I always recommend to be themselves and to keep in mind that they also have a choice in the interview. I find that this attitude gives them a sense of power.)
zulema,
I love this idea! It is definitely empowering for the student to remember that they are valuable and have something valuable to offer.
Elizabeth Kemler
I am a huge fan of mock interviews and playing out all sorts of instances that can happen within an interview. Practice makes perfect.
Jessica,
There's nothing better for preparation!
Elizabeth Kemler
In class we review the different types of interviews that employers are conducting today and ask for students to share their experiences. For example, one of my students shared about a Skype interview they had recently. We also spoke about panel, phone, serial, and role playing interviews.
Giselle,
Its a great idea to have them share their various experiences--especially since there are so many different types of interviews being done these days..and of course its great to learn from one anothers mistakes.
Elizabeth Kemler
As an intructor, I would help my students to prepare for an interview by doing mock interviews with the class. Also, having them fill out answers of questions that employers may ask and reading them outloud for them to get feed back is a good way to prepare them mentally and phisically for the interview.
suzet,
This sounds good. When you say you do mock interviews with the class, do you mean you work with each student individually?
Elizabeth Kemler
The instructors do practice mock interviews with the students. We also give them list of potential questions they may be ask to review on their own time. If they have concerns after that we ask they come and speak with us for more practice.
Amanda,
It's definitely a good idea to give them a list of potential questions--especially the harder ones--so that they aren't surprised when they go in for the interview. I find one of the most common and difficult requests in interviews is "Tell me about yourself"; this one requires a good deal of practice.
Elizabeth Kemler
Relax, relax, relax, and then relax again! I coach students how to shake hands (many offer their left hand), maintain eye contact, good posture, enthusiasm for the position and the employer, get plenty of sleep, google the address or make a dry run to the interview location, purchase interview business clothing (yard sales, thrift stores, etc.). I share my favorite bad interview stories to laugh and make them feel at ease since they would never:
1.Bring a cat to an interview
2.Bring their parents to an interview
3.Wear a prom dress to an interview
4.Wear flip flops to an interview
5.Change from biking gear into a suit in the reception area
All true stories!
I have them use another student, a friend, as a mock potential employer. They go through "practice interview day".
Sharon,
Great stories--I've heard some equally unbelievable ones! You have lots of great ideas here..I'm curious about what you suggest to the students to help them relax as that is certainly the very hardest thing to do before an interview.
Elizabeth Kemler
Arturo,
Yes, I think its good to use a variety of people as mock employers so the student can experience different personality types and get different styles of feedback.
Elizabeth Kemler
I like to share my own experience with interviews. Being the Director of the school, I am in charge of interviewing and hiring. I see a lot of mistakes made when it comes to resumes, professionalism, kindness, punctuality, etc. So by sharing my experiences and thoughts, I think it gives them a good idea of what potential employers are looking for.
Jaclyn,
There is nothing better really than offering insights from your own experience-I think this makes it more 'real' for the students.
Elizabeth Kemler
We prepare in class A LOT! We go over questions that they maybe asked, have them research questions and answers and do a research project on a company of their choosing to prepare them to research in the future. In addition in order for them to graduate each student MUST go through a mock interview. We have various area employers come in and conduct a 30 minute interview. Students must dress professionally, greet our receptionist, bring good copies of their resumes, answer and ask questions. They receive feedback from the employers on what they need to improve and what they excelled on.
Missy,
It sounds like you have a great preparation program in place--I particularly love that you have employers conduct mock interviews just as they would be done in the real world.
Elizabeth Kemler
Once a week we offer the students Business Fundamental class to help them during the process of seeking employment so they are prepared since the start at the school.
Octavia,
What kinds of things do you offer in the class?
Elizabeth Kemler
