Job interviews often involve a single interviewer but can also be done by a panel of interviewers. You can expect to be asked a variety of different questions, some of which will be job specific, but you’ll often find yourself being asked common interview questions regardless of the job. Here are four interview questions for teens for their first job interview and some tips on how to answer them.
Before we get into the details of the questions and what to expect from them, how to respond, etc., let’s chat about what else you can do to have a more successful interview experience.
Are you a teenager preparing for your first job interview? Searching for that first job as a teenager can be daunting and overwhelming, sometimes even scary. This is especially true when it comes to your first-ever job interview. It is definitely nerve-wracking! It doesn’t have to be, though. Your job search and interview can go much more smoothly with a little bit of preparation.
Interview Tips for Teens
Practice
Have you ever heard the phrase “practice makes perfect”? Well, there is a reason why that saying is so prevalent.
Practice is single-handedly the best thing you can do to prepare yourself for most things, and interviews are no exception.
Arrive Early
Make sure to arrange your transportation beforehand and be sure to arrive at least 10 minutes early. Showing up late will almost automatically ruin your chances of getting a job.
Prepare Your Own Interview Questions
An interview is not just for you to be questioned; it is also an opportunity for you to ask questions too.
You will want to know things about your new job and the environment that you would be working in. Make sure to have these questions ready for when it’s your turn.
Job Interview Questions for Teens and Tips on Answering Them
Employers are going to know why you want a job while you also have the responsibility of being in school. They want to know what is motivating you to want to work.
The following are questions that you will likely hear while in your first job interview.
Why are you looking for a job?
Employers will want to know why you want a job while you also have the responsibility of being in school. They want to know what is motivating you to want to work.
Tips for answering this question: Be sure to answer questions that leave no doubt to your motivation and desire to work.
For example, “I am planning to attend college after high school and would like to start saving money toward that,” or “I am interested in pursuing a career in this field after high school and this job would offer me experience toward that goal.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Interview questions for teens like ‘where do you see yourself in five years’ can be daunting.
Here’s a little secret. This question will be at many of your interviews throughout life. This is not just a question for teens in their first interview, but it is a tricky one! Prospective employers want to know that you have goals for your future and are motivated to work toward those goals.
Tips for answering this question: The best thing you can do when answering this question is to answer it as a step toward reaching your goal.
For example, “In five years, I will be close to finishing my degree in the medical field. This job as a server in a care facility will help me gain experience in a medical facility which is my ultimate career goal.”
What classes or subjects are you taking in school that will help you in this position?
You are a teenager in search of your first job, and the experience you have is mostly centered around your education. Make this work toward your advantage by showing your educational strengths and how they can help you in your work goals.
Tips for answering this question: Dig deep here and think about what classes, clubs, or extracurricular activities you do and how they can help you in this particular job search.
For example, “My position in student government has helped me to feel confident in public speaking and talking to others about many topics. I feel that this can be beneficial in the retail environment and dealing with customers.”
What is your biggest accomplishment?
As a teenager, you might not feel like the things you have done so far are that big or important, but they are. Be sure to highlight the accomplishments that you are proud of.
Tips for answering this question: Be confident in your answer to this question regardless of how minor you may think it is.
For example, “I recently received an athlete scholar award. I feel proud that I could participate and excel in extracurriculars, while also maintaining a high GPA.” or “I recently got an A in my science class. After struggling with the subject earlier in the term I was able to focus hard and turn my grade around, for which I am very proud of myself.”
Final Thoughts
Overall, preparing for a job interview can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re a teen who has never been in this situation. However, by incorporating the best practice tips shared in this blog post and utilizing the four key interview questions discussed, teens can find the confidence they need to nail their first job interview.
It’s important to remember that you are capable and knowledgeable enough to get this job and make a great impression on the interviewer. Although it may seem intimidating initially, take it as an exciting opportunity and show employers what you have to offer. With the right preparation and attitude, your interview will be successful. Good luck!
these are very accurate. appreciate all the tips on how to handle each one!
Thanks! I know my son isn’t looking forward to his first real job interview
Very helpful advice for a scary situation for teenagers. I remember how nervous I was.
Ha, interviews still scare me lol! My son recently had to interview for a school program and he was so nervous but practicing interview questions helped.
Awesome tips! All helpful with getting the job! Good luck on the search!
My son will be on a new job search here soon! Hopefully these interview questions help him.
Good to be prepared for these questions. Not always easy to get that first job.
Yes, it def helps ease anxiety with job interviews if you are prepared.
Teens need to work. I don’t like it when parents don’t encourage their teens to get a job during those years. Working prepares you for working as an adult. You need that work experience as a teen to be marketable.
Totally agree! My son has been working since he was 13. It’s been very part time but it has given him invaluable experience