Activity 2.2.15 Mock Interviews

Purpose
To gain an understanding of interview expectations To build self-confidence for effective interviewing
Materials
Handout–Mock Interview Rating Sheet TV, VCR, video recorder and tape recorder, video and tape cassettes for each participant, sheets of blank white paper, small container or jar
Time
3 hrs initially, and ongoing practise
Method
  1. Instruct participants to write down their ideal job on a sheet of blank paper and then write the skills they have to contribute to this job on a separate piece of paper. The ideal job papers are then collected, folded, and put into a container.
  2. Another avenue to collecting job titles and a brief description is to have participants scour the local newspaper for want ads. Cut these out and place in a container. These can also be used to provide material for mock interviews.
  3. The facilitator will pick a job title out of the container and read the title of the job that is available. Ask participants if anyone is interested in this job. (You may have more than one participant accept the job interview.)
  4. The facilitator will tell the participants who are to be interviewed to wait in the selected waiting room area. Note: the facilitator should set up a mock interview waiting room, perhaps outside the room with two or three chairs for the participants to use while waiting to be called in for their interview.
  5. For this activity you must have the TV, VCR, video-camera, and tape recorder set up. You can ask participants to provide their own cassettes ahead of time. Ensure that participants write their name on their cassettes.
  6. Instruct the participant(s) who are going to the waiting room area to take their skill related paper with them to study before they are called in for their interview.
  7. Wait approximately two minutes and then ask one participant to act as a professional receptionist and call the first interviewer in.
  8. All class participants will have a mock interview rating sheet for each interview. Instruct participants to stay silent during the interview and write their comments using the Interview Rating Sheet. Note: make sure participants have enough copies for each person to be rated. Participants who are doing the rating are not to sign or put their name on the Interview Rating Sheet.
  9. If you do not have a video recorder stand or tripod, ask one participant with a steady hand to record the interview. If using an audio recorder, the facilitator can place the tape recorder on the desk and press record when ready.
  10. The interview process activity can be practised several times throughout the week or month. Participants should not erase their cassettes, but review each interview tape to note improvements. They can also review and rate themselves in the privacy of their own homes.