Mount Carmel held their annual Mock Interview Day for Year 11 pupils virtually due to the current Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

Every pupil had an appointment for a mock job interview with an industry professional from a sector that relates to their career aspirations.

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 guidance, Raising Aspirations Coordinator Mr Barratt came up with a very ambitious plan to carry out this virtual version of the event, with all the interviews taking place via Microsoft Teams. This threw up a whole new set of challenges and considerations, and there were certainly some learning experiences for all involved. Despite being one of the first schools (if not THE first) to run this event virtually, it was a huge success and everything came together brilliantly.

Involved in the event were 40 interviewers from a diverse range of 34 different companies. Sixteen laptops were set up for the students to use and consequently the event proved to be very different to what a usual Mock Interview Day normally looks like.

We really appreciate the time that the interviewers kindly provided to support the students with what is a crucial life skill.

Students provided personal statements to their interviewers prior to their interview and they all did some excellent research into the companies in attendance. They also came dressed in their smart interview gear to enable them to get a feel for a real life interview situation. 

Feedback from interviewers has been overwhelmingly positive, with the students frequently being mentioned as polite young people who are a credit to Mount Carmel.

A huge well done to every Year 11 student who took part, and a huge thank you to all of our interviewers.

If anyone (parents, employers, and especially past pupils) would like to take part in this or other future careers events, please get in touch with school.

 

Here are a selection of quotes provided as feedback;

"Your students were all a credit to the school and a pleasure to interview" - Maggie, Integrated Voluntary Services Project Lead, Healthier Lancs & South Cumbria

"Your pupils were all courteous, well presented and seemed interested, a credit to themselves and the school" - David, Director, The FD Centre

"All very polite and well presented so a credit to themselves and Mount Carmel" - Sarah, Child & Family Wellbeing Service

"To achieve what you have achieved today (taking Coronavirus etc into account) is something you should be proud of" - Guy, HR Director, East Lancs Railway

"All of the students interviewed really well, they are a credit to Mount Carmel." - Laila, Integra Education

"Excellent that these pupils get this opportunity. Well done the school and careers team. Such an offer is becoming a rarity across education establishments. This will help their confidence and be thought provoking for them." - Glyn, Co-Founder, The Reporter's Academy

Mock Interview Day 2020