Teen’s first job?:

It’s amazing how quickly 14 years and 9 months comes around and now it’s time for your teen’s first job! They must be so excited! With this employment comes independence, financial awareness and education, commitment and responsibly; so much to learn and new friends to make, however, before all that comes there are still a few hoops to jump and a few people to impress.

So now I am going to hand this article over to your teen to read:

Ok so, exciting times, you are looking forward to your first job and I wanted to really break this down for you to help you get the job you want.

I know interviews can be scary and you may be a little nervous, but don’t be too tough on yourself, you will find that most people, no matter how old or how many interviews they have been through still go through the same feelings so it’s better to start to just accept these feelings and try and turn that nervous energy you have into excited energy for the opportunity ahead.

I am here to help you and I’m going to give you three of the most common mistakes some make in interviews and then three common mistakes once the job is yours, so you can avoid them. Hurrah!

1. First impressions. I know you have heard people say “you have to make a good first impression” but here is the scary thing, you only have around 7 seconds to make it! Crazy hey! So here are my tricks for you. You want to go into your interview looking confident (and the great thing about this is you don’t have to actually feel confident, you can fake it). Here is what confidence looks like:

Smile - shoulders back – good posture – good eye contact – smile – talk clearly – smile – did I say smile? I’m kidding but trying to really drill it in how simple these things are to do and you will make such a great first impression.

2. Your presentation. No I’m not talking about giving a speech, I mean what you look like, how you dress, how you present yourself. Here are some key things to remember: Look professional. You are going for a job, not on a beach hang out with friends. Don’t wear cut-off jeans (unless you are going for a job at a cut-off jeans shop), look smart and sharp. No short skirts. No sunglasses on your head and don’t walk in holding a drink.

I don’t mean to sound like a nag but these are super common mistakes a lot of people make in interviews and you want to nail it. So think about your first impression and make a great one by how you dress.

3. Practice! Get together with a friend or a parent or sister and go over some practice interview questions. Just like you are studying for an exam, but actually do the homework this time. Know the answers to questions such as “Why do you want to work here?” “Why should we hire you?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”

Remember they understand you are nervous and will be supportive. Be honest, be excited and be willing to try new things. This job may be open lots of doors for you – even if it’s just a door to savings for your own car! That’s a huge hurrah.

Now finally, here are three quick tips on keeping the job and never underestimate how important these are. Remember your boss is trying to run a business and they are trusting you to help them.  It’s a great learning experience and super exciting, so:

1. Now, being on time is late! Be early and ready to start work before the clock.

2. Be open to new opportunities that come your way. It may seem like just extra work load but you might find that your new responsibilities will be your new love and a possible career.

3. Leave your troubles at the work door. I know life can get tough sometimes; your brother is being a brat, you have heaps to do at school, however, you have to keep your worries outside of work.

I always think it helps to think back to your interview and how excited you were when you got the job. It’s great to appreciate the opportunity you have and be grateful for the experience

The skills I learnt in my first job still help me today.

Have fun and be professional.

I hope this helps you get the job and keep it. I’m excited for you. Good luck and remember to keep your chin up, keep smiling and watch all those doors fling open for you.