The Stephen Longfellow Academy worked in partnership with The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to arrange mock interviews for Year 10 students. The aim was to prepare students for future college, apprenticeship, and job interviews, which they would face in Year 11. All year ten students that attended on the day were involved.
Prior to the Mock Interviews, students spend time during form time sessions learning about what an interview is and preparing possible questions and identifying what makes a good answer. Some of the questions included:
Tell me something about yourself?
Tell me about any volunteering or work experience that you have done?
Give me three words that your teacher would use to describe you and why?
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
As well as their answers, students were judged against eye contact, body language and manners. Each interview lasted approximately 10 minutes. At the end of the interview, students were given individual feedback on how they could improve their interview skills.
Students were positive about the experience. It was clear to see from student feedback forms that 80% of students said they now felt more confident about interviews since undertaking these mock interviews.
The feedback also showed:
84% of students said they had become more aware of the interview process.
92% said it was useful to practice Interview questions.
84% said, the interview helped them become more aware of employer and college expectations.
92% said the interviewer’s feedback was useful.
Student comments included:
“Useful”
“Enjoyed it”
“I think it went well”.
“Not Scary at all.”
Janet Clark interviewer said:
“It was a pleasure interviewing the students today. Tier 1 students were polite and well-mannered and had lots to say. It was good to hear about their hobbies and interests outside of school, which are building the skills all employers look for.
Tier 2 students were also polite. We talked about how important it is for them to get involved in activities inside and outside of school, so they have lots to say at their next interview. I mentioned the skills2succeed academy to all the students and have suggested two modules for them to complete. I look forward to my next visit.”
Janet Clark (Seacroft Jobcentre)
The Year 10 Mock interviews were a successful careers intervention, and even though a few of the students found this experience challenging, it helped increase their confidence in facing interviews and understanding the interview process. Every student who participated will be provided a certificate of participation for their Record of Achievement. The Stephen Longfellow Academy will continue to work with The Department for Work and Pensions to support its careers programme.
Raj Gill (Senior Careers Officer)