From Bud to Boss: Helping Your Teen Interview Like a Pro (Even if Their 'Experience' is Mostly Fortnite)
- Lauren Deats
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Before we get started, let's take a poll... For Research Purposes..
Do you feel prepared to send your child out to get their first job?
Yes.
No.
Hey there, amazing parents!
Lauren here from Career Bloom Solutions, and today, we're talking about one of those rites of passage that can make both teens and parents a little sweaty: The Job Interview.
Remember your first one? Mine involved a lot of nervous rambling and probably too much glitter eyeshadow (It was 2008 okay!!) . The good news is, we can equip our teens to do way better! At Career Bloom, we believe every career starts as a tiny seed, and the first interview is often the first big watering it gets. So, let's make sure those seeds are ready to bloom!
We want this to be fun, laid-back, but super effective. So, grab a coffee (or a non-caffeinated beverage for your teen, maybe?), and let's dive into what they REALLY need to know.
Lesson 1: The Pre-Interview Prep – Watering Your Seeds for Teen Interview Growth! 🌱
This isn't about being stiff; it's about being prepared so they can relax and be themselves.
1. The "Why Them?" Deep Dive (No, Not Just TikTok Scrolling!)
What to Teach: This company isn't just "some place hiring." Encourage them to spend 15-20 minutes on the company's website. What do they do? What's their mission statement? Any recent news? Do they have a "values" page?
Why it Matters: When asked "Why do you want to work here?", they can give a thoughtful answer, not just "Because I need money."
Example for Them: If it's a local coffee shop: "I really admire how you source fair-trade coffee beans and host open mic nights. I love that community focus." Instead of: "Uh, I like coffee?"
2. The Outfit Vibe Check (Clean, Tidy, and No, a Hoodie Isn't Usually 'Business Casual')
What to Teach: The goal is neat and appropriate, not necessarily a full suit. For most teen jobs (retail, food service, camp counselor), clean pants or a skirt, a nice (unwrinkled!) shirt, and closed-toe shoes are usually perfect. Avoid anything too casual, distracting, or revealing.
Why it Matters: First impressions are visual. It shows they take the opportunity seriously.
Example for Them: "Think about what the manager wears, or what you'd wear to a nice family dinner, but comfier. If in doubt, a button-down or a nice blouse is always a safe bet."
3. Resume Power-Up (Even if it's Just 'Babysitting Champion'!)
What to Teach: Bring a few copies of their resume, even if they submitted one online. It's a handy reference for them and for the interviewer. And yes, extracurriculars, volunteer work, babysitting, lawn mowing – it all counts as experience!
Why it Matters: It shows organization and professionalism. It's also a cheat sheet for them if they get stuck!
4. The Practice Playbook (This is Where the Magic Happens!)
What to Teach: We don't want them memorizing answers, but practicing how to think on their feet. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions, simplified for teens.
Why it Matters: Reduces nerves, builds confidence, ensures they have relevant examples.
Example Questions & STAR Prep:
"Tell me about yourself?" (Not their life story!) Teach them a 30-second elevator pitch: "I'm a junior at [School Name], really enjoy [relevant hobby/subject], and I'm looking for an opportunity to build my customer service skills because I love interacting with people."
"Tell me about a time you worked in a team."
S (Situation): "In my school's robotics club..."
T (Task): "We had to build a robot for a competition..."
A (Action): "I was responsible for the coding, and I made sure to communicate daily with the design team so our parts fit."
R (Result): "We finished on time and placed in the top 5 at the regional competition."
"What are your strengths/weaknesses?"
Strengths: "I'm very organized and always on time!"
Weaknesses (always positive spin): "Sometimes I'm a bit of a perfectionist, which means I might spend a little extra time on a task, but I'm learning to balance quality with efficiency." (Never say "I'm lazy" or "I hate mornings"!)
Bonus Prep: Make sure they know the interviewer's name and how to pronounce it!
Lesson 2: During the Interview – Soaking Up the Sun! ☀️
This is game time! It's about confidence, active listening, and showing their best self.
1. The Grand Entrance (Punctuality, Smile, and the Hand Squeeze Test!)
What to Teach: Arrive 10-15 minutes early. A genuine smile, direct eye contact, and a firm (but not bone-crushing) handshake are powerful.
Why it Matters: Shows respect and professionalism.
Example for Them: Practice handshakes until it feels natural. "No dead fish, no vice grips!"
2. Body Language Check (No Slumping Like a Tired Zombie!)
What to Teach: Sit up straight, don't fidget too much, try to maintain good eye contact (not staring!), and nod to show active listening.
Why it Matters: It communicates engagement and confidence.
3. Answering Like a Superstar (Using Those Pre-Prepped Powers!)
What to Teach: Listen carefully to the question. If they don't understand, it's okay to ask for clarification. Take a breath before answering. Use those STAR method examples!
Why it Matters: Clear, concise answers show thought and preparedness.
Example for Them: If asked about a conflict: "In my school drama club, two friends disagreed on a set design (S). My task was to help them find common ground (T). I suggested we list pros and cons of each idea and then combine elements (A). We ended up with a design everyone loved and finished ahead of schedule (R)."
4. The All-Important Question Asking (This is HUGE!)
What to Teach: At the end, when asked "Do you have any questions for me?", they must have some. This shows engagement, critical thinking, and genuine interest.
Why it Matters: It turns the interview into a two-way conversation and shows they're assessing the fit too.
Examples for Them:
"What does a typical day look like in this role?"
"What opportunities are there for new hires to learn and grow?"
"What's your favorite part about working for [Company Name]?"
"What are the next steps in the hiring process?"
5. Enthusiasm Factor (Let That Light Shine!)
What to Teach: Teens might be naturally quiet or nervous. Encourage them to let their genuine interest and personality shine through. A positive attitude is contagious!
Why it Matters: People want to work with people who are positive and eager.
Lesson 3: After the Interview – Nourishing the Roots! 🌱
The interview isn't over until the follow-up is done!
1. The Thank You Note (Within 24 Hours!)
What to Teach: Send a polite, brief, and personalized thank-you email within 24 hours. They should thank the interviewer for their time and reiterate their interest in the specific role.
Why it Matters: It shows professionalism, good manners, and keeps them top-of-mind.
Example for Them: "Dear [Interviewer's Name], Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me today about the [Job Title] position. I really enjoyed learning about [something specific you discussed], and I'm very excited about the possibility of joining your team. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [Your Teen's Name]."
2. The Waiting Game (Patience, Young Grasshopper!)
What to Teach: The hiring process takes time. Advise them not to pester the company, but to follow up politely if they haven't heard anything by the date the interviewer mentioned.
And don't Forget...
Watching your teen step into their first interview is like watching a little seed finally bloom into its potential. It's a big step in their career journey, and with your guidance (and a little help from Career Bloom Solutions!), they'll be ready to thrive.
Got more questions about helping your teen or even yourself with career growth? Reach out to Career Bloom Solutions – we're here to help every career, at every stage, truly blossom!
Thanks for reading along!
Lauren Founder, Career Bloom Solutions
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