A-A A-B A-C C-A C-B C-C PS-A PS-B PS-C X X X X X

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1 Lesson Plan 8: The Job Interview Core Area: Job Search Total Time: Two to five minute class periods Target Grades: Grades Suggested Timeline: Any time during school year; preferably at beginning of school year ASCA Correlation (Which of the ASCA Standards does this lesson address?) A-A A-B A-C C-A C-B C-C PS-A PS-B PS-C X X X X X Lesson Objectives Students will be able to: 1. Explain the importance of body language in creating a good impression. 2. Explain how to use good communication skills and how to project a positive attitude during a job interview. 3. Explain the importance of knowing about the company that they are interviewing with 4. Describe how to follow up after a job interview. Materials Needed A copy of the Job Search Handout 1 The Best Interview Tips Ever! for each student A copy of the Job Search Handout 2 A List of Interview Questions for each student A copy of the Job Search Interview Rubric for each student (extra copies for use during mock interviews) Advance Preparation Have copies prepared of the handouts and of the interview rubric Decide on the job opening for students to use for their mock interviews. It is suggested to have an opening for a local restaurant or local retail store used as the job the students would be interviewing for, as they would be familiar with the local business and be more comfortable with answering questions related to the local business. Decide how you want to proceed in class with mock interviews. Depending upon the size of the classroom, you could have a camera and a desk and chairs in each corner for an interviewer and the interviewee. Ideally, have people from the community volunteer to come in and interview your students. However, if that is not possible, have students take turns being the interviewer and being the interviewee. Have the cameras set up so that they are directed as much at the person being interviewed as possible. Have the rest of the class serve as observers, and have them use the Interview Rubric to assess how they think each interviewee did. Time required for advance preparation depends on availability of video cameras for mock interview use and the time it would take to set up mock interviews. Total time could require two to three hours. 1

2 Activator (Typically 5-10 minutes) If possible, dress unprofessionally on the day you begin the lesson. Have gum in your mouth, slouch, and be as overall untidy as possible. Use slang language, talk negatively, have food crumbs on your mouth and/or clothing, and look disinterested as you go about the tasks like taking attendance at the beginning of the class period. (Students may wonder what is going on!) Ask students to name all the behaviors they could name that you exhibited that would also be inappropriate for a job interview. Core Learning Strategies/Lesson Activities (Typically minutes) Session # Step # Responsibility Action Steps 1 1 School counselor Focus on today s work: 1. Distribute the Interview Rubrics Worksheet 2. Ask students to reflect on their own behavior and personal presentation and complete the handout 2 Students Complete the Interview Rubrics Worksheet 3 Counselor And Student Discussion Distribute the 10 Best Interview Tips Handout, the List of Interview Questions, and the Know the Company Worksheet Read and discuss 10 Best Interview Tips with students o point out that they have already evaluated their first impressions with the Interview Rubrics Worksheet o if they have completed earlier lessons from this module, discuss connections between those lessons and these tips (ex. Job Interview Practice) Review the List of Interview Questions with Students o Remind them they can practice interviews in 4 Counselor Review the Know the Company Worksheet with students Name a sample company from your local area that students can research on the internet Allow students time to research the company and complete the worksheet 5 Student Complete the Know the Company worksheet 6 Counselor Assist students as they complete their Know the Company Worksheet (chart from RI School Counselor Association s Toolkits, found at 2

3 Summarizer/Informal Assessment (Typically 5-10 minutes) After completing this lesson, the students should be able to: 1. Identify the importance of body language in creating a good impression. 2. Explain how to use good communication skills and how to project a positive attitude during a job interview. 3. Know the importance of learning about the company. 4. Describe how to follow up after a job interview. Have students form groups of two or three. Ask questions from the list of objectives above for review. Follow-Up Opportunities for additional learning could include the lessons provided related to Job Search project lessons. Another possible way to have students understand the importance of their behavior before, during, and after an interview is to have three actors/actresses role play for the class two different examples of an interview. Have one person designated as the interviewer, one as the great candidate, and one as the bad candidate. Have a script for each of the actors/actresses. Have the students record the very obvious things to do and not to do as they watch the interviewing role play. If time, you may want to expand upon this lesson. For example, you could have students interview a human resource professional and report back to the class suggestions that he/she provided during the interview. You could also have a panel of human resource personnel come in to your classroom to give suggestions for students as they begin their job search. 3

