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  Plan Engagement: Develop strategies to engage participants through interactive
activities, discussions, and Q&A sessions.
 Anticipate Challenges: Prepare for potential issues or questions that may arise and think
of ways to address them effectively.

Slide 1 - Introductory Slide- Mastering Interview skills

Duration – 1 min

Volunteer Notes

 Welcome the participants and introduce yourself

 Give a brief outline about interview skills: Mastering interview skills involves thorough
preparation, effective communication, and confident body language, asking insightful
questions, following up with a thank-you note, and handling difficult questions with poise.
 Discuss why interview skills are important for job seekers: Interview skills are essential for
job seekers since they have a substantial impact on the hiring decision by highlighting the
candidate's qualifications, fit for the post, and professionalism, hence raising their chances
of getting the job.
 Demonstrate how effective interview skills can significantly improve career possibilities:
Effective interview skills can considerably boost career prospects by enabling candidates to
confidently convey their qualifications, adjust their responses to the job, and demonstrate
their suitability for the role. Positive body language and smart inquiries reinforce a
favorable image, while a thoughtful follow-up has a long-term positive impact. These
components, taken together, boost the likelihood of receiving employment offers and
moving along in their jobs.

Learning outcome

To help participants improve their interview abilities through practice and feedback.

Activity:

The Volunteer may ask participants to offer their perspectives on what makes an interview
successful.

Slide 3 – Learning Objective

Duration – 1min

Volunteer Notes

 Explain the points which will be covered in the session.

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Learning Outcome

To help participants understand the points that will be covered in the session.

Slide 4 – Learning Outcome

Duration – 1

Volunteer Notes

 Discuss the points briefly.

Learning Outcome

This will help participants to understand the points which they will learn in the session.

Slide 5, Slide 6 & Slide 7– Ice Breaker- Skills Spectrum Challenge

Duration – 15 min

Volunteer Notes

● The Volunteer can explain the difference between hard skills and soft skills:
● Hard Skills: Specific, teachable abilities or knowledge, often measurable (e.g., coding,
accounting).
● Soft Skills: Interpersonal and personal attributes that enhance work performance and
interactions (e.g., teamwork, communication).
● Start mentioning the skills and ask them to identify the skills as hard skills or soft skills
● Hard Skills : Data analysis, Project management, Graphic design, Technical writing,
Penetration Testing, Foreign Language, Blockchain Development
● Soft Skills: Conflict Mediation, Emotional Intelligence, Negotiation and Persuasion,
Innovation Facilitation, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Strategic Thinking, Resilience and
Stress Management, Empathy and Active Listening

Learning Outcome

This activity will help students gain clarity on their skill sets, understand the value of both hard
and soft skills, and create actionable plans for personal and professional development.

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Slide 7 – Now you Know

Duration – 3min

Volunteer Notes

● The Volunteer will read the skills one by one from the slide to make the participants
understand.

Learning Outcome

This will help participants gain clarity of hard and soft skills

Slide 8 – Importance of Interview

Duration – 5min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer may explain the importance of interview referring to the points mentioned in the
slide and with real time examples

• First Impressions: Interviews allow candidates to showcase their skills beyond the
resume.eg. You arrive at the office 10 minutes early, dressed in professional attire that
matches the company’s culture. You’re greeted warmly by the receptionist and offer a
confident handshake.
• Role and Fit Assessment: They help both parties evaluate fit and clarify role expectations
eg. In a role and fit assessment, you’re interviewed for a project management position and
are asked to describe how you’ve handled cross-functional team challenges. You then
discuss how your collaborative approach and adaptability align with the company's
emphasis on teamwork and innovation, illustrating both your technical skills and cultural fit.
• Skill Demonstration: Candidates can highlight their achievements and problem-solving
abilities.eg. In the interview, you role-play handling a customer complaint about a shipping
delay. You demonstrate active listening, empathy, and offer a solution while ensuring the
customer feels heard and reassured.
• Company Insight: Interviews provide a glimpse into the company's culture and growth
opportunities.eg. During an interview, you discuss a recent product launch by the company
and how it aligns with industry trends. You highlight how your experience with similar
projects can contribute to the company's goals, demonstrating your understanding of its
current strategic direction.
• Confidence Building: Each interview builds confidence and improves future performance.
Practicing common interview questions and answers with a friend or mentor can
significantly build confidence by familiarizing yourself with the format and reducing anxiety.

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 • Networking: They offer opportunities to build industry connections and impress potential
employers.eg. Networking during an interview can be exemplified by connecting with the
interviewer on LinkedIn after the interview, thanking them for their time, and expressing
interest in staying in touch for future opportunities.
• Soft Skills Showcase: Candidates can demonstrate effective communication and
interpersonal skills.eg. Demonstrating active listening during an interview by nodding,
maintaining eye contact, and summarizing key points shows strong communication skills
and attentiveness.
• Real-World Experience: Interviews give practical experience in the recruitment process and
preparation for professional life.eg. Citing a specific project from a previous job where you
successfully led a team to meet a tight deadline demonstrates your real-world experience
and ability to perform under pressure.

