Whoops! Some Common Interview Mistakes

1. Poor Communication Skills
A teen that has poor communication skills (such as using poor grammar, excessive slang, or does not listen) sets off alarms to any prospective employer. Employers want to know that you will be able to represent their company, agency, or home positively, and are able to understand instructions and communicate effectively with your co-workers. It is important to be yourself in the interview, but your potential employer does not need to know your whole life story! Keep your answers brief and to the point.

2. Poor Preparation or Performance
When your potential employer asks why you are interested in the position, don’t answer “because I need money”! It is always a good idea to find out about the position you are applying for, and the company, ahead of time. For instance, discovering the YMCA is guided by their mission statement and preparing your answers to reflect those values would be very impressive to the interviewer. Also, it is important to know what position you are applying for ahead of time. An answer of “whatever, dude” is not going to help the employer envision you as part of their team! Oh, and please turn your cell phone off before heading into the interview.

3. Negative Attitudes
Speaking of “whatever” answers, one of the most common mistakes made by job seekers (and not just teens!) is a negative attitude. Even if it’s true that your mother is making you get a job, sinking into your chair and scowling at the interviewer will not help matters much. Instead, try to appear enthusiastic, energetic and confident. This will encourage the employer to believe in your abilities, and make you stand out among the other candidates. Also important is your attitude towards previous jobs. The interviewer will ask about them, and if you didn’t have the best experience with your previous boss or co-workers don’t put them down. Instead try to phrase your leaving in a more positive light, such as “I was looking to explore other opportunities”, or “ My hours of availability had changed”.

4. Inappropriate Appearance
Just because you and your friends think it’s cool to have eyebrow piercings and neon hair doesn’t mean the employer will. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to change who you are - your individuality is what makes you a great candidate for the job – but your dress and appearance need to reflect your respect for the employer and the company. That means don’t show up for your interview in clothing you found on your bedroom floor, or in clothing meant for a nightclub. Make sure you have showered, clean clothes and shoes, and appropriate accessories. Employers are sizing you up from the moment you pick up your application, so your appearance counts from the very beginning. Also, don’t be surprised if the employer decides to interview you right then and there!

5. Lying on Your Application, Resume, or During the Interview
There are just two words to cover this: “never, ever”. Lying damages your character and is almost impossible to recover from in an interview. If you were fired from previous job, didn’t graduate high school, or were convicted of a crime, say so when asked. You can always further explain the circumstances, or if needed, explain how you have grown and changed since your ‘younger days’. It may be surprising, but it is often more impressive to an employer to see how a teen has overcome obstacles.

6. Is Your E-mail Address Holding You Back?
What does your e-mail address say about you? It may include parts of favorite hobbies, celebrities, or nicknames that set you apart from the ordinary; however you should be careful about what messages you are conveying. A lot of e-mail addresses come in through the Job Assist applications like daddymac69@aol.com, suzycute16@aol.com, or greenday420@yahoo.com. If you have an e-mail address containing references to alcohol or drug use, promiscuity, or even how good looking you are - please reconsider. When a prospective employer or I see that you have listed an inappropriate e-mail address as a means of contact it is a red flag that you may be immature and not take job responsibilities seriously.

In order to avoid this, I recommend opening a new account just for the application process. Perhaps you will use this e-mail address for college applications as well. For my name (Christina Campagna), I might try c_campagna@aol.com, or christina_campagna@msn.com, if those types are taken, add a generic number to the end or maybe 4JOBS. No police codes, sexual references, or slang please! Adults do generally keep up with the trends and slang and you don’t want your application to go in the garbage!