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Interview Ace

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Lesson Plan

Interview Ace Training Module

Students will learn and practice key interview techniques, including answering common questions, understanding non-verbal communication, and building confidence.

Mastering interview skills is crucial for future academic and career opportunities, helping students articulate their strengths and present themselves effectively.

Audience

10th Grade Students

Time

60 minutes

Approach

Interactive lesson, group discussions, and mock interview practice.

Materials

Conquering the Interview (slide-deck), Mock Interview Scenarios (script), and Interview Performance Rubric (rubric)

Prep

Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: The Power of a First Impression

10 minutes

  • Begin with an engaging question: "Imagine you have a dream opportunity. How do you make sure you get it?" (2 minutes)
  • Introduce the lesson objectives using the Conquering the Interview slide deck (Slides 1-2). (3 minutes)
  • Discuss the importance of interviews in real life (jobs, scholarships, programs) and why making a good impression matters. (5 minutes)

Step 2

Cracking the Code: Common Interview Questions

15 minutes

  • Use the Conquering the Interview slide deck (Slides 3-5) to present common interview questions (e.g., "Tell me about yourself," "What are your strengths/weaknesses?"). (5 minutes)
  • Facilitate a brief class discussion on how to approach these questions, emphasizing honesty and relevance. (5 minutes)
  • Provide students with tips on structuring their answers (STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result) (Slide 6). (5 minutes)

Step 3

Speak Volumes Without Words: Body Language and Demeanor

10 minutes

  • Transition to non-verbal communication using the Conquering the Interview slide deck (Slides 7-8). (3 minutes)
  • Discuss the importance of eye contact, posture, active listening, and appropriate attire. (4 minutes)
  • Ask students to share examples of good and bad body language they've observed. (3 minutes)

Step 4

Showtime! Mock Interview Practice

20 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs or small groups (3-4 students per group). (2 minutes)
  • Distribute Mock Interview Scenarios and one Interview Performance Rubric per student. (3 minutes)
  • Instruct students to take turns being the interviewer and interviewee within their groups, using the scenarios provided. The third student (if applicable) can act as an observer providing feedback using the rubric. (10 minutes)
  • Circulate among groups to offer guidance and observe interactions. (5 minutes)

Step 5

Wrap-up and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together for a brief debrief. (2 minutes)
  • Ask students to share one key takeaway or a new skill they feel more confident about. (3 minutes)
  • Remind students that practice makes perfect!
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Slide Deck

Welcome to Interview Ace!

Ready to make a great first impression?

This training module will help you master the art of the interview!

Welcome students and set an engaging tone. Ask a rhetorical question to pique their interest.

Our Mission Today

By the end of this session, you will be able to:

  • Identify common interview questions.
  • Develop effective strategies for answering tough questions.
  • Understand the importance of non-verbal communication.
  • Practice your interview skills with confidence.

Clearly state the learning objectives for the session.

Question #1: Tell Me About Yourself

This isn't your life story!

  • Keep it professional and concise.
  • Focus on your skills, experiences, and goals relevant to the opportunity.
  • Highlight your strengths and what makes you a good fit.

Introduce the first common question. Ask students to think about how they might answer before revealing tips.

Questions #2 & #3: Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Be specific and provide examples.
  • Connect them to the requirements of the role/opportunity.

Weaknesses:

  • Choose a genuine weakness.
  • Show how you are working to improve it.
  • Turn it into a positive, if possible (e.g., "I used to struggle with X, but now I do Y to manage it.")

Introduce the next set of questions. Emphasize honesty and self-awareness.

The STAR Method

Structure your answers for clarity and impact!

Situation: Describe the context.
Task: Explain your role/objective.
Action: Detail what you did.
Result: Share the outcome and what you learned.

Introduce the STAR method as a powerful tool for structuring answers.

More Than Just Words: Body Language

Your body speaks volumes!

  • Eye Contact: Show engagement and confidence.
  • Posture: Sit up straight, project alertness.
  • Gestures: Use natural hand movements, avoid fidgeting.
  • Smile: Be approachable and positive.

Transition to non-verbal cues. Emphasize that actions speak louder than words.

Making a Lasting Impression

Beyond the answers:

  • Dress Appropriately: Look professional and neat.
  • Be Punctual: Arrive early, be prepared.
  • Listen Actively: Pay attention to the interviewer.
  • Follow-up: Send a thank-you note!

Discuss other aspects of making a good impression beyond verbal responses.

Time to Practice!

Let's put your skills to the test!

Explain the mock interview activity.

You're an Interview Ace!

Remember:

  • Practice makes perfect.
  • Be confident, be yourself.
  • You've got this!

Conclude with encouragement and reinforce the main message.

