The article provides teenagers guidance on how to dress for a part-time or summer job interview. It also includes a list of my top interview tips that will impress the hiring manager and make you present yourself as the professional we know you are!
Hooray! You are a teenager and are preparing for a job interview. Part-time and full-time summer jobs are amazing opportunities to interact with other adults and peers and learn real work responsibility. As someone who starting babysitting when she was 11, I felt tremendous pride in earning my own money and then having the choice of saving or spending. Whether this is your very first interview or you’ve done it a couple times, this article will set you up for success.
First impressions only happen once and therefore you want to good first impression immediately upon meeting your potential employer. What you choose to wear will set the tone for the interview discussion that follows. There is a good chance that part-time and seasonal employers will make their decision after just one interview so picking the right outfit is important for making the best impression. Below are guidelines for picking the right professional look based on the type of job for which you are interviewing. Interview tips are discussed so that you feel fully prepared for your next job interview.
Office-based Job Environments
If you are interviewing for a job in an office such as a bank or a marketing firm, ask your point of contact about the company’s dress code. You can sometimes determine this information on the potential employer’s company’s website as well. If the company dress code is “casual” and employees regularly wear jeans and a polo shirt or blouse, you should aim for dressing “one level above” the company dress code which in this case would be “business casual” The chart below details the clothing choices typically associated with each dress code category. For teenage girls clothing choices might include dress pants or a skirt with a nice blouse or sweater. For teenage boys a good option could include dress pants, a button-down shirt and dress shoes. The days of wearing a formal suit for any interview are largely behind us. Many companies have adopted a more relaxed dress code and therefore have relaxed expectations of what interview candidates wear.
If you are interviewing for a job that is more formal in nature – such as working at an accounting firm or law office, you may be expected to dress according to the “Business” category above. If this is the case, opt for more formal attire that might include a blazer for both teenage girls and a sport coat for boys if you already have one. Most teenagers have limited funds so by all means don’t rush out to buy new clothing pieces just for an interview. Ideas for sourcing interview clothing items include:
- Borrowing items from a friend or family member
- Checking out local thrift stores such a Goodwill. Many people, including myself, gave away much of their more formal clothing after covid.
- Looking on Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive business clothing. Often people will sell clothing in bundles at inexpensive prices. Keep what you want and donate the rest.
If you land a job which then requires you to wear more formal clothing or even just a type of clothing that you don’t currently own, you may have to buy a few mix and match pieces. Set a budget and buy staple pieces that can be worn again and again. Good places to shop include:
- Target
- Kohls – check for coupons online, in your local paper or even ask in the store
- Old Navy
- Walmart has leveled up in their clothing
Mall / Retail / Outdoor / Private Residence
If you are interviewing for a non office environment job such as working summer camps at your local park district or a fast casual restaurant position, employees may wear more casual attire or even a uniform. Even if that is the case, you still want to present a professional polished look during your interview and therefore aim for clothing choices that fall within the “Business Casual” section of the chart above, at a minimum. No jeans – that is the big rule. For teenage boys casual clothing might include a polo shirt / button down shirt and slacks (dress pants) and dress shoes. Clean, simple sneakers in good condition can work for the most casual employment environments. For teenage girls, outfit ideas for interviews might include a sweater / blouse / dress shirt and dress pants. It is a good idea to avoid open-toed shoes or sandals as many outdoor and restaurant environments require closed toed shoes. Plus, close-toed shoes tend to have more of a professional appearance.
Clothing / Accessories to Avoid
Sticking to the above clothing guidelines will ensure you make a good impression. Conservative clothing and accessory choices are the best option for minimizing distractions with the hiring team. Save the below items for friend get togethers.
- Crop tops
- Hats
- Jeans, including dark jeans that look like black pants
- Too much makeup meaning glitter, cat eyes…
- Clothing with logos or words. You can’t go wrong with solid color choices
- Sneakers if interviewing for an office-based job
- Jewelry that is overly large, clunky or makes noises when you move
- Shorts
- Sweatshirts
- T-shirts
- Tank tops
- Anything “mini” as in miniskirts, mini dresses
- Neon or overly loud colors. Neutral colors are generally a good choice
- Untamed facial hair
Keep in mind that many of the above items may be dress code permissible for your actual part time or summer job but during the interview process, different rules apply – trust me! The goal is to make a great first impression and the best way is to show up to your interview looking like the professional that we know you are.
Interview Tips
While what you wear helps communicate respect, professionalism and responsibility, the hiring manager will generally be most interested in your actual interview conversation. Be sure and consider the following:
- If a job description was made available during the application process, give it another read the day of the interview so that the job responsibilities are fresh in your mind. If you have questions about a specific responsibility or duty, by all means ask the person conducting the interview.
- Keep your cell phone out of sight. My recommendation is to leave it in your car to avoid any potential calls or text messages during the interview. You’ll have a lot on your mind the day of the interview and very well could forget to put your phone on silent mode.
- If you are seated when the interviewer comes out to meet you, stand up, make direct eye contact and greet the individual by name. “Hi Paige, it’s so nice to meet you.” If a handshake feels comfortable to you, offer your hand. Totally ok if you choose not to as well.
- No gum chewing during the interview. Totally fine to accept a glass of water if offered or bring your own if you feel you may need it.
- Try to use the interviewer’s name a few times throughout the interview. This tactic conveys confidence and strong people skills – traits that hiring managers are typically seeking in employees. “That’s a great question, Steve. I feel like I would be a good addition to the AMC team because…”
- Demonstrate strong body language throughout the interview. Sit up straight and keep your hands either on the table or in your lap to avoid touching your face or hair as nervous habits. Keep your attention and eyes focused on the interviewer. No fidgeting.
- Smile and don’t be afraid to show your personality throughout the discussion. People hire people after all!
- Be sure and capture clear next steps before you leave the interview. This might look like “When can I expect to hear back on your final decision?” or “You mentioned the next step in the process is meeting the branch Manager – is there a particular day/time that works for her schedule?”
Good luck – you can do this!!
Leave a Reply