Job Interview Practice: School Workshop | Salah Abdeldayem
School workshop for grades 8 to 12: Compact training for the first job interview. Result: The handout "Job interviews: Show who you are".
School workshop, job interviews: Show who you are
Compact training for the first job interview. Result: The handout "Job interviews: Show who you are".
90 minutes or half day
For school classes
Grades 8 to 12
Best for
Most young people are nervous before their first job interview, and that is completely normal. The workshop shows that an interview is not an interrogation: the employer wants to find out who someone is, whether they fit into the team, whether they are keen to learn and how they get on with people. At the same time, students check whether the job and the workplace suit them. The aim is not to look perfect but to come across as genuine, interested, friendly and motivated.
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Who this module is for
Students in grades 8 to 12 who will soon have an interview for an internship or apprenticeship. Bookable on its own or as a deep dive after module C "Applying successfully".
Add-on workshop to the programme Future Skills for School and Work, bookable on its own or as a deep dive after module C.
What employers really want to see
A friendly manner
Showing interest
Honest answers
Respectful language
Nobody expects perfect answers.
The first impression is made at once
A friendly greeting
A smile
Eye contact
Speaking clearly
Sitting upright
Being on time
Phone away
Mumbling, looking at the floor, chewing gum, seeming annoyed or checking the phone all the time quickly come across as unsure.
Typical questions and good ideas for answers
"Tell me a bit about yourself."
Instead of: "I'm 16 and I play football."
Better: "I'm 16, I'm in year 10 at the moment and I like working with people. I'm especially interested in practical tasks and teamwork. In my free time I play football because I like being active and working together."
"Why do you want to do this job?"
Instead of: "No idea, it just sounds good."
Better: "The job interests me because I like working with my hands and I find dealing with people exciting."
"What are your strengths?"
Instead of: "I'm reliable."
Better: "When I get a task, I usually do it straight away and on time. In group work, people can count on me."
"What are your weaknesses?"
Better: "At the beginning I'm sometimes a bit nervous. Once I have settled in, I become more confident."
"Why should we choose you?"
Better: "I'm motivated, I learn quickly and I'm ready to try new things. I also enjoy working with others."
Own questions show interest
When asked "Do you have any questions?", "No" is the weakest answer. Questions like these are better:
What does a typical working day look like?
What tasks do trainees have at the start?
How are new starters introduced to the job?
What do you especially like about working here?
Body language and nerves
Eye contact, sitting calmly, a friendly expression, clear speech and attentive listening come across as confident. These help against nerves:
Practising the interview beforehand
Preparing questions
Speaking slowly
Breathing deeply
Not trying to be perfect
Mini checklist before the interview
Check the address
Plan to arrive on time
Choose suitable clothes
Phone on silent
Look up information about the employer
Think of your own questions
How students practise
Students write their own self-introduction, improve answers to typical questions together, prepare their own questions for the employer and try out how body language comes across.
Half-day extension
More time for mock interviews in roles, with feedback on how students come across and on their answers.
Result: The handout "Job interviews: Show who you are"
To read again before the real interview. It includes:
Ideas for answering typical questions
Own questions for the employer
Tips on body language and handling nerves
A mini checklist for the day of the interview
Questions schools ask
How does this workshop relate to module C?
Module C "Applying successfully" covers the whole application process, from the CV to the internship. This workshop focuses entirely on the job interview and works as a deep dive afterwards or as a separate session shortly before students start applying.
Where does the workshop take place?
In person at the school or online, in Germany and abroad.
Is this a test or a diagnosis?
No. Students assess themselves, exchange views and record their insights. The workshop does not promise any particular career path.
On request, depending on the format (90 minutes or half day), the number of modules and the location (in person, online or abroad).
School workshop, module E: Communicating clearly
Speaking, listening, understanding. Result: My communication check.
School workshop, module D: Starting strong
Future skills for training and work. Result: My personal future skills plan.
School workshop, module C: Applying successfully
The path to an internship or apprenticeship. Result: My personal application roadmap.