Mock Interview Speed Dating Activity

Objective

To practice interview skills and build confidence in a fun, fast-paced environment.

Instructions

1. Pair Up! Find a partner. One of you will be the "Interviewer" and the other will be the "Candidate".
2. Interviewer's Role: The interviewer will use the Mock Interview Speed Dating Activity Cards to ask the candidate questions.
3. Candidate's Role: The candidate will answer the questions as if they were in a real interview, applying the tips learned from the Your First Impression Playbook Slide Deck.
4. Speed Round! You will have 2 minutes for the interviewer to ask questions and the candidate to respond. Focus on listening, clear communication, and positive body language.
5. Switch Roles! After 2 minutes, switch roles. The new interviewer will use different questions from the cards.
6. Rotate! After another 2 minutes, you will rotate to a new partner and repeat the process. Try to practice with as many different partners and questions as you can!

Reflection Questions (to consider after the activity):

• What was one thing you felt confident about during your "interview"?
• What was one area you'd like to improve on?
• What was the most challenging question you were asked? How did you answer it?
• What did you learn from being the "interviewer"?

Mock Interview Speed Dating Activity Cards

Cut these cards out and use them for your mock interviews!

Interviewer Question Cards

Card 1
Tell me a little about yourself.

Card 2
Why are you interested in this position/opportunity?

Card 3
What are your strengths?

Card 4
What are your weaknesses?

Card 5
Where do you see yourself in five years?

Card 6
Do you have any questions for me?

Card 7
How do you handle stress or pressure?

Card 8
Describe a time you worked as part of a team.

Card 9
What do you know about our company/organization?

Card 10
Why should we hire you?

Common Interview Questions Worksheet

Being prepared for common interview questions can make a big difference! Read each question and write down your best answer. Remember to be honest, concise, and highlight your skills and experiences.

Questions:

1. Tell me about yourself. (This is often the first question. What would you say to introduce yourself and highlight relevant experiences or aspirations?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Why are you interested in this position/opportunity? (Think about what excites you about the role or the organization.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What are your greatest strengths? (Choose 2-3 strengths that are relevant to the job and provide a brief example of how you demonstrate them.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What do you consider your weaknesses? (It's okay to have weaknesses! The key is to show self-awareness and how you are working to improve. Choose one and explain.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. Where do you see yourself in five years? (Think realistically about your goals and how this experience might fit into them.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

6. How do you handle stress or pressure? (Give a brief, positive example.)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

7. Describe a time you worked as part of a team. (What was your role? What was the outcome?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

8. Do you have any questions for me? (Always have at least one or two questions ready for the interviewer! What would you ask?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Common Interview Questions Answer Key

This answer key provides guidance and example responses for common interview questions. Encourage students to personalize their answers and focus on their own experiences and skills.

Questions and Example Responses:

1. Tell me about yourself.

   • Thought Process: This is your elevator pitch! Briefly introduce yourself, mention relevant experiences (school projects, volunteering, part-time jobs), and connect them to the opportunity. End with a forward-looking statement.
   • Example Answer: "I'm currently a junior at [Your High School Name], where I've been actively involved in [mention a club or activity, e.g., the debate team or student government]. I enjoy [mention a hobby or interest that shows a positive trait, e.g., problem-solving or working with others]. I'm looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in [relevant field] and learning new skills."

2. Why are you interested in this position/opportunity?

   • Thought Process: Show you've done your research. Connect your skills and interests to the specific requirements of the role and the values of the organization.
   • Example Answer: "I've been following [Company/Organization Name] for a while and I'm really impressed by [mention something specific, e.g., your commitment to community service or innovative projects]. This position particularly interests me because it aligns with my passion for [e.g., helping people or creative design], and I believe my skills in [mention a relevant skill] would be a great fit."

3. What are your greatest strengths?

   • Thought Process: Choose strengths that are genuinely yours and are relevant to the job. Provide a brief, specific example for each. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) can be helpful here.
   • Example Answer: "I would say my greatest strengths are my communication skills and my ability to learn quickly. For example, in my [mention a class or activity], I often present our group projects, and I always make sure everyone understands our findings. When I started my volunteer work at [Organization], I quickly learned their new software system, which helped me become a more efficient team member."

4. What do you consider your weaknesses?

   • Thought Process: Be honest but choose a weakness that isn't critical to the job and show how you are actively working to improve it. This demonstrates self-awareness and a growth mindset.
   • Example Answer: "Sometimes I can be a bit of a perfectionist, which means I might spend a little extra time on a task to ensure it's just right. I've been working on balancing this by setting realistic deadlines for myself and learning when to move on to the next task, understanding that 'good enough' is sometimes perfect."

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

   • Thought Process: Show ambition and a desire for growth, but also indicate a realistic understanding of the career path. Connect it to the company if possible.
   • Example Answer: "In five years, I hope to have gained a solid foundation in [relevant field] and to be contributing significantly to a team. I see myself having taken on more responsibilities and continuing to learn and develop new skills. I'm excited about the possibility of growing within an organization like [Company/Organization Name]."

6. How do you handle stress or pressure?

   • Thought Process: Focus on positive coping mechanisms and your ability to remain calm and effective. Avoid complaining.
   • Example Answer: "I find that when I face pressure, staying organized and prioritizing my tasks helps me a lot. For instance, during exam periods, I create a study schedule, which helps me manage my time effectively and reduces stress. I also make sure to take short breaks to clear my head."

7. Describe a time you worked as part of a team.

   • Thought Process: Use the STAR method. Describe the situation, your task, the action you took, and the positive result.
   • Example Answer: "In my [mention a class] group project, our task was to create a presentation on [topic]. I took on the role of compiling research and designing the slides. I made sure to communicate regularly with my teammates to ensure our ideas were cohesive, and we practiced our presentation together. As a result, we delivered a strong presentation and received a great grade."

8. Do you have any questions for me?

   • Thought Process: This is your chance to show genuine interest and engagement. Always have a few thoughtful questions prepared. Avoid asking questions about salary or benefits in a first interview.
   • Example Answer: "Yes, I do. What does a typical day look like for someone in this role?" or "What are the biggest challenges or opportunities facing your team right now?" or "What kind of support is available for new team members?"