One of the most important skills elementary students can learn is how to succeed in an interview setting. Students should learn how to be on both sides of the interview process, as these skills may become essential for the future. Fortunately, it is possible to integrate a variety of techniques into a lesson plan for teaching interview skills.

Interview Basics
Before tasking students with any specific interview-related activities, it is important to teach the basics of the interview process. Explain in detail the role of each person involved in the interview, as well as the real-world applications of the interview process. You can teach interview basics like any other subject; cover the topic thoroughly over the course of at least a few class periods.

One-on-One
Ask students to pair up and interview each other. Allow each pair to choose their own topic, and switch roles so each gets a turn as interviewer and interviewee. Establish clear goals for this activity, such as gaining an understanding of how one interview technique might work better than another, depending upon the situation.

Character Interview
The character interview is a great way to get creative with teaching interview skills. Each student will assume the role of a historical character (fictional or real), and the class will get a chance to interview the character. Encourage each student to ask challenging questions, and encourage the interviewee to remain in character when answering.

Mock Job Interview
As a "final exam" on interviewing basics, interview each student separately, pretending you are conducting a job interview. The student should use all the skills he has learned about interviews, and should display a thorough understanding of interview basics.