Our in-house business course helps students prepare by conducting mock interviews, role plays and even deliberately poor interviews in which the participants "ham it up" so that students can then critique how NOT to answer a certain question(s) and assess body language.
We also invite employers into our course and they interview students on the spot for a bit of practice. Many find this very helpful.
Jennifer,
I couldn't agree more; being able to handle constructive criticism-or even finding the constructive aspects of any criticism, is critical.
Elizabeth Kemler
If you are able to communicate effectively with a potential employer during a stressful interview situation then on the job with co-workers should be a breeze. Also, being able to take the constructive criticism given during school in mock interviews etc., is very important. Nobody is perfect and something can always be inproved on. Every interviewer is different so give each suggestion some thought even if you don't agree.
Chad,
I really like doing the group interview first, followed by the one on one..takes a lot of the pressure off the first time around.
Elizabeth Kemler
The way that i help my students prepare is by 1 lecturing on all of the basics of interviewing. After that we have two different types of mock interviews. I hold a group interview done by our campus director, and then we do individual interviews to follow that.
By developing effective interview skills, students are also learning valuable lessons in how to present themselves in a professional way, improving their ability to communicate with others, which can only help in the workplace. Deeping these skills can really go along way in helping each person's self esteem and helping them feel less fearful while interacting with others. Practice may not make perfect but it certainly makes it better and more comfortable talking with people.
Nicole,
I agree that these kinds of skills are transferable and applicable in many different kinds of environments.
Elizabeth Kemler
I believe that having effective interview skills can help the students in the workplace by the them demonstrating good communication skills and be able to present themselves in a well-manner.
Susan,
I agree; practice with either, helps the other, and these are skills that really affect all aspects of our lives.
Elizabeth Kemler
Developing effective interview skills can enhance communication skills which is always a benefit in the workplace. Being able to properly express yourself and your ideas to others is something most people encounter at work on a daily basis.
Jennifer,
I agree absolutely with this. Both giving and receiving feedback when it's not 100% positive is a difficult thing for many people. I believe it takes a lot of consistent practice to learn how communicate in a way that is constructive and respectful. It also takes practice to learn how to receive constructive criticism without taking it personally or getting offended.
Elizabeth Kemler
Being able to effectively communicate with other people in a professional manner will always be helpful in the work environment when it comes to problem solving, strategizing, and team work. This will also be able to help you not sound abrasive when giving feedback to co-workers and allow others to feel comfortable giving you constructive criticism in return to help better the work environment, meet company goals, or even provide team building.
Dax,
I agree absolutely. I think continued practice helps give students both the confidence and ability to think more effectively on their feet.
Elizabeth Kemler
While preparation is incredibly important to both a job interview and "real" life, both involve a lot of thinking on one's feet. No matter how much one prepares for an interview, there will be some aspect of spontaneity and being able to respond to unforeseen problems is absolutely necessary to just about any job.
Kelley,
This is a great idea; really the best way to get the necessary practice.
Elizabeth Kemler
We have our board members and business owners interview our students for interviewing experience.
Thats a great feeling isn't it?
Stephen,
I agree completely. I taught presentation skills for many years, and people always commented on how they were able to utilize the skills we worked on, in many different settings.
Elizabeth Kemler
By developing interview skills you are also developing skills that you need in everyday life or "soft skills".
"First Impressions" how important is this not only with interviews but when you meet someone on the street for the first time.
"Handshake" it's still the number 1 greeting you see when any two people meet. A poor handshake leads to a poor first impression.
"Eye Contact" do you really feel comfortable around someone who doesn't make eye contact?
"Conversation and answering questions" you always want someone you can talk to and interact with. Employers want this so that they know you will be able to communicate with thier employees.
It all seems to mesh together. In turn, by teaching them how to interview well, we are teaching them how to behave and act in social settings as well.
LaSonya,
This is so true. Most interviewers are trying to make the interview challenging so they can see how confident you are, and how comfortable with yourself. While I would say that how we do in interviews is not necessarily an accurate indication of what we're capable of, it is seen that way.
Elizabeth Kemler
