Lesson Plan
Interview Mastery Plan
Students will identify essential interview preparation steps, practice effective communication skills during a mock interview, and understand the importance of follow-up.
Learning how to ace an interview is a critical life skill that empowers students to confidently pursue future educational and career opportunities. It builds confidence and teaches valuable communication techniques applicable in many areas of life.
Audience
9th Grade Students
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Direct instruction, interactive discussion, and role-playing.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Interview Mastery Plan and all linked materials: Your Winning Interview Strategy, Mock Interview Role-Play Scenarios, and Interview Performance Rubric.
- Print copies of the Mock Interview Role-Play Scenarios (one per small group).
- Prepare to project the Your Winning Interview Strategy slide deck.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook: What's Your First Impression?
5 minutes
- Begin with a brief discussion about first impressions and their importance.
- Ask students: "Imagine you're meeting someone important for the first time. What do you do to make a good impression?" (Use Your Winning Interview Strategy - Slide 1).
- Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to talk about making the best first impression when it really counts: in an interview!"
Step 2
Interview Essentials: Before, During, After
15 minutes
- Go through the Your Winning Interview Strategy slide deck, focusing on key stages of an interview.
- Before the Interview: Research, practice common questions, dress code, punctuality (Slides 2-5).
- During the Interview: Body language, active listening, asking questions, confident answers (Slides 6-9).
- After the Interview: Thank you notes, follow-up (Slides 10-11).
- Encourage questions and provide real-world examples.
Step 3
Mock Interview Role-Play
20 minutes
- Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
- Distribute one Mock Interview Role-Play Scenarios handout to each group.
- Explain that each group will practice a short mock interview, with roles for interviewer, interviewee, and observer(s).
- Review the Interview Performance Rubric with students, explaining how they will assess each other.
- Circulate among groups, providing guidance and feedback.
Step 4
Share & Reflect
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Ask groups to share one key takeaway or a challenge they encountered during their mock interviews.
- Facilitate a brief discussion on what makes an interviewee stand out.
- Conclude by emphasizing that practice makes perfect when it comes to interviews.
Step 5
Wrap-Up & Next Steps
5 minutes
- Briefly recap the main points of the lesson.
- Encourage students to think about how they can apply these skills in other areas of their lives.
- Assign a short reflection on their mock interview experience as homework (optional, not a generated material).
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Slide Deck
Can You Ace an Interview?
Your Guide to Interview Success!
Welcome students and introduce the topic of job interviews. Ask them to share any experiences or initial thoughts they have about interviews.
What's an Interview, Anyway?
An interview is a formal meeting where a potential employer assesses your skills, experience, and personality to determine if you're a good fit for a job.
It's also your chance to learn about the company and decide if it's the right place for you!
Explain what an interview is and why it's important. Emphasize that it's a two-way street: the employer learns about you, and you learn about the job and company.
Before: Do Your Homework!
Research the Company
- What do they do?
- What are their values?
- Who will be interviewing you?
Knowing about the company shows you're genuinely interested!
Stress the importance of researching the company. Ask students where they might look for information (website, news articles, social media).
Before: Practice Makes Perfect
Prepare Your Answers
- Common questions: Tell me about yourself, why do you want this job, what are your strengths/weaknesses?
- Behavioral questions: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to tell stories about your experiences.
Practice out loud with a friend or family member!
Discuss common interview questions and the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for answering behavioral questions. Encourage students to think of examples from their own lives (school projects, volunteering, sports).
Before: Look the Part & Be On Time
Dress for Success
- Choose clean, appropriate attire for the job.
- When in doubt, it's better to be slightly overdressed.
Punctuality is Key
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early.
- Know how you're getting there.
- Bring a copy of your resume and a notebook.
Talk about appropriate attire for different types of jobs. Highlight the importance of being punctual and prepared (resume, questions for them).
During: Your Body Language Speaks!
Non-Verbal Cues are Important
- Eye Contact: Show engagement and confidence.
- Posture: Sit up straight, appear alert.
- Handshake: Firm and confident (if applicable).
- Smile: Be approachable and friendly.
Explain positive body language: eye contact, posture, handshake. Have students briefly practice a firm handshake with a neighbor if appropriate.
During: Listen & Ask Questions
Active Listening
- Pay attention to the interviewer.
- Don't interrupt.
- Take notes if needed.
Ask Thoughtful Questions
- Shows your interest and engagement.
- Examples: "What does a typical day look like?" "What are the biggest challenges in this role?"
Emphasize active listening and the value of asking thoughtful questions. Provide examples of good questions to ask.
During: Answer with Confidence
Be Clear and Concise
- Answer questions directly.
- Avoid rambling.
Highlight Your Strengths
- Connect your skills and experiences to the job requirements.
Be Positive and Enthusiastic
- Show your eagerness for the opportunity.
Discuss how to answer questions clearly, concisely, and positively. Remind them to be honest and confident, even if they are nervous.
After: Follow Up & Say Thank You!
Send a Thank You Note
- Send an email or handwritten note within 24 hours.
