Here’s where it gets tricky

By Taerynn Khai Owens

Perspectives Math & Science Academy

Unemployment has hit teen workers considerably hard in the current recession and further challenging their job search efforts are “tricky” job applications and interview questions.

According to the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES), the state’s unemployment rate (at time of publication) is at 8.8 percent while teen unemployment lies at 25.4 percent. Landing a position is tough for adults, who may be better prepared to deal with job-search challenges that probe for extensive personal information. But teens–who may favor retail jobs such as those that can be found at Home Depot, A'gaci and Burger King–may be stomped by applications and interview questions used to determine attitude, character and morals and to predict behavior.

“Employees are looking for candidates who have the technical skills and abilities to perform well, but they are also looking for people who will fit in with the existing team and company culture,” says Molly Verble, director of programs at Youth Job Center ofEvanston. “A popular cliché states that people are hired for what they know and fired for who they are. For this reason the whole interview process, the application, interview questions, initial offer and the surrounding negotiations–even company orientations–can be a test of behavior and psychology.”

Starting with the application–often done online these days–teens are sometimes placed at a disadvantage. Some applications are more favorable toward people with more job experience, which can leave teens at the tail end of opportunity.

With the unemployment rate being high for adults as well as for teenagers, some teens may be competing with adults for jobs. Verble says that lengthy applications could be a plus or a minus for teens. “Lengthy applications can be a deterrent for most teens,” she says. “However, college and scholarship applications are often extensive. Job applications mirror real-life experiences teens will have to master in order to be successful.”

Ruben Goff, career development workshop facilitator at Jobs for Youth Chicago, says that interview questions indeed can be posed in a tricky manner. However, he says that it's a means to an end rather than a trick for trick's sake. “Usually those questions arrive when the recruiter feels the need to explore the applicant further in order to ensure the right candidate for the job,” he says.

Hiring managers just want the truth, Goff suggests. The questions that they ask are intended to give the candidate the opportunity to highlight actual skills and abilities.

“Interviewers are finding that people know how to give answers that they think the interviewer wants to hear without actually having the experience or skill set the interviewer is looking for,” Verble says. “If the interviewee cannot provide evidence or support for answers, the interview may not result in a job offer. Employers are looking for the best skill and personality match, and the interview process is the only chance to gather information before making a hiring decision.”

Roger Peden, director of employer services at Jobs for YouthChicago, says that hiring managers may use different techniques to get the truth. “They ask the same questions multiple ways to ensure the answers are consistent,” he says.

Then, how do teens effectively present themselves as the best candidate? They have to be more than just the best candidate during the interview, these experts suggest. “The best candidate doesn't land the job,” Goff says. “The candidate that best sells himself or herself most effectively gets the job.”

Thorough answers are a good place to start. “Concise, but informative answers are best,” Peden says. “Elaborate answers tend to muddle the focus. During an interview, it's good to have a definite beginning, middle and an end with tangible results.”

Potential employers often would like to know how you would react when confronted by a particular situation. Peden suggests applicants answer using the P.A.R. method: describe the Problem, the Action you've initiated and the Result that occurred.

“The answers need to be descriptive, but not necessarily wordy,” Peden says.

Teens also shouldn't forget that an interview can be a two-way street for sharing information.

“Remember, an interview is your opportunity to find out about the company as well as their opportunity to find out about you. Take the time to do some research on the company to be able to ask informed questions,” Verble suggests. “Be at your best, dress appropriately, bring your resume and use your professional manners. And always be confident in your skills and accomplishments.”