Preparing students for interviews
What is the best way to help students learn interview skills? Does anyone use role play and if so, are the students receptive to it?
Nicole,
Resume and interview skills are very important. We think that employment skills training also involves building student self confidence as well. This takes time and not just a one time workshop or presentation. After each interview students should have the ability to discuss what went well and where improvement is needed. This can be in class, one on one, or in a group. Because it takes time for students to build skills, we think employment skills training should be happening all during the term. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
When I first started one of our instructors asked me to come speak to his graduating classes. I spoke to the classes regarding writing an effective resume and what do do during and interview using a power point but I also offered handouts. The students were surprised that a lot of the things they do to prepare themselves and during and interview process are not always considered proper. The students love having me come in to talk about interview do's and don'ts and it has now become part of my schedule that I go to the graduating classes to explain appropriate interviewing behavior.
Leticia,
This sounds like another fun activity that can easily engage students. The more fun - the more learning. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We created a video with student role playing what to do and what not to do senerios to help graduates understand what that looks like. Student enjoy making the mock up videos and other benefit from the lessons.
Kathy,
Mock interviews are great. What is important is that there is lots of feedback from the student and many others. Mock interviews are just one of many skills needed for the job search process. Interviews should be conducted by students, staff, employers, alumni and more. In addition skills need to be taught in how to contact an employer, set the appointment, follow up and more. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
We will also be implementing mock interviews. I believe the more mock interviews and different kinds of questions asked, that the student will be more confident at the interview.
Michael,
Mock interviews are great. And a student can never do enough. It is amazing how practice does lessen the jitters. What is important is lots of review and feedback - what went well and what could have improved. It's about developing skills and self confidence. Thanks
Dr. Susan Schulz
The mock interview is one of the best tools to get the student experience in the interview process. one of the biggest obsticles a student needs to overcome is the "jitters" part. Having the mock interviews gets the familiar with the "unknown" part of the process which will make for a more at eases interviwee.
You are right that the focus is on building confidence. It might take practicing for interviews 10 or more times. Also going over each interview with the grads to help them understand what went well and where they can do better. Here is where happy alumni can assist. Thanks, Susan
Giving students sample interview conversations help them ease their nervousness away, that most students do have. Besides that, role play is a great idea. Having a mini interview with these students can help them to grasp an idea of what the interview may be like. Students will see the support they are receiving from the placement department and have the confidence to have a great interview.
There is a lot to interviews and we think much more in addition to practice. It is also about building confidence and this takes helping the student understand who they are. Once people feel comfortable in their own skin and appreciate their worth they can be more successful in life and also during the interview. Alumni can help with the interview skill development. That's why we think Alumni Communities should be developed at every campus. Thanks, Susan
Practicing is the best way to prepare them so they can see what they can expect on the future
Hi Kelly
Yes, it's very important to carefully and thoroughly train students in how to get a job. It's more than just resume writing. It's confidence building. So mock interviews and role playing are essential. And practice with real employers before the actual job interview. You are right, students should have enough practice in all areas of the job search so that are confident and know what to do when they are talking with a real job interviewer. Thanks, Susan
I think roleplaying and mock interviews are excellents tools to use in preparing the students fro what to expect. Students get a different feel of what can happen int he real world and that ehre are different anwers and reactions to every situation.
Hi Stephen, Sounds like good offerings. We suggest that these kinds of exercises be offered frequently and consistently throughout the student's career at your school. Videoing students while practicing mock interviews is great. Gives the student the change to see the things they do well and areas for improvement. Also doing all this in a group and asking for group feedback. Overcoming nervousness is accomplished by practice. Self confidence takes practice and time. Thanks, Susan
We have our students bring in resumes and help update and improve as necessary. The instructors will do mock interviews with the students to help them prepare. I saw a suggestion for using a video camera, I think that is a good idea.
Some students get very nervous. Any suggestions on helping ease the nervousness and project confidence?
Yes, enthusiasm is very important. Often it takes a while for a student to develop strong self confidence to feel enthusiastic. And a lot of excercises to loosen up. So great idea that you have them practice skills like smling, handshaking, etc. We feel that all these skills have to be practiced over and over and with different people until the enthusiasm feels natural to the student. Thanks, Susan
Good point. It takes skills, knowledge, and lots of practice to build confidence. That's a reason that the job search training process has to start very early in the students school experience. Thanks, Susan
Absolutely. I agree that the communication of confidence & enthusiasm is priceless.
