Job Interview Training: Transition-Age Youth with Rita Muniz and Travis Bishop

Scenario

The fictional company, Wondersmart, is opening a new location and conducting interviews for 14 job positions. Rita Muniz and Travis Bishop, the hiring managers, have invited you for a job interview. Practice interviewing with Rita and Travis to gain skills on the proper interviewing techniques and build confidence for real-life interviews. You can practice effective methods of sharing factors that apply to your life such as: disclosing accommodations, limited work history, or involvement with the juvenile justice system. Show Rita and Travis the best of your abilities and try to receive a job offer at Wondersmart!

Performing your best at the job interview can be the determining factor in successfully receiving a job offer. This moment can be stressful for anyone, especially if it is the first time. Knowing how to show the best of your capabilities and avoid common mistakes can help you stand out as an applicant to secure your next job position successfully and confidently.

*per level of play; includes a level of progression system to advance through the training

Teaching Objectives:

• Displaying Honesty, Interest, Dependability, and Teamwork
• Maintaining Positivity and Professionalism
• Sharing Personal Life Topics ( i.e. Involvement with Justice System, Work History Gaps, Disclosing Accommodations)
• Negotiating Best Arrangements for Employment

Included in Training:

• A Training Guide with information on locating job positions, the interviewing process, a comprehensive job application, and expanded content to support youth trainees.
• A Simulated Conversation with a varied character to prepare learners for the varying challenges of interviewing. Rita & Travis offer three levels to challenge your skills: Easy, Medium & Hard.
• Comprehensive Feedback during and after each play to help guide skill development

This training was developed in collaboration with The University of Michigan. They completed extensive research on the training through the Level Up Lab. To read more about UM's research efforts, visit: The Level Up Lab

Research

Smith MJ, Sherwood K, Ross B, Smith JD, Smith LD, Bishop L, Humm L, Elkins J, & Steacy C. (2021). Virtual Interview Training for Transition-Age Autistic Youth: A randomized controlled feasibility and effectiveness trial. Autism: International Journal of Research and Practice. doi: 10.1177/1362361321989928. Read More

Smith, M. J., Pinto, R. M., Dawalt, L., Smith, J. D., Sherwood, K., Miles, R., Taylor, J., Hume, K., Dawkins, T., Baker-Ericzén, M., Frazier, T., Humm, L., & Steacy, C. (2020). Using community-engaged methods to adapt virtual reality job-interview training for transition-age youth on the autism spectrum. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 71, 101498. doi: 10.1016/j.rasd.2019.101498. Read More