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*Name
*Address
*Contact Phone Number
*Email Address
*High School Name
*GPA
*Jobs/Volunteer work
*Clubs/Activities/Sports
*Honors/Awards/Achievements
*Projects
*Other Skills
****Only include items starting in 9th grade****
****ALWAYS PROOFREAD*****

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Your resume should only use fonts that are readable and not fun and funky.
A resume should only be 1 page in length.
Should NOT include the word (I). The resume is about you so you don't have to say (I played football).
You do not have to write in complete sentences.
Name the document with your full name when sending so the employer knows who it belongs to.

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Word processing software such as Microsoft word include many easy to use templates. For more info check out this website.

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Writing a resume when you're a high school student can seem daunting. How can you demonstrate your aptitude for the job when you don't have much (or any) formal work experience?

Here's the good news: Even if you're writing your first resume, chances are that you have more work experience than you think. Experiences like babysitting, lawn mowing, and volunteering all help to show valuable work skills that employers want to see. Just because you haven't had a job like the one you are applying for, doesn't mean you haven't acquired the skills necessary to succeed.﻿﻿

One of the best ways to get started on your resume as a high school student is to look at examples of student resumes and read tips on what to include and how to format your resume.

What to Include in Your Resume

Informal Work Experience and Activities: If you have formal paid work experience, certainly include it. Otherwise, you can include informal work like babysitting, pet sitting, lawn mowing, shoveling snow, or anything else you've done to earn money. Even if you didn't collect a regular paycheck, informal work still displays skills and your reliability as an employee.

Since most high school students haven't held a lot of jobs, it is important to draw upon all aspects of your life that show you have the character, work ethic, skills, and personality to succeed in a job.

List Leadership Roles: If you held any sort of leadership positions in these roles (such as secretary of a club or team captain), be sure to note this. For each item, include a bulleted list of your responsibilities and accomplishments.

Promote Your Attitude and Performance: Employers will be most interested in your work habits and attitude. They don't expect you to have a lot of experience. If you have perfect or near-perfect attendance and are punctual for school and other commitments, you might include language to that effect when describing an experience.

Mention Your Achievements: Employers look for staff who have a history of making positive contributions. Review each of your experiences and ask yourself if there are achievements in class, clubs, sports, or the workplace that you can include. If so, use verbs like enhanced, reorganized, increased, improved, initiated, upgraded, or expanded to show what you accomplished. Include any challenging advanced academic projects since this shows employers that you are intelligent and a hard worker.

Tips for Writing a High School Resume

Make an Outline: Make a quick list or outline of all possible experiences, paid and unpaid, to include in your resume before you try to find the right language to describe them. Think of this as a brainstorming step and try to jot down as much down as you can.

Include Resume Skills: It's always a good idea to include skills related to the jobs for which you are applying. You probably have many skills that you can include that you acquired in school, sports, youth groups, extra-curricular activities, or volunteering.

Use Action Words: Use active language when describing your experiences, so you are portrayed in a dynamic way. Start the phrases in your descriptions with action words like organized, led, calculated, taught, served, trained, tutored, wrote, researched, inventoried, created, designed, drafted, and edited.﻿﻿

Keep It Short (But Include All Necessary Information). Your resume doesn't need to be any longer than a page. Some sections of the resume-such as contact information and experience -are required. But others, such as an objective or career summary, are optional.﻿﻿

Tell a Story. Connect your experience and skills with the qualifications for the role. For example, if you're applying for a cashier position, but haven't yet held a job with that exact title, emphasize your customer service skills, facility with mathematics, work ethic, and ability to work as a team. Read the job description and match your experience with their requirements.

Proofread Your Draft and Print Copies: Review your draft very carefully before finalizing your document and make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Ask your guidance counselor, parents, or a favorite teacher to critique your resume.

High School Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for a high school student. Download the high school resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

High School Resume Sample (Text Version)
Qualifications Education Experience Highlights
More Resume Examples for Teens

Review more resume examples for teen job seekers:

Key Takeaways

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High School Resume Examples and Writing Tips

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Writing a resume when you're a high school student can seem daunting. How can you demonstrate your aptitude for the job when you don't have much (or any) formal work experience? Here's the good news: Even if you're writing your first resume, chances are that you have more work experience than you think.

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Let's start with the basics-formatting your high school resume. The good news is, you don't have to start from scratch. We've created a modern high school resume template for you that's perfectly suited to showcase your skills and experiences at any level. And if you're a creative type looking to add extra personality to your resume, you might consider exploring the high school resume template options on sites like Canva.

What makes a good high school resume template, anyway? Here are a few of the most important formatting rules your resume should follow:

Limit your high school resume to one page.

Ensure your resume is skimmable by using big headings, bullet points, and plenty of white space.

Use classic and easy-to-read fonts, such as Cambria, Calibri, Georgia, Helvetica, or Garamond, to name a few.

Save your high school resume as a PDF file so the formatting won't change when someone views or downloads it.

Once you're set with a great high school resume template following these guidelines, your first step is to add your contact information. Here are a few tips on what to include:

Your first and last name. Don't use a nickname here-you can get more casual after you've secured the job or internship.

A professional email address. The best email address is something simple, such as first.lastname@example.com. A silly, cute, or edgy email will not be impressive to potential employers or colleges.

The best phone number to reach you. Make sure you have a professional voicemail greeting in case you miss their call.

Your home address. While a potential employer is unlikely to send you a piece of mail, they might consider the length of your commute to the business location when reviewing your high school resume.

Optional: your LinkedIn profile or personal website. You might not have these yet, and that's fine. If you do have a LinkedIn profile or personal website you'd like to share, make sure it's professional and only contains information that will impress colleges and employers.

Once you've expertly added and arranged your contact info, you're ready to move on to the next part of the high school resume-your objective statement.

How to write an objective statement for a high school resume

The objective statement on your high school resume is quite literally answering the question, "What is the purpose or objective of this resume?" While on the surface it may seem obvious-you want to get hired for a specific job or accepted to a specific college-you'll need to dig deeper in order to write an impressive objective statement.

Your objective statement should provide three important pieces of information:

Why do you want this specific job or why do you want to attend this specific college?

What makes you the best candidate for this position or school?

How can this company or college help you reach your larger goals?

Oh, and you only have one or two sentences to share this important information. Piece of cake, right? Don't worry, it's easier than you think if you use a specific formula for writing your objective statement:
[Insert characteristic] student seeking to [insert specific goal] with [insert skills] gained from [insert experience or achievement].
You'll understand this formula best if we use an example. Let's say you're applying to a graphic design internship at your local newspaper. You have a keen eye for detail, your goal is to tell impactful digital stories, you're already skilled at using Adobe to create page layouts, and you have design experience from working on your school yearbook. Here's an example objective statement for your high school resume:
Detail-oriented student seeking to amplify The Daily City Newspaper's influence through digital storytelling. Gained expertise using Adobe Creative Suite while designing 25 page layouts and 12 advertisements for the Daily High School Yearbook.
Stating your goals, qualifications, and experiences in your objective statement lets the potential employer or college rep reading it know that your resume deserves their attention. And after piquing their interest, you can continue to impress them with your remaining high school resume sections.

