Introduction

Interview etiquette is an essential skill for students to learn as they prepare to enter the workforce. For special education students, understanding the dos and don’ts of interviews can be particularly valuable in boosting their confidence and increasing their chances of success. In this blog post, we will discuss a no-prep activity to teach interview etiquette, provide discussion questions to stimulate further conversation, mention related skills, and guide you to free sample materials to continue the learning process.

No-Prep Activity: Role-Playing Interviews

One of the most effective ways to teach interview etiquette is through role-playing. This no-prep activity requires no additional materials and can be easily implemented in the classroom. Begin by pairing students up and assigning one person to be the interviewer and the other to be the interviewee. Provide a list of common interview questions and encourage the students to take turns asking and answering the questions while practicing proper interview etiquette. After a few minutes, have the students switch roles. Once the activity is complete, come together as a group to discuss the experience and provide feedback on each student’s performance.

Discussion Questions

• Why is it important to arrive on time for an interview? How can you ensure punctuality?
• How can active listening during an interview improve your chances of success? What are some strategies to demonstrate engaged listening?
• Why is it essential to be honest during an interview? What are the potential consequences of exaggerating or providing false information?
• When is it appropriate to ask about pay during an interview? Why should the interviewer bring it up first?
• How can practicing interview etiquette help you feel more confident during an actual job interview?

Related Skills

Developing strong interview etiquette is just one component of preparing students for the workforce. Other essential skills for special education students to learn include:

• Communication: The ability to express oneself clearly and effectively during an interview and in the workplace.
• Problem-solving: The capacity to identify issues and find solutions when faced with challenges in a work setting.
• Teamwork: The skill of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, both during group interviews and on the job.
• Adaptability: The willingness to adjust to new situations and learn from experiences in a professional environment.
• Time management: The ability to prioritize tasks and manage one’s time effectively to meet deadlines and complete work assignments.

Next Steps

Teaching interview etiquette is a crucial step in preparing special education students for future job opportunities. By incorporating no-prep activities and engaging discussions, you can help your students build the confidence and skills necessary to excel in interviews. To further explore interview etiquette and other essential skills, sign up for free sample materials that will support your students’ social-emotional learning journey.