Interview Communication and Strategy

This unit develops students’ verbal and nonverbal interview skills and introduces targeted practice strategies to improve real-world performance. Students will craft and refine elevator pitches and key speaking points, practice professional behaviors (eye contact, enthusiasm, tone), and learn to diagnose and correct common interview mistakes while handling special challenges.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the interview and hiring cycle to identify critical moments where candidate communication and behavior influence hiring decisions
• Apply a targeted strategy to create and adapt an elevator pitch and three key speaking points for specific job opportunities
• Demonstrate effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques—including conveying enthusiasm, maintaining appropriate eye contact, and avoiding negative talk about past employers—during simulated interviews
• Evaluate common interview mistakes and special challenges, and implement corrective practice routines using the Big Interview 3-part model to improve performance