What to include in the education section of a high school resume

Since you haven't graduated high school yet, you might be feeling a little lackluster about writing the education section of your high school resume. But rest assured, there are plenty of enticing details you can include in this section to help you impress employers and colleges. Here's a list of information you might add to your education section:

High school name and location.

Expected graduation date -the month and year will suffice.

Weighted GPA. This is an optional item to include if your GPA will impress the person reading your high school resume-a 3.5 or above, for example.

Class rank. Again, if it is impressive-the top 20% of your class, for example.

SAT or ACT score. Only include your scores in high school resumes for college and scholarship applications-potential employers won't know what a good SAT score is (and likely won't care too much, either).

Especially challenging and relevant coursework. Don't include the standard high school curriculum, but you can list IB or AP classes you've taken that relate to the job or internship you're applying for.

Leadership roles in clubs or sports-for instance, "Team Captain, Varsity Soccer." Especially mention your extracurriculars that are relevant to the position you're seeking.

Academic memberships. You can include your involvement in a college preparatory program or selective honors societies, if applicable.

We hope you're pleasantly surprised that you can write more than, "high school diploma in progress" on your high school resume. Just by digging a little deeper, you'll find plenty of information to include in your education section to help you stand out as the ideal job, internship, or college applicant.

How to write the work experience section of a high school resume

As we arrive at the biggest, most stressful section of a high school resume, we have to address a question we commonly get from students:
"How do you write a resume with no experience?"
Many students think because they haven't worked an official job, they lack experience. But it isn't true. Unless you've been sitting in a box for your entire life, you've earned experience worth putting on a high school resume-we just need to dig a little deeper to find it.

So what types of experiences can you include on your high school resume? Of course, if you have work experience-even if it's for your family business and you weren't an "official" employee-you should showcase it. But if not, don't worry. Instead, you can share information about your high school internships, volunteer work, community service, club involvement, participation in sports, leadership positions, and even the challenging academic summer programs you've attended.

These types of activities are impressive to potential employers and colleges, so don't be nervous if you're writing a high school resume with no work experience. Be proud of the unique experiences you've had. You can even change the title of the section from "Work Experience" to "Relevant Activities" or "Major Achievements."
How to write descriptions for your experiences on a high school resume
Once you've identified two to four experiences or activities to showcase on your high school resume, you face the challenging task of describing your involvement and duties. This is one of the most difficult and crucial parts of writing your resume-how you represent your experience can be the difference between securing a position or continuing your job search.

You want to use between three and five bullet points to describe each experience. Remember, your high school resume is limited to one page, so be strategic with every word. Illustrate your most recent or most relevant experiences in greater detail than your older or less-applicable experiences. For example, if you're applying for a business internship, you should emphasize your experience as treasurer or marketing manager of a school club.

And what should each bullet point description contain? Here are a few guidelines to ensure your experience descriptions have the greatest impact:

Begin each bullet point with an action verb-such as created, completed, or managed. And you want to be careful not to use the same verb more than once. If you're struggling to find the right words, use a list of resume action verbs to give you ideas.

Use condensed language. Exclude pronouns, conjunctions, and any unnecessary words. It's not the style you'd use to write college essays, but it will make your high school resume more skimmable and effective.

Tailor your descriptions by using specific keywords. If your high school resume is for a job application, sprinkle in keywords used in the job description to represent yourself as the ideal employee for the position. If you're applying to a college or scholarship, add keywords from their mission and values statements to prove you're exactly the type of student they want.

Add numbers and results whenever possible. You might include the hours per week you devoted to the activity, how many customers you served, or the number of products you created. If you measurably impacted productivity or efficiency (for example, reduced paper waste by 20%), be sure to include it, too.

If you follow these guidelines, your high school resume will stand out from the crowd and dazzle every manager and admissions rep who reads it.
An example experience entry for a high school resume:
Retail Associate - Old Navy, Inc.

November 2018 - January 2020

Provided exceptional customer service to 200 guests daily, which included giving tailored product recommendations and answering questions about store policies.

Processed cash and card payments for products equalling over $3,000 per shift, while maintaining a balanced register.

Designed, executed, and maintained attractive product displays that increased sales of featured items by 15%.

What to include in the skills section of a high school resume

If you search for general resume examples online, you might feel overwhelmed and perhaps a bit discouraged when you look at sample "Relevant Skills" resume sections. But what you're probably looking at are sample resumes for mid-career professionals. When you're still in high school, you're not expected to have the same advanced career skills as someone in their thirties does. This leaves you with the question, "What skills can a high school student put on a resume?"

The answer is: more than you think! When evaluating what skills you might be able to add to your high school resume, it's helpful to understand the difference between hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills refer to a person's abilities gained through technical knowledge or training. These can range from technology or software skills to interpersonal skills such as public speaking or customer service. As a high school student, your hard skills may be limited, if you haven't gained much work experience or training, but you've probably still acquired a few through school and extracurriculars.

Here are examples of hard skills you might be able to add to a high school resume. You should choose which skills to include based on the type of job, scholarship, or college you're applying to.

Soft skills, on the other hand, are personality traits that empower a person to be an exceptional employee or student. These types of skills can be gained in any setting, meaning you don't need work experience to possess them. And while hard skills can be taught on the job, it's much harder to teach a person to have good character, so you shouldn't underestimate the importance of having soft skills.

Here are a few examples of soft skills that could be included on a high school resume.

To strike an impressive balance on your high school resume, aim to include three or four hard skills and four or five soft skills-all relevant to the position or school to which you're applying.

What additional sections to include on a high school resume

After you've completed the above sections, you might find you still have some space on your high school resume-and that's good! It gives you an opportunity to further impress potential employers and colleges. Let's explore the different types of sections you can add to round out your resume.

Honors and Awards. Many students will include this section in their high school resume because it's the perfect way to showcase their academic, sport, and extracurricular achievements. You might include being on the Honor Roll, having perfect attendance, winning a sports championship, placing first in a robotics competition, or receiving a scholarship, to name a few examples.

Relevant certifications. If you've had the opportunity to complete training and earn certifications relating to the position you're applying to-for instance, a CPR certification for a lifeguard or preschool assistant job-you might want to devote an additional section to those.

Portfolio or published works. If you're an artist, writer, or other type of creative, you can add a section to your high school resume that specifically highlights your best creative achievements. For example, you can share the artwork you've publicly displayed, the poems you've had published, or the musical pieces you've performed.

Hobbies and interests. When submitting your high school resume with your college or scholarship applications, you might choose to add a section about your interests to come across more holistically or help the committee know you better. You can even present your hobbies in a fun and interesting way. For example, you might share your love of ice cream with a statement like, "Visited 40+ family-owned ice cream shops in my surrounding area."

Remember, your high school resume is all about you. So tailor the focus of your additional sections to showcase your uniqueness and bring you closer to the job, internship, scholarship, or college you're pursuing.

High school resume template

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How to Write an Impressive High School Resume - Shemmassian Academic Consulting

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Let's start with the basics-formatting your high school resume. The good news is, you don't have to start from scratch. We've created a modern high school resume template for you that's perfectly suited to showcase your skills and experiences at any level.

