Lesson Plan
Interview Skills Game Day
Students will actively participate in a simulated game show to practice and refine essential job interview skills, including effective communication, professional demeanor, and thoughtful response formulation.
Mastering interview skills is crucial for future career success. This lesson provides a low-pressure, engaging environment to practice these vital life skills, boosting student confidence and preparedness for real-world job opportunities.
Audience
11th Grade
Time
75 minutes
Approach
Interactive game show with role-playing and peer feedback.
Materials
Smartboard or Projector, Markers or Whiteboard, You're Hired! The Game Show, Interview Challenge Cards, Interview Performance Checklist for each student, and Small prizes (optional)
Prep
Teacher Preparation
20 minutes
- Review all generated materials, including the You're Hired! The Game Show slide deck, Interview Challenge Cards, Post-Game Interview Feedback, and Interview Performance Checklist.
- Print one copy of the Interview Performance Checklist for each student.
- If desired, gather small prizes for game winners.
- Ensure projector/smartboard is set up for the You're Hired! The Game Show slide deck.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Interview Icebreaker
10 minutes
- Begin by asking students to share one interesting (or nerve-wracking!) fact about job interviews they've heard or experienced.
- Briefly discuss why interview skills are important (refer to the lesson's 'Why' section).
Step 2
Introduction to 'You're Hired! The Game Show'
10 minutes
- Introduce the game show concept using the You're Hired! The Game Show slide deck.
- Explain the rules and scoring for the game. Emphasize that the goal is practice and learning, not perfection.
- Divide the class into small teams (3-4 students per team).
Step 3
Round 1: Rapid-Fire Questions
20 minutes
- Use the Interview Challenge Cards to present
Step 4
Round 1: Rapid-Fire Questions
20 minutes
- Use the Interview Challenge Cards to present various common interview questions to each team.
- Each team will choose one representative to answer the question within a time limit (e.g., 60 seconds).
- After each answer, briefly provide constructive feedback and award points based on the Interview Performance Checklist criteria (professionalism, clarity, relevance).
Step 5
Round 2: Scenario Challenge
20 minutes
- Present interview scenarios from the Interview Challenge Cards that require more in-depth responses or problem-solving.
- Teams will have a short time to discuss their approach before a representative provides their answer.
- Provide feedback and award points as in Round 1. Encourage peer feedback using the Interview Performance Checklist.
Step 6
Cool-Down: Post-Game Reflection & Feedback
15 minutes
- Conclude the game show, announce winning team (optional prizes).
- Facilitate the Post-Game Interview Feedback discussion.
- Have students complete the self-reflection portion of their Interview Performance Checklist.
- Collect checklists for teacher review (optional).
Slide Deck
You're Hired! The Interview Game Show
Get Ready to Level Up Your Interview Skills!
Welcome students and introduce the exciting topic of job interviews. Ask a quick question to get them thinking about interviews. (e.g., 'What's one thing you hope an interviewer asks you, and one thing you hope they don't?')
Our Mission Today:
š Practice essential interview skills in a fun game show format!
š Build confidence for future job interviews.
š Learn how to effectively communicate your strengths and potential.
Explain the objective clearly. Emphasize that this is a fun, low-pressure way to practice a very important life skill. Connect it to their future careers.
How to Play:
š¤ Work in Teams!
š§ Answer Interview Questions & Scenarios.
š Earn Points for Strong Answers.
š Give & Receive Constructive Feedback using the Interview Performance Checklist.
š Have Fun & Learn!
Go over the basic rules. Keep it light and encouraging. Explain how teams will work and how points will be awarded based on the checklist. Make sure they understand the importance of the Interview Performance Checklist.
Round 1: Rapid-Fire Questions!
ā±ļø Quick thinking required!
šÆ Focus on clear, concise answers.
Transition to the first round. Explain that these are quicker questions to get them warmed up.
Question 1:
(Teacher presents question from Interview Challenge Cards)
This slide acts as a placeholder or a way to display the question. The actual questions will come from the Interview Challenge Cards.
Question 2:
(Teacher presents question from Interview Challenge Cards)
Another placeholder for the next question.
Round 2: Scenario Challenge!
š¤ Deeper thinking, problem-solving!
š¬ Team discussion time before answering.
Transition to the second round, which involves more thought and detail.
Scenario 1:
(Teacher presents scenario from Interview Challenge Cards)
This slide acts as a placeholder for the scenario. The actual scenarios will come from the Interview Challenge Cards.
Scenario 2:
(Teacher presents scenario from Interview Challenge Cards)
Another placeholder for the next scenario.
Time for Feedback!
š¬ Let's reflect on our performance and what we've learned.
š Complete your Interview Performance Checklist for self-reflection.
Wrap up the game show. Congratulate all participants and remind them of the main goal: learning and practice. Lead into the Post-Game Interview Feedback discussion.
You're Hired! (For Future Success!)
Keep practicing, keep learning, and go ace those interviews!
Final thank you and encouragement. Reinforce the value of these skills.
Game
Interview Challenge Cards
Rapid-Fire Questions (Round 1)
(Cut these cards out and use them for quick responses during the game show. Encourage concise, clear answers.)
