Anthony,
Yes that is certainly true; I would never consider calling a student out for their dress-you would lose credibility with the class. Pictures can definitely do the trick..and videos that you can find online.
Elizabeth Kemler
Linda,
I love that quote..and how true it is. I like your approach with regards to the interviewer-I think it helps for the student to realize that the interviewer WANT them to do well, because they WANT to find the right candidate, which can be quite challenging.
Elizabeth Kemler
When preparing the students for "mock " interviews, I have them look at videos/presentations on how to prepare and to conduct themsleves for an interview. This gives them a general impression on how to go about the procedure and thereafter we have mock interviews.
Mignonne,
I like using video for this purpose; showing different interview styles is helpful as well. I also like videotaping students whenever possible.
Elizabeth Kemler
I advise the students that the interview goes both ways. I stress that they need to ask questions because ultimately their choice if they want to work for the company. Many of our students dont think to approach it that way.
Jessica,
That's very true. Most people approach interviews as though everything is up to the interviewer so this is an important reminder.
Elizabeth Kemler
We do a lot of vision work with students to help them understand the type of environment that they want to work in. We brainstorm and think outside the box in a "my dream job would be..." way. In doing so, the students get really excited about where they can work after all the effort they've put into their classwork. By having a solid vision of the type of environment in which a student wants, they become more confident and inspired to present themselves in the best light. It also helps reframe an intimidating situation into more of an exchange of information to see if we are the best fit for one another.
Susan,
I am a big fan of 'visioning'; I've always found that it inspires people to work harder when they 'see' what could lie ahead.
Elizabeth Kemler
I have to agree with the importance of using Mock Interview's to identify strength's and weaknesses in their interviewing skills. Then practicing to help them overcome their fears. Also by helping them to know what type of questions to expect, how to answer, as well as what type of questions they should be asking.
Jason,
There is really nothing that can take the place of ongoing practice.
Elizabeth Kemler
I make an appt. with them in which they must dress & present themselves as if I am a potential employer. Beforehand, I give them the choice of what business this will be (from the list of businesses they've researched). I give them the assignment of making a list of questions they want further info on regarding the company. I also hae them reflect on a few of the questions from my question list (I never give them all of them... Heehee)I tell them that when we meet, I want them to critique themselves of where they did fabulously & what needs improvement.
During that appt., we usually come up with the same areas.
Believe it or not, I use guided imagery to help students/grads to calm & center before an interview. So many have found it very beneficial.
While I do informal mock interviews with many of our students, what I really tend to focus on how we can turn around any negativity. I help the student come up with short/simple/positive responses to potential negative questions or red flags on the resume. I also listen to how the student presents his or herself and guide them to a more positive answer. I strongly recommend that the student research the company and the commute. I go over dress code for the resume and how they must allow enough time to find the location. And then, I tell them to smile, and to be sure to let the employer know that this is where their passion lies.
In order to assist our students with interviewing we conduct mock interviews utlizing the most common questions asked during the interview. For example: Tell me a little bit about yourself? Which is a question many of our students get stuck on. We also have a mirror in our office for graduates to see how they look before interviewing. Another tool we use is a job on system which is a company that allow student to apply via video and they can rerecord as needed until they are comfortable with the results.
Juan ,
Yes, "Tell me about yourself" is one of the hardest things to respond to. It helps to practice answering this many times, and also, to have different people playing the role of interviewer.
Elizabeth Kemler
Colleen,
This is a great thing to practice. And the research suggestion is also key-so they go in confident about their knowledge base and about their ability to ask informed questions.
Elizabeth Kemler
Tara,
Great approach. And I really like your guided imagery idea-there was a technical problem and I couldn't reply to that post directly.
Elizabeth Kemler
No worries, Elizabeth. I love this forum thingie. I'm so not a computer person, but this really opens a whole other world of online learning. Thanks!
Tara,
Ha! This is all new to me as well..takes some getting used to but I love it as well :)
Elizabeth Kemler
by coaching students on how to dress for an interview is critical. "First impressions" it's very important. Then, the more mock interviews a student has the more confident they feel going to a real interview.
