Interview Skills Warm-Up

Instructions: Think about the word "interview." What comes to mind?

Write down three words or short phrases that describe what you think an interview is or what happens during one.

Share your thoughts with a partner or the class.

Practice Interview Activity

Instructions: Get into pairs. One person will be the "Interviewer," and the other will be the "Interviewee."

Interviewer's Role: Ask your partner ONE of the following questions:

• "Tell me a little about yourself."
• "What is your favorite subject in school and why?"
• "If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it?"

Interviewee's Role: Answer the question clearly and thoughtfully, remembering to:

• Make eye contact.
• Speak clearly.
• Try to sound confident.

After 2 minutes, switch roles! The new interviewer asks a different question from the list.

Remember, practice makes perfect!

Interview Follow-Up: One Key Takeaway

Instructions: In one or two sentences, write down the most important thing you learned about interview skills today.

Teacher Script: Ace the Interview!

Part 1: Warm-Up (5 minutes)

(Display the Interview Skills Warm-Up on the board.)

"Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to dive into a skill that's super helpful in many parts of your life, now and in the future: interview skills. When you hear the word 'interview,' what comes to mind? Take a moment to jot down three words or short phrases that describe what you think an interview is or what happens during one on your worksheet or a scrap piece of paper."

(Give students 1-2 minutes to write.)

"Now, can a few brave volunteers share some of their words or phrases with the class? What did you write down?"

(Call on 2-3 students, acknowledge their responses, and connect them to the idea of conversations or getting to know someone.)

Part 2: Introduction: Why Interviews Matter (5 minutes)

(Transition to Ace the Interview Slide Deck - Slide 1 & 2)

"Great ideas! An interview is essentially a structured conversation where one person asks questions and another person answers them, usually to gather information or assess suitability for something. It's about making a good impression and communicating effectively."

"When you think of an interview, you might immediately think of job interviews, right? But guess what? Interviews are everywhere! Let's look at some examples on the slide. They happen for school projects, when you're trying out for a club or a sports team, applying for high school, or even just when you're meeting new people and trying to get to know them. Being good at interviews means you'll be more confident and successful in all these situations."

Part 3: Key Interview Skills (10 minutes)

(Transition to Ace the Interview Slide Deck - Slide 3)

"Let's break down some key skills that will help you ace any interview. The first skill is Get Ready! Or, Preparation. What do you think 'preparation' means for an interview?"

(Call on a student or two.)

"Exactly! It means doing your homework. You need to research who you'll be talking to, or what the interview is about. If it's for a school project, understand the project. If it's a club, learn about the club. Also, practice common questions. Think about how you would answer 'Tell me about yourself' or 'Why do you want to be part of this?' Lastly, be on time—actually, aim to be a few minutes early. And dress appropriately—this doesn't always mean a suit, but it means looking neat and tidy, showing you took it seriously."

(Transition to Ace the Interview Slide Deck - Slide 4)

"Next up is During the Chat, or The Interview itself. This is where your communication skills really shine! Your first impression is really important. That includes a friendly smile, good eye contact, and maybe even a firm handshake if it's appropriate. Why do you think eye contact is so important?"

(Call on a student.)

"Right, it shows you're engaged and confident! You also need to listen actively to the questions. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand. And when you answer, answer clearly. Speak loudly enough for them to hear, and try to avoid saying 'um' or 'uh' too much. It's okay to pause and think for a second. What else could you do to show you're listening?"

(Guide them to answers like nodding, leaning forward slightly.)

(Transition to Ace the Interview Slide Deck - Slide 5)

"Finally, Wrap It Up! Or, Follow-Up. An interview isn't over when you leave the room. It's a great idea to send a thank you note. It could be a quick email or a handwritten note, thanking them for their time. Why do you think this small gesture is so important?"

(Call on a student.)

"It shows respect and reminds them of you! And it's always good to reflect afterward. Think about what went well and what you could improve for next time. Every interview is a learning experience!"

(Transition to Ace the Interview Slide Deck - Slide 6)

"Remember, interviews are a fantastic chance to show who you are and what you can do. And like any skill, practice makes perfect!"

Part 4: Activity: Quick Practice Interviews (8 minutes)

(Explain the Practice Interview Activity instructions clearly.)

"Alright, now it's your turn to practice! I'd like you to get into pairs. One of you will be the 'Interviewer,' and the other will be the 'Interviewee.' Interviewers, you'll ask one simple question from the list on the activity sheet. Interviewees, remember our tips: make eye contact, speak clearly, and try to be confident. After about two minutes, we'll switch roles. I'll be walking around to listen and offer quick tips. Go ahead and find a partner!"

(Circulate and observe, offering gentle feedback as students practice.)

Part 5: Cool-Down: One Key Takeaway (2 minutes)

(Display the Interview Follow-Up Cool-Down on the board.)

"Time to wrap up! For our cool-down, I want you to quickly write down the most important thing you learned about interview skills today. What's one key takeaway you'll remember?"

(Give students a minute to write. Optionally, ask 1-2 students to share aloud if time permits.)

"Thank you, everyone! Great job practicing your interview skills today. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be ready for any conversation that comes your way!"