Introduction

As educators, it’s our responsibility to prepare students for success in all aspects of life. One crucial skill they will need is interview etiquette. In this blog post, we will discuss how to teach this important social-emotional skill to students, equipping them with the knowledge they need to make a positive impression in job interviews. We’ll cover an easy no-prep activity, discussion questions, related skills, and next steps to help students excel in their future interviews.

No-Prep Activity

Role-playing is an excellent no-prep activity to teach students interview etiquette. Pair students up and have one student act as the interviewer while the other plays the role of the interviewee. Provide each pair with a list of sample interview questions to ask, focusing on common situations and challenges they may face. Encourage the interviewee to practice good etiquette, such as arriving on time, actively listening, and discussing their strengths and experiences. After the role-play, the pair should switch roles and repeat the process. This activity allows students to practice their interview skills in a safe and supportive environment, while also receiving constructive feedback from their peers.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is it important to arrive early for an interview? How does punctuality reflect on a potential employee?
2. What are some ways to show active listening during an interview? Why is this important?
3. How can you discuss your strengths and experiences without exaggerating or being dishonest?
4. Why is it important to be patient when discussing pay during an interview? How can you show enthusiasm for the job itself?
5. How can practicing interview etiquette help you be more confident and authentic in an interview situation?

Related Skills

Besides interview etiquette, there are several other social-emotional skills that students can benefit from learning. These include:

• Effective communication: The ability to convey thoughts and ideas clearly and confidently is essential during job interviews and in the workplace.
• Problem-solving: Demonstrating the ability to think critically and find solutions to challenges can make a strong impression on potential employers.
• Teamwork: Employers value candidates who can collaborate well with others, as teamwork is often crucial to success in the workplace.
• Adaptability: Being open to change and able to adjust to new situations is a valuable trait in today’s rapidly evolving job market.

Next Steps

Now that you have some tools and resources to teach interview etiquette and other essential social-emotional skills, it’s time to put them into practice. To help you get started, we invite you to sign up for free samples of our skill-building materials at Everyday Speech. Our sample materials cover a wide range of topics designed to support students’ social-emotional growth and prepare them for success in all aspects of life. Don’t miss out on this valuable resource—sign up today!