Over the past few weeks, the Career Readiness team prepared youth for a practice interview event. The students learned what questions to expect from interviewers, how to answer those questions, and even practiced their handshake skills!
Kristin Sullivan, Career Readiness Coordinator, listed the goals of the event:
“Boston Public Schools students in PYD’s Career Readiness Program develop[ed] their work skills such as effective communication and professional behavior. During the sessions, students practiced answering common interview questions and discuss[ed] relevant job postings from the Greater Boston Area and gain[ed] both interview experience and confidence.”
PYD staff and volunteers visited five high schools during April and May to conduct these mock interviews. Students were paired with a staff member or volunteer at a mock interview setup, which included job listings, sample interview questions, and answers.
Students brought their resumes and knowledge from their classroom. They asked questions about workplace expectations and tips on how to dress for an interview.
Here’s what some of our students had to say about the experience:
“I really like what [PYD] does! There’s so many chances to learn about the way jobs work outside the classroom. I liked getting to practice with someone I don’t know because it helps me for a real interview, where I wouldn’t know the person.”
“I like how prepared for a job we are!”
“It was cool getting to see real job listings, like from Stop & Shop or the MBTA. It helps to see what the job descriptions are like and the pay from each job. I can think of questions to ask at the interview if I need to have something explained. This class helped with that, with having us ask questions to the interviewer.”
“I would like to give a shoutout to all the PYD staff for being on top of it with these interviews. I learned a lot from these classes, and I feel more confident applying for jobs.”
“I was nervous at first, but after I practiced with a few questions, I feel like I could get a job!”
Congratulations to the Career Readiness classes on a job well done!
