So the time has come for your teen’s first interview (or maybe another slightly older child that is yet to fly from the nest) and there are so many ways you can help them get that gig.

First reassure your child that interviews can be scary and it’s normal to get a nervous, no matter how many interviews people go to or what age, nerves almost always tag along.

Now it’s time to get into their wardrobe! Now don’t get distracted by doing a clean out, let them guide you. This is an exciting time as for most teens as this is their first taste of adulthood and responsibility so just like when they were a child, let them put on a fashion parade. Now parents, be gentle, some teens only have seen “dressing up” clothes on Gossip Girl or Bondi Hipsters so their impression of “professional wear” may need a little coaching. Especially girls and their skirt lengths!

Talk them through how important their appearance, cleanliness and presentation is and how it forms opinions of them. Sad but true and best they hear it from you now and not in a performance review where I have seen some real esteem damaging comments be thrown around. This is all new for them.

Now we have the outfit and a little mindset work done, keep up the excitement with asking them about why they want this job, what it will mean for them (ie. Freedom, money, savings, meet new friends, get away from their younger brother) and what their goals are – this is not only great for bonding but keep them inspired because (big spoiler alert) they will lose that excitement in time so having this information under your belt will feed great conversation to get them motivated and to work on time in the future.

Now it’s time for the really critical part: practice!

So make up that you are the interviewer. Have fun with it, put a business jacket on, sit behind a table in a closed-door room if possible and don’t break character (I’m sure they will think you are a dag but trust me, I have seen how valuable this practice truly is).

Ask your teen the questions the interviewer may ask, things like “Why do you want to work here?” “What similar experience do you have?” “What are your biggest strengths?”

These questions can be hard to answer for a first time employee but give them examples to use from work experience, volunteering or events they have been apart of in school, the community or work they do around the house for you.

Help them with their communication; make a fun little buzz noise every time they say “um” or “like” too many times to raise their awareness to these word habits. Teach them about the non-verbal communication also; such as: smiling, eye contact, good posture, clear pronunciation, and all the elements to make a great first impression through the whole interview.

Now the rest is up to them (ensuring that they get there on time). It’s an exciting moment and one that will open many doors as they grow, professionally and emotionally.

I would love to hear how the experience, interview and job success goes so be in contact.