Do you need help with
Interview Preparation for that Part-time Job? Then read on…….
So, you’ve worked hard on your CV and asked us at Jobs4teens for help, you’ve read
our CV advice jobs4teens blog, you’ve sent off and handed in loads of CVs,
you’ve followed up with phonecalls and now, finally, you’ve got an interview. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a full-time
position, part-time job or a holiday job, the basic interview principles apply
right across the board.
What to wear……
Always err on the side of caution and dress smartly. Even if
the employer says it’s going to be just “an informal chat”, or even if the job
is a small part-time job, like dog walking or a paper round – show your
employer you are a professional young person. Don’t wear trainers, or
sportswear, and keep your make up to a minimum. Trousers or skirt and a plain shirt
are fine, you don’t need to go in a suit, and there’s never anything wrong in
wearing your school uniform if needs be (with or without the tie).
Preparation and
research……
Before the interview do a little research. Who is the
employer? How long have they been in business? How much can you find out about
the company online to show you’ve done your research? For larger companies, you
can often find out what their existing employees think of them on https://www.glassdoor.co.uk/index.htm
or you can read online customer reviews on their Facebook page, customer
comments on Twitter, or photo posts on Instagram.
Write down and take your notes with you and take a pen. Take
a copy of your CV in case you need to refer to this in your interview. If the employer didn’t ask for a CV then take
a copy anyway and as always, if you need any help with your CV, then please let
us know at candidates@jobs4teens.co.uk
Has your interviewer asked you to take anything with you? Like a copy of your exam results or your
passport? Don’t forget these. You will not want to come across as disorganised.
Getting there………
How are you going to get to the interview? If you’re going
by public transport or car then allow extra time during rush hour. Its ok to be
early, but not too early. We reckon 10 to 15 mins beforehand is about right. If
you’re earlier than that, then have a walk round the block to gather your
thoughts and use up some time. There is a really handy and accurate transport
planner here https://nationaljourneyplanner.travelinesw.com/swe/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en&timeOffset=15
Will you be walking there? We know it’s not always a great
look, but borrow an umbrella, you might be thankful of it. If you’re ever
unsure about your route or travelling time, then do a trial run the day before to
test your journey out.
The clichés………
As your folks at home might say – ‘Just be yourself’.
Be honest if you’ve not got any prior experience. At Jobs4teens we work with
employers who know you’re not likely to have much experience if you’re at
school or college. Your hobbies interests and ambitions are just as important
at this stage, so try and talk about your commitment to a sports team, your dedication
to rehearsing for your band, or how this part-time job is going to be relevant
to any future career choices.
Do you have any questions……?
Take a list of any questions that you might want to ask
about the company, the job and maybe your potential work colleagues. Take more questions
than think you might need as many of them might be answered during the
interview itself leaving you with nothing other than, “Ummm, I think you
answered everything I wanted to ask.” at
the end.
Use any unanswered questions from your research and your notes
– For example: “How long have you been
in business for?” or “What are your busiest times of the year?”
That’s it…….
Please let us know how you get on at interview. We love to
hear about your success stories, and we’re always happy to offer you any
guidance or help if you need it when preparing for an interview, or if you
think that one you have attended went badly………. Just drop us a line candidates@jobs4teens.co.uk or
message us on 07387 758 056
Brought to you by part time work for teenagers
