Teen Job Hunting: Potential Questions to Ask Employers

For teen job hunters the interview process can be an intimidating or nerve wracking experience. Since most teen job seekers have never worked before they are ill prepared for the actual interview process. During the interview the employer asks a number of questions in order to size up the applicant based upon their answers. However, during the interview the employer is not the only one who should have questions. At the end of the interview the employer will typically ask if the applicant has any questions. So you need to make sure that you have one or two questions prepared to ask the employer. Asking your own questions demonstrates to the employer that you are truly interested in the position. The following is a list of potential questions for first time teen job seekers to ask employers:

Why has this job become available? Has someone left?

What qualities are you looking for in the person you hire for this job?

What makes this a good place to work?

If I asked your employees what is the best ting about working for this company, what would they say?

What is the dress code?

What are the primary responsibilities of this job?

Are you willing to work around my school schedule?

What is the starting pay? What are the hours? [if it has not already been discussed]

When does the job start? OR How soon will you be making a decision? 

If you decided to ask this last question, you might actually start off the question with "I am very interested in this job...".  For example, "I am very interested in this job, when does it start?" 

Don’t ask the employer a question that has already been asked and answered just for the sake of asking a question. Be prepared with 2 or 3 questions written down on a list. When the time comes, take out your list and ask your questions. The employer will be impressed that you put some thought into preparing for the interview.