On Tuesday August 30, 77 senior students took part in mock interviews to prepare them before they leave school

Businesses including Standwell, Migate, Tafe, North West Star, Clancy Corporation, Young People Ahead, Glencore, Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Mount Isa City Council assisted with the interviewing process.

Year 12 English Coordinator, Sally Nichols, said the interview was part of the subject criteria.

“The students assessment piece states that they need to undertake a mock interview,” Ms Nichols said. 

“But we ask members of the community to interview them to keep it as realistic as possible.”

Ms Nichols said the interviews helped students to establish connections with businesses in the community in an attempt to seal a position with a company when they finish school.

“The day benefited the students as they received real life feedback from actual employers and they get to see what they are doing really well and then how they improve.

“For some of these students who shine really well, the employers will remember them and makes that link with student and business even before they finish school.”

Jobs students applied for included nursing assistant, child care assistant, hairdressing, chef, administration officer, apprenticeship for electrical, boilermakers, diesel fitters and food and beverages.

Students were marked on presentation, manners, eye contact, oral delivery, vocabulary, appropriate answers, preparation before the interview, knowledge of subject matter, relevant questions asked and portfolio of documents.

Ms Nichols said the feedback from students was all positive and Spinifex State College plan to host the mock interviews again in the future.

“There will be a much larger cohort next year, so if any businesses would like to support the students in their interview they can contact the school,” she said.