Card 1: Tell me about yourself.
Card 2: Why are you interested in this position?
Card 3: What are your greatest strengths?
Card 4: What are your greatest weaknesses?
Card 5: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Card 6: Why should we hire you?
Card 7: How do you handle pressure or stressful situations?
Card 8: What are your hobbies outside of work/school?
Scenario Challenges (Round 2)
(These cards require more thought and discussion. Teams can briefly discuss before a representative answers.)
Card 9: Scenario: Imagine you are working on a team project, and one of your teammates isn't pulling their weight. How would you handle this situation?
Card 10: Scenario: You accidentally made a significant mistake at work that impacted a client. How would you address this error?
Card 11: Scenario: You are asked to perform a task you've never done before and aren't sure how to start. What would you do?
Card 12: Scenario: A customer is very upset about a service they received and is yelling at you. How would you respond professionally?
Card 13: Scenario: You have conflicting deadlines for two important tasks. How do you prioritize and ensure both are completed effectively?
Card 14: Scenario: You discover a more efficient way to complete a regular task at work, but it means changing an established process. How would you propose this change to your supervisor?
Card 15: Scenario: An interviewer asks you about a time you failed. How do you answer honestly while still highlighting a positive outcome or learning experience?
Card 16: Scenario: You are offered a job, but it doesn't meet all of your salary expectations. How do you negotiate respectfully?
Discussion
Post-Game Interview Feedback: Reflect & Grow
Now that we've completed our "You're Hired! The Game Show," let's take some time to reflect on what we learned and how we can continue to improve our interview skills. This is a safe space to share observations and offer constructive feedback.
Discussion Questions:
-
What was the most challenging part of the game show for you or your team? Why?
-
What was an unexpected skill or quality you noticed was important during the interview practice?
-
Think about one answer you gave or heard. What made it particularly strong or what could have made it even better?
-
Based on today's activity, what is one specific thing you want to work on to improve your interview skills?
-
How do you think practicing interview skills in a game show format like this helps prepare you for real-world job interviews?
-
What advice would you give to someone who is nervous about an upcoming job interview?
Rubric
Interview Performance Checklist
This checklist will help you evaluate interview performance during the game show and reflect on your own skills. Use it to provide constructive feedback to your peers and identify areas for your own growth.
Student Name: _____________________________
Evaluator Name (if applicable): _____________________________
Section 1: Communication Skills
| Criteria | 1 - Needs Practice | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarity & Conciseness | Answers were unclear or too long/short. | Answers were somewhat clear but lacked focus. | Answers were clear and to the point. | Answers were exceptionally clear, concise, and impactful. |
| Verbal Delivery | Mumbled, spoke too fast/slow, or used many filler words. | Occasional mumbling/fillers; some variation in pace. | Spoke clearly, at an appropriate pace, with minimal fillers. | Spoke with excellent clarity, confidence, and vocal variety. |
| Active Listening | Did not seem to listen to the question or interrupted. | Listened, but sometimes went off-topic. | Listened attentively and responded directly to questions. | Actively listened, understood nuances, and responded thoughtfully. |
Section 2: Content & Thought Process
| Criteria | 1 - Needs Practice | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relevance of Answer | Answers were irrelevant or avoided the question. | Answers were somewhat relevant but lacked depth. | Answers directly addressed the question and were relevant. | Answers were highly relevant, insightful, and well-supported. |
| Problem-Solving (Scenarios) | Struggled to identify the problem or offer a solution. | Identified problem, but solutions were basic or incomplete. | Identified problem and offered logical, reasonable solutions. | Demonstrated strong analytical and creative problem-solving. |
| Self-Awareness (Strengths/Weaknesses) | Difficulty articulating strengths or weaknesses authentically. | Identified some, but lacked specific examples or reflection. | Articulated strengths/weaknesses with examples and reflection. | Demonstrated deep self-awareness, specific examples, and growth mindset. |
Section 3: Professionalism & Demeanor
| Criteria | 1 - Needs Practice | 2 - Developing | 3 - Proficient | 4 - Exemplary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Language | Avoided eye contact, fidgeted excessively, or slumped. | Inconsistent eye contact; some fidgeting or stiffness. | Maintained good eye contact and had open, confident posture. | Engaged naturally with confident eye contact and relaxed, attentive posture. |
| Enthusiasm & Attitude | Appeared disengaged, uninterested, or overly negative. | Showed some interest, but could be more positive. | Displayed genuine interest and a positive, respectful attitude. | Demonstrated high enthusiasm, genuine interest, and a professional yet approachable demeanor. |
| Preparedness (Implied) | Seemed unprepared or unsure of common questions. | Knew some answers, but struggled with others. | Seemed generally prepared for common interview questions. | Showed strong preparation, anticipating and skillfully answering questions. |
Self-Reflection (To be completed by the student after the game show):
-
Based on the checklist, what is one area where you feel you performed well today? Give a specific example.
-
What is one area from the checklist that you would like to improve upon for your next interview? How will you practice this?
-
What was the most valuable piece of feedback you received (or gave) today?