4 Job Search Handout 1 The 10 Best Interview Tips Ever! Student Name: Step 1 - Know the Company Companies like candidates who know what they want. They are also impressed with someone who has done some digging before arriving at the interview. Make the effort to research your target organization, and you ll find yourself ahead of the competition. Given two equal candidates, the one who shows the most interest usually wins. You can find out about larger organizations by using Web search engines or, even better, by going to your target organization s Web site. There are other Web-based sources, too. If your company is smaller or local, visit the library and ask the research librarian for help. Step 2 - Know Yourself In an interview, your job is to sell yourself. You need to know precisely what you re selling. Once you define that, you can apply these insights to the needs of your target company. Connecting the two successfully is the best way to get yourself hired. Above all else, be authentic. Like a dog that can sniff fear on a person, an employer can intuit your sincerity and true level of interest and commitment. You re "selling" your skills and yourself as a person. First: Your skills. An easy way to uncover yours is to list your accomplishments and then think of which skills it took to do them. Did baby-sitting require psychological sensitivity? Did selling kitchen knives require skills of persuasion? Review your list, and refine your skills into a "package" you can explain easily in a minute or two. Next: You as a person. Most organizations want honest, smart, friendly, motivated, and responsible employees. Do you deal well with people? Are you flexible and open to learning? Did you, for example, show determination to get back on the slopes after you broke your leg skiing? Again, after you make your list, refine it so you can explain your personal "assets" in a minute or two. Step 3 Practice You can make all the lists you want, but there s no substitute for rehearsing how you d handle an interview. Ask your parent, sibling, or best friend to be the interviewer, and give her or him a list of questions to throw at you. There are ways to handle each of these. If you know what they are before you're in the "hot seat," your confidence going into the interview will soar. And remember, if you get a question that you can't answer, simply say you don't know. Then say the question is something to which you would like to give more thought and that you are willing to 4

5 learn what it takes. Again, an employer will respect someone who is honest and open about his or her limitations. Body language is the other thing to be well aware of. If you have a video camera, use it for the practice; otherwise a mirror will do. Hand and arm movements shouldn t be too large. Don't fiddle. Your posture should be relaxed, but alert. Don't slouch; if you look bored in the interview the recruiter may presume that you'd be bored in the job too. Communicate interest and energy. Be yourself. Step 4 - Dress the Part You shouldn t wear a white suit to a funeral (unless you re in China, where it s expected), and you shouldn t wear cargo shorts to an interview. With any organization, the way to dress is the way you would dress if you got the job. If you don t know what that is, ask. If you can t get any information on the company's style of attire, dress a little more formally than you think you might need to. Personal grooming is part of your "dress" too. A good haircut or trim will impress. So will clean fingernails, a fresh-scrubbed look, pleasant breath, and a white smile (a recent teeth-cleaning can t hurt). Don t wear perfume or aftershave. You might love how you smell with that scent, but others may not! Or worse, the recruiter may be allergic to the scent. Step 5 - Get There Early This may seem obvious, but if you re not on time for your interview, the game is over. Getting there early allows you to take a few deep breaths, organize your notes, refresh your memory on a few points that you ve found difficult in your practices, and scan any company materials that may be available in the waiting room. It also allows you to answer the "call of nature" (if there is a call) and to make any last-minute appearance adjustments. The result? You ll feel better about yourself, and you ll be more relaxed in the interview. So leave plenty of time, and get there early. It gives you a psychological edge. Step 6 Make a Good Impression It may seem cruel, but first impressions can be deal makers... or breakers. The interviewer starts forming opinions from the moment the two of you shake hands. No kidding. And by the way, that handshake is critical. Here s how to do it correctly: 1. Look the interviewer in the eye as you offer your hand. 2. Shake his or her hand firmly, but not like a vise. 3. Smile at the same time, and say something enthusiastic like, "Hello Mr. Anderson, it s great to meet you!" 5

