Overview

Estimated Time: 3 Class Periods
Unit: Career In Focus
Lesson: 1.8
Theme: Professional Interviews

Students synthesize the career exploration work completed throughout Unit 1 by participating in professional interviews with community volunteers. Through interview preparation, application completion, rehearsal, and live interviews, students demonstrate professionalism, communicate their skills and career goals, and gain authentic experience interacting with professionals.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Synthesize the career exploration work completed throughout Unit 1 in preparation for a professional interview.
Complete a professional application and organize interview materials.
Demonstrate effective interview skills through participation in a live professional interview.
Communicate their skills, career goals, and personal experiences with confidence and professionalism.

Indiana Standards

PCC-4.1 – Use career information and resources to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-4.2 – Develop and maintain a personal career portfolio.

PCC-4.3 – Create and revise career-related materials that communicate personal strengths, interests, and goals.

PCC-6.1 – Investigate local and regional career opportunities.

PCC-6.2 – Identify workplace expectations and characteristics of successful employees.

PCC-6.3 – Research employers and labor market information to support career decision-making.

PCC-6.4 – Explain how personal experiences and employability skills contribute to career readiness.

PCC-7.1 – Demonstrate employability skills through career exploration activities.

PCC-7.2 – Demonstrate professionalism through communication, collaboration, and personal responsibility.

PCC-7.3 – Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication appropriate for career and workplace settings.

PCC-7.5 – Demonstrate interview skills appropriate for career and workplace settings.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
Completed resume
"My Elevator Pitch" sheet
Personal Story
Online application
Writing materials (pen or pencil)

Teacher Preparation

Verify student access to the online application.
Print copies of the Professional Interview Rubric for interviewers.
Print student resumes for professional interviewers.
Coordinate interview schedules and locations with community professionals.
Prepare students to review and rehearse their resumes, elevator pitches, and personal stories before interviews.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Introduction to Professional Interviews)
Completing the Online Application
Interview Preparation and Practice
Professional Interviews
Reflection and Continued Practice

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

Online application
Professional Interview
Completed Professional Interview Rubric

The artifacts become part of each student's Portfolio in Unit 3.

External Resources

Online Student Application

Teacher Tips

Remind students that professionalism begins before the interview itself. Encourage them to carefully review their application, resume, elevator pitch, and personal story so they are prepared to discuss each confidently. Reinforce the importance of eye contact, active listening, clear communication, and professional etiquette throughout the interview process. Encourage students to view the interview as an opportunity to share their accomplishments, skills, and future goals rather than simply answering questions.

Portfolio Connection

At the conclusion of this lesson, students should have:

Completed the online application.
Reviewed and finalized their resume, elevator pitch, and personal story.
Participated in a professional interview with a community volunteer.
Received feedback using the Professional Interview Rubric.
Demonstrated interview skills that prepare them for future educational and career opportunities.

Lesson 1.8 - Professional Interviews Snapshot & Resources