Your First Job Interview, Here’s How to Nail It

Welcome back to MyFirstJob Weekly!

This week, we’re tackling a major milestone in landing a first job—the interview.

If you’re a student, it’s your moment to prove why you’re the right fit.

If you’re a parent, you can provide invaluable support in helping your teen prepare.

And if you’re an employer, you have the power to create a welcoming environment that allows young candidates to shine.

First interviews are nerve-wracking, exciting, and a rite of passage.

Most students have never sat across from a hiring manager before, and let’s be real—talking about yourself while trying to impress a stranger can feel awkward.

But with the right preparation, interviews become a whole lot easier (and maybe even fun).

Let’s break down how students can prepare, how parents can help, and how employers can create an interview process that brings out the best in young talent.

For Students: Common Interview Questions & How to Answer Them

You might be worried about saying the wrong thing or freezing up during an interview. Here’s a secret:

Interviewing is just a skill—one that gets better with practice.

Below are some of the most common questions you’ll be asked and how to answer them confidently:

1. "Tell me about yourself."

What They Want to Know: 

Can you introduce yourself in a way that’s engaging and relevant to the job?

How to Answer:

• Give a quick summary of who you are. ("I’m a high school student passionate about problem-solving and working with people.")

• Highlight something relevant. ("I’m involved in my school’s debate club, where I’ve learned how to communicate clearly and think on my feet.")

• End with why you’re excited about the job. ("I love working with people, so I’m really excited about the opportunity to work in customer service.")

2. "Why do you want this job?"

What They Want to Know: 

Are you genuinely interested in the role?

How to Answer:

• Be honest but professional. ("I’m looking for my first job, and I want to gain experience working with customers.")

• Connect it to your interests. ("I enjoy talking to people and problem-solving, so I think this job would be a great fit.")

3. "What are your strengths?"

What They Want to Know: 

What can you bring to the role?

How to Answer:

• Choose something relevant. ("I’m great at staying organized and keeping track of details.")

• Give an example. ("At school, I manage multiple projects at once and always meet deadlines.")

4. "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge."

What They Want to Know: 

How do you handle setbacks?

How to Answer:

• Set up the situation. ("During a group project, one team member wasn’t doing their part.")

• Explain what you did. ("I talked to them, figured out a way to split the work differently, and helped them get back on track.")

• Share the result. ("We finished on time, and everyone felt included.")

5. "Do you have any questions for us?"

What They Want to Know: 

Are you engaged and interested?

How to Answer: Always ask something! Good options include:

• "What’s your favorite part about working here?"

• "What skills do you think are most important for this job?"

💡 Pro Tip: Your first interview won’t be perfect, and that’s okay! Every interview is practice for the next one. The more you do, the more natural it will feel.

For Parents: Helping Your Teen Prepare for Their First Interview

Your teen is stepping into the workforce, and while they might not admit it, they need your support. 

Here’s how you can help:

1. Make Mock Interviews a Thing

Turn interview prep into a casual conversation at dinner or on the drive home. Ask them a few common questions and coach them on their responses. The goal isn’t to make them feel pressured—it’s to make them feel prepared.

2. Focus on Body Language & Confidence

Encourage your teen to:
✔ Sit up straight and make eye contact
✔ Speak clearly and slowly
✔ Smile and engage naturally

Remind them: confidence is just comfort with preparation.

3. Help Them Craft a Professional Look

Even if it’s a casual job, looking polished helps make a great first impression. Make sure their outfit is neat, clean, and job-appropriate.

4. Be the Logistics Coordinator

Make sure they know:

• Where the interview is

• What time they need to be there

• What to bring (resume, a notebook, a smile)

💡 Pro Tip: If your teen doesn’t get the job, don’t let them get discouraged. Rejection is part of the process, and each interview makes them better for the next one.

For Employers: Creating a Welcoming Interview Process

For many young candidates, this is their first-ever interview. A little kindness and structure go a long way in making them feel comfortable and able to showcase their potential.

1. Start with a Warm Welcome

Even a simple "Thanks for coming in, we’re excited to meet you!" can ease nerves and set a positive tone.

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Instead of "Are you good at teamwork?" try "Tell me about a time you worked on a team." It helps candidates share real experiences.

3. Look for Transferable Skills

Young applicants may not have job experience, but they’ve developed skills in school, clubs, and volunteering. Ask questions that let them showcase these.

4. Be Patient with Nerves

If a candidate is struggling, rephrase the question or give them a moment to collect their thoughts.

💡 Pro Tip: Ending with a small piece of feedback (like "Your enthusiasm was great! Try to expand on your answers a bit more next time.") leaves a positive impression—even if they don’t get the job.

App Update: The Road to Beta! 

We’re officially 4-6 weeks away from the soft launch of the MyFirstJob app! 

As we approach beta testing, we’re focused on perfecting the resume builder and job-matching algorithm. 

One major lesson from this journey?

No two job seekers are the same. 

We’re refining our system to ensure students find jobs that truly match their skills, interests, and personality.

If you want to be part of the beta, stay tuned—we’ll be opening sign-ups soon!

Interactive Elements:

• For Students: Cultural Intelligence 101 for Teens

• For Parents: Parenting Teens Through Their First Job Hunt

• For Employers: Employee Engagement Best Practices: Motivating and Retaining Young Talent

Closing Message:
First interviews can be nerve-wracking, but they’re also exciting.

Whether you’re a student preparing, a parent guiding, or an employer hiring, this process shapes the future workforce.

Have a story to share? Reply to this email—we’d love to hear from you!

See you next week,
The MyFirstJob Team

P.S.: Next week—“Gaining Real-World Experience: Why Jobs, Internships, and Volunteering Matter.”