Job Interview Preparation

Participate in mock interviews and build confidence in high-pressure interview settings that reflect real employer expectations. Each training scenario features different question types, including queries about teamwork, leadership and management. Students can practice interviewing in various contexts, including panel interviews, as well as discussing resumes and answering preset, uploaded questions. AI coaches will use student responses to provide personalized feedback on verbal and nonverbal communication, including eye contact, active listening skills and speech patterns. Students can then improve their performance by retaking the training scenario. **Key Features:** - Practice mock interviews with AI-powered avatars - Receive feedback in verbal and nonverbal communication - Cover competency-based, company-specific and managerial questions - Work on individualized learning by uploading a resume and job description for a specific interview - Generate a recording of the scenario, allowing for playback and self-evaluation ## Content Overview: Job interview preparation includes four role-plays and one video scenario: - Interview Practice (role-play) - Practice your Resume (role-play) - Panel Interview (role-play) - Uploaded Questions (role-play) - Interview Scenarios (video) ## Duration & Guidance: Each scenario is between five to ten minutes in duration, but times may vary depending on the user. Students can complete activities within this time frame, but for more flexible scenarios with extended interaction, we recommend taking regular breaks. Additionally, scenarios include guidance on whether to complete the training seated or standing. # TEACHING FRAMEWORK{.objective .objective} Throughout this experience, ask students to maintain a "**Communication Journal."** This journal can be a small notebook, a stapled packet, a digital document or use the worksheet provided (see exemplar for further guidance). # Before the Experience **Initial Thoughts** Encourage self-awareness and critical thinking by asking students respond to the following prompts in their journal before beginning any of the VR experiences. This reflection sets the tone for intentional practice and personal growth. - On a scale of one to five, five being the most confident, how do you feel about interviewing for a job right now?{.task} - What do you believe makes someone stand out in a job interview?{.task} - What part of the interview process feels most challenging or uncomfortable for you? Why?{.task} - What do you hope to get better at when it comes to answering interview questions and presenting yourself professionally?{.task} # During the Experience **Real-Time Reflections** To support engagement and reinforce learning during each VR session, ask students to add an entry in their journal each time they complete a lesson. - *Focus – Today's lesson focused on interview communication. One type of question or scenario I practiced was \_\_\_.* - *Insight – A strength I noticed in my responses was \_\_\_. One challenge I faced was___.* - *Technique – To prepare or respond, I used \_\_\_. Next time, I'd like to try to improve \_\_\_.* - *Feeling – At the start, I felt \_\_\_, but afterward I felt \_\_\_.* # After the Experience **What I Learned** To follow up, ask students to respond to the following prompts in their journal. - On a scale of one to five, five being the most confident, how do you feel about participating in a job interview now?{.task} - Which VR lesson(s) helped you grow the most as an interviewee? What did you take away from the experience?{.task} - What interview strategies or techniques feel more comfortable or natural to you compared to when you started?{.task} # Extended Learning **Interview Analysis** Ask students to watch a video of an interview – this could be a mock interview, a job interview scene from a TV show or a real-world example – and take notes on the interviewee's communication techniques, professionalism, and ability to respond under pressure. Many mock interviews, job tips, and interview critique clips are available online. While watching, students should take notes on the following in their journal: - *First Impression – Did the interviewee make a strong first impression? If so, how? If not, what could have been better?* - *Quality of Answers – Were the interviewee's replies clear, concise and well-organized? Did they tell compelling stories or give relevant examples? Or did their answers feel vague or off-topic?* - *Body Language and Delivery – Did the interviewee appear confident? How did their posture, tone or pace help their communication?* - *Tough Questions – How well did the interviewee respond to unexpected or difficult questions?* - *Connection and Professionalism – Was the interviewee able to build rapport with the interviewer(s)? Did they seem authentic and respectful?* - *Feedback – What did the interviewee do well? Would you suggest any improvements? Would you have responded differently?* **Resume Practice Challenge** Students should create or update their resume or CV (consider providing a template or checklist of inclusions). Teachers can then upload student resumes to the VR platform. Then, students will enter the "Practice Your Resume/CV" experience, where they will discuss their resume in a structured and professional setting. They will be asked questions and prompted to explain their experiences, highlight strengths, and connect their background to the role they are applying for in a mock interview. Finally, students should reflect on the experience in their journals. - What did you feel confident about? - What was difficult to explain or elaborate on? - Did anything catch you off guard? - What would you change or improve for future interviews? # How To View Student Analytics 1. Log into [VirtualSpeech website](https://learn.virtualspeech.com) 1. Results can be viewed under 'User Analytics' by searching for the student by name