The Mock Job Interview

Student Role Playing: How to Apply for a Position Properly

You're always looking for a fun and clever way to engage your high school students in a subject.... so why not try setting up a mock job interview in the classroom!

It might be a good idea to review the basics rights and responsibilities of young workers; we offer the following guidance:

• No profession is immune when it comes to safety: reinforce the message that retail and office jobs have safety hazards, too, not just industrial and construction jobs.
• Ask the right questions of your future boss - ask plenty, ask early (and continue to ask after you're hired.)

Next, ask for two volunteers to act out each of the following four scenarios. Review with them the suggested scripts below; encourage improvisation by the students? (It could be more fun that way, plus you never know what wisdom could come out their mouths!)

Scenario 1: Bad Boss, Smart Employee

One student plays "The Bad Boss". His/her approach is hurried (checking watch, answer cellphone?), maybe a bit gruff.

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of boss:

• What is your work experience?
• When can you start?
• What are your references?
• How many hours a week can you work?
• Need any certain days or times off?
• We pay minimum wage.
• What kind of work can you do? (heavy lifting? cash register? inventory check? etc.)

Another student plays "The Smart Employee." His/her approach is careful, clear, honest, hard-hitting (repetitive if need be).

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of employee:

• What kind of orientation do you offer on the first day / first week on the job?
• Can I get a tour of your workplace after this interivew? (If not now, then when?)
• What training will I receive to do my job safely?
• How long was the last guy/gal in this position? Why did he/she leave?
• Do you have a buddy system in place for me when I start, from the first day?
• Would I be able to get a workplace mentor, for the longer term?
• What hazards should I be aware of in this job?
• What safety gear will I need to wear? (goggles, fire protection, gloves, boots, hard hat, etc.)
• What if the safety gear doesn't fit me?
• Do you pay for the safety gear?
• What do I do if I get hurt on the job?
• Who do I go to with health and safety questions or concerns?
• When was the last time your workplace had an accident, of any size or type?
• When was your last safety inspection? When is the next one due?

Scenario 2: Bad Boss, Stupid Employee

One student plays "The Bad Boss". His/her approach is hurried (checking watch, answer cellphone?), maybe a bit gruff.

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of boss:

• What is your work experience?
• When can you start?
• What are your references?
• How many hours a week can you work?
• Need any certain days or times off?
• We pay minimum wage.
• What kind of work can you do? (heavy lifting? cash register? inventory check? etc.)

Another student plays "The Stupid Employee." His/her approach is meek, mild, "people-pleasing".

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of employee:

• When could I start work?
• How many hours a week?
• How much would I make (hourly wage)?

Scenario 3: Good Boss, Smart Employee

One student plays "The Good Boss." His/her approach is careful, considerate, giving full attention, taking his time.

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of boss:

• Here is exactly what the job requires: ___
• I am looking for the following kind of employee: ___(conscientious, careful, good listener, etc.)
• What kind of skills and/or experience do you have that might suit this job?
• Would you like a tour of our workplace after this interview? (or does a better time/date work for you?)
• Orientation at our workplace includes the following: ____
• You would get the following kind of training, starting the first day: _____
• You will be required to work in a buddy system, with a more experienced coworker, starting the first day.
• We offer personal protective equipment/safety gear in all different sizes.
• You will be required to wear safety gear when needed; if you do not, you'll be sent home without pay.
• Do you have any questions for me?

Another student plays "The Smart Employee." His/her approach is careful, clear, honest, hard-hitting (repetitive if need be).

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of employee:

• What kind of orientation do you offer on the first day / first week on the job?
• Can I get a tour of your workplace after this interivew? (If not now, then when?)
• What training will I receive to do my job safely?
• How long was the last guy/gal in this position? Why did he/she leave?
• Do you have a buddy system in place for me when I start, from the first day?
• Would I be able to get a workplace mentor, for the longer term?
• What hazards should I be aware of in this job?
• What safety gear will I need to wear? (goggles, fire protection, gloves, boots, hard hat, etc.)
• What if the safety gear doesn't fit me?
• Do you pay for the safety gear?
• What do I do if I get hurt on the job?
• Who do I go to with health and safety questions or concerns?
• When was the last time your workplace had an accident, of any size or type?
• When was your last safety inspection? When is the next one due?

Scenario 4: Good Boss, Stupid Employee

One student plays "The Good Boss." His/her approach is careful, considerate, giving full attention, taking his time.

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of boss:

• Here is exactly what the job requires: ___
• I am looking for the following kind of employee: ___(conscientious, careful, good listener, etc.)
• What kind of skills and/or experience do you have that might suit this job?
• Would you like a tour of our workplace after this interview? (or does a better time/date work for you?)
• Orientation at our workplace includes the following: ____
• You would get the following kind of training, starting the first day: _____
• You will be required to work in a buddy system, with a more experienced coworker, starting the first day.
• We offer personal protective equipment/safety gear in all different sizes.
• You will be required to wear safety gear when needed; if you do not, you'll be sent home without pay.
• Do you have any questions for me?

Another student plays

"The Stupid Employee."

His/her approach is meek, mild, "people-pleasing".

Dialogue suggestions for this kind of employee:

• When could I start work?
• How many hours a week?
• How much would I make (hourly wage)?

More Ideas for Engaging Students in the Job-Interview Process:

Class Project:

Get the students' feedback on how they felt watching and/or participating in these 4 different job-interviewing scenarios. Have them post their comments to mysafework.com and/or to MySafeWork group on Facebook and type in their comments there about the experience.

Class Project:

Ask for volunteers to make 4 short videos of the above job-interview scenarios (need both actors and videocam operators.) Send those videos to MySafeWork to post to our YouTube channel.