Silent Signals Slides Silent Signals
The Secret Language of Interviews
Lesson 1: First Impressions
The Silent Challenge
Task A
Without speaking a word, how can you show someone that you are bored?
Task B
How can you show someone you are excited to meet them?
Ready? 3... 2... 1... GO!
The 70-20-10 Rule
70%
Body Language
How you sit, stand, and move your hands.
20%
Tone of Voice
How you sound (loud, soft, fast, slow).
10%
The Words
What you actually say!
Power Posture
Eye Contact
Look at the person, but don't stare! Like you're watching a movie.
Sit Tall
Pretend a string is pulling the top of your head to the ceiling.
Real Smile
A friendly face tells the interviewer: "I'm happy to be here!"
The Perfect Hello
01
Stand up when they enter.
02
Smile and make eye contact.
03
Firm handshake (or respectful wave/nod).
04
"Hello, I'm [Name]. Nice to meet you."
No-Go Zone
• The "Wet Noodle" handshake
• The "Bone Crusher"
• Mumbling at your shoes
• Slumping in the chair
Greeting Relay
Get with a partner. Practice your professional greeting 3 times each.
Check for: Eye Contact, Posture, and Voice!
START NOW!
Greeting Guru Checklist Greeting Guru Checklist
Lesson 1: Professional First Impressions
OFFICIAL RECORD
Name:
Date:
Work with a partner to practice your professional greeting. Use this checklist to give each other helpful feedback!
Partner Feedback Form
Eye Contact
Did they look you in the eyes without staring too hard?
Great
Okay
Keep Practicing
The Handshake / Greeting
Was it firm but friendly? Not a "Wet Noodle" or "Bone Crusher."
Great
Okay
Keep Practicing
Voice Clarity
Could you hear their name clearly? Was the volume just right?
Great
Okay
Keep Practicing
The Smile
Did they look friendly and ready to work?
Great
Okay
Keep Practicing
My Reflection
What is one thing you did really well during your greeting practice?
What is one thing you want to work on for the next time?
Body Language Battles Guide Body Language Battles
TEACHER GUIDE
Lesson 1: Mastering First Impressions through Non-Verbal Cues
Objective
Students will understand that communication is mostly non-verbal. They will learn to project confidence through posture, eye contact, and a professional greeting.
The Hook: "The Silent Boredom"
Start the class without saying a word. Walk in with slumped shoulders, heavy sighs, and avoiding eye contact. Ask: "How am I feeling? How do you know?" Then, snap into a professional stance (straight back, bright smile). Ask: "Now how do I feel?"
Quick Checklist
Silent Signals Slides
Greeting Guru Checklist
Chart Paper & Markers
Core Activity: The Greeting Relay
1
Divide the class into two lines facing each other.
2
Assign Line A as "Interviewers" and Line B as "Candidates."
3
Candidates must walk up, give a professional greeting (handshake/nod + name), and return to their spot.
4
The class votes on the "Greeting Guru" of each round based on the rubric criteria.
Key Discussion Points
Why eye contact?
"It shows you are paying attention and are honest. Looking away can make you seem nervous or disinterested."
The Handshake Trick
"The secret to a good handshake is 'web-to-web.' The part of your hand between your thumb and finger should meet theirs."
Adaptations & Extensions
Support: For students with physical sensitivities, focus on the "Professional Nod" or "Respectful Wave" as an alternative to handshakes.
Challenge: Record the greetings and have students watch themselves on mute to focus purely on body language.
STAR Power Slides STAR Power
Answering Questions Like a Boss
Lesson 2: Interview Answers
Mystery Question Bag
"Can you answer a surprise question in 30 seconds without saying 'UM' or 'UH'?"
Tell me about yourself.
What is your strength?
Why do you want this job?
Master the STAR Method
S
Situation
Briefly explain what was happening. Set the scene!
T
Task
What was your goal? What did you need to do?
A
Action
What did YOU specifically do to help or solve the problem?
R
Result
How did it end? What was the awesome outcome?
STAR In Action
S: Last month, our playground equipment was very messy.
T: I wanted to help organize it so no one would trip.
