Interviews can be hard and nerve racking for any of us but more so for the teenager fresh out of school or college and more so if this will be their first interview. However if you follow a few simple rules and prepare yourself beforehand then you will have as much success as anyone in interviews.

Appropriate dress code

This is one aspect that is of great importance when attending an interview, first impressions always count so don’t go walking into the interview room in crop tops and shorts. Appropriate dress for the teenager is just the same as any other person attending an interview, neat, tidy and well groomed. Some helpful tips are:

• Sensible shoes with moderate heels in a colour to match your outfit.
• Avoid extreme hairstyles or colours in hair.
• Keep make up and perfume to a minimum.
• Never wear jeans or shorts.
• No crop tops or tank tops.
• No low cut shirts or anything revealing.
• No very short skirts wear one preferably that is below the knee.
• No collarless shirts or t shirts.
• Avoid fashion jewellery.
• No dangly or big earrings.
• No peak caps or any kind of headwear.

Prepare yourself for the interview

Prepare well beforehand and know what you are going to say and how to conduct yourself in a professional manner, this can be achieved by practicing in front of a mirror or by role playing with friends or family members. Look on the internet for typical Questions that interviewers ask and practice how you would answer them.

The more information you can prepare beforehand the better prepared you will be during the interview. Take the time to gather together any papers that you will need and go over them, for instance any references.

Attending the interview

Walk into the room showing a relaxed and confident manner, shake the hand of the interviewer and don’t sit before asked. Remember not to slouch in your chair, swear or use slang words and always be polite. Make clear what hours you are able to work and remember that flexibility is always a key issue.

A couple of days after the interview be sure to write a thank you letter to the interviewer thanking them for giving you the interview, here you could also reiterate any particular skills you have for the position and how you could make a positive addition to the work force.