One of the most rewarding aspects of being a parent is watching your child pass through the various milestones and rite of passage in their lives. From the moment that they are born we begin looking for those defining moments, their first words, their first steps, even the first time that they are able to use the toilet on their own; these are all indicators that they are developing and learning. These milestones do not stop in childhood either, having a child hit puberty and transform into an adult is an exciting (if often difficult) time for any individual and their family.
As your child approaches adulthood, one of the first milestones they will encounter is applying for their first job. We all remember our first jobs, often they are very basic, but they are an invaluable learning experience and an opportunity to experience first hand one of the most important aspects of adulthood. We all want our children to succeed at everything they try, and this clearly includes their first job application.
Here are some top tips as to how you can help your child prepare for their first job interview so that they have the best possible chance of success.
Help Them Research
Businesses are much more likely to hire applicants who demonstrate enthusiasm about the role that they are applying for. Even if the job is one that seems utterly inconsequential (first jobs often are), it is important to help your child to see that they should be proud of any job that they land. The interview is their first chance to demonstrate to their new employer that they are committed and serious about achieving success. To this end you should help them do as much research as possible beforehand.
Check the Format of the Interview
The more your child knows about the interview before they go in, the easier it will be for them to prepare. You can try looking online to see if anyone has posted about their experiences interviewing for a job with the business in question. Obviously, you are more likely to find information on large corporations than smaller, independent businesses. Another excellent source for information is Job Application World; they host an extensive database of information about exactly what is involved in the interview process for a number of different companies.
Help Them Consider Their Strengths
One of the most common interview questions is also one that causes interviewees the most problems. It is the question of what the candidate thinks their strengths and weaknesses are. Most of us find it much easier to identify our weaknesses than our strengths and when trying to think of strengths we come up with only the most vague and generic responses. Sit down with your child and help them to consider what their character strengths are, and how they can be applied to the role that they are hoping to secure.
Helping your child prepare for their first job interview should be a rewarding experience for you and should provide your child with an extra layer of comfort and security as they approach the interview itself.
