YOUTH AND INTERVIEWS

To be competitive during an interview, consider bringing up some of the following points:

Dynamism and economy: Employers like to rejuvenate their team to give it a breath of fresh air -- that’s where you fit in! As a young employee with less experience, you also have the advantage of being less costly.

• Demonstrate your energy, while staying calm and poised.

• Offer new, ¨young¨ ideas.

• Keep in mind that you must honour the organization dress code at all times.

• Agree to start at the bottom of the salary scale.

Willingness to learn, motivation and availability: Employers often prefer to hire young people they can train to meet their own needs.

• Demonstrate your willingness to learn by asking questions about the duties and nature of the work.

• Show that you have an open mind; it demonstrates your capacity to adapt easily.

• If you have done volunteer work, make sure to let the interviewer know; it shows that you are dedicated and motivated;

• If you don’t have too many personal obligations, point out your availability; it will also show your flexibility.

New technologies and up-to-date courses: It is a well-known fact that young people are particularly open to new technologies.

• Show your interest and capacity to learn new software.

• Express any knowledge you may have regarding software relevant to the interviewer’s business.

• If you have had recent training that could be an asset to the employer’s workplace, try to figure out ahead of time how you could work the information into the interview …

It is important to emphasize every aspect of your character, situation, experience and training that a potential employer would regard as an advantage. With time and experience, you will gain additional assets. Try to show potential employers that you are willing to learn and develop as a member of their team.