Adulting, or becoming an adult, is a process everyone goes through, but how can you make sure this process is smooth and successful? For young adults who are taking that next step into adulthood, nailing a job interview and securing that job might be the next most important things you do! You certainly want to make sure you succeed during and after that interview. 

Here are some valuable tips to ensure a smooth and successful process. 

Be Courageous and Fearless

Tez Brooks, an award-winning author, wrote and published “Adult-o-Nomics” last year. He called it a book about “adulting with integrity.” In it, Brooks highlighted tips that can help young adults succeed, including ones concerning careers. 

In a recent interview I had with him on career success for young adults, he talked about how some parents “hover” over their children. He said even though these parents mean well, their actions are detrimental to the successful development of their teens and young adults into adulthood. 

Brooks said a lot of times, parents want to keep their teens and young adults around because it’s “sad to say goodbye.” 

He went on to say, “Some parents are going on the job interview with their kids to make sure that they’re doing it right. But what’s happening is that the boss sees that, and then they’re like, ‘Well, I don’t want to hire that kid because he can’t even go anywhere without his mother!’” 

However, he said, it takes maturity on the part of young adults to say, “Mom, Dad, I need to do this on my own. And that could be hard to do if you’re insecure and you’re facing a lot of anxiety.” It takes the initiative, he said, of the young adult to do that. 

Communicate Well

Additionally, communication is important to succeed in the workplace. I recently read an article about an unfortunate situation involving a member of Gen Z and her employer. Her employer dismissed her because she wasn’t using the appropriate language for the professional setting. She apparently used more informal than formal language. That Gen Zer unfortunately wasn’t taught this vital lesson and paid a hefty price for it. 

But it’s an easy one to forget, especially when our communication is informal (and often digital) with our family and friends. Remember that when you’re in the workplace, you should aim for more formal (yet not rigid and complex) communication. Use simple and ordinary language. Be your authentic self but communicate appropriately. Avoid using excessive or inappropriate (for the context) emoticons. Avoid using slang as much as you can. And certainly, avoid  inappropriate language. “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Ephesians 4:29, NIV). 

Most job opportunities require an interview. During that time (and after), remember to be polite, honest, and flexible. Many employers look for flexibility to grant a job opportunity and to give other opportunities that arise in the workplace. 

Also, be mindful of your body language. Remember to always dress appropriately. How you communicate in both language and action, including clothing, has a way of giving you the advantage you need to secure that job and excel while there.

Ask the Right Questions

During the interview, especially, remember to ask the right questions. Avoid asking questions you can easily find answers to. More specifically, tread carefully when asking questions about money and benefits. You want the employer to know you’re not there only for the money, but also because of the love you have for the job; that it’s because you truly want to be there, learn and contribute. 

When you’ve secured the job, don’t be afraid to ask questions on the job. When you ask questions, you gain clarity. It also shows you’re interested in the job you do and that you care. Maybe that question might bring something to the attention of your boss that he or she had never previously thought about. Indeed, every question that’s worth asking is genuinely worth asking.

Tell the Truth Always

God loves when people tell the truth. On your resume and during the interview, tell the truth. Resist the temptation to lie no matter what. You want to get the job, knowing you did so honestly and deserved it. You want to be able to look back and know it’s your experiences and hard work that got you the opportunity. 

Remember truth is what God loves and honors at the workplace. Even if you experience a “backlash” for telling the truth, God will honor it and you. “Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment” (Proverbs 12:19, NIV). 

Conduct your work with integrity. Even if you encounter a work colleague who doesn’t like you, stay focused on achieving your goals, and do so with integrity. “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” … “For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil” (1 Peter 3:13-14,17, NIV). 

Choose Jobs Based on Your Passion

To succeed, choose a job opportunity based on what you’re passionate about because passion will always show. When I was a young adult, I applied for jobs in fashion retail and sales in the heart of London,  because I loved fashion. I was able to secure several opportunities because of my love for it, which employers could see immediately at the interview. I also had experience showing I was interested in the industry.

During that same period in my life, I also volunteered as a journalist at local radio stations. That was how my journalism career began. But I only got those opportunities because the station managers knew I had a passion for the job—yes, so much passion that I was willing to work there for free! And there was no better way to prove my love for the profession than to do it without financial compensation. 

When growing into adulthood, Brooks said the best thing you can do is to ask questions. So, ask for advice from your parents about how to succeed at the interview (rather than taking them with you). Let them give you all the advice. Pray. Give your best at the interview and when you’ve secured that job, remember to give God the praise and work at it with excellence! 

This article was originally titled “1, 2, 3 Let’s Go!” in the January 2025 issue of Peer.