6 As you walk to his or her office, make some small talk -- team or sports scores, how great the lobby looks, a recent storm -- you get the gist. Establish positive vibes and the rest of the interview will feel more natural and less like you're being grilled at the Spanish Inquisition. Step 7 - Answer Well You re going to be asked some questions, but there are some tricks to answering them well: 1. Don t ramble. It s better to give a shorter answer with strong points in it than to babble on for five minutes in a disorganized fashion. 2. Look the interviewer in the eye when you re answering. If you don t, he or she may think you re fabricating your answer right there on the spot. 3. Gather your thoughts. If you need a minute to collect your thoughts in order to answer a specific question, feel free to say: "I need to think about that for a moment... " or "That's a great question..." The interviewer will respect your honesty and your desire to offer a thoughtful answer. If a question is a difficult one, try to remember how to approach it. If you blank out, be honest, but definitely put a positive spin on your answer. A little humor never hurts, either. Step 8 - Ask Questions Usually at the end of an interview, you ll be asked if you have any questions. If you don t ask something, it can be taken as a sign of lack of interest, so prepare some questions before the interview. There are two areas to question -- the organization and the job itself. We recommend asking about the job first. Are you clear on the responsibilities of the job? If not, ask for clarification. Do you see where the job fits into the structure of the organization? Do you understand whom you ll be working with, and what their expectations of your work are? By the way, do not ask about the salary or benefits -- vacation, holidays, sick days, etc. -- in the first interview. Leave that for after they have presented you with an offer. Be sure you know what the next steps are after the interview. Are they going to contact you? When do they think they can do that? Would they prefer you to follow up with them? How is the best way to do that? The end of the interview is also a good time to emphasize how interested you are in taking the process to the next step and why you think you d be the perfect candidate for the job. Do not beg for the job, but let your positive energy and enthusiasm win the day. Upon leaving, make sure to shake the person's hand again and make sincere eye contact. And, of course, don't forget to thank him or her. 6

7 Step 9 - Be Yourself This is the most important step. No matter what anyone says, you can t pretend to be someone you re not. In the interview, let who you really are shine through. Trained interviewers spot actors quickly. Be proud of that precious collection of talents, motivations, and skills that make you the individual that you are. Believe in your ability to learn, grow, and develop, and act accordingly. Show the real you -- sense of humor and all -- and you'll be well on the way to getting hired. Step 10 - Follow Up Your interview isn t over when you walk out the door. As soon as you get home, write a short thank-you note to your interviewer. You appreciated the time they spent with you and the chance to learn more about the job and the organization, so tell them. If you promised to send something additional -- writing samples or another copy of your resume, for example -- make sure to enclose it. Keep your note short, and restate your understanding of the next step. If you d like to add something you forgot to say, this is the time and place. You d be surprised how many candidates never offer this simple bit of courtesy. Send a thank-you note, and you ll stand out in the crowd. 7

8 Job Search Handout 2 A List of Interview Questions Student Name: List of interview questions relating to you 1. How would you describe yourself? 2. How would others describe you? 3. Do you consider yourself successful? 4. What was your greatest success? 5. How did you achieve it? 6. What has been your biggest failure? 7. How could you improve yourself? 8. Are you a leader? 9. How do you handle criticism? 10. What sort of manager are you? 11. What makes a good manager? 12. Do you work well with others? Or are you a loner? 13. Do you need other people around to stimulate you or are you self-motivated? 14. Are you accepted into a team quickly? 15. Can you act on your own initiative? 16. How do you run a meeting? 17. What motivates you? 18. What management style gets the best results out of you? 19. Do you know how to motivate other people? 20. Are you competitive? 21. Are you aggressive? 22. What do you dislike doing? 23. Do you feel you are ready to take on greater responsibilities? 24. Can you work under pressure? 25. How many hours are you prepared to work? 26. Do you mind working for someone older than yourself? Younger than you? Of the opposite sex? 27. What interests do you have outside work? List of interview questions relating to the new job / company 1. Why do you want this job? 2. What qualities do you think will be required for this job? 3. What can you contribute? 4. Why do you want to work for this company? 5. What do you know about this company? 6. What interests you about our product (or service)? 7. What can we (the new company) offer that your previous company cannot offer? 8. You have not done this sort of job before. How will you cope/succeed? 9. Why should we employ you? 8

