SSP 007 - Module 6 - Ace Module Interview - SAS

SSP 007: Student Success Program
Module #6 Student Activity Sheet

Page 1
Lesson Title: Making the Most of Your Interview Materials: SAS

Learning Targets:
At the end of the module, I will be able to: References:
1. understand the value of interview preparation; https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/interview-pre
2. recognize common questions asked during job interviews; paration
3. learn proper gestures to maintain a professional approach https://education.temple.edu/sites/education/fi
both face to face and virtual set-up; les/documents/33CAPS.pdf
4. know the importance of self-presentation; and https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7531/
5. identify the common types of job interviews. urlt/successful-job-interview.pdf
https://asktalentservices.com/blogs/what-is-int
erview-and-types-of-interviews/
A. CONNECT: 5 mins
Please be reminded of the things you need to prepare for your interviews. It is best to create a checklist and
make sure not to forget anything. You may also like to do some research about the company that will be
conducting the interview.
B. COACH: 40 mins
DO (Duration: 10 mins)
Good day! One of the biggest stepping stones in your quest to gain meaningful employment is the job interview!
How ready are you?
What do you expect to happen?
Before we go deeper into these questions, please answer the questions depending on what you’ll do in a given situation.
Try to answer the questions as honestly as you can.
Page 2
In any party or event that you have been to, do you come early or late?
Do you follow the dress codes at parties/events? Why?
Was there a time when you felt uncomfortable at a party/ an event? What made you uncomfortable?
Page 3
THINK (Duration: 30 mins)
Your responses in an interview are gauged by the interviewer to show you may behave in a particular situation in the
professional setting. Oftentimes, we are reactive instead of proactive. Our goal in this module is to come prepared for
job interviews.

A JOB INTERVIEW is a process in which a potential employee is evaluated by an employer for prospective employment
in their company. During this process, the employer hopes to determine whether or not the applicant is suitable for the
role. (https://www.definitions.net/definition/job+interview)
Lesson 1
There are three main stages of an interview. Pre-interview (before), Interview Proper (during), and Post-interview (after).
A] In the pre-interview stage, one can prepare by reviewing one’s skills; making a list of one’s strengths and
weaknesses; and studying one’s resume.
Here are some ways to help you make a big impact whether in a face-to-face or virtual interview.
1. Review your application.

Print a copy of the job ad and your application. Know what the job is about. Formulate your questions about the role. Keep
a copy of your resume in a nice folder too, along with everything.
2. Research the company.

Take time to learn about the company. What is it into? What are its priorities or long-term plans? Prepare some questions
following your research. This way, when asked if you have questions, you can show that you have done your homework.
3. Plan your journey.

If it is a face-to-face interview, make sure you know where you’re going and how to get there.
Aim to be at the venue at least 10 minutes early.
If it is a virtual interview, be online at least 10 minutes early too. This will enable you to check that the internet connection
is good.
Page 4
4. Anticipate the interview questions.
Get a friend to help you practice with the interview questions. There are many resources online about the most commonly
asked interview questions. Anticipate that the interviewer may ask about what’s in your resume. Anticipate that s/he may
also ask situational questions. (What will you do given a particular situation?)
5. Observe good manners and proper etiquette.

Showing respect for your interviewer includes maintaining eye contact, exchanging pleasantries (how are you
sir/ma’am?), and giving thanks for the opportunity to interview.
The same applies when interviewing virtually. Do your interview in a clutter-free space in your home. Use a neutral
background too. Learn how to navigate the platform (Skype, GoogleMeet, and Zoom, are some of the more commonly
used platforms). A decent webcam and microphone may be necessary but not required. Prepare a plan B if the internet
connection is slow.
6. Dress to impress
Look good, feel good. Wear something corporate and comfortable.
NOTE: Since we're still in a pandemic even if restrictions have eased, make sure you have everything you'll need for
on-site interviews. This includes a mask, alcohol, your own pen, and a vaccination card.
B] Interview proper stage is when the company investigates you to learn more about you to determine if you are the
best candidate for the role.
For a face-to-face interview, always bring a hard copy of your resume.
For an online interview, prepare a digital portfolio or relevant documents which you may be required to submit.
Page 5
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you prepare. Try practicing with a family member or a friend.
Ten Commonly Asked Interview Questions and Tips on How to Answer
1. Tell me about yourself?

Tip -Talk about 2-3 of your key achievements. The interviewer will likely select an accomplishment and ask you to tell
more about it.
2. What is your greatest strength?

Tip - Figure out what your number one strength is. Talk briefly about it and provide an example.
3. Can you describe a situation in your past where you learned from a mistake?
Tip - Use your mistakes to show how you have matured and grown.
4. What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced?

