That First Job Interview
Have you ever thought about the interview process? Especially the first few you endured just out of high school. Sitting across from a business owner. Did you make a good impression? Will you get the job? That is normal. So how do you calm the nerves and practice to reduce the anxiety?
I’m Glad You Asked
Three years ago, I ran across a Facebook post from Canyon ISD, looking for volunteers. Since Canyon High School is my alma mater, I decided to investigate further. What I discovered not only surprised me but got me excited.
Every year, in one week of February, Canyon School District holds mock job interviews with every Senior class member. The district has three high schools and all participate. The school district put out a call for volunteers from the business community to participate. And participate, they did.
Business owners, police, military, and retired, come together for the three days. Scheduling as many hours during the three days as they can.
My First Year
Since I wasn’t sure what to expect, I volunteered for three hours on one of the days to learn more about how they ran this shindig. And I was hooked. It was easy. Once you fill out the form with your information and the type of experience you have, the seniors sign up to be interviewed by someone they find interesting. A week before the days arrive, an email said I had a full schedule for the three hours I would be there.
The Process
Setting up in the High School library at a table, representing a desk, with a chair on each side. Interviewer on one side, interviewee on the other. Each interview was to last 20-25 minutes, including giving feedback to each candidate. Then an additional 5 minutes to fill out a document for each student. What they did well and what they should work on. Let me tell you, 20-25 minutes fly by so fast. It seems like only a few minutes, and you need to bring the interview to a close.
The Results
Volunteering for three hours consists of six interview, if you’ve done the math. My biggest issue was that after three or four, they tended to run together, so the notes were critical. Completing the forms between the students was the only way to keep them all straight. Write fast and try to cover the main points first, then others if time permits.
The Surprise
These kids were sharp. Most of my interviewees were already accepted to a college or had a small business they ran. By in large, they were able to look you in the eye and converse well. They sat straight and were thoughtful in their answers. It was much more rewarding for me than I anticipated.
Last Year and This Year
When the email arrived these last two years, I quickly filled out the forms and got them back in. I couldn’t wait. I think I was more excited than the seniors were.
Last year, I volunteered for all three days and had more fun than the first year. I knew what to expect and felt more confident myself in what I was to do. I did a lot of interviews and gave a lot of feedback.
This year, because of other issues, I was only able to volunteer for a morning session and an afternoon session on different days. Of the twelve slots I had booked, only one “no show.” We had bad grass fires around us and some of the students were affected by the evacuations and helping other families.
When I Seventy-Five
Will you still need me, will you still… This year was as much fun as the previous two but I wonder what physical shape I’ll be in next February. If I am able, you can bet I’ll volunteer for as many hours as I can. The reward is supposed to be for the students, but my reward is even greater.
Later…