- Walking into an interview unprepared sends the message that you aren't very interested in the job. However, there are some easy ways to get yourself ready for an interview. Solicit the help of an adult you trust and have him sit down with you to go over possible interview questions. This exercise will help you come up with life experiences that you've had which prepare you for the job. As a teen, you likely don't have work experience, but perhaps your extracurricular activities or time spent babysitting your siblings can factor in to a question about what you would do when dealing with an angry customer, or what your best skills are. Additionally, you should let the person you're working with help you choose an outfit for the interview. Most teens don't own a suit; however, appearing professional in an interview is very important. A button-down shirt and tie would be appropriate for boys, while a nice skirt and shirt is appropriate for girls. Make sure that the clothing is clean, pressed, and modest. Finally, you need to research the company and the position. Don't walk into an interview knowing nothing about the business, whether it is a mall kiosk or a summer camp. Use the Internet to research and understand the mission and goals of the business. Make sure you understand the job requirements and be prepared to talk about how you are a good fit for the company.
- The idea of making a good first impression is almost cliche; however, it is still a very important part of interviewing. On the day of your interview, devote as much time as you can to getting ready. Then, leave yourself double the amount of time you think you will need to get to the appointment. This will safeguard you in case you get lost. Additionally, it is always a good idea to arrive five minutes early. If you arrive earlier than that, you may be interrupting your interviewer, and it always looks bad to arrive late. Bring several copies of your resume with you in a folder and carry this with you. You should do this even if it is a job for which you filled out a form application. When you meet the person who will be interviewing you, smile and introduce yourself confidently, with a firm handshake. It helps to remember that the person is interested in you; otherwise you wouldn't be there. You need to project an image that gives the interviewer confidence in you and your abilities. If it helps, when you arrive, stand outside the building or sit in your car for a few minutes and take a deep breath to calm yourself down.
- The actual interview can be quite scary, no matter how much you have prepared yourself. The person interviewing you may be difficult to read, and there is no way of knowing exactly what he want to hear. The most important thing you can remember, then, is that you are not trying to showcase why the job would be good for you; instead, you are trying to showcase why you would be good for the job. It is a small distinction, but very important. During the interview, you should maintain eye contact with your interviewer. When asked a question, pause if you need to and gather your thoughts. Don't rush into an answer without knowing exactly what you are doing to say. You shouldn't downplay your experiences or be self-deprecating, as it makes you seem less confident. If the opportunity arises, you can be funny. However, use humor wisely. If the joke seems inappropriate, or if the interviewer doesn't seem to have a sense of humor, stay away from it. But if you are getting along with the interviewer, the right kind of humor may be the thing that makes you stand out in his mind. Finally, you should always ask questions that show an interest in the company. This shows that you've done your research. If you can't think of specifics, you can always ask your interviewer how long he has been at the company, and what he enjoys about his job.
