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.

Prior to the Mock Interviews, students were prepared in form time sessions on what an interview is, possible questions and why are they important to their futures. 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.

Students were positive about the experience. It was clear to see from the feedback forms that students completed that there had been a 77% improvement in student confidence with interviews.

The feedback also showed:

  • 92% of students said they had become more aware of the interview process
  • 85% said it was useful to practice Interview questions
  • 77% said, the interview helped them become more aware of employer and college expectations.
  • 85% said the interviewer’s feedback was useful.

Student comments included:

“I was a bit nervous at the beginning but at the end I felt confident.” AP

“The Interview was good” ZD

“He helped me understand what I want to do” AA

“I feel more happier about them now” HC

“I am confident after” TK

“Helped me understand what they are really going to be like” TA

Chris Watson (DWP Interviewer) said: “The mock interviews we participated in at Stephen Longfellow Academy were a positive experience.  We heard from students with a mix of destination choices and found they were mostly engaged in planning for their futures. Most students had a next step in mind and were able to talk confidently about their choices. Some coaching was required for the interview questions, but the students were receptive and came away from the experience with more confidence in the interview process and improved knowledge of what to expect for future interviews.”

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 and the best 5 students will be given a £10 love to shop voucher.  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)