First I go through the different types of interviews a person can have with employers. This helps prepare students for the possible unexpected experience they will have when going into a company. Role playing is always a good exercise. We usually get our students into small groups where 2 or 3 are in an interview like setting and 1 person is asking questions (group interview style). This helps take a lot of pressure off at the end and exposes them to one of many different interviewing styles.
Robert,
I agree absolutely. I'd even go farther to say that it's worth completely withholding any value judgment until the interview is completed both so they stay open minded, and so that they don't have to concentrate on hiding what they're thinking.
Elizabeth Kemler
I do tend to coach students if I know that they will be going for an interview. One thing that I like to impart to them, is that they shouldn't dismiss an opportunity during the interview. By that, I mean that inasmuch as the interviewer may form a quick opinion of them, that they may also form a quick (and possibly unfavorable) opinion of the interviewer. However, it is important not to let it show, and during the interview they should remain positive and upbeat, and not let their body language say "no" prematurely. I remind them that the goal is to be offered the position, and that they can always say "no" once they get an offer.
Mary,
I love the 30 second commercial idea-gets right to the point while making it fun.
Elizabeth Kemler
Sharon,
That's definitely a good approach-so that the employer sees that you recognize your weaknesses but are working to improve them.
Elizabeth Kemler
Make sure they are comfortable with them self, when answering the questions, for example..the weekiness questions, I always tell them to change it to a positive answer..I use I type 25wpm, but I am attend ing a typing class in the evening to improve my speed.
At first we discuss the inteviewing process and steps,we discuss the what to and not to says, we practice 30 seconf commercials,then they critique a mock intefview involving the instructor who intentionally throws red flags. Then they participate in their own mock interview with an employer from their filed of study, they are immediately given a critique of their own performances , good and bad. If the instructor see's a need then additional mock interviews are set up for the students.
Ariel,
Could you share some ways that you do that?
Elizabeth Kemler
LUIS,
I have worked with a massage school for many years and my understanding from their students and faculty is that the students are always interviewed by the employer before being hired. Additionally, effective interview skills are also very helpful when communicating with colleagues and clients.
Elizabeth Kemler
in our school we prepare our students to become massage therapist, it is unusual for them to go through such an interview, they apply for small business such as spas or clinics or doctor offices, so they do not get this type of interview.
i help them to prepare them for an interview but not in such way. of course i still explain them about this kind of interview preparation for their knowledge.
Luis Silvi
By conducting mock interviews and helping students build on the self-esteem and confidence.
Cruz Leticia,
I agree that the more interviews you do with the students the better prepared they'll be particularly if you create different interview scenarios with different personality types.
Elizabeth Kemler
by coaching students on how to dress for an interview is critical. "First impressions" it's very important. Then, the more mock interviews a student has the more confident they feel going to a real interview.
Tara,
Ha! This is all new to me as well..takes some getting used to but I love it as well :)
Elizabeth Kemler
No worries, Elizabeth. I love this forum thingie. I'm so not a computer person, but this really opens a whole other world of online learning. Thanks!
Tara,
Great approach. And I really like your guided imagery idea-there was a technical problem and I couldn't reply to that post directly.
Elizabeth Kemler
Colleen,
This is a great thing to practice. And the research suggestion is also key-so they go in confident about their knowledge base and about their ability to ask informed questions.
Elizabeth Kemler
Juan ,
Yes, "Tell me about yourself" is one of the hardest things to respond to. It helps to practice answering this many times, and also, to have different people playing the role of interviewer.
Elizabeth Kemler
In order to assist our students with interviewing we conduct mock interviews utlizing the most common questions asked during the interview. For example: Tell me a little bit about yourself? Which is a question many of our students get stuck on. We also have a mirror in our office for graduates to see how they look before interviewing. Another tool we use is a job on system which is a company that allow student to apply via video and they can rerecord as needed until they are comfortable with the results.
While I do informal mock interviews with many of our students, what I really tend to focus on how we can turn around any negativity. I help the student come up with short/simple/positive responses to potential negative questions or red flags on the resume. I also listen to how the student presents his or herself and guide them to a more positive answer. I strongly recommend that the student research the company and the commute. I go over dress code for the resume and how they must allow enough time to find the location. And then, I tell them to smile, and to be sure to let the employer know that this is where their passion lies.