Tip - Pick an example where you resolved a tough situation. Tell your story briefly but try to reveal your many good
qualities. Your interviewer wants to hear about qualities such as perseverance, good judgment, and maturity.
5. Is there anything you would like to improve about yourself?

Tip - Pick a weakness (for example, not being comfortable with oral presentations); then show how you're working to
improve it (being part of a debating team).
6. What is the most important thing you are looking for in a job?
Tip - Figure out what you want most in a job (challenges, good working conditions, friendly co-workers). Talk about one or
two items and explain why they are important to you.
7. What are your career goals?

Tip - The interviewer likes to see if you are a person who has plans for your future. Your task is to talk about the goals that
you think the company can help you achieve. You will score points if you leave the impression that you are a
growth-oriented person.
8. What motivates you?

Tip - Challenge, creativity, success, opportunity, and personal growth are some of the most frequently mentioned answers.
You can also mention specific skills that you are motivated to use, such as problem-solving, decision-making, listening,
writing, speaking, planning, or leadership skills.
9. Why would you like to work for us?

Tip - This is a great opportunity to impress the interviewer with what you know about their organization. Talk about the
positives of their organization.
Page 6
10. Why should I hire you?

Tip - This is a great opportunity to sell yourself. Talk about your strengths and how they fit the needs of the company. You
can briefly talk about skills or strengths that haven't already been discussed.
Personal characteristics an employer looks for during an interview:

1. Enthusiasm and interest
2. Dedication and dependability
3. Alertness, quickness of mind
4. Honesty and integrity
5. Desire to work
6. Desire to help others
7. Desire to improve one’s self
Page 7
If you find yourself struggling to give concise answers to the employer’s questions, try using the STAR METHOD. By
employing all four steps, you can provide a comprehensive answer. Here’s how:
a. List all qualifications required for the job.

b. Match your job skills related to the job you are interviewing for.
c. Think of an example when you displayed those skills and do the STAR method.
C] The Post-interview stage is where the interviewer tells you the next step. Here are a few activities to remember after
you stepped out of a job interview.
Conduct a self-evaluation of the interview.

Make notes on your performance and questions that were difficult to answer. Research how to answer such questions in
future interviews.

Write a thank-you note.
Write a thank-you note within two days of your interview to reiterate your interest in the position/organization. (See
example below). Make sure your email message does not contain any errors.

Keep in touch.
It is appropriate to call or send an email if you haven’t heard from the employer within the time frame you are expecting a
response. You may follow up with: "You mentioned that you were hoping to make a hiring decision by the end of the
week. I wanted to follow up and ask. Thank you.”

Return calls/answer emails.
Even if you're not interested in the position being offered to you, the rule is to always return calls and answer the emails of
an employer.
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*DO (Duration: 20min)
ACTIVITY 1 of 2 Role Play a Job Interview. With your classmate or peer, do a role-play of a job interview and record
using your phone. Watch the video and assess yourself. What questions did you answer well? How can you do better?
Activity 2 of 2 Interview Rating Sheet Listed below are some qualities used to rate potential employees during an
interview. After practicing for an interview, please rate yourself.
Above average (5 pts) Average (3 pts) Below average (1 pt)
Appearance
Courtesy
Ability to Talk (impart

info)
Enthusiasm (interest)
Intelligence (relevant
answers)
Maturity (way of giving

answers)
Personality
Poise (confidence)
Over-all preparedness
Using the values given under each category, add the score for your answers and determine your rating on the following
scale:
36 - 45 Ready for the interview
27 - 35 Might handle it; could use more practice
9 - 26 Definitely need more practice
Page 9
C. CHECK: 5 mins
Keep in mind, the succeeding pictures are a good reminder of what employers are looking for.
Face-to-Face Virtual

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SSP 007: Student Success Program

Module #6 Student Activity Sheet

Lesson Title: Making the Most of Your Interview Materials: SAS

How ready are you?

What do you expect to happen?

Do you follow the dress codes at parties/events? Why?

1. Review your application.

2. Research the company.

3. Plan your journey.

5. Observe good manners and proper etiquette.

For a face-to-face interview, always bring a hard copy of your resume.

Ten Commonly Asked Interview Questions and Tips on How to Answer

1. Tell me about yourself?

2. What is your greatest strength?

4. What is the most difficult situation you have ever faced?

5. Is there anything you would like to improve about yourself?

7. What are your career goals?

8. What motivates you?

9. Why would you like to work for us?

10. Why should I hire you?

Personal characteristics an employer looks for during an interview:

a. List all qualifications required for the job.

Conduct a self-evaluation of the interview.

Above average (5 pts) Average (3 pts) Below average (1 pt)

Ability to Talk (impart

Maturity (way of giving

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