| All teen jobs are not created equal. Lucky | | | | Wrong answer: "Well, I think I'd enjoy working |
| teenagers grab jobs at high-dollar restaurants, | | | | here. My friends say it's a pretty chill place." |
| laid-back coffee shops or clothing stores like | | | | Better answer: "I'm excited about working for |
| Hollister and American Eagle. Unlucky teens get | | | | one of my favorite stores and I really like the |
| jobs frying fish sticks at Uncle Leo's Seafood | | | | team atmosphere here." |
| Shack. | | | | One more classic: "Why are you a good fit for |
| How can you be sure you get the job you want? | | | | the company?" Again, think about what you can |
| Here are a few tips especially for teens. | | | | offer them, not the perks they'll offer you. |
| Defy stereotypes. Many managers almost expect | | | | Wrong answer: "I like the flexible work hours and |
| teen job seekers to be less professional-and even | | | | the uniforms aren't too hideous. Besides, how |
| less respectful-than older applicants. Show them | | | | could I say no to free burritos?" |
| you're different. Arrive on time to the interview. | | | | Better answer: "I'm a hard worker and I have a |
| Shake hands firmly. A suit's appropriate for an | | | | lot of energy. I think I would be a strong addition |
| interview at an office job; for more casual jobs, | | | | to your team." |
| an ironed shirt and a nice skirt or pants are fine. | | | | Don't be scared to talk about money. Money's a |
| Be what the company's looking for. Read job | | | | good thing. Money's the reason you want a job, |
| descriptions carefully to get a mental picture of | | | | right? However, many teen job seekers-and |
| the employer's ideal candidate. Take these two: | | | | adults too-find it difficult to bring up the subject in |
| "Enthusiastic servers wanted for fast-paced, | | | | a job interview. |
| high-energy and FUN environment." | | | | Be brave and do it! Ask about the hourly wages. |
| "Responsible individual needed for highly visible | | | | Ask how long it takes, on average, for an |
| front-desk position at downtown law firm." | | | | employee to get a raise. Ask about vacation |
| The smart teen job seeker will tailor his or her | | | | days, sick days, insurance and benefits. If you |
| interview style to match the tone of the job | | | | don't ask now, you won't find out until after you |
| description. Naturally bubbly? Play it up for the | | | | have the job-and by then you could be stuck in |
| server job; put on your serious face for the | | | | no-paid-vacation-ever-land. |
| receptionist post. | | | | Be realistic when you're talking about your pay, |
| Tell them what they want to hear. Teen job | | | | however. Use an online wage calculator to figure |
| seekers should practice interview questions ahead | | | | out what the average wage is for the job you're |
| of time with a friend or parent. One you're | | | | interested in. And keep in mind that if the |
| guaranteed to hear is "Why do you want to work | | | | employer won't budge on salary, maybe you can |
| here?" This is a trick question - it's not really | | | | negotiate flexibility on other things, such as |
| about you, it's about the company. | | | | scheduling or sick days. |