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High School Resume: How to Write an Amazing Resume! (Examples Included)

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Interview questions are designed to find out more about YOU. You should be prepared to talk about yourself and expand on what is on your resume.
The most common interview questions are:
1. Tell me about yourself
2. Greatest Strength/Weakness
3. What do you do in your free time
4. What subject do you enjoy most/least
When answering questions, always be honest.

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Tell me about yourself. This is a basic question that most interviewers will lead off with to gain the most information.

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Purpose of This Question

Employers want you to think about and reflect on who you are, how you spend your time and what is important to you. Ultimately, it’s the combination of the activities that engage and occupy you most that makes you UNIQUE.

Strategy

Your goal is to​ be conversational about two or three interests,activities or passions to which you’ve dedicated most of your time.

Solid practice in discussing these passions will help to set the pace of your interview and will prompt the interviewer to ask more questions relevant to your experiences. Throughout your preparation, ask yourself how you would like your interviewer to remember you.

1. Your motivation.

2. Commitment duration.

3. If applicable, positions held and awards or commendations received.

4. Any challenges you faced, and what you did to overcome it.

5. The most important thing you learned about the activity as a result of your involvement.

6. How you want to continue this activity in college (if possible, list specific college organizations that accommodate that activity).

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What are your strengths?

To answer this question, think about what your teachers and coaches might say about you. Are you a good communicator? A thoughtful problem solver? An effective leader? Then, whichever description you decide on, back it up with specific examples. What are some instances of your leadership or communication skills? Practice a “show, don’t tell” approach as much as you can.

What are your weaknesses?

This is actually a common job interview question, and it’s a challenging one! How do you answer honestly without reflecting negatively on yourself? The best way to approach this question is to discuss a real thing upon which you’d like to improve and point to specific ways you’ve already started to work toward that goal. Maybe it’s your note-taking skills, your willingness to participate in class, or your slapshot. Then, pivot toward discussing how you’ve worked on this challenge.

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What Are Your Greatest Strengths? -  Top Sample Interview Answers

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What Are Your Greatest Weaknesses? - GOOD Answer To This Interview Question

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With this question, your interviewer is trying to get a handle on the type of person you are outside the job. Not only are they finding out more information about you, your habits and dealings outside of work, they are also looking to see if yours is the type of personality that would match their other team members currently employed at their company. Speak about hobbies, interests, and sports that you are currently enjoying. Don't overshare and don't lie.

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What Do You Like To Do Outside of Work? - BEST Job Interview Answer

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This is again a question to find out about you. Always be careful to not be negative during an interview. You may have a least favorite subject but never blame it on a teacher or your inability to understand the subject.

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More tips

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How to get that job during the interview!

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"linkedin profile" "resume writing" "cover letter writing" "career advice" "interview questions and answers" linkedin "how to write a resume" "cover letter" ...

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Welcome and thanks for stopping by. I'm Heather Austin, the host of #TheCareerClub on Facebook and the creator of ProfessorAustin.com. If you're on the hunt for the ultimate career, then you're in the right place. I teach professionals like you how to navigate the job search process from building a solid social media presence on LinkedIn to nailing those tough interview questions.

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"how to get a job" "how to find my career" "how to post on linkedin" "madeline mann" "job search advice" "how to follow up" "interview questions and answers"...

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This is Self Made Millennial, I'm Madeline Mann. This channel is known for diving in deep on job interview questions and answers. I also have a signature approach called the "Story Toolbox" that works wonders in helping you to know how to answer behavioral interview questions and the STAR interview technique.

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career "job search" "career advice" "cass thompson" cassthompsoncareeradvvice

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Hi! I'm Cassandra and I teach the most relevant strategies to grow in your career- whether that's in the traditional workforce or growing your own business. My goal is to take the overwhelm out of the career journey and build your career confidence through practical weekly training & tutorials on LinkedIn, networking, and other career-building tools.

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*Always be clean and professional. *Practice wearing your outfit to make sure you are comfortable.
*Sit in front of a mirror so you can see what the person across from you sees.
*Don't wear perfume/Cologne
*Keep makeup/jewelry modest.
*Keep outfits conservative

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High school students may look for a part-time or seasonal position to help earn additional income in addition to getting exposure to the workplace. Some jobs that are available to high school students include positions in the service industry, such as restaurants or retail stores. High school students can also be babysitters, dogsitters or work for a volunteer organization. Nevertheless, if you're interviewing for one of these positions, be sure to dress appropriately for the occasion.

In this article, we outline the importance of high school students wearing the right outfit for a job interview as well as noting what you can and cannot wear.

Why is wearing the right outfit to a job interview important?

Wearing the right outfit for an interview shows that you're prepared for the interview and highlights a level of maturity that's suitable for the position. A polished look for an interview also implies responsibility and a willingness to work.
Related: How to Dress for a Job Interview
What to wear to a job interview

Teenagers have plenty of options to select for interview attire, including:

Button-down shirt with dark slacks or khakis

Interviewing for a position tailored to high school students often doesn't require you to wear a suit. A button-down with a simple design paired with khaki pants can show you are organized and neat. This outfit can give the interviewer the perception that you thoughtfully prepared for your interview.

Polo shirt with skirt or slacks

Be mindful of the season when you're interviewing. Some positions for high school students may be seasonal jobs, so be ready to dress for warm or cold weather depending on your geographical location and time of year. For summer, a polo shirt with a skirt or slacks suffices for most seasonal jobs. Since a polo shirt is more casual, ensure that you're wearing a stylish skirt or slacks and that your polo shirt is tucked in to demonstrate professionalism during the interview.

Button-down shirt with a sweater and khakis

If your interview requires a more elevated style, a button-down shirt and sweater combined with khakis is a good option. It's a step up from a polo, but it's not as dressy as a suit and a tie. You can keep a few combinations of sweaters and button-downs in your wardrobe to be prepared for multiple social events.

Polo shirt with dark slacks and khakis

The key to wearing dark slacks and khakis is to match the color of the slacks to the belt and shoes you're wearing for the interview. A mismatch of color between these items is more difficult to pull together for a neat appearance. Brown loafers, dress shoes and a belt pair well with dark khakis and the polo you choose to wear.

Button-down shirt and a cardigan with dress pants

You can also opt for a button-down with an additional accessory to have your outfit stand out, like a cardigan. These items pair well with navy blue pants, khaki pants or a skirt.

Dress shirt and dark jeans

A dress shirt is an ideal outfit for a job interview if you're a high school student. Depending on the type of employer, you may be able to wear dark jeans that complement the color and style of the dress shirt. Denim should be pressed and free of any holes or rips, and ensure there are no stains on your dress shirt before your interview. Always make sure to iron your shirt and tuck it in before speaking with the interviewer.

Choose your tie wisely

Depending on the position and work environment you're seeking, it might not hurt to wear a tie to your interview. Overdressing is usually not frowned upon in a professional setting, and it can show your desire and assertiveness for the role you're interviewing for. A solid button-down with a striped tie can give off the perception of professional attire, but you can also go with a plaid shirt and solid tie for a more casual workplace. This may require some research of the company before you proceed in wearing a tie to your next job interview. Rolling up your sleeves can be another consideration for you to look more casual.
Related: How to Appear Confident in an Interview
What not to wear to a job interview

Avoid these choices for your job interview wardrobe:

Open-toed shoes

Sneakers and sandals are not a good choice for a job interview. Even if the job is outdoors or doesn't require business casual attire, you still can look presentable during an interview with the hiring manager. As previously mentioned, loafers or brown dress shoes are a great match with nice pants or a skirt.

