Program Teaches Teens Do's/Don'ts of Applying for That First Job

Soon talk will turn from snow days to spring break.

Then school’s out and summer’s in.

And for many teenagers, a summer job is part of the plan.

To nail that first job interview, some new skill sets may be in order and the sooner the better.

The ’s new program “Get the Job! Interviewing Skills for Teens” for ages 14 and up will combine humor and knowledge to prepare teenagers for their first job interviews. It will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at , 24319 Cedar Creek Lane, Plainfield. Registration is due Tuesday.

Although we’re all still digging out from the blizzard and summer seems so far away, today’s high rate of unemployment means teenagers are up against college graduates and even adult professionals.

“It’s a much more competitive market and it’s good to start thinking about what you want to do early on so you have a chance to apply,” said Jim Black, a retired businessman who now runs Image Builders. He has taught teens’ interviewing skills in the Sandwich school district for eight years and now brings the program to park districts, including Oswego, Woodridge, LaGrange and Geneva.

Black’s nephew, Andrew Jennings, a junior at Sandwich Community High School, will portray a punk with a pierced lip and poor attitude in a mock interview to demonstrate what not to do when it comes to first impressions, body language, eye contact, handshakes, proper dress, and questions and answers.

“It’s a fun class using humor to give teenagers a look at how to present themselves,” said Black, who has taught manners classes for young children at the Plainfield Park District. “The biggest discussion we have is on first impressions. People will make a decision within the first four minutes of meeting you. We’ll discuss how tattoos and earrings can be a detriment, whether it’s right or wrong.”

Black also will provide a list of 15 to 20 questions interviewees should be prepared to answer along with sample questions to ask.

Misty Bartlett, a recreation supervisor with the Plainfield Park District, said Black’s proposal for the teens’  interviewing skills program is a welcome addition, especially considering some of the stories she’s heard from co-workers who interview teens for summer positions.

“They’ll say, ‘I’m here 'cause my mom made me. I don’t want this job,’” Bartlett said. “Some kids don’t have a clue how to go through the interview process.”

“Get the Job! Interviewing Skills for Teens” costs $18 for residents, $27 for non-residents. Registration is available online at www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com or in person at the park district office, 23729 W. Ottawa St., or Streams Recreation Center. For more information, call (815) 436-8812.