Jon Interviewing

Session Overview

Interviews are difficult for everyone because we are being evaluated by people we do not know.
They will be noticing everything we do and will make judgements base on some very small things. But it
does not have to be intimidating, especially if youth prepare ahead of time and practice, practice,
practice! This session provides youth with an overview of what to expect in an interview and what to do
before, during and after an interview. Youth then are given the opportunity to practice and do a mock
interview with their peers to build their confidence.

Session Objectives

 Youth understand key questions typically asked in an interview

 Youth understand the value of preparing for and practicing in an interview
 Youth practice and are confident in completing a job interview

Advance Preparations

 Read through each activity

 Collect all necessary materials listed below
 Write the session quote on flipchart paper at the front of the room
 Create flipchart version of S6.1 Before, During & After an Interview Chart
 Create 3 Flipchart signs “Yes”, “No”, “Maybe”
 Print and cut out the Common Interview Questions into separate slips of paper
- S6.2 Common Interview Questions
 Select which Option will work best to conduct the Mock Interviews in your training (Activity 6.2)
 Invite employer partners, recruitment agency representatives or job counsellors to attend the
mock interviews (if available)

Materials

 Attendance Form
 Youth Workbook, one of each participant
 Employability Skills Journey Map Poster
 Feedback Box
 Flipchart Paper
 Markers
 Youth workbooks for each youth
 Bag
 Music (on phone or computer)
OPTION: If no music is available sing or clap to make music
TIME REQUIRED: 2 HOURS

ACTIVITY ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION TIME LINE

Session Introduction Youth are introduced to the session and build a 5 minutes
positive learning environment.
Interview Preparation Youth understand good practices for before, 25 minutes
during and after an interview. Youth are able to
identify common interview questions and prepare
their own responses to such questions.
Mock Interviews Youth practice completing a mock interview with 1 hr. 10 minutes
peers and facilitator constructive feedback.
Session Wrap-up Youth review the session and identify activities to 5 minutes
do after the training to help them further build
their job interviewing skills.

EMPLOYABILITY SKILLS ASSESSMENT TOOL

This session looks at building the following employability skills, where youth are asked to assess
the following statements:

JOB SEARCH SKILLS I have the knowledge and skills needed to

interview for jobs

SESSION INTRODUCTION

TIME REQUIRED: 5 MINUTES

OBECTIVES

Youth are introduced to the session and build a positive learning environment

ADVANCE PREPARATIONS & MATERIALS

 Flipchart Paper
 Markers
 Attendance Sheet
 Employability Skills Journey Map Poster
 Write the session quote on flipchart paper at the front of the room

“ I would like to congratulate you in advance, because I know that you are confident and qualified for
this job. So go ahead and give your best shot.” – Unknown

STEPS

1. If completing this session on a new day, welcome youth to the class. Have all youth sign the
attendance sheet.
 2. Review previous session.
3. Invite 1-2 youth to share the actions they took after the previous session.
4. Do a quick ice breaker to create a positive environment
5. Ask a youth to read a quote or wise word that describes the session. Ask students to discuss and
explain what the quote means to them.
6. Review the session objectives and activities using the Employability Skill Journey Map.

ACTIVITY 6.1: INTERVIEW PREPARATION

TIME REQUIRED: 25 MINUTES

OBJECTIVES

Youth understand good practices for before, during and after an interview. Youth are able to
identify common interview questions and prepare their own responses to such questions.

ADVANCE PREPARATIONS & MATERILAS

 Flipchart Paper
 Markers
 Bag
 Music (on phone or computer)- OPTION: If no music is available sing or clap to make music
 Create a flipchart version of S6.1 Before, During & After an Interview Chart
 Create 3 Flipchart sign “Yes”, “No”, “Maybe”
 Print and cut out the Common Interview Questions into a separate slips of paper
- S6.2 Common Interview Questions

KEY FACILITATOR POINTS

A job interview is a way for employers to find out whom a youth is and if they are the best
candidate for a job position. As a young person, youth also need to determine if this position, company
and opportunity is a right fit for them. An interview helps decide those things. In an interview employers
want to discuss qualifications, skills and learn about a person’s personality. It is really just a conversation
between two people to learn about each other.

It can be a daunting and nerve-racking task, however with the right preparation and practice, youth can
succeed. This activity and the following activity will help youth prepare for an interview and practice
interviewing amongst their peers.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

Job Application- A conversation between a job applicant and one or more representatives from a
potential employer. It is conducted to assess whether an applicant will be hired.
STEPS

INTRODUCTORY ACTIVITY

Vision activity (3 min)

1. Ask youth to sit back and close their eyes. Describe the scenario: “Imagine have searched in the
newspapers, online and through different networks. You have finally found the perfect job that
is right for you and you are qualified for. You worked really hard ad researched the company and
wrote a great application and resume that is catered to the job posting and the company. You
had your family and your teacher edit the resume and submitted to the employer. Three weeks
pass by and the employer calls you. The employer really likes you and you have been selected to
come in for an interview! “Now what do you do?”
2. Have youth open their eyes. Lead a discussion using the following questions:
-- How would it feel to be selected for an interview?
-- Have you ever been selected for an interview before? How did it go?
-- What are the things we need to do in advance to prepare for an interview?
-- Why do you think employer want to interview you?

