“Be not afraid… for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” — Joshua 1:9
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Prepare for common interview questions using the STAR method
- Answer questions about your record with Honest-Brief-Forward
- Complete a mock interview
Lesson Notes
Before the Interview
Research the company, plan transportation and arrive 10–15 minutes early, dress neatly and conservatively, bring copies of your résumé and references, and prepare two questions to ask.
The STAR Method
For “Tell me about a time…” questions, use Situation, Task, Action, Result. Keep it to about one minute.
Common Questions
- Tell me about yourself. (Use your 60-second introduction from BTO 102.)
- Why do you want this job?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- Tell me about a time you handled a conflict.
- Tell me about the gap in your work history or your conviction. (Use Honest-Brief-Forward.)
- Do you have any questions for us?
After the Interview
Send a short thank-you note or email within 24 hours. Follow up about a week later if you haven't heard back. Every interview is practice, even when you don't get the job.
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| STAR | Situation, Task, Action, Result |
| Mock interview | A practice interview |
| Thank-you note | A short message thanking the interviewer |
In-Class Activities
STAR Stories
Write two STAR stories: one about teamwork and one about solving a problem.
Mock Interview
Complete a 10-minute mock interview with your instructor or a volunteer. Receive feedback on the scoring sheet.
Assignment: Interview Prep Sheet
- Answers to five common questions (including your Honest-Brief-Forward answer, which may be kept private).
- Two STAR stories.
- Two questions you'll ask the employer.
- A thank-you note draft.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Joshua 1:9 promises God is with you wherever you go, including into an interview room. What fear do you want to hand over to God before your first real interview?
Prayer focus: Ask God to go before you into every interview and give you peace and favor.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Walking In Prepared
Interviews can feel frightening, especially when you expect a question about your record. Preparation turns fear into readiness.
Before the interview, research the company, plan your transportation, arrive 10–15 minutes early, dress neatly, and bring copies of your résumé and references. Prepare two questions to ask them.
For Tell me about a time… questions, use STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result. Keep each story to about a minute.
When the question about your past comes, use your Honest-Brief-Forward answer: acknowledge it simply, keep it short, and move to what you've learned, what you've done since, and why you're ready.
After the interview, send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Follow up about a week later if you haven't heard back. Every interview is practice, even when you don't get the job. The next one will be easier.
Think About It
- What worries you most about interviews? ______________________
- Write one STAR story. ______________________
- What two questions will you ask an employer? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 6
Be Not Afraid
Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.— Joshua 1:9 (KJV)
God goes into the interview room with you.
Reflect: What fear do you want to hand over?
Pray: Lord, go with me.
Do: Practice your introduction out loud.
What to Say
For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.— Luke 12:12 (KJV)
Prepare well, and trust God to help you in the moment.
Reflect: Where do you need God's help to speak?
Pray: Lord, give me words in the moment.
Do: Practice your Honest-Brief-Forward answer.
Peace, Not Anxiety
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.— Philippians 4:6 (KJV)
Pray instead of worrying before interviews. Thank God in advance for His presence.
Reflect: What will you pray before an interview?
Pray: Lord, I give You my anxiety.
Do: Write a pre-interview prayer.
Prepared Hearts
Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.— 1 Peter 3:15 (KJV)
Being prepared to answer honestly and gently is biblical. It applies to your faith and your story.
Reflect: What hope can you share about your future?
Pray: Lord, make me ready to answer with hope.
Do: Prepare your answer to “Why should we hire you?”
Not Growing Weary
Let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.— Galatians 6:9 (KJV)
Rejection is part of every job search. Keep going; the harvest comes.
Reflect: How will you respond to rejection?
Pray: Lord, keep me from growing weary.
Do: Encourage a classmate before her mock interview.
Module Quiz
- 1.
What does STAR stand for?
- 2.
How early should you arrive for an interview?
- 3.
When should you send a thank-you note?
- 4.
It's good to have questions ready to ask the employer.
- 5.
How should you answer “Tell me about yourself”?