're reading article after article on 'what to expect during your first interview,' you're not alone. Here are some tips to help you breeze through your interview with confidence!

1. Dress to impress

What you wear says a lot about your personality, which is why it's super important to put thought into your outfit and dress accordingly. First impressions are everything! Think about the dress code for the job you're interviewing for: is it casual, or dressy? If you're not sure, just dress to impress, but don't overthink it. (P.S. Have an outfit picked out earlier than the night before your interview. I may or may not be speaking from experience...) Here is some inspiration!

2. Prepare in advance answers to possible questions

No one likes that awkward, cringy, horrible moment when you don't know how to answer a question. It helped me so much to practice answers to possible questions! Common interview question examples would be:

Tell me a little bit about yourself.
What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
Why do you want this job?
How would you handle/what would you do if (insert situation)?
Why do you think you'd be a good fit for this job?
Why should we hire you?

4. Resume: every little thing counts

If you're debating on whether or not to put a certain thing on your resume, do it. Even things you don't think really pertain to your job. When I was putting together my resume, I was putting down mainly just big-picture things that were relevant for the job I was interviewing for, like computer skills and experience with email lists. My dad told me that even the smallest little details make a difference, whether you think they will or not, so I included random skills like organizing, babysitting, and even playing the violin. Even if my ability to play the violin didn't make much of a difference in helping me get the job, it helped the interviewer to learn about me! If you want some help putting together your resume, check out hschoolresume.com.

5. Be aware of your habits

Notice if you have any nervous habits. Do you bite your nails? Do you drum your fingers on the table? Start paying attention to your habits and make sure to be aware of them during your interview.
Items on an office table.

3. Be honest

Honesty is incredibly valued when it comes to hiring someone (especially a teenager!), and can be the difference between getting the job and not. Don't 'modify' any of the skills on your resume, or add things that aren't true, and always answer questions honestly.

6. Be respectful

The interviewer may or may not be harder on you because you're a teen, so be especially respectful, and don't forget your manners!

7. Be confident

A quality most companies look for, especially in teens, is confidence. Be alert and interested, sit up tall, and be positive and energetic!

8. Feel free to ask questions about the job

At the end of your interview, the interviewer will most likely ask if you have any questions. He's not just saying that, he really does want to address any concerns and answer any questions you may have! Come up with just a few questions beforehand. It can be about the business/company, your fellow coworkers, or just the day-to-day responsibilities of the job!
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9. Be yourself!

This is the most important thing to remember. Don't pretend to be someone just for the interview. They want to hire the person who would be the best fit for the job, so it's important to be yourself! If you don't get hired, it's not the end of the world. You'll have plenty of other opportunities!

Things to bring

  • Notepad + pen/pencil - to jot down notes 
  • A few copies of your resume
  • A water bottle 
Don't forget to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. Whether you get the job or not, it's important to let the interviewer know that you're grateful they considered you and took the time to interview you.

If you're still curious as to what to expect when you arrive for your interview, check out this article!

If you have any questions or any more tips for other readers, please leave a comment! I hope this post left you prepared and ready to ace your next job interview. 💕

What do you think?

Do you have any interview tips for other readers? What kind of job are you interviewing for? Do you prefer coffee or tea?

2 comments

  1. Ahhh, all of these tips are so helpful, Olivia!! I'll definitely keep them in mind for future interviews. :) Amazing post! <3

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