I think enthusiasm is the key to a great interview. Enthusiasm separates the winner form the losers. It can be more important than experience.
- Smile and be friendly to everyone you meet
- Extend a firm handshake
- Look the other person in the eye
- Show respect for the interviewer
- Mention that you are a hard worker, friendly and helpful
- Show that you can do the job, or that you can learn it quickly.
That's great, Angie. Never can do enough mock interviews. You might have employers come to the school and conduct them and give feedback based on their experiences. And after each interview, ask the grad to tell you what went well and areas for improvement. Thanks, Susan
Are School does use role play mock interviews. We start from the introduction to the end of the interview. It gives the students the chance to get the feel of what kinds of questions that could be asked at an interview and how they would answer. Then we talk about there responses and if they needed to change or maybe added something to there responses.
Hi Lucy, Mock interviews are great and doing them in the classroom is good. We suggest holding frequent interview practice sessions as students learn from each one. It is good for them to experience improvement and more confidence. Organizing mock interviews at Work Source Centers is also a great idea. Then students can experience what it is really like on an interview and at the same time get feedback on how to improve. Lots of practice and feedback is important. Thanks, Susan
We provide our students with mock interviews at the classrooms and I also provide my students with mock job interviews and coordinate mock job interviews with the local Work Source Centers.
Hi Tiffany, We agree. All employment and job skills training requires practice to build skill and confidence. There's probably a fine line between an effective response, one that the interviewer has heard many times, and speaking from the heart. Sometimes there is too much information given that isn't necessary. We also think that feedback from a variety of people is important when practicing interview skills. Thanks, Susan
Role playing is great! Practice, practice,practice. I also believe that a grad shouldn't be so focused on answering the questions the way the interviewer wants to hear, but answer how they truly feel it should be answered. I think everyone will "bomb" at least one interview in their lifetime and that is the only way to learn.
Plus, asking the interviewer for feedback so the grad can use in the next interview.
Thanks John, Actually if you make a game of mock interviews students have more interest and patience with it. And look for the class clown to demonstrate all the ways NOT to have a successful interview. There are a lot of game techniques to make the process fun so students learn the needed interview skills. Thanks, Susan
I have used role play/mock interviews to prepare students for the "real thing." I strongly encourage students to practice/rehearse their answers, especially a 30 sec to 2 minute bio about themselves as they will most likely be asked, "tell me about yourself." However, I instruct the students to not come off as too rehearsed and that they're answers should come out naturally.
Most students are not too receptive to the idea of practicing or rehearsing, but the ones that do find it to be very beneficial. I encourage these students to spread the word about how the practice makes the interview experience a lot less stressful.
Hi Javier
We also believe in the importance of role playing and doing it in a group. Students can see that everyone has the same issues - nerves, ability to express clearly, and more. It becomes a game and gets the nervousness out before the actual interview. Thanks, Susan
Yes, the students a very receptive to role playing. They can see how important it is to be professional during interviews when they are on the outside looking in
Good point, Jack. Students need confidence as well as skills to get through the employment skills and job search process. Confidence is built over time. It takes learning and practice. Susan
Excellent tips.
I find that every tip that reinforces that the grad is not unusal, but like 99% of the other grads,automatically gives them renewed confidence.
Hi Wilma, Yes, role playing is a great way to get students ready for an interview. But it is only one of many many techniques to truly prepare a grad for success during the job search process. Can you create at least 10 ways to train your students in employment skills? First you might want to start with an interview and understand how the student feels about seeking a job. YOu might discover there is a lot of fear. What can you do to ease the fear and offer the student skills? How about group discussions? Watching videos about successful interviewing? Practicing and feedback with other students? Mock interviews with real employers? And lots more. Successful placement departments have many many activities to offer to assist students through the job search process. Best wishes, Susan
ROLE PLAY IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO GET PREPARED FOR AN INTERVIEW. WE IMPLIMENT IT AT OUR SCHOOL ON A REGULAR BASIS
Hi Richard,
You're right, the earlier the better; some reps believe that the taping of a practice interview can be intimidating; this can be the case, but I think it is how it's presented - as a practice tool. When students can privately view themselves in an actual practice scenario, they can see first hand strengths and challenges - "A picture is worth a thousand words"...
Jay Hollowell
MaxKnowledge
Hi Mary
Interesting thought on video taping. We are for lots of practice and for students to see and hear how they are doing. We like video taping. So how can the intimidation factor be reduced? Because that is certainly a goal. We don't want students to feel intimidated when they go for interviews with the "boss" or decision maker of a company. What you might do is show videos of your staff being interviewed. Make it funny. Show all the things that can go wrong. Talk about how the person could have done better. This might pave the way to effective student videotaping practice interviews. Thanks, Susan
Hi Richard
We agree that career services should start early and be part of the student's curriculum. We also feel that students need public speaking skills. That's in part what interviews are - being comfortable speaking with someone you don't know. We have seen students improve their interview skills by giving them topics to talk about with no prior knowledge of the topic. You can make it a game in the classroom or in a workshop setting. Thanks, Susan
We start getting them use to the interview enviroment fairly early. I also like the idea of taping the practive interview and going over it with the student. Sounds like an excellent tool.
We don't currently videotape, again because we are trying to keep the intimidation factor as low as possible.
Having employers come to do mock interviews is a great idea! Thanks for the suggestion.
