What to Bring to a Job Interview Teenager
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why the Right Items Matter (Beyond the Basics)
- Core Items Every Teen Should Bring (Checklist)
- Before the Interview: Practical Preparation and What to Pack
- What to Bring — Detailed Rationale and How to Present Each Item
- Virtual Interviews: What to Bring and How to Set Up
- Phone Interviews: What to Bring and How to Sound
- Role-Specific Considerations
- What NOT to Bring — Practical Boundaries
- Two Lists: Quick Preparation Plan and Interview-Day Essentials
- How to Use Your Materials During the Interview — Scripts and Phrases
- Follow-Up Materials and Next Steps
- Troubleshooting Common Interview Situations
- Building Confidence and Practice Resources
- When International Mobility Is Part of the Plan
- Aligning Interview Materials with Long-Term Career Habits
- Resources and Next Actions
- Conclusion
- FAQ
Introduction
First interviews can feel like a high-stakes performance — or simply a confusing checklist. Many teenagers walk into interviews unsure whether they should bring their phone, a portfolio, or their parents. The truth is simple: what you bring matters because it shapes how employers perceive your preparedness, judgment, and professionalism.
Short answer: Bring a clean, easy-to-navigate packet that proves you’re organized and reliable: a few printed resumes, a list of references, any relevant certificates, a notebook and pen, and the right ID if the employer requires it. Add a modest portfolio or digital samples if the role needs examples of work, and always bring confidence and prepared questions.
This article covers the complete, practical roadmap for what teenagers should bring to different types of interviews — in-person, phone, and virtual — and how to assemble those items into a clear narrative about reliability and growth. You’ll get concrete checklists, a prep timeline, scripts for common situations, and troubleshooting so nothing surprises you on the day. My approach blends career coaching with practical mobility advice for teens who may be interviewing for local jobs, internships, or opportunities that could involve travel or international work experience later on.
Main message: With the right items and the right preparation, a teenager can present as dependable, coachable, and ready for responsibility — the traits employers actually hire for.
Why the Right Items Matter (Beyond the Basics)
First impressions are evidence, not fluff
What you carry to an interview is not mere stage dressing. A tidy folder with multiple resumes signals organization. A digital portfolio on a tablet shows tech fluency and initiative. These items reduce friction during the interview and allow the conversation to stay focused on your skills and attitude.
Employers are assessing three things quickly: can you follow instructions, will you show up reliably, and can you represent the company well. The physical and digital materials you bring are the fastest way to demonstrate those attributes.
How items support your story
Every piece of paper or file should support one of your talking points. A certificate backs up a claim about training. A reference list strengthens claims about teamwork. A printed schedule or transportation plan shows you’ve solved logistics. Think of materials as evidence that you can convert intent into action.
Preparing for opportunities that go beyond the local role
If the teen aspires to international experiences — semester exchanges, work abroad programs, or summer jobs that require travel — add travel documents (passport), a basic explanation of visa eligibility if needed, and any language certificates. Bringing these items to a local interview demonstrates forward thinking and adaptability.
If you want focused, one-to-one support to prepare and practice, consider booking a free discovery call to get a personalized checklist and mock-interview plan tailored to the role and context. Schedule a free discovery call with me today.
Core Items Every Teen Should Bring (Checklist)
Use this single, focused checklist when preparing. These items are universal across most teen interviews. Keep them in a slim folder or a clean portfolio to stay organized.
- Multiple copies of your resume (2–4), printed on quality paper
- A short list of 2–3 references with phone and email
- Photo ID (driver’s license or school ID) and any documentation requested in the job posting
- Any role-specific certifications (food handler, lifeguard, CPR), neatly clipped
- A notebook and a reliable pen for notes and names
- Prepared questions for the interviewer printed on a small card
- A modest portfolio or samples if relevant (art, writing, design screenshots, school project summary)
- A charged phone (muted) and headphones; only take them out if you need directions
- Clean, appropriate clothing put together the night before
(That checklist doubles as your pre-interview packing list. Keep the folder in a bag that’s neat and not overly bulky.)
Before the Interview: Practical Preparation and What to Pack
One week out: clarify logistics and ask questions
Start with the details. Confirm the interview location, time, and who you’ll meet. If the posting asked for any documents, double-check precisely what they need. If anything is unclear, call or email the employer and ask. Clear communication at this stage is itself a display of responsibility.
If you want help clarifying what to bring based on a specific role — whether retail, hospitality, internship, or a remote interview — you can connect with an expert coach to tailor a pre-interview plan.
Gather the documents you’ll need and create a master folder. In that folder keep printed copies of everything, plus digital backups on your phone or a small USB drive (label it simply and professionally).
