Alaska Academic Decathlon Coaches' Handbook

Interview Event - Total Points Possible - 1000

At a scheduled time during the competition, each student will go to a pre-assigned room for the Interview event. The students will remain for approximately 8 minutes in the interview room. The chairperson of the Interviews will give a brief explanation of procedures to be followed.

Objective

The interview experience should assist students in learning to present themselves positively when interviewing for a job, scholarship, or any competitive position. It should also give them the experience of learning to listen and respond in an appropriate manner. The objective of the program is to give students opportunities to develop oral communication skills.

Through the interview process, the individual reveals:

Judging Format

Two or three judges will be evaluating one student at a time using the ScanTron Interview scoring form. Each team will have a chairperson and a timer. The student is seated in front of panel of judges during interview.

Interview questions are generally limited to the following areas:

Judges are instructed NOT to ask any questions regarding race, religion, creed, ethnic groups, national origin or ancestry, political beliefs or affiliations, or any questions that can be construed to relate to these subjects.

Timing Procedures for the Interview

When the Interview has used six minutes of the seven minutes allotted, the timer will hold up the “1” (one minute card) indicating time remaining. At six and one half minutes, the timer will hold up the “½” card. At seven minutes the timer should hold up the 0 card. This indicates the interviewer has used the allotted time of seven minutes. The interview should be concluded at this time.

After completing the interview, the student will be instructed to wait outside the door for the judge’s comments. Comments will include one point the student did very well and one point where the student could improve. Judges are instructed to keep comments constructive. If the location is revealed, violations will be noted on the judge’s comments.

Scoring

Interview Rating Scale

Voice Projection is the way a speaker controls volume, clarity and distinctness of voice to gain greater audibility. Voice should have a variety of rate, volume and pitch to engage interest, hold attention and convey self-assurance.

Language Usage refers to the appropriate choice of words, proper use of grammar and correct enunciation. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and be appropriate for the occasion.

Interpersonal Skills refers to the rapport developed with the interviewers, interaction with the questions asked of the student and involving the interviewers in the responses by leading the interviewers to ask additional questions about previous responses.

Non-verbal Language refers to the manner in which the candidate uses gestures, facial expressions and physical involvement for effective communication. It is the indirect revelation of the candidate’s real self while speaking. The candidate should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the interviewers and confidence in responses to questions.

Manner refers to the students’ eagerness and enthusiasm in the interview process, their self-assurance or ease of responding and responding clearly and concisely to the questions they are asked. The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions.

Listening Skills refers to the ability to analyze and interpret “what is being asked.” In order to answer skillfully and address the issue being considered, the candidate must listen carefully and attentively. The candidates response to the questions will give an indication of the level of attention and ability to identify, sort and process information being requested.

Answering Skills refers to the ability to:

Order, logic, imagination, intelligence and other personal qualities are reflected in the way answers are given. A well thought-out answer engages the interviewers' attention and gives insight into the candidate’s personal qualities, skills, goals and experiences. Relevant examples and illustrations support the answers. All information presented should be relevant to the question being asked.

Responses refers to answering each question by thoughtfully preparing the response with insight and conviction of thought instead of just saying anything that comes to mind.

Overall Effectiveness is measured by the:

Some of the questions that will be considered are the following:

Appearance - Has the student dressed appropriately for a college or job interview? Has the student followed the prescribed USAD/AAD dress code for the event?

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Judges will be instructed not to ask the student the name of their school or city or any information that would indicate the school or school district.