Published in the Riverine Herald on August 25, 2017
LOCAL students have been mastering the perfect handshake in preparation for their mock job interviews later today.
Year 9 students from St Joseph’s College in Echuca will have the chance to test their handshake techniques and interview skills on local business owners as part of the Beacon Foundation project to make young people more employable.
In addition to handshake lessons, students have been learning how to put together resumes and cover letters in the lead up to their grilling by the ‘panel’.
Echuca-Moama Beacon Foundation co-ordinator Cheryl Sweeney said the interviews helped students gain confidence for the real deal.
“This is the first interview for some of these students, so this is a real life experience. Any mistakes they make they can fix for their real interviews,” she said.
“It gives them the extra confidence that they can do an interview, and we try to make it as realistic as possible so they can get a good experience.”
Ms Sweeney said despite conventional wisdom, imagining the interviewer naked did not help.
“I’ve personally never given that advice. It just doesn’t work,’’ she said.
The interviewers are local business owners who have volunteered their time to help students hone their interview skills.
Ms Sweeney said in previous years some business owners were so impressed by a student they offered them a real job.
“We really appreciate the support that we get from our business community. They give up their morning to help the kids with their interviews,’’ she said.
Year 10 student Bridget, who took part last year, said staying calm was the key to success.
“Try and not be nervous. It’s never as bad as you think it is. You get really nervous and you work it up in your head,” she said.
Year 10 student Bronte said preparing for some of the commonly asked interview questions was her best strategy.
“If you practise the questions, it’s just fine. Just have some fun and give it a go. It gives you an experience into real life interviews and it’s really fun to experience that in year 9.”