First Job Interview Tips: How to Prepare When You’ve Never Done One Before

Your first job interview is nerve-racking precisely because you’ve never done one — you don’t know what’s coming, and it feels like everything rides on it. Here’s the reassuring truth: employers interviewing 16 to 19 year olds are not expecting a polished professional. They’re expecting a young person who turned up on time, made an effort, and seems keen to learn. All three of those are completely within your control.

What the interview is really checking

For part-time jobs, apprenticeships and placements, most interviewers are asking themselves three simple questions: Will this person turn up reliably? Will they get on with the team and with customers? Do they actually want this role, or any role? Every tip below is about showing those three things.

Before the day: twenty minutes of preparation

Read the job advert again and pick out what they’re asking for. Look at the organisation’s website or social media for ten minutes so you can say something specific about them — “I saw you’ve just opened the café side of the shop” instantly separates you from applicants who clearly applied everywhere. Then prepare short answers to the questions that come up in almost every first interview: tell me about yourself; why do you want this job; what are your strengths; tell me about a time you worked in a team or dealt with a problem.

You don’t need formal work history to answer these. College projects, sports teams, volunteering, helping in a family business, Duke of Edinburgh — all of it counts. For each example, briefly say what the situation was, what you did, and what happened. That little structure keeps you from rambling and makes you sound organised.

Plan the practical things the night before

Work out your journey and aim to arrive ten minutes early — check the bus or train times, not just the route. Know the name of the person you’re meeting. Charge your phone, but put it on silent and away before you walk in. Take a copy of your CV even if they already have it.

What to wear

Smart and clean beats expensive. For most roles, plain trousers or a skirt with a shirt, blouse or smart top is right; a suit isn’t expected for a part-time or first job unless it’s an office role. If in doubt, dress one notch smarter than the people who work there. Clean shoes, tidy hair, and go easy on aftershave or perfume.

During the interview

Greet the interviewer by name, smile, and make eye contact — nerves are fine and interviewers expect them, so don’t apologise for being nervous. Listen to the whole question before answering, and it’s absolutely fine to pause and think, or to ask them to repeat something. If your mind goes blank, say “can I come back to that one?” — that’s far better than waffling. Be honest about what you haven’t done yet; follow it with what you’re keen to learn. And never criticise your college, a previous employer or a teacher, even if invited to.

Have a question ready at the end

When they ask “any questions for us?”, have at least one prepared. Safe, sensible options: what would a typical shift look like? What training would I get? What do you enjoy about working here? Asking nothing can read as not being interested; asking about pay and holidays is fine, but perhaps not as your only question.

Afterwards

A short thank-you email the same day — two or three lines — takes minutes and almost nobody your age does it. If you don’t get the job, it’s not wasted: politely ask for feedback, write down the questions you were asked while they’re fresh, and treat it as a free practice run. Most people don’t get the first job they interview for, and every interview makes the next one easier.

Ready to put it into practice?

The fastest way to get better at interviews is to have one. Browse free part-time jobs, apprenticeships, placements and volunteering across Berkshire on our Find Opportunities page — no account needed, and every listing is with a local employer.