3. Explain to the youth: “ An employer needs to find whom you are and if you are the best candidate
for the job position. You also need to find out if this is a good job opportunity for you. An interview
helps us decide those things. In an interview employers want to discuss your qualifications, skills
and learn about your personality. Remember, an interview is just a conversation between two
people to learn about each other.”

PARTICIPATORY LEARNING ACTIVITY

Yes, No, Maybe Interview steps (7 min)

4. Post “Yes”. “No” and “Maybe” flipchart signs in different spots around the room.

5. Explain to the youth: “To start thinking of things to prepare for an interview we are going to play a
game. I will read out phrases that describe different activities when preparing or doing an
interview. If you think you should do the activity move to the “Yes” area. If you think you should
not do the activity move to the “No” area. If you are unsure, go to the “Maybe” area.”

--OPTIONS: If there is enough space in the training centre, this activity can be done outside.
Another alternative could be that youth stand at their desk or workspace. If they think “Yes” they
continue standing. If they think “No” they sit down. If they think “Maybe” they crouch.

6. Make sure youth understand the activity an read out the list. After each statement is read and
youth decide if the activity should be done or not done, ask 1-2 youth to explain why they chose that
answer.
 -- Be relaxed. Remember that the interviewer wants to know you better and not test you.

-- Arrive 1 hour early to the interview.

-- Do not look the employer in the eyes.

-- Research the company in advance.

-- Bring your resume in case they do not have it on hand.

-- Sit up straight.

-- Wear your favorite lucky jeans

-- Interrupt the interviewer if they are talking too much.

-- Shave or trim your facial hair

-- Chew gum during the interview.

-- Speak quietly to show politeness

- Use slang words like LOL to show your personality

-- Talk positively about yourself and your accomplishments

-- Have 2-3 questions you want to ask the employer about the job.

-- Ask how much you will earn in the job

-- Give a fim handshake

-- Lie if you do not know the answer

-- Give one word answers

-- Thank the interviewer at the end of the interview

-- Demand to know when they will get back to you about the job.

-- Smile and be positive at all times

7. Have the youth return to their seats.

PARTICIPATORY LEARNING ACTIVITY

Before, During and After Interview Brainstorming (15 min)

8. Divide youth into three groups- The Before Group, During Group and After Group. Give each group a
piece of flipchart and marker.
  OPTION: If you have a large group of youth in the training, you have to create six or nine groups
and make additional Before, During and After groups to accommodate. Aim to have 5-7 each
group.

9. Ask each group brainstorm and create a list of all of the things that a person should do Before, During
and After an Interview.

10. Give groups 10 minutes to discuss and write down their list. Visit each group and provide assistance
as needed.

11. Display the flipchart version S6.1 Before, During & After an Interview Chart at the front of the room
for everyone to see.

12. Have groups present their list to the group and write down youth’s answers on the flipchart. As you
write, encourage youth to fill in their own charts in their workbooks on activities they will do before,
during and after an interview. Discuss and select various actions to discuss and show examples of what it
would look like in a real interview.

BEFORE

 Research the company, job and required skills

 Prepare multiple copies of your resume
 Turn your cell phone OFF
 Do not be late. Give yourself extra time, however only show up 10 minutes early
 Prepare answers to typical questions in advance and practice!
 Prepare for the question “Tell something about yourself” by planning a 1 minute speech
emphasizing your relevant skills and experience you have for the job.
 Dress and look professional (clothes clean, wrinkle free, well fitted clothes, well groomed, good
hygiene)
 Greet the receptionist and other workers with respect. You are making a first impression for the
whole company not just the interviewer!
 Prepare 1-2 questions to ask the interviewer to show your interest in the company, examples
could be:
o Can you describe a typical day in this type of role?
o How long have you been in this company and what is you motivation in works?
o How would you describe the work environment and corporate culture?
o What are some of the short term and long term goals of the company?
o What type of career opportunities may open up for a person starting out in his type of
position?
o What are some of the companies initiatives regarding health and safety?
o What are some of the company’s initiatives regarding learning and development?

