I was in the mall the other day while a summer job fair for teens was being held. To say that I was shocked by the way some of these teens presented themselves to future employers would be an understatement. From well-worn flip-flops to boys with baggy pants and girls with jeans so low I could see their panties, let me tell you I saw it all (and a good bit of it I wished I had not seen).
In my day, I would not have been allowed to wear some of the clothes that youths today wear. I keep wondering how they are getting away with it. Where are their parents? Back to the job fair. With summer coming, many teens are looking for jobs as was evidenced by the large number of hopefuls I witnessed during this particular job fair. What disturbs me is the way some teens are dressing for an interview. Don’t they understand that the interviewer is judging them and their overall appearance will be a big factor in whether they will be hired or not. Remember first impressions? When it comes to employment it is vital that kids put their best foot forward (minus the flip-flops please). So parents if your kids are going to be out looking for a job for the summer or are looking for regular part-time employment please take the time to sit them down and discuss appropriate attire.
The same basic rules apply for teens seeking employment as for adults, with a few modifications. For instance, teens aren’t expected to wear a suit and tie to an interview but a nice pair of slacks and a clean pressed shirt is essential. Girls should wear a nice dress or a skirt and blouse, also nicely laundered. I am against wearing jeans of any sorts to an interview, even for a job with a relaxed atmosphere. You want to make an impression and stand out from all the other applicants.
So if your teens are going on a job hunt soon, remember no baggy pants, mini-skirts, low-rise jeans, visible thongs or flip-flops. Remind them that their attire can mean the difference between “Welcome aboard” and an “I’m sorry the position has been filled.”
Photo Source: hclib
See also:
Should Your Teens Receive an Allowance It They Are Working
Encouraging Teens To Attend Job Fairs