Improving interview skills through preparation, guided practice and reflection

“Difficulties in communicating and maintaining appropriate appearance often are the largest barriers to securing and maintaining employment for young adults.”

Acquiring employment for students with disabilities can be particularly challenging. The Get a Job Curriculum addresses these concerns using an activity-based model to prepare students for the job interview. Students begin by practicing answers to typical interview questions and then refining these skills through mock interviews. The interview experience culminates in videotaping challenged learners with peers, teachers and outside experts. Group discussions, self-evaluative worksheets and guidance by facilitators further enable students to monitor their individual progress.

Downloadable worksheets contribute to the development of student portfolios and provide a way to share with families, coaches, and support people and are particularly helpful in preparing for CSE meetings.

Most handouts include:

1. A brief discussion of a key concept
2. An affirmation to actively engange the learner
3. A challenge to motivate and prepare the learner for the activity
4. A “reflection” to allow the learner to synthesize and personalize the information.

Coauthored by speech-language pathologist Corinne Thomas-Kersting and special education teacher and occupational therapist Dona Schmacher. Covered spiralbound book, 80 pages, includes a Win/Mac CD with printable PDF, 2008.