Teen job interview questions

Here are some typical interview questions that teen applicants may be asked. Take the time to practice how you would answer them so they reflect you, as a person and as a candidate for employment. The hardest question? Tell me about yourself. Script that. The second hardest for me was the ‘team member’ question. I was a radical individualist when I was 18 and I still am now, 50 years later… but I swam in the school swimming team.

Why Are You Looking for a Job?

Of course, everyone wants to make money at a job, but the reasons you should share with a potential employer should reflect your interest in the field, or in helping to develop your skill set. Avoid responses like you are trying to save the world.

Why Are You Interested in Working for Our Company?

Employers ask this question to gauge your interest in the field, and to see if you have done your research. Make sure you check out the company’s website at the very least, and familiarise yourself with what the company does and what the job entails.

How Has School Prepared You For Working at Our Company?

Here is your opportunity to talk about the skills you have gained in your education that will make you an ideal candidate for the position. What elements have you studied or through community volunteering, do you bring to the job?

Why Should We Hire You?

New hires take time to train, and the company wants to know you are worth it. Let them know about your interest in contributing to the company immediately, and be sure to mention if you think they are a firm you would like to consider when your studies are complete. Having a result-focus is a good start.

How Would You Describe Your Ability To Work as a Team Member?

There have likely been many times you have worked as a team, on projects, in sports or while volunteering. The interviewer will want to hear a specific example of a time you worked successfully in a team situation. Employers want to know you can get on with people in teams.

What Has Been Your Most Rewarding Accomplishment?

Share an accomplishment that relates to some of the qualities or experiences required for the job you’re interviewing for. State what you did, why you did it and the result.

Tell Me About a Major Problem you Recently Handled.

With this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how skilled you are at problem solving. It’s fine to use an example from school, work, sports or volunteering. Make sure you show a positive resolution.

Have You Ever Had Difficulty With a Supervisor or Teacher?

The interviewer will ask this question to determine how you relate to authority. Always answer honestly, but make sure that you have a positive outcome. Remember that the most difficult situations are sometimes the best learning experiences.

Put your best foot forward

Malcolm builds expert resumes, cover letters and LinkedIn profiles, which unleash an unbeatable business case to promote you as a ‘must have’ asset to an employer.