Mock interviews provide students real-world practice

High school students across Franklin County Schools and Russellville High School took part in mock interviews this month, sitting down with local employers and educators to practice for future job and college interviews.

Career coaches coordinated the sessions, worked with schools to set schedules, and helped students review resumes and interview basics. Teachers prepared students in advance, and community members volunteered to serve as interviewers.

“I just think it’s a really good opportunity for our students to prepare them better whether they’re planning to enter the workforce or go to college,” said Jennifer Cook, a Franklin County Schools career coach. “It gives them a leg up having that interview experience in high school.”

At Russellville High School, the interviews follow a regular schedule, said Dr. AnnaKay Holland, the Russellville City Schools Career Technical Education director.

“We do this every fall and spring semester,” Holland said. “By the time they graduate, they’ve done at least two professional interviews.”

She said repeated practice helps students grow more comfortable with the process.

At Phil Campbell High School, school counselor Sammi McConnell said her school expanded participation this year.

“This is the first year we’ve had all seniors and juniors do it,” McConnell said. “Last year, we asked seniors to volunteer to do it, and we had a small number.”

She said the low-pressure setting is intentional.

“Everyone needs experience getting interviewed, getting feedback when it’s not something important on the line like getting a job or getting into a program,” McConnell said.

At Belgreen High School, Counselor Bethany King said the interviews focused on practical preparation and real-world expectations.

“It was great for them to know what types of questions they were going to be asked, how to make a resume and how to dress appropriately,” King said.

Belgreen senior Dylan Barber said the experience reinforced how much first impressions matter.

“Presenting yourself goes a long way,” Barber said.

Another Belgreen senior, Autumn Brook, said the mock interviews went deeper than the kinds of interviews many students have already experienced.

“All the questions they asked, it’s different than getting a job at retail or working at a pizza place or Dollar General,” Brook said. “They ask more indepth questions on weaknesses and your strengths and things like that that companies will ask you when you start going into the real world.”

At Russellville High School, senior Socrates Fonseca said the practice helped take some of the pressure out of the process.

“I think it’s a good experience for everyone, and it helps lessen your nerves,” Fonseca said. “This helps better prepare us for the future.”

Russellville junior Emily Black said the interview felt intimidating at first but became easier once the conversation started.

“It was very easy to have the conversation once it really got started,” Black said. “It’s a relief, and I even found it fun.”