Let's Talk... And Video Ourselves Talking

This week, we will assess our strengths and weaknesses to determine the best position suited to our current profile.  This means, we will work on finding a position that we could step into today and thrive in.  We will do this by learning what to do and what not to do with respect to job applications, introductions, and interviews.  Because I will be out of the building on Thursday and Friday, you will need to work as diligently and effectively as possible without my guidance.  I know you are very capable of this, and know you will complete everything.

Below you will find a breakdown of what we will do each day this week:

Monday: Job Application and an Introduction to Interviews

On Monday, we will review what to do and what not to do when applying for a job.  We will discuss the benefits of asking for an application in person vs. filling one out online, filling out an application in pen/pencil vs. filling one out on the computer, and the benefits of submitting a resume, even for a position at a fast food restaurant or grocery store.  We will also discuss the qualities employers look for when hiring high school students. 

In class, you will take notes on the most important aspects of our discussion.  Your grade will be based on your contributions (questions and comments) as well as your notes.

Remember, today’s lesson covers the job applicant on an “as is, where is” basis and not an application for a college or entry-level job after you’ve completed all your schooling.  We will cover those topics later this year.

Tuesday: Good Interview Practices and Common Interview Questions

On Tuesday, we will discuss a list of things you MUST do on an interview.  Topics include:

·      Be prompt

·      Dress well

·      Smell good – not too good

·      Practice your introduction and handshake

·      Know your resume inside out

·      ABC and ABP – Always be closing and always be positive

From here, we will cover the most common interview questions you will encounter as a high school student, such as:

·      Tell me about yourself

·      What kind of experience do you have with job-related tasks?

·      How well do you work with others?

·      Do you have transportation to/from this job?

·      Are you willing to pick up shifts on short notice or work late?

Again, your contributions to the discussion will dictate your grade for Tuesday.  I am eager to hear whether you know a lot or a little about this process, especially since many of you have jobs already.

Wednesday: Uncommon Interview Questions and an Intro Video Example

On Wednesday, we will review and discuss some uncommon interview questions that you MIGHT encounter.  I can honestly say that within the first few minutes of an interview, your potential boss will have made up his/her decision, but occasionally, you’ll hear some pretty off the wall questions.  Being prepared is always a good thing, so we’ll cover a few in class.

After this, I’m going to show you an intro video I created 3 years ago that you will use as a model for your own intro videos.  The video I made was done in only one take (brag) and has some good and bad qualities.  We will critique the video and then have a discussion of what you will include in your videos.  On Thursday, you will begin writing the script for your videos, but our discussion on Wednesday will help shape what you do and how you do it. 

Thursday and Friday: Create Your Intro Video, Complete Practice Interview (on camera), and Blog About Your Experience

On Thursday and Friday, you will create your intro video, complete a practice interview ON CAMERA, and blog about your week of tasks. 

The framework for your intro video can be found below:

·      Dress appropriately – this video will go on your portfoliogen website

·      Prepare your script in writing and read through it numerous times – You will need to try to complete your intro without a script in hand and will have to know what you plan to say.  If you deviate from what you’ve remembered, you’ll need to make sure you can roll with it.  If you are unprepared, your video will look and sound like you haven’t taken time to ready yourself for this task.

·      Tell me about yourself:

o   Your name

o   Where you go to school

o   What is your area of focus elective?

·      What class is this project for?

·      What are you doing in class to prepare for the workforce?

o   Let the employer know what skills you have and have learned in class that will make you an ideal candidate

o   What positions do you feel comfortable doing?

·      What do you plan to do in the future

o   Let the employer know that you will use your skills for something greater. 

o   Where do you see yourself after high school and college?

·      Thank the viewer for his time and let him/her know you appreciate being considered for the job.

After your video is complete, you will then complete a mock interview on camera.  You will answer all the common interview questions discussed above and make sure to demonstrate the proper etiquette for dress and behavior.  Both videos will be saved to the class camera and loaded to your computer.

If you have time in class, you will begin your blog entry about everything you’ve done this week.  Of course, if you run out of time on Friday, you should complete your blog entry over the weekend and share it with me.

That’s it for this week.  I look forward to reviewing the videos when we return to class on 9/28.