As educators working with high schoolers, we understand the significance of interview skills in their transition to adulthood and future careers. Whether it’s a college admission interview, a job interview, or a scholarship interview, mastering the art of interviewing is crucial for success.

In this blog post, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to help your high school students improve their interview skills. We will explore a step-by-step lesson plan and a related worksheet activity titled “The Dos and Don’ts of Interviewing” to reinforce key concepts. By equipping your students with essential interview techniques, strategies, and the confidence to showcase their abilities, you can empower them to excel in any interview setting.

Related resources: See our full list of social skills lessons.

Teaching Interview Skills to High Schoolers

Objective:

• To equip high school students with the necessary skills and strategies to excel in interviews.

Materials Needed:

• “The Dos and Don’ts of Interviewing” worksheet (one copy per student)
• Visual aids (slides or posters displaying interview tips and techniques)
• Mock interview scenarios (prepared in advance)
• Feedback forms or rubrics for assessment

Understanding the Interview Process

1. Present an overview of the interview process, including the stages of preparation, the actual interview, and post-interview follow-up.
2. Discuss the importance of researching the organization, understanding the role or position, and anticipating common interview questions.
3. Introduce strategies to manage nerves and enhance self-confidence, such as positive self-talk and visualization exercises.
4. Share tips on appropriate dress code, body language, and verbal communication during interviews.

Interactive Activity: Mock Interview

1. Divide the students into pairs: one student will be the interviewer, and the other will be the interviewee.
2. Provide a list of interview scenarios or prepare mock interview questions related to college admissions, scholarships, or job applications.
3. Conduct the mock interviews, ensuring that each student has an opportunity to be both the interviewer and the interviewee.
4. After each interview, provide constructive feedback to both the interviewer and interviewee.

“The Dos and Don’ts of Interviewing” Worksheet

1. Explain the purpose of the worksheet, which is to reinforce the concepts covered during the lesson.
2. Review each section of the worksheet, including dos and don’ts of interviewing, common interview questions, and self-reflection.
3. Encourage students to complete the worksheet independently, using their knowledge from the lesson and the mock interviews.

Extension Interview Skills Activities and Reinforcement

Additionally, check out these reinforcement activities and ideas to improve carryover for this high schooler interview skills lesson plan!

1. Provide additional resources for students to further enhance their interview skills, such as online tutorials or interview preparation guides.
2. Encourage students to practice elevator pitches, create portfolios, and participate in mock interviews outside the classroom.
3. Assign students the task of conducting informational interviews with professionals in their desired fields, encouraging them to prepare questions and gather insights.

Sample Video

Students learn best from watching real students their own age model skills. Try out this sample video-modeling lesson below. We offer our entire Social-Emotional Learning platform free for 30 days here!

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