Learning Outcome

Participants will understand the importance of interviews in the recruitment process and develop
the skills necessary to effectively showcase their qualifications, assess fit, and build professional
connections.

Slide 9 – Recruitment Process

Duration – 10 min

Volunteer Notes

● The Volunteer may explain the students their company recruitment process or the
recruitment process in general.

1. Understanding Job Requirements -

Job Posting: Employers post job openings on various platforms like company websites, job
boards, and social media.

Job Description: Each posting includes a job description outlining the responsibilities,
qualifications, and skills required.

2. Application Process -

Resume and Cover Letter: Freshers need to prepare a professional resume and a tailored
cover letter highlighting their skills and experiences relevant to the job.

Application Submission: Applications are submitted online through job portals or company
websites. Sometimes, referrals from employees can also help.

3. Initial Screening-

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 Resume Screening: Recruiters screen resumes to shortlist candidates who meet the job
criteria.

Phone Screening: Some companies conduct an initial phone interview to further narrow
down the candidate pool.

4. Interviews-

Technical/Skill-Based Interviews: These interviews assess specific job-related skills. For

freshers, this might involve questions on academic projects or basic industry knowledge.

Behavioral Interviews: These focus on a candidate's personality, soft skills, and cultural fit.
Questions often revolve around past experiences and hypothetical scenarios.

Group Discussions: Sometimes used to evaluate communication skills, teamwork, and

problem-solving abilities.

5. Assessments-

Aptitude Tests: These tests evaluate logical reasoning, quantitative skills, and verbal
abilities.

Technical Tests: For technical roles, coding tests or other technical assessments might be
administered.

6. Final Interview-

HR Interview: The final round often involves an interview with HR to discuss salary
expectations, company policies, and other formalities.

Offer Letter: Successful candidates receive an offer letter detailing the job role, salary, and
other terms of employment.

7. On boarding -

Acceptance: Candidates accept the job offer by signing the offer letter.

Joining: On the designated date, new employees go through the on boarding process, which
includes orientation, paperwork, and training sessions

Learning Outcome

Understanding the recruitment process for the participants will enhance their preparation,
communication, and confidence, significantly increasing their chances of success.

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 Slide 10– Importance of Verbal and Non- Verbal Communication

Duration – 5 min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer can explain the participants about the importance of verbal and non- verbal
communication in an interview for their better performance.

Verbal Communication involves the use of words to convey a message. This can be done
through:
Speaking: Face-to-face conversations, phone calls, video calls, presentations.
Writing: Emails, text messages, reports, letters.

Non-Verbal Communication involves conveying messages without using words. This includes:
Body Language: Gestures, posture, facial expressions.
Eye Contact: The way someone looks at others during communication.
Tone of Voice: The pitch, volume, and intonation used while speaking.
Proxemics: The use of personal space and physical distance.
Appearance: Clothing and grooming.
Paralanguage: Non-lexical components of speech, like pitch, tone, and speed.

Learning Outcome

Balancing effective verbal and nonverbal communication helps create a positive impression and
conveys confidence during the interview.

Slide 11– Other Important Skills Required

Duration – 5 min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer may refer to the points in the slide and may also include other points which are
relevant.

Confidence: Display self-assurance and poise throughout the interview.

Research Skills: Demonstrate knowledge about the company and the role.
Problem Solving Abilities: Showcase critical thinking and the ability to address challenges.
Interpersonal Skills: Build rapport with the interviewer and demonstrate teamwork.
Adaptability: Show flexibility and the ability to handle unexpected questions.
Technical Proficiency: Highlight relevant skills and expertise required for the role.

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 Time management: Be punctual and manage time effectively during the interview.
Professionalism: Exhibit professionalism through attire and follow-up
Enthusiasm: Convey genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company

Learning Outcome

This will help participants to develop the skills to confidently articulate their strengths, research
companies, communicate effectively, handle behavioral questions, ask insightful questions,
maintain professionalism, manage stress, follow up appropriately, and utilize feedback to excel in
interviews.

Slide 12– Resume Checklist

Duration – 5min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer may refer to the points in the slide and may also include other points which are
relevant.
 Tailor for Each Job: Customize your resume to match the job description.
 Include Keywords: Use relevant terms from the job listing for ATS.
 Maintain Clear Structure: Use a clean format with clear headings.
 Start with a Summary: Write a strong professional summary.
 Quantify Achievements: Highlight accomplishments with numbers.
 Focus on Relevant Experience: Prioritize recent and relevant roles.
 List Key Skills: Include both hard and soft skills relevant to the role.
 Ensure Professional Appearance: Use a modern, simple design.
 Proofread Carefully: Check for spelling and grammar errors.
 Provide Accurate Contact Info: Include a professional email and phone number.

Learning Outcome

Participants will have clarity about the important points they should include in a resume.

Slide 13– Importance of Building a Good LinkedIn Account

Duration – 10min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer may explain the importance of a LinkedIn profile and also share their personal
experience in using LinkedIn to secure their career goals.

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 Building a good LinkedIn profile is essential for achieving career goals because it enhances your
professional networking opportunities, establishes your personal brand, and increases your
visibility to recruiters and industry professionals. A well-crafted profile allows you to connect
with key individuals; access job listings tailored to your interests, and receive endorsements that
validate your skills and experiences. Additionally, it serves as a platform to showcase your
expertise, share industry insights, and stay updated on trends, ultimately making you more
attractive to potential employers and collaborators.

Photo - Use a clear photograph

Headline - Focus on the field of interest e.g. aspiring data analyst

Summary - Highlight academic skills and goals

Education - List relevant coursework and projects

Skills - Add and seek endorsements for key skills.

Recommendations - Request from professors or mentors.

Engage - Follow industry leaders and join groups.

Update - Regularly refresh with new skills and experiences.

Network - Connect with classmates and professionals.

Learning Outcome

This will help participants to build a strong LinkedIn profile even with limited experience.

Slide 14– Preparation Before An Interview

Duration – 5min

Volunteer Notes

Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, values, culture, and recent
developments. Familiarize yourself with their products, services, and industry position.

Understand the Role: Carefully read the job description and identify the key responsibilities and
required skills. Reflect on how your background aligns with these requirements.

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Review Common Interview Questions: Practice answering common interview questions,
especially those related to your background, strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations.
Prepare for both behavioral and technical questions.

Prepare Your Own Questions: Develop thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the
company, team, and role. This shows your genuine interest and engagement.

Update Your Resume: Ensure your resume is up-to-date, error-free, and tailored to the job you’re
applying for. Highlight relevant projects, internships, and achievements.

Practice Interviewing: Conduct mock interviews with friends, family, or career counsellors to build
confidence and receive feedback on your performance.

Plan Your Attire: Choose professional and appropriate attire for the interview. Ensure your clothes
are clean, pressed, and well-fitting.

Gather Necessary Documents: Bring multiple copies of your resume, a list of references, and any
other required documents. Also, carry a notebook and pen for notes.

Logistics Preparation: Plan your route to the interview location, considering traffic or public
transport schedules. Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early.

Learning Outcome

Participants will understand the importance of being well-prepared and enthusiastic candidate as
it increases the chances of making a positive impression and securing the job.

Slide 15– Using SWOT analysis in an Interview

Duration – 5min

Volunteer Notes

• The Volunteer may explain the SWOT analysis method to participants

• The Volunteer may explain the points mentioned in the slide by referring to the examples
provided or they can also give their own examples.
Highlight your key skills or experiences-“One of my strengths is my ability to manage multiple
projects efficiently, as demonstrated by my role in a team project that improved our workflow.”.
Discuss a real but manageable weakness and how you’re working to improve it - “I sometimes
struggle with public speaking, but I’ve been taking workshops and practicing to build my
confidence.”

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Mention how you’re ready to seize opportunities for growth in the role -“I see this position as an
opportunity to further develop my skills in data analysis and contribute to your team’s innovative
projects.”
Address potential challenges and your strategies to overcome them - “I’m aware that adapting to
new software can be challenging, but I’m proactive about learning new technologies quickly
through online courses and practice.”

Learning Outcome

Participants will understand the advantage of using a SWOT analysis in an interview, as it

enhances self-awareness, structured thinking, strategic planning, communication skills, problem-
solving abilities, confidence, personal branding, and realistic self-assessment.

Slide 16– Answering basic interview questions using STAR method

Duration – 5min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer can mention their own real time example or can refer to real time examples
mentioned below to the students for their better understanding to handle interview questions

1. Researching the Company:

Example: Before the interview, the candidate researched XYZ Corporation's latest projects,
company culture, and recent news. During the interview, she referenced their recent initiative on
sustainability and discussed how her experience aligns with the company’s goals. This showed her
proactive approach and genuine interest in the role.

2. Using the STAR Method:

Example: When asked about a challenging project, candidate used the STAR method:
Situation: "In my previous job, we faced a significant drop in customer satisfaction."
Task: "I was tasked with leading a team to improve our customer service."
Action: "I implemented a new feedback system and trained staff on effective communication."
Result: "Customer satisfaction increased by 20% over six months."

3. Demonstrating Strong Communication Skills:

Example: Candidate explained her project management experience clearly, using structured
language and avoiding jargon. Making sure to pause and ask if the interviewer had questions,
ensuring her points were understood.

4. Showcasing Problem-Solving Abilities:

Example: During a technical interview, a candidate was given a problem-solving scenario related to
software development. The candidate outlined his thought process step-by-step, explaining each
decision and how he would approach solving the problem. This demonstrated his analytical skills
and problem-solving approach.

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5. Asking Insightful Questions:
Example: When given the opportunity to ask questions, candidate inquired about the company's
long-term strategic goals and how the role he was applying for would contribute to those goals.
His questions showed that he was thinking about his potential impact and long-term fit within the
company.

6. Handling Difficult Questions Gracefully:

Example: When asked about a past failure, candidate should respond with honesty, discussing
what she learned and how she used the experience to improve her skills. The candidate should
remain composed and focus on the positive outcomes of the situation.

Learning Outcome

These real-time examples will help the participants to understand how various interview skills can
be effectively applied to leave a positive impression on interviewers and increase the likelihood of
securing the job.

Slide 17– Mock Interview Session by the EY Volunteer

Duration – 20min

Volunteer Notes

 In this session, the volunteer will make sure that participants not only understand the
process and importance of developing interview skills but also apply them through the
"mock interview" activity at the end of the session.
 The Volunteer can ask participants questions mentioned below:
General Questions:

Tell me about yourself.

Response: Focus on your education, relevant projects, internships, and a little bit about
your interests.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Response: Explain your interest and passion for the field and any specific experiences that
influenced your decision.

Behavioural Questions

Describe a situation where you had to work under pressure.

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 Response: Describe a situation where you had to manage a tight deadline, stay organized,
prioritize tasks, and maintain clear communication under pressure.

Give an example of a time you worked in a team to achieve a goal.

Response: Describe a time when you collaborated with team members, leveraged each
other's strengths, communicated effectively, and successfully achieved a shared goal.

For online session – The Volunteer can ask the candidate common interview questions and ask
them to answer; once they answer she/he can discuss the answers and mention the important
points required to be covered while answering that particular question.

For offline session – The Volunteer can divide the students into groups of 5 ( the number can
vary depending on the strength), ask them to do a role play – one can the interviewer and the
other can be an interviewee, give them a list of 5 different questions which they need to prepare
and answer, once done the Volunteer can give the feedback accordingly.

Learning Outcome

Participating in a mock interview will provide individuals with a simulated interview experience
that will allow them to practice and refine their interview skills, receive constructive feedback,
identify areas for improvement, and build confidence in their ability to perform well in real-
world interview scenarios.

Slide 18– Mock Interview Session by the EY Volunteer (Continuation of Slide17)

Duration – 20min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer will ask participants basic interview questions and will help the participants to
answer the questions properly by providing them the points which are required to cover in their
responses.

Technical Questions (specific to the field)

Can you explain the project you worked on during your final year?

Response: Outline the project's objective, your specific role, the technologies used, key
challenges faced, and the outcomes or results achieved.

What programming languages are you proficient in?

Response: List the programming languages you are proficient in, emphasizing your level of
expertise and any relevant projects or experiences where you utilized them.

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 Situational Questions

If you were given a tight deadline for a project, how would you prioritize your tasks

Response: Explain how you would assess the project's requirements, break down tasks,
prioritize based on urgency and importance, and allocate time efficiently to meet the
deadline.

How would you approach a task you’ve never done before?

Response: Describe how you would research the task, seek guidance or resources, break it
into manageable steps, and apply problem-solving skills to complete it effectively.

Learning Outcome

Participants will have a clear idea about the correct way of answering basic questions.

Slide 19- Documents

Duration – 2min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer will explain the importance of documents in an Interview:

Updating and Tailoring Your Resume

Relevance: Highlights the most relevant skills and experiences for the job.
Impression: Creates a strong first impression and shows attention to detail.
Keywords: Helps pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) with job-specific keywords.

Preparing a Portfolio (if applicable)

Showcase Work: Provides tangible proof of your skills and accomplishments.
Stand Out: Differentiates you from other candidates with a deeper insight into your work.
Credibility: Supports the claims made in your resume and interview.
Organizing Certifications and References
Validation: Confirms your qualifications and knowledge.
Credibility: Demonstrates your past performance and reliability.
Professionalism: Reflects your preparedness and seriousness about the position.

Learning Outcome

Participants will learn to effectively to create, organize, and utilize professional documents,
enhancing their ability to communicate and present information clearly and professionally.

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Slide 20 – Summary

Duration – 2min

Volunteer Notes

The Volunteer will end the session by briefly explaining the key take aways.

Learning Outcome

It will help the participants to remember and focus on the key points from the session.

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