• Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclosure

TeensGotCents

Why wait to live a centsible life?

  • Common Cents
  • Job Cents
  • Shopping Cents
  • College Cents
  • Mom Cents
  • Blog Cents

Interview Tips for Your First Job

by Eva 6 Comments

Landing your first job often means going through the most dreaded part: the interview. Being nervous is totally normal, but there are some simple ways you can overcome your nerves and impress a future boss. From practicing common interview questions to dressing for the role, you can up your chances of being hired by following these must-do steps for nailing your first in-person interview.

Getting your first job can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially if you get nervous in an interview like I do!  After talking with a number of business owners and hiring managers I have come up with a general list of things to do (and not to do) to help you have a great interview and score the job you want!

interview tips for your first job

When I spoke with Joe Mayo of Chick fil A he said that teens should be themselves but should also take the time to practice before coming to an interview.

Interview Tips for Your First Job

Things to do before the interview:

*Dress appropriately even when you are just picking up or dropping off and application.

*Review commonly asked interview questions so you are ready for the types of questions an employer might ask. Here is a list of 100 commonly asked questions. You don’t have to memorize all of the questions but it is a good idea to be familiar with them and have an answer for the ones you think might be asked.

*Prepare a notebook or binder of some kind. Bring an extra copy of your resume to the interview and use the notebook to take down any notes during the interview if needed.

Landing your first job often means going through the most dreaded part: the interview. Being nervous is totally normal, but there are some simple ways you can overcome your nerves and impress a future boss. From practicing common interview questions to dressing for the role, you can up your chances of being hired by following these must-do steps for nailing your first in-person interview.

*Practice the interview with a friend or your parents. It really makes a difference to say your answers out loud so you can make adjustments. Sometimes you know what you want to say in your mind but it doesn’t come out right until you have practiced a couple of times!

*Do some research on the company. Take a look at their website so you know some of the basics about them. Being familiar with the company will make you seem smart and truly interested in working for them!

Positive First Impression:

There are so many things you can do to create a positive first impression. It’s important because you only get one chance.

*Dress appropriately. Make sure your clothes are clean and neat. This would be one of those times to get out the iron and get rid of the wrinkles! Remember to check the little details like making your shoes are clean and that your belt matches if you need to wear one.

*Business casual clothes will probably be fine for a first job interview depending on where you are applying. Make sure to get a haircut if you need one. It’s a good idea to stay away from big overstated jewelry and perfume as well. Don’t want the interviewer to be allergic to you!

*Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

*Be friendly and positive even if you are really nervous. Smile when meeting everyone, look them in the eye and shake their hand. The person interviewing you knows you are going to be nervous but they will appreciate the effort you make.

*Don’t forget your notebook with the extra resume inside!

*Turn your phone off and don’t even think about looking at it – even in the waiting room.

interview tips for your first job

Ken of REI says that giving a good first impression is one of the most important things you can do as a teen to get your first job!

During the interview:

*Make eye contact and remember to breathe. Try to smile and relax a little bit.

*Answer the questions slowly. If you don’t know the answer to something be honest and just say so.

*Remember to ask some questions about the company or about the position you are interviewing for if possible.

After the interview:

*Always follow up with a written note of thanks to the person who interviews you. An email is better than nothing, but a written note will stand out. Be sure to write down the persons name and get the company address so you can get the note in the mail asap.

interview tips for your first job

Don’t even think about it!

Things Not To Do:

 

Mom and I were listening to the radio the other day and they were telling stories that hiring managers had shared about crazy things people have done DURING their job interview. And yes, actual people did these things…

*Swear.  (It is not okay to drop the f bomb during your job interview!)

*Leave during the middle of the interview and disappear into the bathroom for 30 minutes without saying anything to the interviewer. (Awkward!)

*Spend the entire time talking about what a terrible person your last boss was and the many reasons you hate him/her. (Maybe your boss isn’t the problem?)

*Show up 2 hours late and still expect to be seen. (Really?)

*Wear a t-shirt that has a huge hole in the front. (Borrow a shirt if you have too!)

*Take a phone call during the interview or answer a text. (Yes, apparently people do this.)

*Take your lunch with you and eat it during the interview. (This one is my favorite. Really? Nosh during the interview? Hahahaha!)