Three days out: polish materials and practice
Finalize your resume and references. Make sure contact information is current and that your references know they may receive a call. Practice answering common questions using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) so your answers stay structured without sounding scripted.
If building confidence is the hurdle, consider a structured course to strengthen interview presence and communication skills. A short, confidence-focused course can give practice exercises and frameworks for answering behavioral questions. Explore a career confidence course that helps teens shape concise stories and practice delivery.
Reserve your interview outfit and make sure everything is clean, fits, and is appropriate for the role. Lay out shoes, belt, and any small accessories the night before.
Night before: assemble and review
Create a final interview packet in a slim folder: two to three resumes, your references, printed questions for the employer, and any certificates. Place a copy of directions to the location or a screenshot if it’s online. Charge your phone and bring a portable charger if you use one.
Double-check the weather and plan transit time with a 15–20 minute buffer. If you’re under 18 and the employer’s processes require parent signatures, bring the necessary signed documents or confirm who will sign.
Morning of: final read and calm rituals
Eat a light breakfast and hydrate. Review your prepared answers and questions for 10–15 minutes. Put your folder in a bag that’s easy to carry and leave home with ample time. Arriving 10–15 minutes early is ideal — not too early that you unnerve the employer, and not late.
What to Bring — Detailed Rationale and How to Present Each Item
Resumes: more than a sheet of paper
Bring multiple printed copies of a clean, one-page resume. For teens this might be short — that’s fine. Include education, any jobs or volunteer roles, relevant school projects, and concise bullet points with achievements (not generic responsibilities).
When handing a resume, look the interviewer in the eye and say, “I brought a copy of my resume if you’d like one.” This small phrase reads as proactive and polite.
If you don’t have a resume or want a modern template, download free resume and cover letter templates to create a professional layout before the interview. These templates help you present information clearly and professionally. Download free resume and cover letter templates here.
Reference list: who to include and how to format it
References should be adults who can speak about your reliability or skills: a teacher, coach, supervisor from a volunteering role, or an employer if applicable. List the person’s name, title/relationship, phone, and email. Keep it short — 2–3 references is standard.
Before listing someone, ask permission. A quick text that says “May I list you as a reference for a part-time job I’m interviewing for?” is professional and respectful.
Role-specific certificates and IDs
If the job posting required a specific certification, bring the original or a printed copy. Common examples: food safety certificates for hospitality, lifeguard certification for pool jobs, or a work permit for under-18 employment in some locations.
Always carry a form of photo ID. Even if not requested, it’s often necessary to confirm availability for immediate onboarding.
Portfolio and work samples: physical vs. digital
For creative roles, bring a clean, concise portfolio. Physical portfolios should be slim and curated — pick 3–6 strong pieces. For digital samples, a tablet or a clean laptop with offline copies works well. Make sure files open without internet access or rely on a portable hotspot only as a backup.
Label files clearly and start your portfolio with a one-line description of each piece: what the task was, your contribution, and an outcome or lesson learned.
Notebook and pen: the underrated essentials
A small notebook communicates focus. Take notes about interviewer names, key dates, or next steps. Jotting down a follow-up plan helps you remember what to include in a thank-you message.
Questions to bring (and use)
Bring 3–5 smart questions printed on a card. Avoid overly generic ones and pick things that show you’re thinking beyond the role: ask about training, expectations for the first 30 days, or who the role collaborates with most. Good questions close the interview and remind the employer you’re curious and engaged.
Dress and grooming: cultural and contextual nuance
Dress slightly more formal than the company culture. For retail or hospitality, a neat polo or button-up and clean jeans may be fine. For an office internship, a blazer or dress makes sense. Avoid loud jewelry, strong fragrances, and anything that distracts from your conversation.
If in doubt, choose conservative, well-fitting clothing and clean shoes. Comfort is important, but prioritize a presentable appearance.
Virtual Interviews: What to Bring and How to Set Up
Tech checklist
For virtual interviews, bring the same mindset but substitute physical items for tech items: a charged laptop with a working webcam, a reliable headset or earbuds, and a quiet, well-lit space with a neutral background.
Test your microphone, webcam, and the video platform at least 15–30 minutes before the interview. Use headphones to reduce echo and background noise. Keep your phone on silent but within reach for navigation or emergency messages.
Lighting and background
Face a window or a soft lamp. Avoid bright light behind you that creates a silhouette. Choose a tidy, neutral background; a bookshelf or plain wall works well. If you use a virtual background, test it to avoid distraction.
