This activity gives students an opportunity to practice answering interview questions and observe their peers’ answering questions. It’s set-up as a fishbowl or inner/outer circle, so students participate and observe. Because an interview involves both verbal and non-verbal communication, it’s helpful for students to speak and watch.
By the end of the activity, students will have a better understanding of the best practices for answering interview questions and more confidence.
Tell your students that one of the most effective ways to prepare for an interview is to practice the questions that hiring managers commonly ask.
Framing tip:
Remind your students of the importance of going into interviews prepared. Reassure them that even though some of these practice exercises might feel awkward at first, everyone is here to help each other out. And that this kind of practice will lead them to greater self-awareness. Remind them that these activities are all about helping their future selves feel confident and ready for job interviews when the time comes.
Explain that in this activity, they will have a chance to practice answering questions and observe their classmates answering questions using a Fishbowl or inner/outer circle.
Display the slide that has these questions. Here are additional questions to choose from if you want to swap out or modify.
Divide students into two groups. Determine which group will be in the inner circle (answering questions) and the students who will be in the outer circle (observing) first.
Set a timer for seven minutes and invite students to read the questions and jot down notes (7-10 minutes)
Lower the stakes for students. Explain that the purpose of this activity is to start to figure out some of the more effective ways to answer questions at an interview. In addition, we are often unaware of our body language and tone, so it’s helpful to watch and notice what people do when they deliver a strong answer.
Share with students that when they are in the inner circle, they will answer questions, and when they are in the outer circle, they will observe their classmates.
Depending on class size, decide how much time you’ll spend. Plan to spend at least 10-15 minutes in the circle before you swap.
If you’re teaching online, stay in the Zoom room, and ask students in the outer circle to mute themselves. They can take notes in the chat. If you are teaching in person, set-up your classroom, so the chairs are arranged in two circles, one outer and one inner.
Now is your chance to facilitate the process and observe. Ask questions and call on students. Keep track of time.
Once both groups have been in the inner and outer circle, bring everyone back together for a debrief. Here are some questions to ask:
Share with students that you will do this activity again so they can keep practicing, and that the more they practice, the more confident and prepared they will feel.
Self-assessment: Give students the opportunity to reflect on this activity and set goals.
If you want to dig deeper into teaching interviewing skills and give your students more practice, check out
Open P-TECH’s self-paced student courses.
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