Steve Waller agreed to join other local business people to conduct mock interviews with the Year 11 students. Each interview lasted for 10 minutes followed by 5 minutes of feedback highlighting the positive aspects of the interview and making suggestions for areas of improvement.
The event was arranged by Highsted Grammar school and Connexions Kent and Medway to assist the students in developing their interview skills in preparation for university, college or employment. The activity was intended to help the students gain confidence through the opportunity to practice and improve their presentation skills and interview technique in a challenging situation with a business person unknown to them.
Steve was very impressed with the caliber of the candidates. They were all polite, articulate, with reasonably good body language, giving firm handshakes and good eye contact throughout the interviews. It was the first interview for the girls at the school and Steve recommends the following pointers:
- Proof read your CV; it’s not just about content, but how it is written (grammar, punctuation etc)
- Always confirm that you are attending an interview by telephone – even if it asks for written reply
- Never be late; go the day before and introduce yourself so you know where it is
- Do your homework – look at the website. Find out as much as you can.
