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Ace That Interview!

Lesson Plan

Ace That Interview

Students will be able to identify key steps for effective job interview preparation and construct a persuasive cover letter tailored to a job application.

Mastering interview techniques and cover letter writing are essential for students to confidently navigate the job market and secure opportunities that align with their aspirations.

Audience

High School Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, direct instruction, and practical application.

Materials

Google Slides presentation: Ace That Interview Slide Deck, Handout: Cover Letter Builder Worksheet, and Teacher reference: Cover Letter Builder Answer Key

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: First Impressions (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Begin with a quick discussion: "What makes a good first impression?"
    - Ask students to share experiences or observations related to first impressions in various contexts (e.g., meeting someone new, trying out for a team).
    - Transition to the idea that job interviews are all about first impressions.

Step 2

Introduction to Interview Prep (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Present the initial slides from the Ace That Interview Slide Deck covering job interview basics.
    - Discuss common interview questions and strategies for answering them (e.g., STAR method for behavioral questions).
    - Emphasize the importance of researching the company and practicing responses.

Step 3

Cover Letter Essentials (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Transition to cover letters using the Ace That Interview Slide Deck.
    - Explain the purpose of a cover letter and its key components (introduction, body paragraphs connecting skills to job, call to action).
    - Distribute the Cover Letter Builder Worksheet.
    - Guide students through the worksheet, encouraging them to brainstorm ideas for a hypothetical job application.
    - Discuss examples of strong opening and closing statements.

Step 4

Wrap-Up & Q&A (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Conclude with a brief recap of interview tips and cover letter essentials.
    - Open the floor for any student questions.
    - Encourage students to continue practicing their skills and seek feedback.
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Slide Deck

Ace That Interview: Your Guide to Job Success!

Making a Strong First Impression

  • Interviews: Your chance to shine!
  • Cover Letters: Your written introduction.
  • Why does it matter? Unlock exciting opportunities!

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about times they've made a first impression. This slide sets the stage and connects to the warm-up discussion in the lesson plan.

What's an Interview?

It's a Conversation!

  • Purpose: Employer learns about you; you learn about the job.
  • Preparation is Key:
    • Research the company.
    • Understand the job description.
    • Practice your answers.

Explain that job interviews are a two-way street. The employer is assessing them, but they also get to assess the employer. Discuss the importance of research and preparation.

Common Interview Questions

Be Ready for Anything!

  • "Tell me about yourself."
  • "Why are you interested in this position?"
  • "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
  • "Where do you see yourself in five years?"
  • "Do you have any questions for me?"

Introduce common interview questions. Encourage students to think about how they would answer. The next slide will provide a method.

Answering Behavioral Questions (STAR Method)

Situation, Task, Action, Result

  • Situation: Describe the context.
  • Task: Explain your responsibility.
  • Action: Detail what you did.
  • Result: Share the outcome.

Explain the STAR method. Give a simple example or ask students to brainstorm how they might use it for a past experience.

Beyond the Interview: The Cover Letter

Your Written Introduction

  • Purpose: Introduce yourself and express interest.
  • Highlight: How your skills and experience match the job.
  • Personalize: Show you've done your research!

Transition from interviews to cover letters. Explain that a cover letter is often the first thing an employer sees.

Cover Letter Structure

Key Components

  1. Your Contact Info & Date
  2. Employer Contact Info
  3. Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name])
  4. Opening Paragraph: State the job you're applying for and why you're a great fit.
  5. Body Paragraphs: Connect your skills/experience to the job requirements.
  6. Closing Paragraph: Reiterate interest, thank them, and call to action (e.g., "I look forward to hearing from you").
  7. Signature (Sincerely, [Your Name])

Break down the structure of a cover letter. Emphasize clarity and conciseness. Point students to the worksheet for practice.

Your Next Steps!

Practice Makes Perfect

  • Research: Always research the company!
  • Prepare: Anticipate questions and practice answers.
  • Personalize: Tailor your cover letter and resume.
  • Confidence: Believe in yourself!

Summarize the main takeaways and offer encouragement. Remind them to use the worksheet to practice.

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Worksheet

Cover Letter Builder Worksheet

Instructions: Imagine you are applying for a job as a [Hypothetical Job Title, e.g., Junior Park Ranger]. Use the prompts below to draft the key components of your cover letter.

1. Your Contact Information & Date




2. Employer Contact Information

  • Hiring Manager Name (if known):


  • Company Name:


  • Company Address:


3. Salutation

  • How will you address the hiring manager? (e.g., Dear Ms. Smith, Dear Hiring Manager)




4. Opening Paragraph

  • Job you are applying for:


  • Where you saw the job posting (optional):


  • One sentence explaining why you are interested in this specific role:




5. Body Paragraphs (Choose 2-3 key skills/experiences)

  • Skill/Experience 1: What skill or experience do you have that matches the job description? How does it make you a strong candidate? Give a brief example.












  • Skill/Experience 2: What other skill or experience makes you a great fit? Explain why it's relevant.












6. Closing Paragraph

  • Reiterate your interest:


  • Thank the employer:


  • Call to action (e.g., express eagerness for an interview):


7. Professional Closing & Your Name




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Answer Key

Cover Letter Builder Answer Key

This answer key provides a sample response and thought process for the Cover Letter Builder Worksheet. Encourage students to personalize their letters and focus on tailoring their experiences to the hypothetical job.

Hypothetical Job: Junior Park Ranger

1. Your Contact Information & Date

  • Thought Process: Students should include their full name, address, phone number, and email. The date should be current.

    Example:
    Jane Doe
    123 Forest Lane
    Anytown, USA 12345
    (555) 123-4567
    jane.doe@email.com
    October 26, 2023

2. Employer Contact Information

  • Thought Process: This section should be formatted formally, including the hiring manager's name (if known), title, company, and address. If the hiring manager isn't known,
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