LCR Students Participate in Interview Process
Launch the media gallery 1 playerLife and Career Readiness students in Mrs. Jacobsen’s class had the opportunity this past week to enhance their interview skills by participating in a series of Mock Interviews. Seven seniors and 1 junior took turns rotating through eight different interviewers who sat at tables located in the Pirate gym.
Launch the media gallery 2 playerThe individuals conducting the interviews came from the business community of Plainview and Neligh. Manned with a portfolio consisting of a student written job specification sheet (described job student was applying for), job application, cover letter, and resume, and 2 letters of recommendation, the interviewers conducted approximately 10-minute long interviews. They then followed up by providing students with advice on interviews and their portfolios.
To prepare for the Mock Interviews students first learned and demonstrated how to complete job applications and then to write cover letters and resumes. Next, students reviewed job interview techniques and held mock interviews with classmates. Students were also required to ask individuals in the community for a personal and professional recommendation. The Mock Interview was their final “test” to demonstrate their grasp of knowledge on the interview process. The final task will be for students to write a formal thank you letter to those who wrote letters of reccomendation for them and to the interviewers.
“Interviewing is one of the essential life and career skills that I believe all students must have,” explained Jacobsen. “Because interviews can be “scary” and vary so much in procedure, I felt that it was important for students to gain as much experience as they could. By the end of the class period, students ended up with four interviews each.”
“Comments from the interviewers were consistent with the fact that we have great students; however, they need to work on typical issues such as showing self-confidence, being able to provide examples of their strengths and their community involvement/work experience."
"Additionally, students were reminded to “polish” to their portfolios as this is the first impression they make,” stated Jacobsen. “I was very proud of how serious the students took the mock interviews and the discussions that have occurred since. I appreciate the professionals who took time away from their day to conduct the interviews and provide such well-written and verbal advice to the students. This truly was a positive experience for them.”