Description of the Unit

The unit on selection interviews is often perceived by students as the most relevant and pragmatic unit in the course.  This unit not only prepares them for interviews they will encounter in their own job searches, but also teaches them valuable skills in conducting selection interviews.  After completing this unit, students should be able to:

1) construct an applicant profile conforming to federal and state EEO laws
2) formulate questions and structure a selection interview
3) evaluate applicants based on materials and answers to interview questions
4) perform a self-analysis to target potential employment opportunities
5) conduct research on potential vocations, companies, and organizations
6) prepare necessary materials including a resume and cover letter
7) engage in favorable behaviors during the interview including creating a good first impression, answering questions effectively, and asking appropriate questions of the interviewer.

Relevant Chapters

Chapter 8: The Selection Interview: The Employer
Chapter 9: The Selection Interview: The Applicant

Potential Activities

• The most effective activity for this unit is to have students engage in mock selection interviews.  Students are paired off with an interview partner.   Each student prepares a job description for a job they intend to apply for within the next few years.  The job description should be for a specific company so the applicant can research the company.  In addition to the job description, each student will also prepare a resume and cover letter to accompany the job description.  These materials are given to the interview partner who then prepares a selection interview guide based on the materials.  Each student then engages in mock interviews where they are the applicant in one interview and the employer in another.

• Using the WWW and other resources, students should conduct in-depth research about a company they would like to work for.  In their written or oral report, they should address characteristics of the company including employment opportunities, the culture of the company, and other information relevant to potential employees.  Their analysis should conclude with specific questions they would ask a company representative during an interview.

• Have students interview human resources specialists from the community about strategies used for conducting selection interviews.  In particular, their oral or written reports should address typical questions asked during these interviews and steps taken to conform to state and national EEO laws.

• Have students interview professionals in their career field about skills necessary for successful applicants.  Their oral or written report should emphasize suggestions for potential applicants in their field.

Daily Lesson Plan