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Script

Mock Interview Scenarios

Teacher Introduction (To be read aloud):

"Alright class, it's time to put your newfound interview knowledge to the test! We're going to engage in some mock interviews. This is a safe space to practice, make mistakes, and learn from each other. Remember, the goal isn't perfection, but improvement and building confidence.

You will work in pairs or small groups. One person will be the 'interviewer' and the other the 'interviewee'. If you are in a group of three, the third person will be an 'observer' who provides feedback. Use the Interview Performance Rubric to guide your feedback.

Take turns playing each role. The interviewer should choose a scenario and ask the questions. The interviewee should do their best to answer using the techniques we just discussed, like the STAR method. The observer should pay close attention and use the rubric to give specific, helpful feedback.

Let's begin!"


Student Instructions:

  1. Form Groups: Work with a partner or in a small group of three.
  2. Assign Roles: Decide who will be the Interviewer, Interviewee, and (if applicable) the Observer for the first round.
  3. Choose a Scenario: The Interviewer should pick one of the scenarios below.
  4. Conduct Interview: The Interviewer asks questions related to the scenario. The Interviewee responds as if it were a real interview.
  5. Provide Feedback: The Observer (or Interviewer, if no observer) uses the Interview Performance Rubric to give constructive feedback after the interview.
  6. Switch Roles: Rotate roles so everyone gets a chance to be the Interviewer and Interviewee. Try a different scenario each time.

Scenario 1: Volunteer Position at the Local Animal Shelter

Interviewer Questions:

  • "Thank you for coming in today. Can you start by telling me a little about yourself and why you're interested in volunteering at our animal shelter?"
  • "What experience do you have working with animals, or in a team environment?"
  • "What do you consider your greatest strength, and how do you think it would benefit the shelter?"
  • "What do you hope to gain from this volunteer experience?"
  • "Do you have any questions for me?"

Scenario 2: Student Council Representative

Interviewer Questions:

  • "Why do you want to be a Student Council Representative?"
  • "What qualities do you possess that would make you an effective representative for your classmates?"
  • "Describe a time you worked on a team project. What was your role, and what was the outcome?"
  • "What is one idea you have to improve our school community?"
  • "Do you have any questions for me about the Student Council or this role?"

Scenario 3: Summer Camp Counselor Assistant

Interviewer Questions:

  • "Tell me about a time you had to be responsible for a younger sibling or child. What did you do?"
  • "What made you apply for this assistant camp counselor position?"
  • "How do you handle challenging situations, especially when working with children? Give an example."
  • "What activities or skills do you have that you think would be great to share with campers?"
  • "What are your expectations for a summer working at our camp?"

Scenario 4: Internship at a Local Bookstore

Interviewer Questions:

  • "What interests you about working in a bookstore, and specifically about this internship?"
  • "Do you have experience with customer service or organizing? Please elaborate."
  • "How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively?"
  • "What kind of books do you enjoy reading, and why?"
  • "Is there anything else you'd like us to know about you?"
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Rubric

Interview Performance Rubric

This rubric will help you provide constructive feedback during our mock interviews. Rate your peer (or yourself!) on each criterion and provide specific comments to help them improve.

Criteria1 - Needs Improvement2 - Developing3 - Proficient4 - Exemplary
Preparation & KnowledgeAppears unprepared; struggles with basic questions.Shows some preparation; answers are vague or incomplete.Answers questions with some thought; demonstrates understanding.Demonstrates thorough preparation; answers are clear, thoughtful, and well-supported.
Verbal CommunicationMumbles, speaks too softly, or uses excessive filler words.Speaks somewhat clearly, but may lack confidence or clarity.Speaks clearly and confidently; uses appropriate vocabulary.Articulates responses with exceptional clarity, confidence, and eloquence.
Non-Verbal CommunicationLacks eye contact, poor posture, fidgets excessively.Makes some eye contact; posture is inconsistent; some fidgeting.Maintains good eye contact; exhibits appropriate posture and gestures.Displays excellent eye contact, confident posture, and purposeful gestures.
Content of AnswersAnswers are off-topic, too brief, or don't provide examples.Provides some relevant information, but lacks depth or specific examples.Answers are relevant and include some supporting details or examples.Answers are highly relevant, well-structured (e.g., STAR method), and include compelling examples.
Enthusiasm & EngagementAppears uninterested; shows little engagement.Shows mild interest; engagement is inconsistent.Shows genuine interest and actively engages with the interviewer.Demonstrates outstanding enthusiasm and actively engages the interviewer with thoughtful questions.
Overall ImpressionLeft a negative or forgettable impression.Left a neutral or slightly positive impression.Left a positive and memorable impression.Left an exceptionally strong and positive impression.

Feedback for [Interviewee Name]:

Strengths Observed:







Areas for Growth:







One Actionable Tip:







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