Lesson Plan

Module 4: Preparing for Job Interviews

CV 01:04

Intent

Intent:

Provide learners with the structure, language, and format of an effective CV.

Lesson Outcomes:

  • Understand the purpose and parts of a CV.
  • Draft a personal profile and employment history.
  • Create a basic CV using a template.

Key Activities:

  • Walkthrough of sample CVs (good vs. bad)
  • Write a personal statement
  • Fill out a CV template

Delivery Timeline:

  • 0:00–0:05: Interview Skills
  • 0:05–0:10: What Employers Want in an Interview
  • 0:10–0:15: What Makes a Great Interview?
  • 0:15–0:25: Body Language
  • 0:25–0:30: STAR Technique
  • 0:35–0:40: Watch and Discuss – Interview Clips
  • 0:40–0:45: Common Interview Questions
  • 0:45–0:50: Interview Roleplay
  • 0:50–0;55: Confidence
  • 0:55–1:05: Tips for Success on the Day
  • 1:05–1:10: What Will You Take Into Your Next Interview?
  • 1:10-1:15 Careers Reflection

Resources

Role Play Handout

Interview Films

Rocket words

  • interview
  • body language
  • STAR Technique
  • confidence
  • eye contact

Implementation

Instructor Guidance

Slide 1: Welcome to Module 4 – Interview Skills

  • “Interviews are your chance to show who you are and what you can bring to the job.”
  • Overview of the session: boost confidence, practice skills, and prepare for real-life interviews.

Slide 2: What Employers Want in an Interview

  • Confidence (not arrogance)
  • Clear communication
  • Honesty and reliability
  • Enthusiasm for the role
  • Understanding of the job
  • Ask: “Which of these do you think is most important?” (Group discussion)

Slide 3: Group Brainstorm – What Makes a Great Interview?

  • Flipchart activity
  • Prompt: “Think of a time you had or saw a good interview – what stood out?”
  • Collect responses: good eye contact, calm tone, clear answers, etc.

Slide 4: Rocket Word – Body Language

  • 70% of communication is non-verbal
  • Do’s: Sit up straight, eye contact, smile, nod
  • Don’ts: Crossed arms, slouching, avoiding eye contact
  • Pair activity: Practice a “good handshake” and confident greeting

Slide 5: Rocket Word – STAR Technique

  • A method for answering interview questions
  • Situation – What happened?
  • Task – What was your role?
  • Action – What did you do?
  • Result – What was the outcome?
  • Example on screen: “Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.”

Slide 6: Watch and Discuss – Interview Clips

  • Play two short videos (or read sample scripts aloud):
    • One positive interview
    • One poor interview
      Group discussion: “What did each person do well or poorly?”

Slide 7: Common Interview Questions

  • “Tell me about yourself”
  • “What are your strengths?”
  • “Why do you want this job?”
  • “Tell me about a time you dealt with a challenge”
  • Tip: Think in STAR and keep it simple and honest
  • Activity: Pick one and write your answer

Slide 8: Activity – Interview Roleplay

  • Pair up. One person is the employer, one is the candidate
  • Use question cards (or trainer reads prompts)
  • Take turns asking and answering
  • Peers give feedback: What went well? What could improve?

Slide 9: Rocket Word – Confidence

  • Confidence comes from preparation
  • Remember: They want you to do well!
  • Positive self-talk and breathing techniques
  • Short exercise: “Power Pose” for 30 seconds

Slide 10: Tips for Success on the Day

  • Dress appropriately
  • Arrive early
  • Bring a copy of your CV
  • Listen carefully
  • Be polite to everyone
  • Say thank you at the end

Slide 11: Summary – What Will You Take Into Your Next Interview?

  • Group reflection: “One thing I’ll do differently after today is…”
  • Encourage learners to write a note to themselves: “My Interview Promise”
  • Slide 12: Careers Reflection
  • Laura is a Site Engineer at Morgan Sindall. Laura discusses what she does in her role. What job within the construction industry might you interested in exploring?

Impact & Assessment Opportunities

Plenary

To finish, remember interviews are your chance to show who you are and what you offer. Today, you learned what employers want, practiced body language, the STAR technique, and building confidence.

Think about one thing you’ll do differently next time and write your “Interview Promise.” Keep practicing, stay positive, and you’ll do great!

Assessment

What is the main purpose of an interview?
A) To show off your hobbies
B) To demonstrate who you are and what you can bring to the job
C) To meet new people
D) To ask for a raise

Which of the following is NOT something employers usually want to see in an interview?
A) Confidence (not arrogance)
B) Clear communication
C) Dishonesty
D) Enthusiasm for the role

What does the STAR technique stand for?
A) Situation, Task, Action, Result
B) Start, Talk, Answer, Repeat
C) Speak, Think, Act, Respond
D) See, Talk, Ask, Reply

Which of these body language tips is recommended during an interview?
A) Cross your arms
B) Avoid eye contact
C) Sit up straight and smile
D) Slouch in your seat

What should you do at the end of an interview?
A) Leave without saying anything
B) Say thank you and be polite
C) Ask for the salary immediately
D) Text your friends about the interview