A: I stayed 5 minutes after recess to put the balls and jump ropes back in the bins.
R: The playground was safe for the next class, and my teacher thanked me!
Notice how specific the "Action" is? Use "I" statements!
Your Turn!
Open your My Story STARs worksheet. Pick a strength and tell a story using the STAR method!
BE SPECIFIC BE PROUD
My Story STARs Worksheet My Story STARs
STRATEGY: S.T.A.R.
CANDIDATE NAME
INTERVIEW DATE
Question: "What is your greatest strength? Give an example."
Think about a time you were helpful, hardworking, or solved a problem. Use the STAR method to tell that story below!
S Situation
Set the scene. What was happening?
T Task
What did you need to do? What was the goal?
A Action
What did YOU do? (Use "I" statements!)
R Result
How did it end? What was the outcome?
The "Tell Me About Yourself" Pitch
Briefly combine your name, one interest, and one professional goal.
"Hello, my name is ___________________. One of my interests is ___________________, and I am working to be a ___________________ because I am very ___________________."
Question Quest Cards Question #1
Tell me about yourself.
STAR POWER
Question #2
What is your greatest strength?
STAR POWER
Question #3
Tell me about a time you solved a problem.
STAR POWER
Question #4
Why should we hire you?
STAR POWER
Question #5
Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
STAR POWER
Question #6
What is your favorite subject and why?
STAR POWER
Echo Masters Slides Echo Masters
The Superpower of Active Listening
Lesson 3: Communication Secrets
The Message Mission
The Goal
Pass a message through 5 people perfectly.
The Catch
If one word changes, the mission fails!
?!
Why do messages change?
Whole-Body Listening
Eyes
Watch the person who is speaking.
Ears
Hear every word they say.
Brain
Think about what they are saying.
The Listeners Toolkit
1
Nod your head slightly.
2
Say "I see" or "Okay."
3
Summarize what they said.
The "Echo" Trick
"So, if I heard you correctly, you are looking for someone who is punctual and hardworking?"
The Master Echo
Listen to your teacher's 3-step instruction. You must wait for the "GO" signal, then repeat it to your partner perfectly before doing it!
ARE YOU READY?
Message Mission Guide Message Mission
ACTIVITY GUIDE
Lesson 3: Testing Active Listening & Instruction Following
How to Play
Level 1: The Echo. Read a simple instruction. Students must repeat it back in unison before performing it.
Level 2: The Multi-Step. Read a 3-step instruction. Students must wait 5 seconds (silently thinking) before repeating and doing.
Level 3: The Distraction. Read a complex instruction while making a distracting noise or movement. Only those listening with their "whole body" will succeed.
Challenge Scripts
EASY
"Please stand up, push in your chair, and place both hands on your head."
MEDIUM
"Write your name in the top right corner of your paper, draw a small star next to it, and then fold the paper in half once."
BOSS LEVEL
"Tap your left shoulder twice, walk to the nearest window, whisper the word 'Professional,' and then sit back down with your arms crossed."
Debrief Questions
Question Type What to ask students Reflection "What was the hardest part of remembering the 3-step instructions?" Strategy "What did you do with your brain while I was talking to make sure you heard everything?" Connection "Why would an employer be upset if you didn't follow a multi-step instruction?"
Student Mission Log
Name:
Describe one time today you had to use Active Listening. What did you hear, and how did you show you were listening?
The Flip Side Slides The Flip Side
Interviews are Two-Way Streets
Lesson 4: Asking Questions
Wait... WHAT?!
Scene: The End of an Interview
Interviewer: "Do you have any questions for me?"
Candidate: "Yeah! How much do I get paid? Also, can I leave early on Fridays? Oh, and when is lunch? I'm starving!"
How did those questions hurt the candidate's chances?
Questions = Curiosity
It Shows...
• You are Interested
• You are Prepared
• You are Smart
• You want to Learn
?
"The person who asks the questions
controls the conversation."
The All-Star List
"What does a typical day look like for this job?"
"What is the best part about working with this team?"
"How will I know if I'm doing a great job?"
"What is the most important skill for this role?"
Question Critique
Open your worksheet. We are going to look at a list of questions and decide:
Hire Them or Keep Looking?
