Prepping for the real world

Hewlett High School students practice interview skills with working professionals

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Hewlett High School students took a step toward their future in the working world as they took part in the first of two Interview Day events on Nov. 19, as part of the Computer Technology and Careers class curriculum during this school year.
Sophomores, juniors and seniors, reported to the school’s library dressed in their best business attire, carrying their freshly created resumes. The students completed a mock job application and then were interviewed by either a Hewlett-Woodmere faculty member or a business person from the community for a sales representative position. Interviewers completed an evaluation sheet to grade each student’s performance and provide constructive commentary to improve their job-seeking techniques.
Rose Panarelli, Hewlett-Woodmere’s director of the business education department, said that the idea is to expose the students to skills that will need to find a job. “They learn the skills of interview protocol, how to dress, and how to ask and answer questions,” she said. “We use volunteers from the community to interview the children. We want them to understand that the more practice they get interviewing, the better they get.”
The students like participating in Interview Day because it’s like the real thing, said sophomore Gurpreet Kaur, a Hewlett resident, who would eventually like to pursue advertising as a career. “They asked the usual questions that people should ask,” she said. “If you choose to participate on this day, make sure you have your own list of questions ready to ask your interviewer. Also, don’t forget to dress nice.”
Another sophomore, Matthew Le Blanc of Woodmere, described the day as a “very resourceful preparation.” This day is great for prepping for future endeavors, especially for when they really matter,” the first time participant said. “In my future, I’m leaning more towards a career in computers and accounting. If you’re participating in Interview Day for the first time, you should know as much as you can about the business you’re applying to for the job, and know how you’d fit in there. Know the job culture and your role in it.”
Board of Education Trustee Melissa Gates, who served as an interviewer, said it was important for the students to practice interviewing as much as possible, whether applying for a college or job. “It’s such good practice for the real world, where the stakes are much higher,” she said. “Here, grades are important, but their livelihood or future sometimes is tied to interviews for jobs. In fact, one student I interviewed in the morning had a college interview this afternoon. We talked about it and reviewed the content in his responses so he could be prepared for his afternoon interview.”
Advice from senior Sarah Husain is instructive for both novice and seasoned job seekers. “Be confident, talk with poise and be formal,” the Woodmere resident said.