DURING
  Avoid negative statements
 Maintain eye contact
 Communicate positive body language (good posture, facing the person, smiling, not fidheting,
lean in, etc.)
 Speak slowly and clear
 Look alert and interested
 Give a firm handshake at the beginning and end of the interview
 Do not answer with just “yes” or “no” explain and showcase you talents, skills and
determination for the job
 Do not bring up personal issues or family problems
 Do not lie!
 Avoid using slang, poor language or pause words like ‘Uh’ or ‘um’
 If you are unsure how to answer a question, ask the interviewer to repeat the question
 Do not rush answers. A short pause before answering a question is okay
 Do not inquire about salary, vacations, bonuses or other benefits unless the interviewer brings
this up or until you have received an offer
 Ask 1-2 questions about the job and company to show your interest
 Close the interview with by thanking the interviewer and expressing your interest in wanting the
job. Ask the interviewer about the next steps in the hiring process

AFTER

 Take down note from the interview so you do not forget

 Get the contact info (business card) of the person interviewing if you do not have it
 Send a thank you note after your interview after 24 hours

PARTICIPATORY LEARNING ACTIVITY

“Hot Question” Game (10 min)

14. Have a youth stand on a large circle. Stand in the middle with a bag with the cut outs of Common
Interview questions from S6.1 Common Interview Questions.

15. Explain to the youth: Now that we know what will do in an interview, we still need to figure out what
we are going to say. We are going to play a game to help us think about what types of questions we
could be asked in an interview. I have a bag of common interview questions. This bag is going to be like a
“hot potato”. We are going to pass the bag around the circle to the music. When the music stops, the
person holding the bag has to select an interview question from the bag to answer.
16. Play the game and have youth pick questions from the bag and answer them. Encourage youth to
answer and support each other. Congratulate for all of their responses.

17. Have the youth sit back in their seats and lead a discussion using the following questions:

 Did you find the questions difficult to answer or easy? Why?

 How did it feel having to answer a question on the spot?
 What other questions do you think an employer could ask? Write youth’s answer on flipchart
paper at the front of the room.
 How could preparing for and having these responses done in advance help you in an interview?

PRACTICE-ORIENTED ACTIVITY

My Job interview Answers (5 min)

18. Next have the youth work in pairs and work together to fill in answers in the My Job Interview
Answers in their Youth Workbooks. To help answer the questions, ask the youth to imagine they are
preparing responses for their ideal job and company. Visit each group and provide assistance as needed.

19. Have pairs join together to make groups of 4. Have pairs take turns sharing asking the questions and
sharing their answers.

SESSION WRAP-UP

TIME REQUIRED: 5 MINUTES

OBJECTIVES

Youth reflect on what they learned in the session and identify to do after the training to help them
further build their job search skills.

ADVANCE PREPARATIONS & MATERIALS

 Flipchart
 Markers
 Employability Skills Journey Map Poster
 Feedback box

STEPS

8. Congratulate youth for all of the work they did in the session.

9. Play a review energizer game to review what youth learned in the session.
Questions for the game could be:

o What are 3 steps to take to prepare for interview? Why?

o What is 1 thing you should do after the interview? Why?
o What are 2 common interview questions?
o What additional interview questions could you expect?
o What is 1 question you should have prepared for the interviewee?
o Describe how you should dress fir an interview for a young woman or a young man?
o What is a strategy you can use to calm your needs?

10. Using the Employability Skills Journey Map Poster, review each activity and the key objectives and
review the topics of the next session.

11. Encourage youth to write any feedback they have for the Facilitator and put it in the Feedback box at
front of the room. Explain to the youth: “This box is anonymous and to help improve the programming
for the future. Please share what is working well in the training and what you want to improve. If you
have any personal issues you want to follow up with, you can always discuss after the class”. If youth
feel uncomfortable have them share their feedback with the group.

12. Ask youth to reflect on the day and write any notes in their Youth Workbook.

Use the following questions to help youth self-reflect:

 How will you make your interview a success?

 How will you feel when you succeed in your interview?

13. Challenge youth to do one or more of the take away activities after class.

14. If it is the end of the class, collect Youth Workbooks until the next session . Youth can keep their
workbooks if they choose, but they must bring them back to the next class

TAKE-AWAY ACTIVITIES

 Write 3-4 notes in your Personal Treasure Chest about skills you have or have learned In the
class
 Practice conducting a interview with family member or peer and get their feedback
 Determine clothes and how will do your hair for an interview
 Develop a list of 2-3 questions to as an interviewer
 Research companies and job postings you would like to work at and think of potential interview
questions they could ask related to the job
 RESOURCE MATERIALS

S6.1 Before, during & After an interview Chart

Before an Interview During an Interview After an Interview

 S6.2 Common Interview Questions

Cut out each Do or Don’t separate slips of paper

Why do you want to work at this company?
Describe a time when you had to overcome a
challenge in a work situation.
What are your biggest strengths?
What do you want to be doing in 5 years?
Describe one of your most successful moments in
your life.
What experience do you have in this type of work
Describe a time when you work at a team
What are your biggest weaknesses?
What skills do you have that could benefit this job?
Why do you want to work in this industry?