- Reiterate your interest and thank them for their time.
Follow Up Appropriately
- If you haven't heard back, a polite follow-up email after a week or two is acceptable.
Explain the importance of a thank-you note and how it can help you stand out. Discuss appropriate timing for follow-up if they haven't heard back.
You've Got This!
Key Takeaways
- Preparation is crucial.
- Confidence (and practice!) makes a difference.
- Follow-up sets you apart.
Now, let's practice!
Summarize the key takeaways and encourage students to keep practicing.
Script
Mock Interview Role-Play Scenarios
Instructions for Students:
In your groups, you will choose one of the scenarios below to act out. Assign roles: one person will be the "Interviewer," one will be the "Interviewee," and the others will be "Observers."
Interviewer: Ask the questions provided in the scenario and feel free to ask follow-up questions.
Interviewee: Answer the questions as if you were truly applying for the job. Try to use the strategies we discussed (good body language, clear answers, asking questions).
Observer(s): Use the Interview Performance Rubric to give constructive feedback on the interviewee's performance. Pay attention to preparation, communication, and professionalism.
After your first role-play, switch roles so everyone gets a chance to be the interviewee.
Scenario 1: Part-Time Library Assistant
Job Description: The local public library is looking for a part-time assistant to help with shelving books, assisting patrons with finding materials, and organizing events. Strong customer service skills and attention to detail are a plus.
Interviewer Questions:
- "Tell me a little bit about yourself and why you're interested in this Library Assistant position."
- "What experience do you have that you think would make you a good fit for helping patrons and organizing books?"
- "Describe a time when you had to help someone who was having trouble finding something or was frustrated. How did you handle it?"
- "What are your strengths and weaknesses?"
- "Do you have any questions for me about the library or this role?"
Scenario 2: Summer Camp Counselor
Job Description: A summer camp needs enthusiastic counselors to lead activities, supervise children (ages 7-10), and ensure a fun and safe environment. Experience working with children and leadership skills are highly valued.
Interviewer Questions:
- "Why do you want to be a Summer Camp Counselor?"
- "What activities or games do you enjoy leading, and how would you engage a group of young children?"
- "Tell me about a time you had to solve a problem quickly or handle an unexpected challenge. What did you do?"
- "How do you handle situations where children might not be listening or are misbehaving?"
- "What do you hope to gain from this experience, and do you have any questions for me?"
Scenario 3: Retail Sales Associate (Clothing Store)
Job Description: A popular clothing store is hiring a part-time sales associate. Responsibilities include assisting customers, tidying displays, and operating the cash register. We are looking for friendly individuals with a knack for fashion.
Interviewer Questions:
- "What interests you about working in retail, specifically at our store?"
- "How would you approach a customer who seems to need help but hasn't asked for it yet?"
- "Describe a time you worked as part of a team to achieve a goal. What was your role?"
- "Imagine a customer is unhappy with a purchase. How would you handle their complaint?"
- "Do you have any questions for me about the store environment or team?"
Rubric
Interview Performance Rubric
Student Name: _________________________ Observer Name: _________________________
Scenario: ____________________________
Use this rubric to assess the interviewee's performance during the mock interview. Provide constructive feedback in the comments section.
| Criteria | Exemplary (4 points) | Proficient (3 points) | Developing (2 points) | Beginning (1 point) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation | Clearly demonstrated thorough research and understanding of the company/role. | Showed some understanding of the company/role, but could be more detailed. | Limited evidence of preparation or research. | No clear evidence of preparation or research. | |
| Communication | Spoke clearly, confidently, and articulately. Maintained excellent active listening. | Spoke clearly for the most part; generally listened actively. | Mumbled or spoke unclearly at times; listening was inconsistent. | Difficult to understand; showed minimal active listening. | |
| Body Language | Maintained consistent, appropriate eye contact, positive posture, and engaging demeanor. | Generally maintained good eye contact and posture; sometimes seemed less engaged. | Body language was distracting or showed lack of confidence (e.g., fidgeting, poor posture). | Avoided eye contact; appeared disengaged or uncomfortable. | |
| Content of Answers | Answers were thoughtful, relevant, provided specific examples, and directly addressed questions. | Answers were mostly relevant, some examples provided; generally answered questions directly. | Answers were vague, lacked specific examples, or sometimes veered off-topic. | Answers were irrelevant, unclear, or demonstrated a lack of understanding. | |
| Asking Questions | Asked insightful, relevant questions that showed deep interest in the role/company. | Asked 1-2 relevant questions that showed general interest. | Asked generic questions or none at all. | Did not ask any questions or asked irrelevant ones. | |
| Professionalism | Presented themselves professionally in all aspects (attire, demeanor, respect). | Generally professional, but minor areas could be improved (e.g., punctuality, attire). | Showed some unprofessional behaviors (e.g., casual language, tardiness, inappropriate dress). | Lacked professionalism in multiple areas (e.g., very casual, disrespectful, significantly late). |
Overall Feedback:
Strengths:
Areas for Growth: