ESL Life Skills 101 - Job Interview

Submitted by: Kathryn Keller
Endorsed by: Don E. Descy, PhD
Mankato State University

Date: November 13, 1996

Grade Level: Intermediate

Description:

Without insight into the American cultural expectations of an applicant at a job interview, ESL students will find it difficult to succeed in this area. This activity gives students the chance to practice formal register and to learn what information and questions are often contained in an interview. The students will also experience both sides of the process to help provide greater insight into the perspective of a potential employer.

Goal:

Students will become more comfortable with the job interview setting in the United States.

Objective:

This lesson will allow students to practice formal register, spontaneous generation of L2, and dictation skills.

Background Information:

This activity con be used with students at most levels; the "interview" questions can be adjusted to class level.

Concepts:

Students will work in pairs and be able to record the applicant's answers on the question sheet. The applicant will sit facing the interviewer and generate responses in formal register. When the first interview has been conducted, the students will switch roles and act out the second. After both interviews, each group will write three response sentences reacting to the process. For closure, the class will share their response sentences and address problems in group discussion.

Assessment:

Students will hand in their interview sheets for spelling feedback and to check participation. Questions calling for a formal level of register will be on unit test.

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