LET'S ANALYZE!
The Curiosity Test Worksheet The Curiosity Test
Section: Etiquette
Investigator:
Case Date:
Question Sorting
Read each question. Is it Professional (shows interest) or Unprofessional (too selfish)?
"Can I have a longer break than everyone else?"
PRO
UNPRO
"What are some challenges a person might face in this role?"
PRO
UNPRO
"Will I get a trophy for working hard?"
PRO
UNPRO
"What kind of training do you offer new workers?"
PRO
UNPRO
My Inquiry List
Brainstorm 3 professional questions you would ask a future employer.
01
02
03
💡 Pro Tip
"A good question shows you want to help the company succeed, not just help yourself!"
Job Hero Showdown Slides Job Hero
The Showdown
MOCK INTERVIEWS
Simulation Rules
1
Be Professional. Stay in character from the second you sit down.
2
Use Your STARs. Tell stories about your skills and strengths.
3
Listen & Echo. Show the interviewer you are paying attention.
5 Minutes
Each interview will last 5 minutes. Swap roles when the buzzer sounds!
The Hiring Manager's Toolkit
Rubric Ready
Keep your scorecards ready. Mark down what you see!
Clear Voice
Ask your questions clearly and give them time to answer.
Supportive
Help your partner do their best. Give a friendly smile!
Closing the Deal
The Power of "Thank You"
Writing a short thank-you note after an interview makes you stand out from the crowd. It shows respect and genuine interest.
"Thank you for your time today. I really enjoyed learning about the role..."
Send it within
24 Hours
GO!
The Hiring Center is Now Open.
Find your first interview station!
Job Hero Scorecard Job Hero Scorecard
Official Peer Evaluation Form
Total Score
/ 20
Candidate Name
Interviewer Name
01. Silent Signals
MAX: 5 POINTS
Did they have good posture, eye contact, and a professional greeting?
1
2
3
4
5
02. STAR Power
MAX: 5 POINTS
Did they use the STAR method to tell clear, specific stories about their skills?
1
2
3
4
5
03. The Flip Side
MAX: 5 POINTS
Did they ask at least 2 thoughtful, professional questions at the end?
1
2
3
4
5
04. Professionalism
MAX: 5 POINTS
Were they confident, clear, and polite throughout the whole interview?
1
2
3
4
5
Manager's Notes
One thing they did perfectly:
One goal for next time:
Gratitude Note Template Sent!
The Thank-You Note
Lesson 5: Professional Follow-Up
From:
Dear __________________________,
Thank you very much for the opportunity to interview for the position of today. I really enjoyed talking to you about .
I believe my greatest strength is , and I would be very happy to help your team!
Sincerely,
(Your Signature)
Always double-check the spelling of the interviewer's name! Getting it right shows you care about the details.
Hiring Hub Teacher Guide Classroom Hiring Hub
Lesson 5: Mock Interview Simulation Guide
Teacher Guide
Room Setup
Transform your classroom into an "Office Hub." Arrange desks in pairs facing each other. If possible, add "Receptionist" or "Waiting Area" signs to give it a realistic feel. Play soft jazz or "office background noise" (available on YouTube) at a low volume.
Supply Checklist
Job Hero Scorecards
Gratitude Note Templates
Timer/Buzzer
Student Resumes
Simulation Protocol
01
Pairing & Setup (5 min)
Assign students to pairs. One is the "Hiring Manager" (interviewer) and one is the "Applicant" (interviewee).
02
Interview Round 1 (5-7 min)
Managers use their scorecards to ask questions. Applicants must use STAR stories.
03
Feedback & Reset (3 min)
Managers finish scoring and give one piece of verbal "Positive Praise."
04
The Switch (10 min)
Students swap roles and repeat the process.
Debrief Circles
"What was the most surprising thing about being the BOSS today?"
"When you were the applicant, did you feel like you were being listened to?"
Differentiation
Support: Provide "Sentence Starter Cards" for students who struggle with STAR responses.
Challenge: Throw in a "Surprise Situation" (e.g., the phone rings during the interview, or the interviewer 'accidentally' drops their pen).