Cruz Leticia,
I agree that the more interviews you do with the students the better prepared they'll be particularly if you create different interview scenarios with different personality types.
Elizabeth Kemler
By conducting mock interviews and helping students build on the self-esteem and confidence.
in our school we prepare our students to become massage therapist, it is unusual for them to go through such an interview, they apply for small business such as spas or clinics or doctor offices, so they do not get this type of interview.
i help them to prepare them for an interview but not in such way. of course i still explain them about this kind of interview preparation for their knowledge.
Luis Silvi
LUIS,
I have worked with a massage school for many years and my understanding from their students and faculty is that the students are always interviewed by the employer before being hired. Additionally, effective interview skills are also very helpful when communicating with colleagues and clients.
Elizabeth Kemler
Ariel,
Could you share some ways that you do that?
Elizabeth Kemler
At first we discuss the inteviewing process and steps,we discuss the what to and not to says, we practice 30 seconf commercials,then they critique a mock intefview involving the instructor who intentionally throws red flags. Then they participate in their own mock interview with an employer from their filed of study, they are immediately given a critique of their own performances , good and bad. If the instructor see's a need then additional mock interviews are set up for the students.
Make sure they are comfortable with them self, when answering the questions, for example..the weekiness questions, I always tell them to change it to a positive answer..I use I type 25wpm, but I am attend ing a typing class in the evening to improve my speed.
Sharon,
That's definitely a good approach-so that the employer sees that you recognize your weaknesses but are working to improve them.
Elizabeth Kemler
Mary,
I love the 30 second commercial idea-gets right to the point while making it fun.
Elizabeth Kemler
I do tend to coach students if I know that they will be going for an interview. One thing that I like to impart to them, is that they shouldn't dismiss an opportunity during the interview. By that, I mean that inasmuch as the interviewer may form a quick opinion of them, that they may also form a quick (and possibly unfavorable) opinion of the interviewer. However, it is important not to let it show, and during the interview they should remain positive and upbeat, and not let their body language say "no" prematurely. I remind them that the goal is to be offered the position, and that they can always say "no" once they get an offer.
Robert,
I agree absolutely. I'd even go farther to say that it's worth completely withholding any value judgment until the interview is completed both so they stay open minded, and so that they don't have to concentrate on hiding what they're thinking.
Elizabeth Kemler
First I go through the different types of interviews a person can have with employers. This helps prepare students for the possible unexpected experience they will have when going into a company. Role playing is always a good exercise. We usually get our students into small groups where 2 or 3 are in an interview like setting and 1 person is asking questions (group interview style). This helps take a lot of pressure off at the end and exposes them to one of many different interviewing styles.
Josephine,
You really can't beat role-playing for effective preparation-especially for the unexpected question or interviewer.
Elizabeth Kemler
I think by doing mock interview and recording the student so he/she can see their body language and make iimprovements
The mock interview is basically the final exam for our career development class and is held the last week of the class. Our career development class a 16 hour class encompassing resume writing, cover/thank you letters and preparing for the interview. As we are preparing we practice various mock interview scenarios and the students critique each other. That allows the student to be on both sides of mock interview. If during the mock interview the student seems to have completely forgotten everything we learned in class then my mock interviewers go over the interview and discuss how they could be better.
Deborah,
What a good idea-this emphasizes the great importance of interview skills.
Elizabeth Kemler
We have implemented a three phase plan during the full term of the program in which I as the Career Services Director have an opportunity to conduct workshops in the classroom during each of their three quarters.
In the first quarter we discuss how they develop good habits and begin to develop a positive reputation in the eyes of their classmates, instructors, family and coworkers through their everyday actions. We talk about their long term goals and what they can be doing now to prepare for success. We also stress professionalism and what that looks like in the eyes of a potential employer.
The second quarter is about Interview skills and the best way to present yourself through the very same subjects you presented here.
Finally, I require all pending grads to engage in a practice job interivew with me (dressed appropriately, with resume). They answer questions and ask questions. I coach if needed.
It has made a tremedous difference in the outcome of our placements and more positive feedback from the employers.
Kathy,
I think the approach you take with your workshops is right on target; I love that you first focus on developing habits that will reflect positively on them within their school/work/home lives, and then progress incrementally from there. I wish you ongoing success!
Elizabeth Kemler
Mock interviews are my main go to for this process. It really seems to help our kinesthically based learners. To do it is to understand it.
Alainna,
I actually think all types of learners can benefit. What kind of debrief and follow up do you have after the mock interviews?
Elizabeth Kemler
