Lower Sixth Practise Essential Interview Technique

It was an opportunity for the students to perfect interview technique, sharpen communication skills, presentational qualities and the ability to respond to feedback.

For the first time, the Interview Day was held at the end of the Trinity Term and 91 Lower Sixth students prepared for and participated in a thirty-minute interview. Each interview was conducted by one of 19 professionals, including parents, former parents and Old Princethorpians, many with senior management experience, who had kindly volunteered their time.

In readiness for their one-to-one interviews, pupils had submitted their curriculum vitae to be scrutinised beforehand. Exactly like in a real interview these documents formed the basis of questions that were discussed. At the end of their interview our professionals provided valuable feedback with constructive suggestions for improvement.

In the run up to the mock Interview Day, this year’s Lower Sixth had benefitted from an interview skills workshop.

Head of Careers, Jacqui Quinney, commented, “Our Lower Sixth were encouraged to prepare well for these interviews. Our aim was to provide them with a head start in developing their interview technique. It was an extremely important day for them all as they face the looming reality of university, apprenticeship and workplace interviews. The skills practised today will benefit all of our students and we are immensely grateful to the professionals who have given up their time to take part in the day.”