Helping students prepare for job interviews is one of the most practical lessons we can bring into the classroom. Strong interview skills give them confidence, open doors to future opportunities, and reinforce communication strategies they’ll use for years to come.
But here’s the challenge: interviews can feel intimidating, and it’s not always easy to teach these skills in a way that feels authentic and engaging. The good news? With the right structure, interview prep can be active, student-centered, and even fun.
Why Teaching Interview Skills Matters
When students practice interview strategies, they’re not just preparing for a first job. They’re building:
- Communication skills that transfer to presentations, networking, and teamwork.
- Confidence in discussing their strengths and experiences.
- Professionalism that sets them apart in both school and workplace settings.
- Critical thinking to respond thoughtfully under pressure.
This is why job interview activities for high school students are such an important part of any career readiness unit plan. They fit seamlessly into business education, career readiness, or communication courses.
Classroom Activities for Teaching Interview Skills
Here are some tried-and-true teaching interview skills lesson plan ideas you can use to prepare students for interviews:
1. Role Play Common Questions
Pair students up and have them practice responses to typical interview questions. Rotate roles so every student experiences being both the interviewer and the interviewee. This makes a great mock interview classroom activity.
2. Analyze Nonverbal Communication
Body language matters. Show short clips (or model examples) of professional vs. unprofessional behavior, think posture, eye contact, and handshakes, and discuss the impression each gives.
3. Teach the STAR Method
Behavioral questions are tough for students. Introduce the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and have them practice applying it to real-life school or work experiences. A STAR method interview lesson helps students structure responses clearly.
4. Practice Professional Introductions
Students should feel confident introducing themselves and answering the “Tell me about yourself” question. An elevator pitch activity helps them find their voice and builds high school interview skills practice.
5. Include Follow-Up Skills
Don’t stop at the interview itself. Have students write a short thank-you note or email to reinforce professionalism and gratitude.
Tips for Success
- Keep it low-stakes: Make early practice fun and supportive so students feel safe to try.
- Use real-world scenarios: Connect interviews to jobs your students might actually apply for (part-time work, internships, entry-level roles).
- Mix independent + collaborative work: Some activities are great solo (like drafting answers), while others (role play, games, or stations) thrive with group energy.
Ready-to-Use Resources
If you want a no-prep way to cover all of these strategies (and more), here are two classroom-tested favorites:
💼 Interview Skills Stations
Students rotate through 10 interactive, task-based stations to explore everything from interview prep and professionalism to the STAR method and thank-you notes. These career readiness classroom activities keep students moving, collaborating, and engaged while building real-world confidence.
🎤 Interview Skills in Action
This lesson combines planning and practice in one complete package. Students craft a personal elevator pitch, role-play responses to interview questions, and finish with a fun “This or That” review game. It’s ideal for business education interview lessons or oral communication classes.
Both resources are flexible, student-centered, and designed to make mock interview classroom resources less intimidating and more impactful.
Final Thoughts
Teaching interview skills doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right mix of role play, structured practice, and ready-to-use activities, you can give students the confidence they need to walk into any interview prepared.
👉 Explore these career readiness lesson plans (and more) in my TPT store.
Business Girl Education 