Mock Interviews

1. Ask the teens if any of them have been on a job interview (or had a similar experience, such as being interviewed for participation in a program). What questions were they asked? What was hard about them? Did they say anything they’d like to take back?

2. Then, have teens read the two “Practicing for the Interview” stories: "Inside the Boss's Mind" and "Don't Be Too Casual." As they read, ask them to circle actions that the writers say did not work for them and actions that worked.

3. Lead a discussion about the stories. At first, ask two general questions: “What stood out in the stories?” And “What was surprising?” Then press for more detail: What will they do differently in an interview now that they’ve read the stories? Why?

4. Ask teens to name jobs they would like to have. Write them down. Then ask them to imagine the skills required on those jobs. Ask, “What questions do you think an employer would ask in an interview for this job?” Have the teens volunteer answers.

5. Split the group into pairs and have them interview each other, taking turns as the “employer” asking the questions and the “job candidate” being interviewed. Have the “employers” take notes during on whether the job candidates’ responses answered these three questions: Can he/she do the job? (Does he/she have the skills and education necessary?); Will he/she do the job? (Does he/she seem motivated to show up and work?); Will he/she fit into the workplace? (Does she/he have a cooperative attitude?) Walk around and observe the interviews, offering suggestions if a team seems stuck.

Debrief: Ask the teens to trade notes and respond to what their partner wrote about their interview performance. Ask what they learned being in the boss’s shoes. Have them share strategies they will now use on real interviews. Remind them that it’s not a natural conversation at all and that it’s normal to be nervous, but that they will get better with practice.

Bonus: VIDEO LESSON

After these two lessons, show them this short video about what not to wear to a job interview. Have them add to Chimore’s list of “don’ts.”

To view the video: go to bit.ly/donotwear