Unit(s): Interviewing
Purpose:
To give the student training in effectively preparing for a real-life job interview
Objective:
The student will learn practical skills in making a positive impression in a job interview.
Materials:
Copies of the following handouts:
- Requesting a Job Interview
- Preparing for a Job Interview
- Anticipating Questions
- Gathering Information at the Interview
- Rehearsing the Interview
Procedure:
Follow the directions given on each worksheet, using them as classwork/homework assignments.
Follow-up activities:
Conduct classroom job interviews
Directions:
Draw up a list of ten places of business that hire teenagers in your community. From that list, select two places where you might wish to apply for part-time work. Write a letter to the manager at each workplace requesting an interview for a specific position, such as a stock clerk in a grocery store.
To help decide what to say in your letter, consult the guidelines below. In addition, refer to the information in your textbook regarding what most interviewers look for in an interviewee.
Directions:
Imagine that you have been asked for an interview with both employers to
whom you wrote requests on the worksheet titled "Requesting a Job
Interview". Select one of those employers to use as the subject of this
worksheet. prepare for the interview with that employer by clarifying your
thinking on your own specific personal traits and qualifications that make
you the person for the job. Keep in mind that general traits, such as
reliability and punctuality can be demonstrated by people who have had no
previous employment.
When I interview for a job at ______________________________________________
(Name of workplace)
for the position of ______________________________________________, I can
feel confident of letting the employer know that I am qualified because of
my ______________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Now think of teachers, adult neighbors, people at your church, and other
reliable adults who would be willing to write favorable letters of
reference for you. Complete the information below.
I will go the interview with letters of personal reference from
Name Address
______________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________
______________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________
______________________________ ____________________________________
____________________________________
When an employer invites you to be interview for a job, prepare yourself
by anticipating questions you will be expected to answer about yourself,
your job experience, your reasons for wanting to work, and other related
information. Planning ahead for the interview helps you present yourself
best in the situation.
Directions:
Again imagine that you have been called to interview with the employer
you identified on the worksheet titled "Requesting a Job Interview".
Fill in the following information for that interview.
For my interview at ___________________________________________________
for the position of _________________________________________, I
anticipate being asked about _______________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Directions: Your textbook explains that the interview process should provide both people involved, not just the employer, with the opportunity to gather information. As the interviewee, what information would you want and need to help you decide whether this job would suit you? When I interview for a job at ________________________________________ for the position of _________________________________________, I will be sure to ask about__________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
When being interviewed, you can depend on being asked the inevitable unexpected question. However, you can anticipate such questions by asking a friend or relative to play the role of the interviewer and ask you questions. Directions: Give the list of anticipated questions that you identified on the worksheet titled "Anticipating Questions" to an adult or classmate who will play the role of the interviewer with you. Rehearse your responses aloud several times. Do not work for memorized answers. Rather, work to improve the content and deliver of the information you give. As you rehearse be sure to work in the questions you plan to ask to gather information about the job. Your partner will have to improvise his or her responses to you. To give you practice answering unanticipated questions, have your partner also improvise questions not included on your list. Seek feedback from your partner about your poise, confidence, eye contact, voice quality, language choices, and other communication skills. On the lines below, write at least two questions that you had not anticipated you would be asked. ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________
The following are questions which you should anticipate in a job interview. Answer these as if they were asked to you in an interview situation. On a separate piece of paper write the name of the job you want and your answers to the following questions. Be honest in your answers. However, assume that you want this job and consequently, want to put your best foot forward.