Work experience gives teenagers valuable benefits, including learning responsibility and professionalism, building their resume and college applications, as well as developing skills in conflict resolution and problem-solving. Applying for your first job as a teenager can feel both exciting and daunting. Applying for the job is only the first step; it’s the interview that will actually determine whether they get the job.

Not to worry, we will point out 10 practical tips on how you can land your first hospitality job as a teenager.

What Hospitality Jobs can a Teenager do?

The hospitality industry is a broad and versatile industry that avails you the opportunity to work with a university degree. As a teenager, you can apply for any of the following roles:

• Food Server
• Prep Cook
• Host & Hostess
• Cook
• Usher, Lobby Attendant, Ticket Taker
• Cashier
• Flight Attendant
• Ski Lift Operator
• Ride Operator
• Recreation Attendant
• Service Representative
• Golf Starter and Ranger
• Sports Complex Attendant
• Activities Attendant
• Community Center Coordinator
• Concierge
• Housekeeper, Housekeeping
• Laundry Attendant
• Tour Guides and Escorts
• Travel Guides
• Travel Agents
• Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
• Receptionists and Information Clerks

Interview Tips for Teens to Land Your First Hospitality Job

1. Prepare responses for common interview questions.

Type “teenager job interview questions” on Google so you can quickly learn what to expect in your own interview. For example, many interviewers will ask “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” or “Why should I hire you?” Seek help from your parents on the most appropriate answers to these questions in advance and practice beforehand. A mock interview at home is very helpful for gaining confidence.

2. Know your resume:

 Nothing will irritate an interviewer more than a candidate who reads their resume or has to refer to it frequently. Those actions imply that the resume is untrue or misleading. You need to know your resume inside and out so that you can highlight your positive qualities or experience without looking at your resume.

3. Find the best job openings that match your interest:

You need to think through why you would be a good match for this specific job.  You can seek your parents’ guidance in considering what qualities the job requires and decide what examples of the everyday success you have to demonstrate you have those qualities. Having examples is very important, as it helps the interviewer visualize you in the role.

4. Research the company in advance.

You need to go online and do a little research on the company before your interview. You don’t have to memorize a ton of facts, but it is important to have a good idea of what the company does, how it makes money, and the details of the job for which you are applying. If the job is at a restaurant, visiting in advance to get a feel for the atmosphere is a good idea.

5. Arrive early

It’s best to show up 15-20 minutes before your scheduled interview. You should not show up too early as this might be an annoyance to an interviewer, but never show up late.

6. Dress appropriately

First impressions are crucial. Your parents or siblings can help determine the best outfit for your interview. Most jobs for which a teen is applying are more casual, however, you must ensure to NOT wear jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers for any job interview.

7. Act professionally

Learn to give a firm handshake, make eye contact, state your name with confidence, be positive and optimistic, and thank the interviewer for their time. You should not display a poor attitude or speak negatively about a previous employer. When an employer decides to hire you as a teenager, they are making the decision that they want (or are willing) to spend a good chunk of their time with you – your goal in the interview is to make them want to do that!

Remember that a job interview is also your chance to decide if you want to work for this employer. If, after the interview, you don’t have a good feeling about the job or the employer, it might be better to turn the job down rather than work somewhere that you won’t be happy.