Shorts or low-cut shirts

When attending an interview, make sure your clothes fit properly so they are not too revealing. T-shirts, tank tops and crop tops are not the best options. If your goal is to demonstrate your professionalism, stick to business casual attire for your interviews.

Hats or athletic-style attire

Baseball caps or other hats and athletic-style clothing items are too casual for most interviews. Polos and button-downs are applicable attire for interviews as long as they're not too loose or tight.

Hooded sweatshirts and jackets

Avoid bringing or wearing all hooded sweatshirts and jackets when going to an interview. Wearing a hood gives notice to an employer that you may not want to be visible in public or are uninterested in working for the company. If it's cold outside, wear a clean, professional jacket or coat with no visible logos. You want to make every possible effort to leave a good impression with the interviewer, and that includes when you are arriving and leaving.

Too much makeup, cologne or perfume

You'll want to keep makeup, cologne and perfume to a minimum when interviewing for a position. Smells from fragrances or the appearance of too much makeup can be distracting to an interviewer. Instead, your goal should be to have a neat and clean appearance so the interviewer can focus on your qualifications.

Mismatched or bright colors

Even with the right attire, colors like neon may look unprofessional and distracting. Also, be sure not to mix colors that don't align with business casual attire. Neutral colors consist of navy, white, blue, black and brown for interviews, and most of these colors for slacks or skirts can pair well with other colors if that's your preference for a button-down or polo shirt.

Tips to consider when dressing for a job interview

When preparing your wardrobe for your job interview, consider these additional guidelines:

Research the company's dress code

Some companies publish their dress code on their website, so review their website for a policy or photos of employees, and adhere to that dress code if called in for an interview.

Avoid revealing clothing

Ideally, the more conservative you dress, the better. A button-down and slacks is considered conservative attire for the interview.

Choose clothes you're confident in

Select professional attire out of your wardrobe that shows your confidence while being comfortable at the same time. Not having to worry about whether you can walk in your new shoes or if a new shirt fits you properly can help you focus on reflecting your experience and demonstrating your core values instead.

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What a High School Student Should Wear to a Job Interview

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High school students may look for a part-time or seasonal position to help earn additional income in addition to getting exposure to the workplace. Some jobs that are available to high school students include positions in the service industry, such as restaurants or retail stores.

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It's important that teens applying for jobs dress professionally for any job interview. By looking polished, teens will impress their potential employers and convey themselves as mature, responsible, and ready to work.

Unfortunately, the clothes you might wear every day to hang out with friends and family usually aren't suitable for an interview. The makeup and accessories you wear might not be appropriate either.

One way to learn how to dress for an interview is to look at examples of what not to wear.

What to Avoid Wearing to a Job Interview for Young Men

Like women, men should also avoid anything that looks too casual. For example, baseball caps, or any other type of hats, shouldn't be worn in an interview. Also, young men should avoid wearing jerseys or athletic shirts, and opt for a professional button-down or polo shirt instead. Make sure anything you wear fits you well and is not too loose or too tight.

Don't Dress Too Casually

Avoid clothes that are considered too casual. For example, don't wear shirts that show your belly, or pants that are too tight (or too loose). Remember that most clothing you would wear on the street is most likely not suitable for an interview. It's important to look sharp and professional.

Instead of casual, try business casual attire. For women, this could mean khaki plans with a cardigan or polo shirt, or a skirt and top. For men, this might mean dress pants and a button-down shirt or sweater.

Even if the job you are applying for requires casual clothing (like a lifeguard or camp counselor), you still want to look put together for the interview.

Don't Bring a Drink, Food, or Chew Gum

Only bring to the interview the things you need. Don't arrive at the interview with a coffee or soda. Leave any food behind as well. All of these things make you look distracted and unprepared.

Also, don't chew gum on your interview. Not only does gum chewing look unprofessional, but it can also hinder your ability to communicate and can be distracting to your interviewer. It's always a good idea to throw your gum away before you arrive at the interview.

There are some things you should bring to an interview, however. Bring a resume and any other requested materials. Also bring a pen and paper to take notes. You might want to bring a professional-looking bag or tote to carry all of your items.

Don't Overdo Your Makeup

For teenagers applying for a job, too much makeup won't be much help. Layering on foundation, blush, lip gloss, and eye makeup is too distracting for an interview. While it's good to look well-groomed and pulled together, this can be achieved with minimal makeup. Keep your makeup simple, and remember that a natural look is best.

Keep this rule in mind when doing your hair as well. Keep your hair simple-either put it up in a bun or ponytail or wear it down.

Similarly, whether you are a man or woman, avoid too many accessories. While a simple necklace or bracelet is fine, avoid anything too distracting.

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What Not to Wear on a Job Interview for Teens

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It's important that teens applying for jobs dress professionally for any job interview. By looking polished, teens will impress their potential employers and convey themselves as mature, responsible, and ready to work. Unfortunately, the clothes you might wear every day to hang out with friends and family usually aren't suitable for an interview.

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*DO NOT BE LATE TO THE INTERVIEW. You should arrive at least 15-30 minutes before the interview.
*Do a practice run of driving to the interview location. Know how long it takes you including traffic. Know where to park.
*Bring several copies of your resume. Bring your application if you have it available to print.
*Turn cellphone on silent. NOT vibrate.
*Have a pen.
*No gum chewing
*research the company. Know what they do/sell.
**Don't interrupt the interviewer
*Listen carefully to the interviewer's questions
*Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question
*Keep things positive
*Thank the interviewer

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At the end of an interview be prepared to ask questions.
Sample:
*What are the most important qualities for the ideal candidate for this role?
*How does the company help employees with career progression?
*How is the team structured and who would I be reporting to?
*What are the greatest challenges in this job?
*Tell me about your carer here. What do you like most about the company?

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Once the interview is over, there are still a few things you can do to give yourself an advantage over other candidates in securing the job. A follow-up email or letter to thank the employer for seeing you and giving you their time is always a good idea and will keep you at the forefront of their minds.

If you haven't heard back from them in two weeks or more, send an email or phone them up to ask for feedback.

Even if you didn't get the job this time, remember that every interview is a learning experience and you'll only get better and better at it each time you walk into an interview.

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If you haven't interviewed much (or at all), it can be a challenge to get yourself ready to ace the interview, but taking the time to practice will help you to get hired.

When you are a teen preparing for a job interview, it can be helpful to review typical interview questions that you will most likely be asked. Reviewing answers can also help you come up with your own responses. Take the time to personalize your answers, so that they reflect you both as a person and as a candidate for employment.

Practice Interviewing in Advance

It can be nerve-wracking to apply for a job as a teenager, since you don't have much experience in the application and interview process.

The best strategy is to have a parent, sibling, or friend role-play the interview with you so that you can practice your answers, work on eye contact and body language, and gain experience in "thinking on your feet" before your interview.

