Before your teen walks out the door to find that perfect summer job, lets take a brief moment to discuss interview techniques, dress and expectations.
Dress for the job you want. It is always best to dress one step up from the job you are applying for. If you are dressing a level up you will be putting your best foot forward and showing that you care and will be attentive to dress codes and respectful. Don't walk in to even pick up an application in your cut off or ripped up jeans. Take a moment to comb your hair and change into nice walking shorts (if acceptable attire where you are applying), or clean slacks or jeans prior to even picking up your application.
Fill out your application in full and list at least 3 references (or bring them along with you if there is nowhere to list them on the application). References can include a former babysitting employer, a teacher or doctor, clergy or even close family (adults) friends.
Write neatly on applications. Do not scribble things out or erase and leave large smudged area's. Better to grab an extra application and rewrite it neatly than to turn in a sloppy application.
Be flexible and willing to accept the crummy shift that no one wants. At this stage in the game its more important to secure the job than to always have your nights and weekends free to go hang with your friends.
Manners, manners, manners. Be prompt and on time for your interview. Do not go in to the interview chewing gum, sipping your coffee or a soda or in inappropriate clothing. Find out what the company dress code is and dress accordingly for your interview. Maintain eye contact and shake hands firmly and with confidence. Ask appropriate questions when the opportunity arises. It may be helpful to have done some research on the company prior to your interview. When the interviewer asks you for something about yourself or why should they hire you, have a few comments ready such as:
"My family has always shopped here and I have always dreamed of working here." or "I am seriously considering going into and feel that working here would give me meaningful experience in this field." or even "I feel I could be a great asset to your company with my secretarial (or other job skills relevant to the position) skills."
Be prepared to back up your statements with your goals, achievements and dreams. If you have taken computer classes or other such office skills classes and you are applying for a receptionist or secretarial position showcase those skills.
Lastly, after the interview is over be sure to take a brief moment and again shake the interviewers hand and thank them for their time. Follow this up the next day with a brief thank you card and state that you will give them a call in a week if you have not heard from them.
If you have not heard from them in a week give the company a call and say something like, "I interviewed for the position of last week and was just wondering if a decision has been made yet." If a decision has been made and you were not chosen most companies will send you a brief letter explaining that they have selected another candidate. Don't worry if you get a few of these, just continue fine tuning your interviewing skills. Sometimes the letters will state that another applicant had more experience or more relevant skills.
Put your best foot forward and continue your search until you get hired and then show them how great of an employee you are!
