So, What Advice Would You Give Your Son Preparing For A Job Interview?

My wife asked me today if I could write down some thoughts for my son who's applying for his first job. It's one of those "daddy moments" that come with the job. If my son knew my history of me and job interviews, he might not be so keen in following any advice I may give...

But I digress...

I've interviewed for dozens of jobs in my life and I've also been involved in panels which hired other people, many of whom went on to be fantastic employees so I feel we did a pretty good job choosing when the time came. So when asked about what advice I would have, I have experience in both being the interviewed and the interviewer.

One thing that comes to mind immediately is a candidate for any job is they should be reliable. Just being there, especially when you're dealing with a worker's first job, which, many times, are filled by teenagers (my son is in this category...), reliability is very important.

So, showing up when you're scheduled is huge and you need to let the people hiring you that they can count on you to do that. My son worked for the past two years mowing lawns. He got the job done and he should let the interviewers know he'll get the job done.

Personally, I like someone who's willing to learn new things. The job will be new for him...he'll be learning a technical skill. My son loves his computer and can make that laptop do things I wish I could do. And he works with Windows! I'm a Mac man so my understanding of how computers work is not as extensive as his.

They might ask him the dreaded "what are you biggest weaknesses" question. Personally, I don't care much for that question. I could tell him to answer: "I hate biggest weaknesses questions." Probably not what they're looking for, though. 

And if you don't know an answer, say, "I don't know." It's better to be honest.

Now, I have no idea what they're going to ask him, but one thing I want him to remember--be yourself. If you pretend to be something you're not and they hire you, then they've hired a false image. Be confident. Be honest. And don't worry too much. You'll do great because you are great!