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Are You Interview Ready?

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Lesson Plan

My Personalized Interview Prep Plan

Students will assess their current interview readiness, identify areas for improvement, and develop a personalized plan for practicing essential interview skills. They will gain confidence in their ability to approach interviews effectively.

Interview skills are crucial for future success, whether in applying for jobs, internships, or even college. This lesson empowers students to take ownership of their preparation, building confidence and practical skills for real-world scenarios.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

40 minutes

Approach

Self-assessment, guided practice, and personal reflection.

Materials

Interview Readiness Checklist (slide-deck), Are You Ready? (quiz), and Self-Reflection Practice Interview (activity)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

  • Review the Interview Readiness Checklist slide deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Print copies of the Are You Ready? Quiz if administering on paper, or prepare for digital distribution.
    - Review the Self-Reflection Practice Interview activity and consider how to best facilitate the practice interviews (e.g., peer-to-peer, small groups, or individual reflection).
    - Ensure all necessary technology (projector, computer) is working for the slide deck.

Step 1

Introduction & Hook: Why Interviews Matter

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "Imagine you've applied for your dream job or a spot in a competitive program. The next step is an interview. How confident do you feel right now?"
    - Explain that interviews are a chance to show who they are beyond a resume or application, and that practice makes perfect.
    - Introduce the day's objective: to assess their interview readiness and start building their personalized prep plan.

Step 2

Interview Readiness Checklist & Discussion

10 minutes

  • Present the Interview Readiness Checklist using the slide deck.
    - Go through each point, briefly explaining its importance.
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion: "Which of these areas do you feel most confident about? Which ones seem challenging?"

Step 3

Self-Assessment: Are You Ready?

10 minutes

  • Distribute the Are You Ready? Quiz.
    - Instruct students to complete the quiz individually, reflecting honestly on their current skills and knowledge related to interviews.
    - Emphasize that this is for self-assessment, not a graded test.

Step 4

Personalized Interview Prep Plan & Practice

15 minutes

  • Guide students to use their quiz results to start outlining their 'Personalized Interview Prep Plan.' What specific areas do they need to work on?
    - Introduce the Self-Reflection Practice Interview activity. Explain that this activity provides prompts for them to practice answering common interview questions, either silently, with a partner, or in small groups.
    - Encourage students to focus on the areas identified in their quiz as needing improvement.
    - Circulate and offer support or guidance as students begin their practice.
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Slide Deck

Interview Readiness Checklist

Are You Ready to Shine?

This checklist will help you see where you're strong and where you might want to practice for interviews!

Welcome students and set a positive tone. Explain that this checklist is a tool for self-assessment, not a judgment.

Know Your Stuff!

1. Research the Company/Role:

  • Understand what the company does.
  • Know the specific responsibilities of the role.
  • Think about why you want this opportunity.

Emphasize researching the company/role. Ask students: "Why is knowing about the company important?"

Tell Your Story

2. Articulate Your Skills & Experiences:

  • Can you clearly explain your strengths?
  • Do you have examples of when you used those strengths?
  • Can you connect your experiences (school, volunteering, hobbies) to the job?

Explain that 'telling your story' means connecting their experiences to the job requirements. Prompt: "What's one skill you have that you think would be useful in almost any job?"

Practice Makes Perfect

3. Practice Common Interview Questions:
*

Discuss how practice helps reduce nerves. Ask: "What kind of questions do you think they'll ask?"

Your Turn to Ask!

4. Prepare Questions for the Interviewer:

  • Have 2-3 thoughtful questions ready.
  • Show your interest and engagement.
  • Examples:

Highlight the importance of asking questions to show engagement. "What kind of questions could you ask the interviewer?"

First Impressions Count

5. Professionalism & Presentation:

  • Dress appropriately (clean, tidy).
  • Maintain good eye contact.
  • Practice active listening.
  • Be polite and enthusiastic.

Briefly mention appearance and body language. "Why is it important to dress appropriately, even if the job is casual?"

Ready to Assess Yourself?

Now that you've seen the checklist, it's time to see where you stand!

Next up: The Are You Ready? Quiz!

Conclude by reiterating that this is a journey and every step helps. Connect to the upcoming quiz and activity.

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Quiz

Are You Ready?

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Activity

Self-Reflection Practice Interview

This activity is designed to help you practice common interview questions and reflect on your responses. You can practice by yourself (out loud or in your head), with a partner, or in a small group.

Instructions:

  1. Read each question carefully.
  2. Formulate your answer as if you were in a real interview.
  3. After answering, use the "Self-Reflection" space to jot down notes about what you did well, what you could improve, and any new ideas for your answer.

Practice Questions:

Question 1: Tell me about yourself.

This is your chance to give a brief, compelling overview of who you are, what you're passionate about, and why you're interested in this opportunity. Focus on relevant experiences and skills.

Your Answer:










Self-Reflection:

  • What did I include? Was it relevant?
  • Was it concise? Did I sound confident?
  • What could I add or remove next time?


Question 2: What are your strengths?

Think about skills or qualities that would be beneficial for the role or in a team setting. Provide a specific example of how you've demonstrated this strength.

Your Answer:










Self-Reflection:

  • Did I provide a specific example?
  • Was my strength clearly linked to potential job skills?
  • How could I make this answer even stronger?


Question 3: What do you consider your weaknesses or areas for improvement?

Choose a genuine area you're working on. Crucially, explain what steps you are taking to improve. This shows self-awareness and a commitment to growth.

Your Answer:










Self-Reflection:

  • Did I pick a real weakness and explain how I'm improving?
  • Did I avoid cliches or turning a strength into a weakness?
  • Was I honest and positive about growth?


Question 4: Where do you see yourself in five years?

This question assesses your ambition, planning skills, and whether your aspirations align with the opportunities the role might offer. It's okay if your exact path isn't set, but show you've thought about it.

Your Answer:










Self-Reflection:

  • Did my answer show ambition and foresight?
  • Does it connect to the type of work I'm interested in?
  • How realistic and thoughtful was my answer?


Question 5: Do you have any questions for me?

This is your opportunity to show your engagement and critical thinking. Prepare 2-3 thoughtful questions about the role, the team, the company culture, or next steps.

Your Answer (Write down 2-3 questions you would ask):






Self-Reflection:

  • Are my questions thoughtful and insightful?
  • Do they show genuine interest in the role and company?
  • Could I ask something that wasn't already covered?


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