Why parents need to prepare their child for job interviews

Looking for a jobMy friend’s nephew has just discovered how difficult it is to get a job. I’m not talking a full time career; I’m talking about a casual or part-time job whilst still in school or university.

Most large retailers have a rigorous interview process that will include some, if not all of the following:

  • Step 1 – Phone interview
  • Step 2 – Group interview
  • Step 3 – One on one interview
  • Step 4 – Your referees are actually called

Since our day, the hiring protocols have been tightened, simply because of the sheer number of applicants. The above process is conducted every time a role is advertised, even for kids who are in year 10.

I asked around at school and found many parents unaware of this formal recruitment process. In fact they expected a 10 minute “casual chat” with a manager from where their child would step into a job on a cash register or selling “on the floor”. Not so. These jobs are highly contested and you have to present as a good candidate to make it through.

If parents are unaware, it means their children will most likely go into the interview unprepared.

We are talking teenagers here. As a parent have you ever tried to have an animated phone conversation with an unsuspecting 17-year-old? How was your day?  “Good”. What did you do today? “Uhm, not much”.

Sound familiar?

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So, do you think your son or daughter could answer these questions effectively if they get a call from an employer:

  • “Tell me about yourself”? or
  • “Why do you want to work for us?”
  • “What do you know about our company?”
  • “What skills or strengths are you bringing to this role?”

Right. 5 seconds of silence and a large “uuuuuuhhhmmm” and your son/daughter just lost an opportunity for a job they really wanted.

But there is good news. Our next blog will outline what parents can do to get their child ready for the job interview.

 

 

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