ARMONA — Local high school seniors participated in mock job interviews on Wednesday to prepare them for employment after high school.
The Armona Union Academy, a private Christian school, has been conducting mock interviews for their high school seniors for the past six years. Mock interviews simulate a job interview for training purposes. This year, four seniors participated — a requirement for English 4 students.
“It’s important because at some point they are going to get a job to support themselves,” said Principal Erik Borges. “It’s important to have the skills before they get into the workforce.”
Borges said many former students — who are now employed — visit faculty on campus and tell them that they were able to get jobs once they were in college.
“[Mock interviews] are benefiting them,” he said.
English Teacher Danica Chandler is in charge of putting together mock interviews for her students and said it has been successful so far.
“The kids have always done pretty well,” she said.
Chandler said she finds people in the local community to conduct mock interviews with students. In the past, lawyers, hospital personnel and even past staff members from The Hanford Sentinel have participated.
“A variety of people from the community come in and help out, which I’m thankful for,” Chandler said.
Students are scored on a variety of things, like how well they dressed, if they arrived on time, and how well they conduct themselves professionally.
This year, seniors were mock interviewing for a Starbucks position. The students had their resumes on hand and explained why they would be an important asset to the company.
Chandler said she goes over how to properly construct a resume, cover letter and how to “market yourself” to an employer. She said the students learns how to maintain eye contact and be confident.
“I want my students to get jobs,” Chandler said. “I want them to be career ready.”
Although her English class emphasizes reading and writing, Chandler said it is important for students to communicate effectively by speaking to others.
“I want to create a continuum of speaking opportunities and growth — to speak clearly with purpose,” she said.
Senior Halle Kessinger, who was nervous about the mock interview, said overall she was happy she did it.
“I think it’s preparing us for when we do have a job interview,” she said.
All four seniors agreed that mock interviews help get the “first-time jitters” out and make it easier to focus for an actual interview.
After mock interviews, Chandler said she lets students know what areas they need to improve on, like firm handshakes, eye contact and tone of voice. She said past interviewers have said that some students spoke too quietly.
“Students always want to see what the interviewer thought about them,” she said. “For the most part students have done really well.”