Lesson #5: Make an Impression
Length: 30 mins
❏ Understand how to answer the most common interview questions
❏ Be familiar with questions you should ask in a job interview
❏ Know about legal and illegal interview questions
❏ Practice interviewing skills and being in the “hot seat”
❏ Reading: Key Ideas and Details
❏ Reading: Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
❏ Speaking and Listening: Comprehension and Collaboration
❏ Speaking and Listening: Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
❏ Language: Vocabulary Acquisition and Use
❏ N/A
Common Interview Questions
- Have ever been in a job interview? If yes, how did you prepare for it? What questions did you get asked? If not, what do you know about job interviews?
- Discuss the following common interview questions:
Tell us about yourself.
Quickly summarize your job skills or volunteer experiences.
What did/do you like best about school?
Tell them how you liked working on team projects, any time
You were in charge of a project or organized any activity.
If you are/were in a job-related skills class, share some of the
skills and abilities you obtained through that opportunity.
.
Why are you leaving your current job?
“I am looking to increase my skills and responsibilities.”
“The organization I’m working for is closing.”
Why do you want to work for us?
“I believe my skills and abilities are a good match.” (Be prepared to explain why)
“I have enjoyed my past experience with this company as a customer, client etc.”
“It would fit with my long-range career goals.” (Be prepared to share them)
Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
My position changed and my available hours no longer fit.
(If other reasons, try and keep it positive.)
Why should we hire you?
“I am reliable and will work hard. If you hire me, you will get someone
who is not afraid to learn and is willing to go the extra mile.”
Tell me about your weaknesses.
“Probably my greatest weakness is my inexperience, but I am a quick learner, I want to work and you can teach me how you would like the job done.”
What are your strengths?
If you have any strengths that fit the job, share those
If not, tell them you want to work, learn, and do the best possible job you can
Tell us about a problem you had and how you solved it
Think of a situation at school, on a team, on the job, and how you handled it.
Talk about communication, getting help from someone else, for example.
*This set of questions is also provided as a PDF for future reference.*
Tell us about yourself.
Quickly summarize your job skills or volunteer experiences.
What did/do you like best about school?
Tell them how you liked working on team projects, any time
You were in charge of a project or organized any activity.
If you are/were in a job-related skills class, share some of the
skills and abilities you obtained through that opportunity.
Why are you leaving your current job?
“I am looking to increase my skills and responsibilities.”
“The organization I’m working for is closing.”
Why do you want to work for us?
“I believe my skills and abilities are a good match.” (Be prepared to explain why)
“I have enjoyed my past experience with this company as a customer, client etc.”
“It would fit with my long-range career goals.” (Be prepared to share them)
Have you ever been asked to leave a position?
My position changed and my available hours no longer fit.
(If other reasons, try and keep it positive.)
Why should we hire you?
“I am reliable and will work hard. If you hire me, you will get someone
who is not afraid to learn and is willing to go the extra mile.”
Tell me about your weaknesses.
“Probably my greatest weakness is my inexperience, but I am a quick learner, I want to work and you can teach me how you would like the job done.”
What are your strengths?
If you have any strengths that fit the job, share those
If not, tell them you want to work, learn, and do the best possible job you can
Tell us about a problem you had and how you solved it
Think of a situation at school, on a team, on the job, and how you handled it.
Talk about communication, getting help from someone else, for example.
*This set of questions is also provided as a PDF for future reference.*
Why are these important?
What’s Next?
New concepts covered and activities completed:
TODAY: Lesson #4: Interview for a Job
❏Interview Questions
❏Interview skills
❏Questions to ask the interviewer
❏Legal vs. illegal interview questions
NEXT WEEK: Lesson #5: Make an Impression