When you are a teen preparing for a job interview, it can be helpful to review typical interview questions that you will most likely be asked. Reviewing answers can also help you come up with your own responses. Take the time to personalize your answers, so that they reflect you both as a person and as a candidate for employment.
Practice Interviewing in Advance
It can be nerve-wracking to apply for a job as a teenager, since you don’t have much experience in the application and interview process. The best strategy is to have a parent, sibling, or friend role-play the interview with you so that you can practice your answers, work on eye contact and body language, and gain experience in “thinking on your feet” before your interview. You’ll find that this is also a great confidence-builder, so you’ll probably feel a lot less nervous when the time comes to talk with a hiring manager.
Common Teen Interview Questions
Here are 10 of the most commonly-asked questions that teens encounter during job interviews, along with samples of good answers. Do be sure to tailor your responses to fit your personal circumstances.
1. Why are you looking for a job?
What They Want to Know: Of course, everyone wants to make money at a job, but the reasons you should share with a potential employer should reflect your interest in the field, or in helping to develop your skill set. More Answers: Why Are You Looking for a Job?
2. Why are you interested in working for our company?
What They Want to Know: Employers ask this question to gauge your interest in the field, and to see if you have done your research. Make sure you check out the company’s website at the very least and familiarize yourself with what the company does, what the work and the work culture are like, and what’s important to them. More Answers: Why Do You Want to Work Here?
3. How has school prepared you for working at our company?
What They Want to Know: Here is your opportunity to talk about the skills you have gained in your education that will make you an ideal candidate for the position. You can speak about extra-curricular activities as well as academics when you respond.
4. Why should we hire you?
What They Want to Know: New hires take time to train, and the company wants to know you are worth it. Let them know about your interest in contributing to the company immediately, and be sure to mention if you think they are a firm you would like to consider when your studies are complete.
5. What do you think it takes to be successful in this position?
What They Want to Know: The job posting can be very helpful in letting you know how they will want you to answer this question. Let the interviewer know about the skills you have that they are looking for. The closer you match the job requirements, the easier it will be to get hired.
6. How would you describe your ability to work as a team member?
What They Want to Know: There have likely been many times you have worked as a team, on projects, in sports or while volunteering. The interviewer will want to hear a specific example of a time you worked successfully in a team situation. More Answers: If You’re a Teen About to Interview, Here’s What to Know About Teams
7. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?
What They Want to Know: You don’t want to brag, but you should share an accomplishment that relates to some of the qualities or experiences required for the job you’re interviewing for. Sharing a story with your interviewer is a great way to showcase your accomplishments. More Answers: What Were Your Biggest Successes and Failures?
8. What are your salary expectations?
What They Want to Know: With this question, the employer is trying to establish that your expectations are reasonable. As a young worker, the salary you are offered will probably align with an entry-level position. It’s usually best to avoid a specific number unless you know for a fact what the job pays. More Answers: Interview Questions About Your Salary Expectations
9. Tell me about a major problem you recently handled.
What They Want to Know: With this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how skilled you are at problem-solving. It’s fine to use an example from school, work, sports or volunteering. Make sure you show a positive resolution. More Answers: Interview Questions About Handling Problems
10. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or teacher?
What They Want to Know: The interviewer will ask this question to determine how you relate to authority. Always answer honestly, but make sure that you have a positive outcome. Remember that the most difficult situations are sometimes the best learning experiences. More Answers: Have You Ever Had Difficulty Working With a Manager?
Prepare for the Interview
Review these tips so that you’ll have all of the information you need to make a great impression at your next job interview. Be Prepared. Don’t only show up for the interview. The more information you have prepared in advance, the better impression you will make on the interviewer. Take the time to get working papers (if you need them) and references before you start looking for a job. Do your research. Learn all you can about the position and the company. The job posting and others for similar positions can offer valuable information about what they are looking for in a candidate. This will let you know what skills you should be emphasizing on your resume and in your interview. All this information will allow you the opportunity to give complete, educated answers to anything the interviewer might ask.
What to Bring With You
Bring the following with you to the interview:
Completed job application (if the employer doesn’t have it already) Working papers (if you need them) References Resume (if you have one) Notepad / pen
Tips for Acing a Job Interview for Teens
Be Polite. It’s essential to have good manners when interviewing. Shake your interviewer’s hand. Make sure you listen carefully and thoughtfully to the interviewer. Don’t sit until you are invited to. Don’t slouch in your chair. Don’t use slang or swear. Be polite, positive, and professional throughout the interview. Know Your Schedule. Know what days and hours you are available to work, as the employer will almost surely ask. Flexibility is an asset, because the more time you are available, the easier it is for the employer to set a work schedule. Also know how you are going to get to and from work if you don’t drive. Be on Time. Arrive at the interview site a few minutes early. If you’re not sure where to go, get directions ahead of time. If you aren’t driving yourself, make sure you have a reliable ride. Go on Your Own. If your mom or dad brings you to an interview, don’t bring them into the interview room with you. It’s important that you speak for yourself and connect with the interviewer, without someone else’s assistance. You need to present yourself as a mature, responsible candidate for employment.
How to Make the Best Impression
The key to successful interviewing for teens is to do exactly what a professional candidate for employment would do. That’s the best way to make a positive impression on a prospective employer and to enhance your chances of getting the job. Dress appropriately, answer questions in an informed manner, have questions ready to ask the interviewer, and, in general, make the best impression you can on the interviewer. Take a few minutes to thank the person who interviewed you. If you have an email address, send an email thank-you note, otherwise send a paper note thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.
