A summer job interview may, in some cases, be somewhat different than a non-summer job interview. An employer hiring for a summer job might ask a teenager to give a CPR demonstration or ask the applicant to demonstrate their swimming abilities. For teens, in most cases, the standard rules of interviewing apply. Below, teenagers will find everything they need to know about interviewing for a summer job.

1. Prepare a thorough and detailed assortment of questions that you can ask the employer about both the company and the summer job. Teens should definitely ask questions about who the company’s customers are, specific questions about the company (such as how large their market share is), how many current employees the company has and a list of summer job duties.
2. Before the interview, be prepared to tell the prospective employer when you can start. Many employers for summer jobs like to hire teens on the spot. This may sometimes conflict with a teenager’s school schedule.
3. Be prepared to take a drug test on the day you interview for the summer job. Please don’t be offended. The employer isn’t singling you out. Many times, the job duties for a particular job involve an employer to be absolutely sure that they are choosing the right teenager for the job – i.e. lifeguard.
4. Prior to the summer job interview, search the web for as many details you can find out about the company. Teenagers will show the prospective employer that they care about the company and not just there to earn some extra cash.
5. Teens should spend some time before their first summer job interview practicing their interviewing skills. Sometimes it helps to record the practice interview so that you can show friends and family. With great feedback, you will be able to ace any interview! Be sure to also look at your posture in the video. Are you sitting up straight or slouching? It’s important to show prospective employers you are alert and interested in the conversation.
6. Have you thought about the pay you are expecting for this summer job? Be aware of the going rate for summer jobs in your area. During the interview, the prospective employer may ask you how much you are needing to be paid per hour. Teens should go into a summer job interview knowing what their minimum hourly pay will be.
7. Many employers ask teens, during the summer job interview, to tell them about themselves. Be prepared before the interview. It is a very open ended question so prepare a good answer.
8. Never, under any circumstances, should a teenager answer her cell phone or look at/send text messages during a summer job interview.
9. One of the most important tips is to know the location of the interview. Sometimes it’s best to drive to the location before the interview. This will guarantee that you will arrive at the summer job interview on time.

Summers jobs are highly sought after and you’ll have much competition from other teens so do your best to stand out to your prospective employer. These tips will make you stand out over your teenage competition.

1. Whether you’re male or female, always start a summer job interview with a firm handshake.
2. Bring your “A” game by showing how you’re the right teen for the job by providing examples of your successes at school and extracurricular activities.
3. Flexibility is needed in summer jobs. Be ready to work weekends and as needed.
4. Does the summer job require duties you’re not familiar with? Don’t worry; get creative by likening the duties to school activities showing leadership and dedication. All jobs, not just summer jobs, require some degree of teamwork, organization and problem solving. Show your employer how you are the teen with these skills.
5. Tattoos and body/face piercing may be cool but until you know your employer’s policy it’s best to cover up. Summer jobs differ in whether visible tattoos are acceptable so be ready for a no piercing/tattoo policy.
6. Be happy, don’t be afraid to smile. Show you’ll be a great face for the company at this summer job.
7. It may only be a summer job but an employer wants to see that a teen has the image they need. You’ll be evaluated from the moment you arrive, even when sitting waiting for the interview. Don’t slouch and always greet people formally (no “hey”, “what’s up”, etc). Using “sir” and “ma’am” are a must.
8. Your summer job may allow you to wear shorts and tee shirts but impress your employer by dressing for success in your interview.
• Teenage Boys: Don’t wear jeans. Choose khaki pants with a pressed shirt. Ask your mom for suggestions if needed. Rarely is a shirt and tie required for a summer job interview but if you’ll be working in an office go the extra mile to impress this employer. Clean, non-athletic shoes are a must too. Remember summer jobs are competitive. Make yourself stand out among the sea of teen job seekers.
• Teen girls: No jeans. Always dress better than your teenage competition but dress appropriately. No short or tight dresses and no flip flops. Look like a respectful, responsible teen - little jewelry and no exposed shoulders, cleavage or stomach. Now is not the time to look fashionable unless, of course, you are seeking a summer job in the fashion industry.
9. Many teens don’t prepare for a summer job interview. This is a sure fire way to lose the job to other teens. Be prepared. Ask questions such as:
• Why do you like working here? (This can help you decide whether this is the right summer job for you.)
• Is training offered? Many summer job employers know that you’ll need training so find out what you’ll need to learn.
• How can I best succeed at this job? An interviewer will be impressed. You may just be a teen looking for summer jobs but the employer will see you’re taking it seriously.
• What parts of this job will be the most difficult to master? Summer jobs offer limited time to learn everything so focus on what is to be expected of you.
10. Know your employer! Summer jobs are real and your employer is running a business so know what they do and how you can help. You’ll likely be asked the question, “Why do you want to work here?” By researching the company you’ll be able to respond with things you like about the company and how you can help. As a teen looking for a summer job you aren’t expected to know everything about a company but here are some examples of what you should know before you interview.
• Does the employer have a motto, if so know it.
• What product or service do they offer that helps them stand out.
• Who are their competitors; this is particularly helpful since they competitors may be looking for teenagers to fill summer jobs too.

