How To Find a Job–Teen Edition, Part 2

After you have decided what you want to do and have applied for a job, the next steps are securing an interview and making a strong impression.

If you aren’t at this stage in your job hunt, click this link to go to Part 1 of this post. Check it out! 

8 things to do before a job interview

When you’re planning for the interview, there are eight things you should do:

1. Research the company you are interviewing with. To do this, first check out their website. Pay attention to sections about the company history, products, mission statement, and workplace culture. These sections can provide valuable information.

2. Think about why you would be perfect for the position you are applying for. How would your skills and background be a help to the employer?

3. Once you figure out how you could be an assist to the company, use this knowledge to practice answering potential interview questions.

Note: One thing to watch out for is sounding rehearsed or fake. What I do is practice what I want to say a few times (just to make sure it sounds right) and then move to the next question.

4. Think of questions you’d like to ask. These questions can come from researching the company, reading the job description, or from curiosity. Asking questions shows your interest in the positon and that you took time to research the company.

5. Do a drive-by of the company. This means take a ride out to the company so you will know where it is. Arriving at least ten minutes before the interview is customary.

6. Choose what you are going to wear. Men should wear a clean button-down or polo shirt with khakis or dress pants in black, navy, or charcoal. This combination gives the look of professionalism and responsibility.

Clothing for women includes a nice blouse, dress pants, and dress shoes. Black, navy, or charcoal are safe colors to choose from. I have a navy and a black pin-striped suit that I wear to interviews. The purpose is to look professional and serious about your career journey. 

Dresses and skirts are also acceptable. If you choose to wear a dress or skirt, please wear pantyhose and dress shoes. Remember, you want to look put together.

Clothing don’ts are no shorts, no jeans, and no T-shirts with big logos or large writing. A quick Google search will show clothes that shouldn’t be worn to a job interview.

7. Bring an extra copy of your resume in case the interviewer needs one. I once had to provide my resume unexpectedly, so it is always best to be prepared.

8. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before.

Day of the job interview

One of the top things you should do before your job interview is check your appearance and hygiene.

I got this idea from a restaurant franchise district manager I know. Let’s call him Chuck. He does a lot of hiring of management and crew for the restaurants he oversees.

According to him, a neat appearance is key. Hair should be styled in a flattering way. Nails are clean and clipped. Beards trimmed and neat.

He has said he has stories of people showing up to interviews looking like they just rolled out of bed. The ones which should up looking put together always got his attention.

Arrive 5-10 minutes before the interview. Remember doing that drive by, this was why. So you’ll know how long it will take to get there. Arriving early displays reliability and an enthusiasm for the job. It also reflects respect for others’ time.

At the job interview

An interview is a meeting between you and the company’s representative to see if you and the company are a good fit for each other.

First of all, be polite. You may have to check in at the front desk. Let them know who you’re here to meet with and your name.

Tip: In some companies, the receptionist and other employees you meet before the interview may have a say in whether you’re hired. So treat everyone with decency and respect.

If you must wait before the interview, take a few deep breaths. It’s okay if you are nervous, it’s expected!

During the interview

During the interview, maintain eye contact to show confidence and engagement. It is okay to look away occasionally.

Above all, be honest in your answers! If you are hired based on a lie, you better hope the company doesn’t find out. Because if they do, you can be fired because of that lie.

Typically, during the interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. Here’s your chance to ask questions and get more information about something you’re curious about. If the interview is over and you weren’t asked if you have any questions, it’s okay to ask them.

If pay isn’t brought up, don’t bring it up! Leave that question for when the company wants you and you want them. According to Robert Half International, a second or third interview is the earliest time you should bring up pay.

Once the interview concludes, the person you met with will usually tell you when you should receive word if you have been hired or not.

After the job interview

Before you leave, make a note of your interviewer’s name and title. With that info, you can write him or her a thank-you note for the interview. It’s good form to thank them for meeting with you, and it’s another opportunity to express your interest in the position.

After the interview, wait for the company’s response. If you do not hear back, it is likely that they have chosen someone else.

The takeaway

Finding a job is a task that can be easy for some and hard for others. One fact that is true for both is that it takes work.

If you know what you want to do, where and how to apply for a position, and wow the company during the interview, you can land the job you want.

Just saying!

If you have tips or stories about your job search that you’d like to share, please put them in the comment section below. They could be helpful to others.