Backup plans
Have the interviewer’s phone number or a secondary contact method in case of connection issues. If your internet drops, call and use your phone to complete the interview. Being calm and proactive during tech failures is a positive signal.
Phone Interviews: What to Bring and How to Sound
Prepare the essentials
Phone interviews are often screening calls. Keep your resume, job description, and a list of talking points in front of you. Stand or sit up straight — posture improves vocal projection. Have a glass of water nearby and avoid noisy or public spaces.
Handling unexpected questions
Listen carefully and respond clearly. If you need a moment, say, “That’s a great question; can I take a moment to think about it?” Pausing briefly is far better than speaking without focus.
Role-Specific Considerations
Retail and hospitality jobs
Bring a resume with customer-service achievements (even school-based), your availability, and any relevant certificates (food handling). Show punctuality by arriving slightly early and prepared to discuss scenarios where you helped a customer or solved a problem.
Lifeguard, recreation, or safety-focused roles
Bring current certifications clearly dated and a summary of emergency response experience. Practice concise stories about times you stayed calm under pressure.
Internships and office roles
Bring a resume, project summaries (one-page notes), and a list of technical skills. If you’ve used industry tools (like simple analytics tools, collaboration platforms, or basic design programs), be prepared to describe how you used them and the outcomes.
Creative roles (art, writing, media)
Bring a curated portfolio and be ready to explain your creative decisions. If a physical portfolio isn’t feasible, ensure your digital samples are easy to navigate and can be shown without loading issues.
International programs and roles with travel
Bring a passport and any relevant visas or documentation. If you don’t yet have them but are eligible, bring a concise plan explaining timelines and steps for obtaining these documents. Demonstrating that you understand mobility requirements is a signal of readiness.
What NOT to Bring — Practical Boundaries
There are items that do more harm than good. Leave them at home:
- Excessive personal items (large backpacks loaded with unrelated things)
- Loud or distracting jewelry
- Food or drink during the interview (finish beforehand)
- Gum or candy while speaking
- Irrelevant paperwork that clutters your folder
- Overly casual clothing that sends a message of unpreparedness
Leaving these items behind keeps the interaction professional and focused.
Two Lists: Quick Preparation Plan and Interview-Day Essentials
-
Seven-step interview preparation plan (use this timeline to structure your week):
- Confirm logistics and required documents.
- Finalize resume and reference list; update contact info.
- Practice answers using the STAR method; rehearse with a friend.
- Prepare questions and portfolio samples; test digital files.
- Lay out clothing and pack your folder the night before.
- Plan transit and arrive early; take deep breaths and center yourself.
- Send a brief thank-you note within 24 hours.
-
Interview-Day Essentials (single-bag packing checklist):
- Folder with resumes, references, and certificates
- Notebook and pen
- Printed questions for the interviewer
- Valid photo ID and any requested documents
- Clean outfit and appropriate shoes
- Phone (charged) and a small charger
(These two lists are the only lists in this article; use them to guide last-minute preparation.)
How to Use Your Materials During the Interview — Scripts and Phrases
Handing a resume or certificate
When you present a document, do so with a sentence that clarifies why it’s relevant: “I brought a copy of my resume and my food safety certificate; I completed the course last month and would be happy to talk through what I learned.”
Referring to a project or sample
If you show a portfolio piece, give a one-sentence context and a concise outcome: “This is from a school project where I led a small team; I organized the timeline and we completed the campaign three days early, which improved turnout by our estimate.”
Asking clarifying questions
If asked about availability or duties, respond with specifics: “I’m available after 4 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends; I can commit to [X] shifts per week.”
Closing the interview
End with a reinforced interest statement and an actionable follow-up: “Thank you for your time — I enjoyed learning about this role. I’m very interested and I’d be happy to provide any additional documents. What are the next steps?”
Follow-Up Materials and Next Steps
Thank-you message
Send a short, polite thank-you note within 24 hours. Reference one or two specific aspects of the interview and reaffirm your interest. Keep it concise: two to three paragraphs. If an interviewer gave a timeline, mention that you look forward to hearing back by that date.
If you’re asked to provide additional documentation
Respond quickly. Employers gauge responsiveness based on how fast you supply requested items. If you need time, send a brief message with an estimated timeline.
If you don’t hear back
Wait the timeframe they provided. If a week passes beyond that time, send a polite follow-up asking for an update and restating your interest.
Troubleshooting Common Interview Situations
What to do if you forget a document
Stay calm. If you left a requested certificate at home, offer to email a scanned copy immediately. Demonstrating prompt follow-up is often as valuable as having the document on hand.
What to do if you’re running late
Call ahead if possible and apologize briefly. Explain your estimated arrival time and confirm that it still works. Employers appreciate transparency and effort to communicate.