Your biggest obstacle from getting your dream summer job is not knowing your employer's business. Rather, the plethora of teens looking for summer jobs are what stands in your way. Impress your employer by showing them you stand out over all of the other teenage candidates.

1. It’s hard to do, especially for teens, but make eye contact with everyone you interact with during your interview. This is important whether you’re interviewing for a summer job or later in life. Be friendly to everyone. Expect everyone you meet to have a say in whether you’re the right teenage for one of this employer’s summer job openings.
2. Never request a restroom break. Take care of this before you arrive. The interview may last 20 minutes of 2 hours. Teens tend to think of an interview like school, able to take a break. This isn’t true. Highly sought after summer jobs will go to the best candidate.
3. Offer your hand to the person who is conducting the interview. A hand shake goes a long way.
4. When you’re offered a seat, take it and sit upright while not appearing too stiff. The summer jobs you’re interviewing for may be informal but the interview is not. Take it seriously to give yourself an advantage over the other teen summer job seekers.
5. Skip the casual greetings. Be formal (“Hello”, “It is nice to meet you”, etc).
6. Get there early. A successful summer job interview starts here. Being on time results in almost always being late. Show this employer that the interview is important to you.
7. Keep eye contact and always appear interested in what the speaker is saying. Too many teenagers allow their attention to wander. Show this employer you’re different.
8. Be respectful of personal space. Don’t sit too close to the person you’re meeting with. Show you really care about this summer job.
9. Avoid the teenager speech traps – “like, “um”, “you know” – employers will really take notice.
10. Employers take summer jobs seriously and may have teen candidates go through more than one interview. Treat each interview like it’s your first.
11. Always speak with confidence. Summer jobs may be short term but they are still real jobs.
12. It’s ok to accept water or a soft drink if offered but remember to say “thank you”.
13. Don’t sit like a statute. It’s ok to use your hands to gesture but don’t get carried away.
14. This summer job is important so show the employer you know it. No friends or parents at the interview.
15. Don’t daydream. Know your conversation and prepare to respond when the interviewer finishes. Teens tend to let the adult carry the conversation. Now is the time to be assertive and show that you really want one of these highly sought after summer jobs.
16. Don’t yell or speak too quietly. Show the interviewer you are professional even if the summer job will have you in a noisy environment.
17. Be inquisitive. Show your interest by asking questions about the summer job and how you can best help your prospective employer.
18. Be on your best behavior, even when you think no one is watching you. Don’t try to sneak a phone call or a text. If you’re caught the employer will know that you can’t be relied upon.
19. Never arrive to an interview chewing gum or drinking a beverage. This shows disrespect and is a quick way to lose a great summer job to another teen.
20. Don’t rush. The interview is over when the interviewer decides. Trying to end it early shows you won’t take this summer job seriously and the employer should look for another teenage candidate.
21. Flirting is strictly prohibited when interviewing for summer jobs. It’s a sure fire way to be ruled out.
22. Be professional even it casual situations. Teens need to take summer job interviews very seriously.
23. Leave a cell phone at home or turn it off, not to vibrate. A phone ringing during an interview is disrespectful and shows the employer that the summer jobs he has available should go to more mature teens.
24. Be clear when you are able to start a summer job. If you need time before you can begin let this employer know.

Your evaluation doesn’t end when the interview does. Do a little extra and you’ll set yourself apart from other teens seeking the same summer jobs.

1. If there is a reason the job isn’t for you such as specific activities let the employer know. There may be ways around this problem or this employer may have access to other summer jobs better suited for you.
2. Take a moment to thank everyone for their time and allowing you to visit with them.
3. If no decision is made at the time ask the employer if it would be acceptable for you to follow up with them in a day or two to answer any other questions they may have.
4. Prepare a thank you email to show your interest in this summer job. This will set you apart from the other teen job seekers. The thank you note should include:
• Why you are a good candidate for this summer job.
• Mention anyone who you met during the interview and that it was a pleasure meeting them.
• Thank the interviewer for taking the time to speak with you about his available summer jobs.
5. If this is the summer job you’d love to have be certain the employer knows it. Many teens seem disinterested and that will make an employer to look to the plethora of other teenagers vying for his summer jobs.
6. Follow up with the interviewer at a later date. Show your interest in his summer job openings.
7. Critique your interview. Makes notes about how to improve. If you don’t get this summer job you’ll be better prepared for the next one.
8. Read below for a sample thank you note.

July3, 2017

Ms. Mary Waters
Pool Supplies Plus
65787 Walnut Lane
Springfield, IL 78667

Dear Ms. Waters,

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for taking the time to speak with me about your open summer job positions. I was excited to hear more about Pool Supplies and would look forward to becoming a member of the team. If there is any additional information I can provide to help you decide whether I would be a good fit for your company please let me know.

Respectfully,

Jason Timber