SCHS WBL Students complete Mock Interviews

“Where do you see yourself in five years?” and “What are some of your weaknesses?” are just two common questions asked during a typical job interview; regardless, how often the questions are asked, employers continue to see prospective candidates struggle to find an answer.

But, at Stephens County High School the Work-Based Learning students are being prepared to provide clear and concise answers before the interview process.

Work-based Learning Coordinator Pam Hill recently hosted a day of mock interviews for 88 students who are planning to enter the workforce. She spoke with WNEG News about the event.

“I created a template for resumes and I sent that to the CTAE teachers who were participating in this event, I also sent a list of sample interview questions for the students along with information on how to dress for an interview. Then I created a mock interview feedback sheet for the employers to fill out and provide feedback for the students on what their strengths were and some of their weaknesses,” Hill said.

During the event, eight local industries were represented and conducted interviews, with the students, throughout the day.

Stephens County School Superintendent Bryan Dorsey said the mock interviews give students great exposure for future jobs.

“Through our Work-based Learning program Mrs. Hill has made opportunities for our students to meet with area industries,” Dorsey said. “You know there’s always the real potential that they’ll make a contact that will lead to a life-time opportunity. But, just as important as each of our students participating, they’ll have an opportunity for exposure to an interview situation so that they can become more comfortable and confident about pursuing their life-time goals and achievements.”

Habersham County Medical Center’s Habersham Home Administrator Robert Burns told WNEG News that the students who interviewed with him showed great promise.

“It’s exciting to see young people coming through, exciting to see them enthusiastic. I’ve been most impressed with the students I’ve seen so far, because they come in with an idea of what their future is, they’re proactive about their future and that’s refreshing.”

WNEG News spoke with high school senior Peter Comeau after being interviewed by Patterson Pump. He says the interview gave him insight into creating a resume that stands out.

“Basically it was people from Patterson Pump coming down to do a mock interview,” Comeau said. “They asked me a lot of questions like: where I see myself in five years, what I want to do with my life; and, basically, I told them I want to be a fabricator, I want to own my own shop one day, and take pride in what I do. They told me some tips about my resume. Letters of recommendations. He told me if he has 20 resumes, he wants at least one that sticks out.”

Stephens County Board of Commissioners Chairman and owner of Talan Properties LLC Michelle Ivester said the interviews were a great way to further prepare students prior to them entering the workforce.

“I’m representing Talan Properties and also the county commission,” Ivester said. “This is a great opportunity for students to get out and talk to the people who do the hiring and firing. It is really interesting to see their thought process, and it’s great that they’re learning these soft skills because that is the most important. So many times, we see these students enter the workforce and not know how to dress properly, or they don’t know how to interview, so this is just a great program and it really teaches them how to do those things when they enter the workforce.”

Following the interviews, employers were able to see first-hand, the many accomplishments the CTAE students have completed throughout the semester.