Preparing Students for Interviews
As an instructor, how do you help students to prepare (mentally and physically) for an interview?
I prepare my students mentally and physically by conducting mock interviews, having the students dress in appropriate interview attire prior to the interview date, and have them meet with individuals to relieve some anxiety regarding the interview process.
I think doing mock interviews in front of the class really allows for students to see and understand everything. Giving examples of good interviews and then bad interviews. Then bringing in employers to do interviews for you and also if you can't bring in employers getting other staff/faculty that the students don't know helps them prepare as well. They take it serious when it's a Department Head or someone they have never interacted with before.
I'm definitely going to give it a try. I think it's a worthwhile exercise.
Viola,
I totally understand! It definitely adds a whole other level of anxiety to the mock interview but..it is so helpful to see yourself in action--maybe on the 3rd or 4th practice interview?
Elizabeth Kemler
At this time we are not able to video the students but that would be great. I have been considering just bringing in my personal laptop to record them doing their "elevator speech" so maybe I should also record their interview. My students tend to be shy so I know they are easily embarrassed which I have to take into consideration. I don't want to freak them out too much! :-)
Viola,
Ongoing mock interview practice is indeed essential--I like your idea of having students interview one another as well. Viewing videos is great as it really highlights the importance of 'soft skills'. Are you able to videotape your students doing their mock interviews?
Elizabeth Kemler
Practice, practice, practice! We hold mock interviews for the students and recruit instructors and staff to participate which really gives the students a realistic experience.
We also have the students interview one another which I think is a great way for them to look at the process more critically.
The other way we prepare is by reviewing the common questions and view videos of other people answering these questions and getting to the underlying meaning of the questions.
Most importantly we try to build confidence through these activities so that the student goes out feeling prepared.
Karina,
How many mock interviews do you typically do with your students?
Elizabeth Kemler
I agree, I think mock interviews are very efficient because it makes them correct any mistakes, before hand.
Riley,
It sounds like you have a well thought out, wraparound approach to interview preparation; I really like the idea of doing the Skype interview to give students the opportunity to see themselves as an interviewee.
Elizabeth Kemler
As instructors of our newly introduced Career Development Series Course, we spend a majority of our final class discussing interviewing. We allow students to interview their peers, bring in industry professionals, as well as interview with their Career Services team. We want to ensure that the best way to avoid being overly nervous for an interview, is to be completely prepared. We discuss researching the company, practicing questions, and even conducting mock skype interviews so students can review their interview from the reverse perspective.
Octavia,
What kinds of things do you offer in the class?
Elizabeth Kemler
Once a week we offer the students Business Fundamental class to help them during the process of seeking employment so they are prepared since the start at the school.
Missy,
It sounds like you have a great preparation program in place--I particularly love that you have employers conduct mock interviews just as they would be done in the real world.
Elizabeth Kemler
We prepare in class A LOT! We go over questions that they maybe asked, have them research questions and answers and do a research project on a company of their choosing to prepare them to research in the future. In addition in order for them to graduate each student MUST go through a mock interview. We have various area employers come in and conduct a 30 minute interview. Students must dress professionally, greet our receptionist, bring good copies of their resumes, answer and ask questions. They receive feedback from the employers on what they need to improve and what they excelled on.
Jaclyn,
There is nothing better really than offering insights from your own experience-I think this makes it more 'real' for the students.
Elizabeth Kemler
I like to share my own experience with interviews. Being the Director of the school, I am in charge of interviewing and hiring. I see a lot of mistakes made when it comes to resumes, professionalism, kindness, punctuality, etc. So by sharing my experiences and thoughts, I think it gives them a good idea of what potential employers are looking for.
Arturo,
Yes, I think its good to use a variety of people as mock employers so the student can experience different personality types and get different styles of feedback.
Elizabeth Kemler
Sharon,
Great stories--I've heard some equally unbelievable ones! You have lots of great ideas here..I'm curious about what you suggest to the students to help them relax as that is certainly the very hardest thing to do before an interview.
Elizabeth Kemler