Keep these things in mind and you will do a great job at your first interview. I hope you get the job!

Share the Wealth!

You May Also Like These

An Interview with Sydney of Horse Crazy GirlsPauline Paquin of Make Money Your Way is one of my all-time favorite money bloggers. On her blog, she talks all things entrepreneurship, investing, and making money online. That’s why she’s the perfect person to discuss how teens can make money. She has some amazing ideas and stories to share on how she made an average of $1,000 a month at age 15! See how easy it was for her to do, and come up with a plan to make your money goals happen too.Making Money As A Teenager – by Pauline PaquinAfter ballroom dancing for several years, and loving it, here are some creative ways I have come up with to turn my passion into income. There are so many ways to pay for college!Ballroom Dancing: Working My Passion

Join thousands of other teens on the path to a secure financial future!

Get my eBook Seven Days to Centsible Savings when you sign up for my FREE email newsletter!

< Previous Post Bartering Tips for Parents
Next Post > DIY Engagement Party

Comments

  1. Anne @ Money Propeller

    February 9, 2015 at 2:55 pm

    Great idea to go interview people who frequently hire teens! The basics are pretty basic, but when it’s your first time interviewing, you might not know them.
    I think working at REI would be lots of fun, but it could get super expensive… all that awesome gear sitting there, waiting to be purchased.

    1
    Reply to Anne @ Money Propeller" aria-label=' Reply to Anne @ Money Propeller'> Reply
    • Eva

      February 26, 2015 at 2:59 pm

      Thanks Anne! That’s why I don’t think I would want to work at my favorite store, Maurices. I would spend everything on the clothes!

      1.1
      Reply to Eva" aria-label=' Reply to Eva'> Reply
  2. Money Saving

    February 10, 2015 at 9:44 am

    I think another tip is to show a lot of enthusiasm. This really goes a long way to show someone you are excited about working for the company.

    2
    Reply to Money Saving" aria-label=' Reply to Money Saving'> Reply
    • Eva

      February 26, 2015 at 2:58 pm

      So true Derek, very good point!

      2.1
      Reply to Eva" aria-label=' Reply to Eva'> Reply
  3. Rosario ZE

    February 21, 2015 at 11:11 am

    Great advices! Additionally a CV should be handle in the first interview. Heysuccess (www.heysuccess.com) provides you the best tips in “RESUME the single piece of advice that will make you stand out from 95% of the other candidates” in the blog section. Check that out!

    3
    Reply to Rosario ZE" aria-label=' Reply to Rosario ZE'> Reply
  4. James

    January 6, 2017 at 1:13 am

    Good thing I’ve read this. I can still remember my first job. It was not that great, but I learned a lot.

    4
    Reply to James" aria-label=' Reply to James'> Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published - required fields are marked *

Hi guys, I’m Eva!

Welcome to TeensGotCents, my name is Eva Baker and I founded this site when I was sixteen. I'm a complete money nerd and I love helping teens learn how money works. Also, I watch too much Netflix. Although I still have a lot to learn about personal finance I hope you will use my successes and failures to help reach your own goals whether you want to go to college debt free, get a part time job, work on a fun DIY project that will save you money or just read about ways you can learn to manage your money well as a teen. So glad you're here! Read more about my story here.

Become a subscriber

Get my eBook Seven Days to Centsible Savings when you sign up for my FREE email newsletter!

Be sure to check out these popular posts

What is a gift closet and why should you have one? There are so many reasons to have one if you are a teen, especially if you like to get nice gifts for your friends but don't have a lot of money. Here are some gift closet ideas for you!

Gift Closet Ideas For Teens

Many teens don't have a high school resume but it's a useful tool to develop if you plan to try and get a part time job. Find out why you should have one and what to put on it!

Should You Bother With A High School Resume?

Losing your wallet or (eek!) finding out that your purse was stolen can be terrifying and frustrating. If you find yourself without your cash, license, IDs, or credit cards, there’s a few steps you have to do right away. This article walks you through what you can do now to keep your money safe and possibly even get back what you lost or was stolen.

Lost Or Stolen Wallet? 7 Things To Do Now

A College Story: The Coen Family

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Google Plus
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclosure

Copyright © 2021 Teens Got Cents  |  All Rights Reserved  |  Site Design by Emily White Designs