You'll find that this is also a great confidence-builder, so you'll probably feel a lot less nervous when the time comes to talk with a hiring manager.

Common Teen Interview Questions

Here are 10 of the most commonly-asked questions that teens encounter during job interviews, along with samples of good answers. Do be sure to tailor your responses to fit your personal circumstances.

1. Why are you looking for a job?

What They Want to Know: Of course, everyone wants to make money at a job, but the reasons you should share with a potential employer should reflect your interest in the field, or in helping to develop your skill set.

More Answers: Why Are You Looking for a Job?

2. Why are you interested in working for our company?

What They Want to Know: Employers ask this question to gauge your interest in the field, and to see if you have done your research. Make sure you check out the company's website at the very least and familiarize yourself with what the company does, what the work and the work culture are like, and what's important to them.

More Answers: Why Do You Want to Work Here?

3. How has school prepared you for working at our company?

What They Want to Know: Here is your opportunity to talk about the skills you have gained in your education that will make you an ideal candidate for the position. You can speak about extra-curricular activities as well as academics when you respond.

4. Why should we hire you?

What They Want to Know: New hires take time to train, and the company wants to know you are worth it. Let them know about your interest in contributing to the company immediately, and be sure to mention if you think they are a firm you would like to consider when your studies are complete.

5. What do you think it takes to be successful in this position?

What They Want to Know: The job posting can be very helpful in letting you know how they will want you to answer this question. Let the interviewer know about the skills you have that they are looking for. The closer you match the job requirements, the easier it will be to get hired.

6. How would you describe your ability to work as a team member?

What They Want to Know: There have likely been many times you have worked as a team, on projects, in sports or while volunteering. The interviewer will want to hear a specific example of a time you worked successfully in a team situation.

More Answers: If You're a Teen About to Interview, Here's What to Know About Teams

7. What has been your most rewarding accomplishment?

What They Want to Know: You don't want to brag, but you should share an accomplishment that relates to some of the qualities or experiences required for the job you're interviewing for. Sharing a story with your interviewer is a great way to showcase your accomplishments.

More Answers: What Were Your Biggest Successes and Failures?

8. What are your salary expectations?

What They Want to Know: With this question, the employer is trying to establish that your expectations are reasonable. As a young worker, the salary you are offered will probably align with an entry-level position. It's usually best to avoid a specific number unless you know for a fact what the job pays.

More Answers: Interview Questions About Your Salary Expectations

9. Tell me about a major problem you recently handled.

What They Want to Know: With this question, the interviewer is trying to determine how skilled you are at problem-solving. It's fine to use an example from school, work, sports or volunteering. Make sure you show a positive resolution.

More Answers: Interview Questions About Handling Problems

10. Have you ever had difficulty with a supervisor or teacher?

What They Want to Know: The interviewer will ask this question to determine how you relate to authority. Always answer honestly, but make sure that you have a positive outcome. Remember that the most difficult situations are sometimes the best learning experiences.

More Answers: Have You Ever Had Difficulty Working With a Manager?

Prepare for the Interview

Review these tips so that you'll have all of the information you need to make a great impression at your next job interview.

Be Prepared. Don't only show up for the interview. The more information you have prepared in advance, the better impression you will make on the interviewer. Take the time to get working papers (if you need them) and references before you start looking for a job. Do your research. Learn all you can about the position and the company.

The job posting and others for similar positions can offer valuable information about what they are looking for in a candidate. This will let you know what skills you should be emphasizing on your resume and in your interview.

Note

All this information will allow you the opportunity to give complete, educated answers to anything the interviewer might ask.

What to Bring With You

Bring the following with you to the interview:

Completed job application (if the employer doesn't have it already)

Working papers (if you need them)

References

Resume (if you have one)

Notepad / pen

Tips for Acing a Job Interview for Teens

Be Polite. It's essential to have good manners when interviewing. Shake your interviewer's hand. Make sure you listen carefully and thoughtfully to the interviewer. Don't sit until you are invited to. Don't slouch in your chair. Don't use slang or swear. Be polite, positive, and professional throughout the interview.

Know Your Schedule. Know what days and hours you are available to work, as the employer will almost surely ask. Flexibility is an asset, because the more time you are available, the easier it is for the employer to set a work schedule. Also know how you are going to get to and from work if you don't drive.

Be on Time. Arrive at the interview site a few minutes early. If you're not sure where to go, get directions ahead of time. If you aren't driving yourself, make sure you have a reliable ride.

Go on Your Own. If your mom or dad brings you to an interview, don't bring them into the interview room with you. It's important that you speak for yourself and connect with the interviewer, without someone else's assistance. You need to present yourself as a mature, responsible candidate for employment.

How to Make the Best Impression

The key to successful interviewing for teens is to do exactly what a professional candidate for employment would do. That's the best way to make a positive impression on a prospective employer and to enhance your chances of getting the job.

Dress appropriately, answer questions in an informed manner, have questions ready to ask the interviewer, and, in general, make the best impression you can on the interviewer.

Take a few minutes to thank the person who interviewed you. If you have an email address, send an email thank-you note, otherwise send a paper note thanking the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you.

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Top Teen Job Interview Questions and Best Answers

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The top interview questions teens are asked when applying for jobs, examples of the best answers, and tips for interviewing for teenage job seekers.

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How to find and get a student job whilst at university. It is all here!

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About the Author

About the Author

Andrew M.I. Lee, JD is an editor and former attorney who strives to help people understand complex legal, education, and parenting issues.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Jim Rein, MA has lectured on postsecondary options and summer programs for kids and young adults with learning and thinking differences.

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Job Interview Questions to Practice With Your Teen

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Andrew M.I. Lee, JD is an editor and former attorney who strives to help people understand complex legal, education, and parenting issues. Jim Rein, MA has lectured on postsecondary options and summer programs for kids and young adults with learning and thinking differences.

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27+ Interview Tips For Teens [+ Sample Questions!] 🥇

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A job interview for anyone can be nerve-wracking, so for a teenager going for their first job, or with very little job experience, it can feel even more intimidating. What is the right thing to say? Which answers will make me seem most professional? How can I make the best impression?

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Updated: September 9, 2020

Landing an interview is an amazing feeling. At the same time, interviewing is stressful for everyone-and for students and recent graduates, it's even more intimidating. But with the right tools, and enough practice, anyone can ace their internship interview.

Today, we're going to give you the inside scoop on preparing for your interview. Read on for tips on how to answer 23 of the most common internship interview questions.

How Should I Prepare for an Internship Interview?

You already sent in your (carefully tailored) resume and cover letter, so why do you need to answer even more questions about yourself? Shouldn't the interviewer know your skills already?

Unfortunately, that's just not how it works. Your resume is just the tip of the iceberg for hiring managers. In fact, most hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds looking at your resume. Resumes say next to nothing about your work ethic, personality, and personal motivations. If you really want that internship or job, you need to ace your interview. And to do that, you need to study up on the most common interview questions and how you should go about answering them.

How Do I Answer Internship Interview Questions?