9 10. How long do you think it would be before you were making a significant contribution to the team/company? 11. How ambitious are you? 12. Would you compete for my job? 13. What do you like and dislike about the job we are discussing? 14. What are you looking for in a new job? 15. What would you like to avoid in your next job? 16. Are you too old for this job? [Shouldn't be asked in countries with age discrimination legislation.] 17. Are you too young for this job? [Shouldn't be asked in countries with age discrimination legislation.] 18. Are you over qualified for this position? 19. Are you prepared to relocate? 20. Are you willing to travel? 21. What level of salary are you looking for now? List of interview questions relating to your current / previous job 1. How much does your last job resemble the one you are applying for? 2. What are the differences? 3. What do you think of the last company you worked for? 4. Why did you join your previous company? 5. Did they live up to your expectations? 6. Why are you leaving now? 7. Explain the organizational structure in your last company and how you fitted into it. 8. What did you think of your manager/supervisor? 9. How did you get on with your previous manager/supervisor, coworkers and subordinates? 10. What did you do on a day to day basis? 11. Did you increase sales or profits in your last job? 12. Have you reduced costs at your last company? 13. Did you feel you progressed satisfactorily in your last job? 14. What problems did you encounter in your last job? 15. What annoyed you about your last job? 16. What did you earn in your last job? Career related interview questions 1. Why did you choose a career in? 2. Why are you changing careers? 3. What are your career goals? 4. How long have you been looking for a new job? 5. Do you prefer to work in a small, medium or large company? 6. What would your ideal job be? 7. Are you considering any other positions at the moment? 8. If you have changed jobs a lot you may be asked how long you would stay in the new job. 9. Have you ever been fired? 10. How often are you off sick? 11. What will your referees say about you? 9

10 Job Search Handout 3 Know the Company Student Name: Know the Company Companies like candidates who know what they want. They are also impressed with someone who has done some digging before arriving at the interview. Make the effort to research your target organization, and you ll find yourself ahead of the competition. Given two equal candidates, the one who shows the most interest usually wins. You can find out about larger organizations by using Web search engines or, even better, by going to your target organization s website. There are other Web-based sources, too. If your company is smaller or local, visit the library and ask the research librarian for help. Directions: Develop skills in researching a company that your teacher has suggested or a company that you would like to work for by answering the questions below. 1. What company are you researching? 2. What is the web address of the company s website? 3. What does the company sell or produce? Or what service do they provide? 4. Do they currently have any job openings posted on their website? What jobs are listed? 5. List five additional facts about the company below. 6. List at least two questions that you still have about the company that you might ask during an interview. 10

11 Category Teacher Interview Rubrics Student School Criteria Score Appearance Overall appearance is untidy Appearance is somewhat untidy Overall neat appearance Overall appearance is very neat Greeting Communication Body Language Responding to Questions Choice in clothing is inappropriate for any job interview (torn, unclean, wrinkled) Poor grooming Unacceptable behavior and language Unfriendly and not courteous Presentation shows lack of interest Speaking is unclear very difficult to understand message of what is being said (mumbling, etc.) Facts about job not included Volume is inappropriate for interview (Spoke too loudly, too softly) Fidgeted (Constant movement of hands and feet, etc.) Lack of eye contact Slouching all the time Inappropriate answers to questions Did not attempt to answer questions Choice in clothing is inappropriate (shirt untucked, tee-shirt, too much jewelry, etc.) Grooming attempt is evident Used typical behavior and language did modify behavior to fit the interview Attempts to be courteous to all in interview setting Showed some interest Speaking is unclear lapses in sentence structure and grammar Knowledge of job is minimal Volume is uneven (varied) Fidgeted (Movement of hands and feet frequently, etc.) Eye contact is made intermittently Occasionally slouching Gives inaccurate answers Attempts to answer questions Choice in clothing is acceptable for the type of interview Well groomed (Shirt tucked in, jewelry blends with clothing, minimal wrinkles) Acceptable behavior, well mannered, professionalism lacking Courteous to all involved in interview Showed interest throughout the interview Speaking clearly Minimal mistakes in sentence structure and grammar Knowledge and facts are included/shared Volume is appropriate Minimal fidgeting (Occasionally shifting) Occasional loss of eye contact Brief slouching, but quickly correcting self Answers are acceptable and accurate Answers questions Choice in clothing is appropriate for any job interview Very well groomed (hair, make-up, clothes pressed, etc.) Overall appearance is businesslike Professional behavior and language (handshake, hello, thank you, eye contact, etc.) Friendly and courteous to all involved in interview Very attentive Speaking clearly Appropriate use of sentence structure and grammar Commitment and enthusiasm for job is conveyed Volume conveys business tone No fidgeting Eye contact made Sitting straight in chair Thorough answers to questions Asking Questions No questions asked Student asked questions that were not related to the job Asked questions relating to the desired position Asked questions relating to the desired position. (Evidence is shown that the applicant had researched the business or career field) Total Asked questions related to the business or career field 11