Subject: Job interview
The cover letter, the résumé and the job interview are studied and practiced in the Human Resources Management class. Based on an analysis of the characteristics of the students participating in this Baccalaureate (some are working adults searching to improve their economical situation by getting a degree; others are young people who still haven’t got their first job), they decided to create a didactic activity that would allow students to rehearse some things while they are still studying, so the school can help the young and not-so young ones through this difficult process.
Early stage
Three work groups are organized: Human Resources, Applicants and Observers. Human Resources publishes ads in the boards, asking for applicants for different jobs. In general, they are usually looking for people with a management and business profile.
The applicants reply to the ads with a cover letter and their résumé enclosed. Human Resources receives these documents, evaluates them and sets a date for the interview.
The head teacher of the class reminds the applicants of certain rules they should follow during their role-playing in the interview: clothes, speech, possible right or wrong answers for certain questions, etc. All in order to create situations that will allow the subsequent analysis. These agreements are unknown to the other groups. Also, the head teacher agrees with Human Resources on the possible questions set for the interview, as well as on the evaluation aspects and the attitude they will have to show during the role-playing.
Realization
On the day agreed for the interviews, the applicants go to the educational center dressed and prepared according to the previously established rules.
While the interviews are held, the observers take note of the significant aspects that arise from them, while analyzing the performance of interviewers and interviewees.
Evaluation
Afterwards, a debate is held about the different aspects that were observed during the presentation of the résumé or on the performance during the interview. This debate is conducted by the observers.
Job interview – Conclusions
The results, so far, have been very possitive. It is interesting to see a school that gives its students the possibility of rehearsing these situations, since many times they have to deal with them with little previous preparation.
In short, we can share the opinion of this 50 years old student: “I was as nervous as the day I applied to my first job. It’s a pity that, back then, I didn’t have the chance to undertake this experience while I still was in school.”