Bright teenagers are being taught how to adopt a firm handshake and how to make eye contact because they do not know how to behave in interviews.
Teachers fear students with the highest potential will be unsuccessful in university and job one-on-ones because they have not learned how to conduct themselves in formal situations.
In a bid to give them ‘insight’ into the importance of body language, top students are having lessons in the dangers of mumbling, bad breath and even failing to plan the right outfit.
In sessions guided by a group of volunteers, pupils are also shown how to avoid a ‘wet fish’ handshake and why they should try not to do nervous foot-tapping.
As part of the scheme, the students are even advised on getting a haircut and buying a new shirt the night before an important interview – and to make sure they smell nice.
The lessons form part of a scheme known as LikeSkills, a project run by Barclays and the Transformation Trust, a youth charity, which was set up two years ago.
The scheme, which works with those aged between 11 and 19, now operates across 11,000 schools, colleges and youth clubs.
Kirstie Mackey, head of LikeSkills, said the scheme aims to givsse students “a bit of insight into the importance of body language and making a good first impression”.
The aim is to show how their so-called soft skills – including self-awareness, self-confidence and personal presentation – can make a positive different to career prospects.
A typical lesson might involve an introduction from a volunteer, before a series of mock job interviews which are carried out between class peers.
In one lesson at Ernest Bevin College in south London, Steve Beckles-Ebusua told the sixth form boys how to ‘sell themselves’.
According to The Times, he said, “An interview is a performance. Do your homework and do what you can to prepare for the big day. It’s like asking a young lady out. Have a plan. Make sure you look the part. Get a new shirt and a haircut.”