First, let's break down the different types of interview questions the hiring manager will ask you. Then, we'll review the most common questions for each category. Finally, we'll review each one in detail to ensure you know how to answer each internship interview question.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Yourself

These are the questions that give a sense of who you are as a person. The interviewer wants to put you at ease and get to know you, so be open and honest in your responses. At the same time, remember to link all your answers to the role for which you're interviewing.

The most frequently asked "about you" interview questions include:

1. Tell me about yourself.

This open-ended invitation often kicks off an interview, so make sure you're prepared with a smart, short response. Interviewers don't want to know your entire life story; think of this as the highlight reel, and keep your response to about one minute. While you don't need to share your entire life story, if you're proud of certain accomplishments, now is the time to highlight them. Start with your education, share your career highlights, and focus on what's relevant to this position.

You want to enthusiastically and clearly state how your current and past responsibilities and qualifications will add value for the company. And while you want to stay focused on the job at hand, your personal interests can make your answer stand out-making you a more memorable candidate. They can also allow you to create personal connections with the interviewer.

2. What are your strengths?

Despite appearances, this common question isn't a trick; it's a gift. Answer as truthfully as possible, with a focus on strengths that will make you a great fit for this particular role. For a strong response, name three strengths that best reflect you, and then support them with evidence, including awards, accolades, or specific anecdotes.

Choose strengths that are directly related to the job and demonstrate your ability to settle into the job faster and perform better than anyone else. Try your best to stay away from cliché answers that the interviewer has likely heard a million times. Instead, think outside the box to experiences where your unique abilities improved a situation.

3. What are your weaknesses?

The others side to the "strengths" coin, this question is popular among interviewers and feared among candidates. Again: back up your responses with evidence and stay away from clichés. Perfectionism is not a weakness, nor is working too hard. The interviewer knows you're human and wants an accurate picture of you.

The key here is to choose weaknesses that aren't true deficiencies (this is an interview, not a therapy session) and aren't vital to the job at hand. If you're interviewing to be an accountant, don't say that you're bad with numbers. Be honest about your weaknesses, but come prepared to talk about how you're improving yourself. Employers want to see that you're taking action to address your shortcomings and improve.

For both strengths and weaknesses: Practice makes perfect! Be ready with clear strengths and appropriate weaknesses, and then back up your answers with concise, detailed stories. Whenever you have an important or unique experience in your daily life, take a minute or two to write it down. You never know when you might need to share it in a future interview.

4. How would your boss/friends/co-workers describe you?

This can be a difficult question if you haven't thought about it ahead of time. Consider recent feedback you've received, both positive and negative. The point of this question is to see if you're self-aware, so a good response would include two positive traits and one "needs improvement" to show that you're insightful and honest. As always, back up your response with evidence. This question also gives you an opportunity to show more of your personality: Do people laugh at your jokes? Do they turn to you for advice? Are you the life of the party or a laidback observer?

Because you won't have your boss/friends/co-workers beside you while you answer this question, you do have some leeway, but be cautious. If you're hired, your new employer will want to see that sense of humor you talked about in your interview!

5. What are your hobbies?

Try not to overthink this question. Hiring managers don't ask it to trip you up. They genuinely want to learn something about you and make sure you're a good fit for their company personality-wise.

Again, honesty is the best policy here. You don't want to lie and say something you think is impressive-like that karate is one of your hobbies-only to find out the hiring manager is a black belt and wants to know more about your dojo. Simply share a few hobbies that demonstrate your commitment and show that you have a life outside of work. And don't share anything controversial (keep politics and religion out of interviews) or that could be construed as having a negative impact on your work.

6. Where do you see yourself in five years?

If the position you're interviewing for aligns with your future goals, now's the time to mention it! Given that over 59 percent of employers make a full-time job offer to interns, your interviewer is most likely looking for someone with potential for long-term employment.

In your response, emphasize what drew you to this career path. You don't need to have a specific future role in mind, but ensure your career goals follow a natural progression from this position to more senior roles in the industry. Your answer should strike a balance between being realistic and being ambitious. But if you aspire to become President of the World by your 30 th birthday, it's best to keep that one to yourself.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Previous Experience

A lot of interview questions rely on your sharing experience from past jobs, and that can be difficult if you have limited or no work experience. Remember that it's okay to be new to the workforce, but prepare yourself with an answer to each of these questions before the interview:

7. Do you have prior experience?

Don't let this question scare you. If you're a current student or recent graduate, it's unlikely you've had an internship or job that's identical to the one for which you're interviewing. But you do have experience!

The key to success when answering this question is relate your experience through school, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and internships to the job at hand. Whenever possible, try to quantify your previous accomplishments with specific outcomes and metrics; it lends credibility to your response.

8. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

This question shifts the focus from your general strengths to your measurable impact. At the same time, it shows what matters most to you. There are a couple of points you'll want to hit in your response. First, set up the situation that you'll be describing and include the task given to you (e.g., "In my last job, I managed schedules for 20 employees."). After this brief introduction, go into detail about your actions and their (impressive) results (e.g., "I standardized processes and reduced turnover by 20 percent."). Wrap up by briefly describing why the accomplishment was important to you.

This is another question that calls for specific stories and benefits from the STAR method. Be sure to practice a few of these scenarios before the interview.

9. How do you deal with stressful situations?

Hiring managers love this interview question because they want to make sure: 1) You've handled stressful situations in the past, and 2) You'll be able to handle stressful situations with their company. If you haven't had any nerve-wracking experiences at work, branch out a little. For example, if you had a particularly stressful class last year, talk about it.

Interviewers want to gauge how you react under pressure, so use our old friend the STAR method to share an experience with them. Never say that you don't get stressed; it will raise a red flag for dishonesty with the interviewer. You can learn more about the "working under pressure" interview question here.

How to Answer Interview Questions About the Company

Questions about the company are meant to test whether or not you did your research-and, implicitly, whether or not you really care about getting this role. These questions can help inexperienced applicants stand out over experienced ones, so be sure to spend some time exploring the company's website, reading the latest press releases, and perusing LinkedIn prior to your interview.

10. What do you know about our company?

This question is one where you don't want to respond with, "You're great!" or "I know nothing." The interviewer wants to see that you put in the time to do some research and truly care about your potential employer.

Adding personal touches when answering this question can go a long way. The more you can connect your newfound knowledge to your own interests and experiences, the better. Something along the lines of, "I appreciate this company's mission because..." or "I was excited to see that you're expanding because ..." will make you more memorable.

11. Why did you apply for this position?

Never say that you're just looking for something to pay the bills. As far as your interviewer is concerned, you could pay the bills by selling your things on eBay. Even if your primary motive is to earn a paycheck, focus on other factors that inspired you to choose this job in particular. Your potential employer wants to know what see in them, so include specific attributes garnered from your research. Then, highlight how your unique skills relate to these areas.

Often, interns don't have large amounts of relevant experience, so it's fine to say that you applied for the position to gain experience in that specific field. Just be sure to include a few recent projects or aspects of the company culture that show that you did your research.

12. Why should we hire you?

This question is similar to the classic: "What makes you the best candidate?" You'll want to approach it with a two-pronged approach. First, highlight the strengths, attributes, and/or experiences that make you unique. Second, show how that uniqueness will enhance the company.