Handling nervousness and blank moments
Pause, breathe, and ask to repeat the question if needed. Using the STAR method as a mental template helps you create structure quickly. If you draw a blank, you can pivot to a relevant soft skill example rather than leaving silence.
When an interviewer asks about age or availability restrictions
Answer transparently. If you have limits due to school schedules or age-related work permits, explain them clearly and suggest reasonable alternatives.
Building Confidence and Practice Resources
Confidence grows with practice. Mock interviews with friends, family, or a coach are the fastest way to remove surprises. Practicing live makes your stories smoother and your body language more natural.
For structured practice, a short self-paced course that teaches confident responses and interview frameworks can accelerate progress. Look for programs that include role-play exercises, prompt libraries, and feedback templates to track improvement. If you’d like a tailored practice plan or guided mock interviews, I offer coaching sessions that focus on confidence, clarity, and a personalized roadmap; you can book a free discovery call to discuss a plan.
When International Mobility Is Part of the Plan
For teens aiming for opportunities that include travel or work abroad later, bring evidence of language study, travel readiness, and any youth program acceptances. Demonstrating flexibility, cultural curiosity, and basic knowledge of travel documentation strengthens a candidate’s profile.
If you’re uncertain about documentation for working abroad or study-travel programs, a short planning conversation can clarify timelines and requirements. Consider a coaching conversation to outline a simple roadmap for eligibility and next steps so you can present mobility as a realistic part of your profile. Connect with an expert coach for a personalized mobility roadmap.
Aligning Interview Materials with Long-Term Career Habits
The items you bring to interviews should feed a habit system: keep a living folder (digital and physical) with updated resumes, references, and certificates. Update it every three months or after any new achievement. This habit saves time and reduces stress for future opportunities.
If you’re building a public professional profile (like a LinkedIn for older teens), maintain a consistent resume and digital portfolio. Even when you’re young, a clean record of experiences helps employers see a pattern of responsibility.
If you need templates to maintain that living folder, use a set of free, professional templates for resumes and cover letters to save time and look polished. Download downloadable resume templates and cover letters.
Resources and Next Actions
As you prepare, prioritize these actions: finalize your resume, confirm required documents, rehearse with one trusted person, and pack your folder the night before. For measurable progress, track the interviews you apply to, the materials you tailored for each, and the follow-up interactions.
If you want a practical training pathway — structured practice sessions, tailored feedback, and a repeatable interview script — a focused training course will fast-track the learning curve by giving frameworks and daily practice tasks. Consider a digital course that focuses on building career confidence and communication skills so you can show up consistently as your best self. A career confidence-focused course provides step-by-step modules and exercises to sharpen answers, craft stronger stories, and reduce interview anxiety.
For personalized direction and a mock-interview schedule built around your specific role and goals, start a conversation with me and we’ll design your plan together.
Conclusion
Teen interviews are less about experience and more about potential, reliability, and attitude. The materials you bring — clean resumes, reliable references, required IDs, and a modest portfolio — are tangible proof that you can manage responsibilities and represent an employer well. Preparation is a repeatable process: assemble a living folder, rehearse with structure, and treat each interview as practice for the next opportunity.
If you want personalized help translating your activities into strong interview stories, building a professional packet, and practicing realistic interview scenarios, book a free discovery call and I’ll help you build a clear, confidence-driven roadmap to success. Book your free discovery call now.
FAQ
What if I don’t have a resume yet — should I still bring something?
Yes. Bring a one-page summary that lists your name, contact info, education, relevant activities (volunteer, clubs, sports), and a short bullet point for each that emphasizes contribution or outcome. Use a free template to format it professionally and print two copies. If you’d like, you can also download free resume templates to get started quickly.
Should parents come into the interview with me?
Unless requested, parents should wait outside or nearby. Employers usually expect to speak directly with the teen. If you need a parent present due to age or legal reasons, confirm this in advance and explain the arrangement to the employer.
What’s the best way to present a lack of work experience?
Frame school projects, volunteer roles, and extracurriculars as experiential evidence. Use the STAR method: describe the situation, the task you took on, the actions you executed, and the result. This structure turns informal experience into compelling, hireable narratives.
How many references should I bring and who should they be?
Bring 2–3 references: a teacher, a coach, a supervisor from a volunteer position, or an employer if you’ve worked before. Provide their name, relationship to you, phone number, and email. Ask permission before listing anyone and give them a quick update so they’re prepared if contacted.
If you’d like a personalized checklist or a mock interview tailored to the exact role you’re applying for, we can map out a short practice plan together — schedule a free discovery call to get started.
