Lesson Plan
Interview Prep Path
Students will learn to answer common interview questions, demonstrate confident body language, and practice follow-up etiquette through guided role-play and station rotations.
Interview skills are essential for academic, extracurricular, and future career success; this lesson builds confidence and real-world communication abilities.
Audience
9th Grade Small Group
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Role-play stations with peer feedback using guided prompts.
Materials
- Ace the Interview, - Mock Interview Stations, - Feedback & Improvement Guide, - Printed Interview Question Prompts, - Timer or Stopwatch, and - Whiteboard and Markers
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Ace the Interview slide deck.
- Print and cut station cards for Mock Interview Stations.
- Familiarize yourself with the Feedback & Improvement Guide.
- Arrange classroom into three stations, each with seating and a timer.
- Prepare role labels: Interviewer, Interviewee, Observer.
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Welcome students and introduce Interview IQ objectives using the Ace the Interview.
- Explain the importance of strong interview skills and outline today's activities.
Step 2
Body Language Warm-Up
10 minutes
- Display slides on effective vs. ineffective body language.
- Teacher models both; students mimic and discuss differences.
- Invite volunteers to demonstrate positive nonverbal cues.
Step 3
Paired Practice: Common Questions
15 minutes
- Distribute printed question prompts.
- Pair students and assign roles (Interviewer, Interviewee, Observer).
- Interviewers ask questions; observers use the Feedback & Improvement Guide to take notes.
- After 7 minutes, rotate roles and repeat.
Step 4
Mock Interview Stations
15 minutes
- Split into three groups at Station 1: Behavioral Questions, Station 2: Technical Questions, Station 3: Etiquette & Follow-Up.
- Each station uses prompts from Mock Interview Stations.
- Students rotate every 5 minutes, keeping their roles, with a timer signal.
- Teacher circulates to observe and offer guidance.
Step 5
Debrief and Reflection
5 minutes
- Reconvene as a whole group.
- Ask students to share one strength and one improvement area they identified.
- Highlight best practices using the Feedback & Improvement Guide.
- Encourage application of these skills in upcoming opportunities.
Slide Deck
Ace the Interview
A 50-minute interactive module to build confidence with interview questions, body language, and follow-up etiquette.
Welcome students and introduce the module. Emphasize the importance of interview skills for academic, extracurricular, and future career opportunities.
Agenda
• Introduction & Objectives (5 min)
• Body Language Warm-Up (10 min)
• Paired Practice: Common Questions (15 min)
• Mock Interview Stations (15 min)
• Debrief & Reflection (5 min)
Briefly walk through each segment with its time allocation so students know what to expect.
Today's Objectives
• Master effective body language
• Understand common question types and answer structures
• Learn proper follow-up etiquette
Highlight the three key learning goals and relate them back to real-world scenarios (school presentations, job interviews).
Effective Body Language
• Maintain steady eye contact
• Sit and stand with an open, relaxed posture
• Offer a firm handshake
• Use appropriate facial expressions
Demonstrate each tip physically: stand and model posture, eye contact, handshake. Invite a volunteer to try.
Common Question Types
• Behavioral: “Tell me about a time you…?”
• Situational: “What would you do if…?”
• Technical: Role-specific skill checks
• Personal/HR: Motivation and cultural fit
Explain each question category with an example. Ask students to call out sample questions they’ve heard.
Answering Behavioral Questions: STAR
Situation: Set the scene
Task: Describe your responsibility
Action: Explain what you did
Result: Share the outcome
Introduce STAR method step-by-step. Show a quick example story.
Follow-Up Etiquette
• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours
• Personalize comments from the interview
• Reiterate interest and key qualifications
• Keep it concise and professional
Stress timeliness and personalization. Show a sample thank-you email on the board.
Let's Get Started
Move to our first activity: Body Language Warm-Up. Observe, model, and practice positive nonverbal cues.
Transition students to the Body Language Warm-Up station and explain roles (Interviewer, Interviewee, Observer).
Activity
Mock Interview Stations Activity Details
In the Mock Interview Stations activity, students rotate through three targeted interview scenarios, practicing as Interviewers, Interviewees, and Observers. Each station lasts 5 minutes (15 minutes total), and observers use the Feedback & Improvement Guide to record notes on strengths and areas for improvement.
Roles (rotate each station):
- Interviewer: Asks prompts and follows up with clarifying questions.
- Interviewee: Responds using techniques learned (e.g., STAR method).
- Observer: Uses the Feedback & Improvement Guide to note body language, answer structure, and overall etiquette.
Station 1: Behavioral Questions
Instructions:
- Interviewer selects one prompt and asks the Interviewee to answer using the STAR framework.
- Observer records examples of Situation, Task, Action, and Result steps.
Prompts:
- Tell me about a time you overcame a challenge.
- Describe a moment you worked successfully as part of a team.
- Share an instance when you showed leadership.
Station 2: Technical Questions
Instructions:
- Interviewer asks a role-specific or problem-solving question.
- Interviewee explains their thought process clearly, step by step.
- Observer notes clarity, organization, and confidence in explanations.
Prompts:
- Explain how you would solve a math problem involving linear equations.
- Walk me through how you would research a complex topic.
- Describe how you use technology tools to complete a project.
Station 3: Etiquette & Follow-Up
Instructions:
- Interviewer asks about closing the interview and follow-up procedures.
- Interviewee demonstrates professional closing statements and follow-up communication.
- Observer notes tone, politeness, and completeness of follow-up plan.
Prompts:
- How would you follow up after an interview?
- What would you say to close a conversation professionally?
- How do you show appreciation to your interviewer?
After 5 minutes, the teacher signals a rotation. Continue until all groups have completed every station.
Answer Key
Feedback & Improvement Guide
Use this guide to observe your peer during mock interviews. Rate each area and provide specific notes to help them improve.
How to Use This Guide
- Observe the Interviewee carefully during each question.
- Rate performance in each category using the rubric below.
- Note one strength and one suggestion per category.
- Summarize overall feedback at the end.
Performance Rubric
| Category | Excellent (3) | Satisfactory (2) | Needs Improvement (1) | Rating | Strength & Suggestion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Language | • Steady eye contact • Open, relaxed posture • Purposeful gestures | • Occasional eye contact • Some closed posture • Limited gestures | • Avoids eye contact • Closed or slouched posture • Distracting movements | [ ] | Strength: Suggestion: | |
| Content Structure | • Clear STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result) • Logical flow | • Parts of the STAR format used • Some steps unclear | • No clear structure • Jumps between ideas | [ ] | Strength: Suggestion: | |
| Clarity & Confidence | • Clear, well-paced speech • Confident tone • Minimal fillers | • Generally clear • Occasional hesitations or “um” | • Mumbled or rushed • Frequent pauses or filler words | [ ] | Strength: Suggestion: | |
| Follow-Up Etiquette | • Professional closing statement • Plans thank-you email • Personalizes comments | • Thanks interviewer • Mentions follow-up generally | • No closing or follow-up plan | [ ] | Strength: Suggestion: |
Overall Feedback
Biggest Strength:
Most Important Area for Growth:
Next Steps & Resources:
- Review body language tips from Ace the Interview.
- Practice STAR responses with a partner using prompts from Mock Interview Stations.
- Draft a follow-up email template and share with your group for feedback.