Since you've already studied up on the company prior to the interview, use that knowledge to tailor your answer. Highlight characteristics that would make you a great fit for the company culture in this particular position. Read the full article for examples and more tips on answering "Why should we hire you?"

How to Answer Interview Questions About Others

Questions in this category can be among the most informative for potential employers. Many hands make light work, and it's crucial that you can work well with others, whether they're at the desk next to you or across the country. In today's interconnected world, interpersonal skills are becoming more and more important.

13. Who was the most difficult person you ever worked with?

As a new intern or new employee, you'll be working with lots of different people. Some of them will be very different from you, and you won't get along with all of them-but you still have to work productively together. In asking this question, the interviewer is confirming that you're a professional who can get along with anyone if need be.

When answering this question, be cautious: The company you're interviewing with doesn't want to hire someone who is petty. Make it clear that while you did have problems with your co-worker or classmate, it's behind you, and you don't hold a grudge. Don't name names, and end on a positive note. Even if there was no clear resolution, you want to show that you did what you could to improve the situation and learned from it.

14. What is an example of a conflict you had to resolve?

This is another question seeking to check that you're a team player that can work with anyone. Stick to work-related conflicts for this one; you don't want to give the interviewer a sense that you can't separate your personal and professional life. Your response should focus on experiences where you showcased your leadership and problem-solving skills in a professional or academic setting. Again, the STAR method is your BFF. Even though the interviewer is asking for an example of a conflict, they're really asking how you went about resolving it.

15. Do you prefer to work on a team or independently?

Pretty much every job requires you to work with others in some capacity. When you respond, be diplomatic, assuring your potential employer that you're versatile. The interviewer is checking for three things: your preferred work style, whether you can play well with others, and whether you can stay focused without direct supervision. Share your preference, and then describe two positive examples: one in which you thrived as part of a team and one in which you thrived working solo.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Work Style

Your answers to these questions should show the interviewer how you actually perform on the job and whether you'll be a good fit for the organization. While you want to paint yourself in a positive light, honesty is key. This is where you'll set expectations regarding your productivity and preferences.

16. How do you organize your time and set priorities in a typical day?

For this straightforward question, describe how you keep track of deadlines, use your time, and determine which tasks receive priority. Be sure to connect your method to the job to which you're applying, assuring the interviewer that you'll be able to stay on top of multiple projects.

A response about juggling your coursework, homework, and extracurriculars is completely appropriate for this question. It's safe to say that the person interviewing you has been through some form of higher education and can understand the stresses of college life.

17. What are you looking for in your ideal position?

For this question, tailor your answer to the job or internship you're interviewing for. Even if you want to be petting baby pandas in your dream role, focus on the aspects of this job that you're most excited about.

It helps to use the job description as a framework for crafting your response. Hit on the major responsibilities and highlight those that drew you to the position in the first place. You can draw upon your research on the company; if you know they have a strong mission, mention that your ideal position would be working for a values-driven organization. But remember: Interviewers are intelligent people. If you directly quote the job description, they'll question whether you're being honest.

18. Would you rather complete a job on time or do it right?

This question can vary based on the industry you're interviewing in. Before you say anything else, be sure to mention that you do your best to ensure all tasks are completed promptly and correctly. This lets the interviewer know that you rarely have to choose between completing a job on time or doing it right.

Then, focus on the priorities for that specific job. If you'll be dealing with strict deadlines and time-sensitive documents, describe why you think being on time is most important. If you're interviewing for a role that values quality above all else, explain why you're willing to sacrifice punctuality when absolutely necessary.

19. What type of work environment do you prefer?

Doing your research is the key to answering any question about work environment preference. No matter what your answer is, you need to make sure it jives with the established work culture and reputation of the company. For example, you don't want to say you like a fast-paced work environment if the company you're interviewing with is known for its laidback, chill atmosphere.

20. What kinds of decisions are most difficult for you?

There are a multitude of responses to this question, including decisions involving others, decisions with a big impact, or decisions involving large sums of money. Ultimately, the interviewer wants to know that you can handle any decision thrown at you-and they want insight into how you tackle the really tough ones.

The best way to approach this question is to choose a decision, and then share an actual example of a time when you encountered that kind of decision. Emphasize why it was tough, and then walk the interviewer through what happened and how you approached it. Finish up with lessons learned/happily ever after.

Bonus Interview Questions

21. Do you have any questions for me?

This is a guaranteed question, typically asked with 10-15 minutes remaining in the interview. The interviewer is gauging your level of interest, checking that you did your research, and acknowledging that an interview is a two-way street. This is your final opportunity to convince them that you're a great fit for the role-and to check that this is a great fit for you.

22. How many jelly beans can fit in an 8-inch x 10-inch x 12-inch container?

Questions like this are given to candidates as intentional curve balls. If you're applying to a STEM-related position, you might want to prepare yourself. Most of the time, you won't be expected to give an accurate answer. The interviewer mainly wants to see how you problem solve and think through unique situations.

If you're blindsided by one of these questions, do your best to stay calm and formulate a best-guess answer, instead of just saying, "I don't know."

23. Do you have any children at home?

Any question that relates to your family, race, religion, gender, or age is illegal. The interviewer should know not to ask these questions, but if you get them, you should know how to respond.

You're not required to answer, and you can steer the conversation in a different direction: "I'm not comfortable discussing that topic, but I do have a question about your management structure. Can we discuss that further?" If they pressure you for an answer, then that company is not somewhere you want to work.

Interviews are important. If you want to truly stand out from the crowd and get that job or internship, remember to follow this basic advice: Be honest, be prepared, and think through your answers before you get to the interview.

Be confident and remember: You've got this!

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Common Internship Interview Questions and How to Answer Them | Chegg Internships

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Updated: September 9, 2020 Landing an interview is an amazing feeling. At the same time, interviewing is stressful for everyone-and for students and recent graduates, it's even more intimidating. But with the right tools, and enough practice, anyone can ace their internship interview. Today, we're going to give you the inside scoop on preparing for your interview.

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On the evening of Wednesday, October 7th, the first Vice-Presidential debate of the 2020 presidential election season took place. Located at Kingsbury Hall on the University of Utah campus, Vice President Mike Pence and California State Senator Kamala Harris engaged in the first of three debates ahead of the Nov. 3rd election. Moderated by Susan Page of USA Today, this session provided American voters insight into each candidate's leadership.
Here's a recap of the first Vice-Presidential debate:
The COVID-19 Pandemic

The first question posed to the contenders revolved around the COVID-19 pandemic. Moderator Page asked Senator Harris how the Biden administration would have handled the pandemic differently compared to the Trump administration. Senator Harris responded by calling the Trump administration's COVID-19 response "the greatest failure our country has seen." She added how the administration had advanced knowledge of the virus and its lethality, but did not relay such information to the public. Harris further mentioned that the Biden administration will have a national contact tracing strategy established to succor the pandemic.

In response, Pence said that President Trump prioritized the health of Americans since day one with the travel suspension to China. He further mentioned that Biden was against the China travel ban, calling it "xenophobic" and "hysterical." When moderator Page posed a question regarding a vaccine, Senator Harris admitted that she would be the "first in line" to take a vaccine advised by medical professionals, but not if the vaccine is suggested by President Trump.

Transparency, Taxes, And The Economy

The conversation followed into Trump's COVID-19 diagnosis. Senator Harris believes that Americans have a right to transparency when it comes to elected officials. Continuing, Senator Harris said that transparency is needed across the board, noting Trump's tax filing and suspicious stay at Walter Reed for treatment of the virus. Pence voiced that the transparency that the American people have received from the Trump administration will continue.

As the conversation transitioned into the economy, Pence uttered that Biden will immediately raise taxes when entering office. He also said that the Biden administration wants to bury the economy under a Green New Deal. However, Harris rebutted that Biden's campaign will not raise taxes on those who make less than 400,000 a year. Harris further mentioned that Biden will repeal the tax bill "on day 1" and use the money to invest in the American people. Interestingly, Pence claimed that the Obama administration oversaw the slowest economic recovery since the Great Depression. According to PolitiFact, he was right in terms of GDP growth, but when it comes to unemployment, the 2001 recovery was worse.

Climate Change

Next, Vice-President Pence proclaimed that he is proud of his administration's record on conservation and the environment. Pence acknowledged Trump's claim that improper forest management led to wildfires on the West Coast. According to PolitiFact, such claims are overly simplistic and false. Pence further stated, "there are no more hurricanes today than there were 100 years ago, but many climate alarmists use hurricanes and fires to try and sell the Green New Deal."

When granted the chance to speak, Senator Harris claimed that the Trump administration continuously demonstrates a pattern of not believing in science. Senator Harris exclaimed, "let's talk about who is prepared to lead our country over the course of the next four years on what is an existential threat to us as human beings. Joe is about saying, 'we're going to invest in renewable energy,' it's going to be about the creation of millions of jobs, we will achieve zero emissions by 2050, carbon neutral by 2035. Joe has a plan."

Race Relations And Power

During the topic of race, both speakers sparred over race relations as the nation reels from countless high-profile police killings of Black people, inspiring widespread civil rights protests. Senator Harris even accused Trump of a "pattern" of racism, citing his ban on several Muslim populated countries, labeling Mexicans as rapists and criminals, and his controversial statement that there were "fine people on both sides" at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville in 2017. When mentioning Breonna Taylor, Harris said, "her life was taken, unjustifiable, tragically and violently," to which she touched on George Floyd's death and its aftermath.

In return, Vice President Pence spoke about supporting law enforcement and questioned both Biden and Harris' stance on systematic racism. He added, "our heart breaks for any American innocent life...but I trust our justice system - a grand jury that reviews the evidence." Pence further stated, "this presumption that you hear from Joe Biden and Kamala Harris that America is systemically racist, and as Joe Biden said, he believes that law enforcement has an implicit bias against minorities, it's a great insult to the men and women who serve in law enforcement."

The second Presidential debate of the 2020 election season is next. It will be hosted at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami on October 15th. If you have not already, please click here to check your voter registration status and here to register to vote.

[Editor's note: Images sourced from Giphy.]

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How A Thank You Note Can Help You Ace Your Job Interview | Her Agenda

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By Gabriela Garcia Most job candidates don't bother to do it. However, if done the right way, a thank you note after a job interview could substantially increase your chances of securing the job. Let's explore the pros and cons. ... Read More

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While waiting for a response after an interview can be excruciating, there are actually things you can do to help alleviate the difficult feelings. Sometimes impatience while waiting to hear back after a job interview can lead professionals to make unwise decisions. Read on to discover what you should and shouldn't do while waiting for an answer about a possible job offer.

Things You Shouldn't Do

Don't be aggressive. Having to wait makes most of us impatient. Resist the temptation to get aggressive with the hiring manager, since this will not contribute positively to your professional image. While you can check in by phone or email one week after your interview to ask about the status of the position (unless they told you when to expect to hear from them), do not contact the hiring manager repeatedly.

To help alleviate some of the uneasiness of waiting, ask the hiring manager in your initial conversation what their typical hiring process is and how long it may take. Ask them if you can follow up with them, when and how (via email or phone). That way you will have made a plan together, so to speak, to follow up and you are not left wondering. When you do follow up, ask them if there is an update, if there is any other information you can provide for them and if there are any other questions you can answer for them.

Don't lie about job offers. While having multiple job offers can be a strategic way to speed up a job offer, only use this strategy if you actually have multiple offers. Do not lie to the hiring manager and allude to having another job offer if you don't have one. A hiring manager can easily call your bluff, either by researching the company where you supposedly have a job offer or by contacting recruiters they work with. The only impression this will leave is that you are not an honest professional, and this will not help you get a job offer. On the contrary, a hiring manager will not hire someone they feel they can't trust.

Don't tell your boss. If you currently have a job, don't tell your boss you are waiting for another job offer. Do not let on either on social media or in your conversations that you are considering taking a new job. Update your LinkedIn profile only after leaving your old job if you are concerned about them noticing. This isn't being dishonest; it simply isn't the right moment yet. If your boss knows that you are looking for a new job, this could backfire on you and you could end up without any job. Instead, continue to do your best work at your current position while you are searching on the side.

Things You Should Do

Keep looking. Sometimes people make the mistake of stopping or pausing their job search once they have interviewed for a job. They're tired. The interview process was stressful. They're overwhelmed. However, you must keep in mind that an interview isn't a guarantee of a job. Even if you feel that the job you applied for is a perfect fit for you, if you haven't been offered the position or started negotiations to accept the job, you need to continue to search and interview for other jobs. Other suitable positions may pass you by if you passively wait to be called for a second interview. Continuing to apply helps keep you busy since your mind is on other things versus just waiting, and ensures you are not putting all of your eggs in one basket.

Be patient. Resist the temptation to check your phone every five seconds. Try to remember that the hiring manager or human resources professional most likely interviewed several other candidates. Interviewing numerous applicants and comparing them to each other along with the overall fit for the company takes time. A good hiring manager will not want to make a quick decision. Respect that they want to make the best choice for their organization and this usually isn't made immediately. Also keep in mind that, while you are waiting, they are conducting the interview process and doing their jobs in addition to that.

Continue research into the company. When waiting for a job offer, this is your opportunity to look into the details of the company and solidify your interest in accepting a position. Check your network for connections who work there or worked there in the past to gather information on company culture, and see if they publish an annual report to get a sense of their financial standing.

Update your voicemail. Make sure that your voicemail message sounds professional so that if you miss a call from the hiring manager, your message will leave a good impression. Make sure that it sounds upbeat and confident. Ask someone you trust to listen to it and give you feedback.

Notify your references. You should notify each reference you provided to the hiring manager that you gave their information. Explain what the position entails so they know what they should speak about if they are contacted. Their recommendation will sound that much more professional and relevant if you have prepared them and they know what they need to tell the prospective employer about you.

Stay positive. While waiting for a job offer, take care of yourself. Take breaks from your job search to participate in activities that help you stay positive and reduce stress, such as exercise classes, getting together with friends or listening to upbeat music.

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Things You Should and Shouldn't Do While Waiting to Hear Back From a Job

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
While waiting for a response after an interview can be excruciating, there are actually things you can do to help alleviate the difficult feelings. Sometimes impatience while waiting to hear back after a job interview can lead professionals to make unwise decisions.