Appleton School Interview Day

Over the course of the school day, I enjoyed 15-minute interviews with students who had prepared CVs and who were imagining that they were applying for one of a number of posts in construction, sports and leisure or education, amongst other options.

Students had the opportunity to wear work-place outfits or their smart uniform. In preparation for the event they had worked on their CVs and had looked at the criteria for each of the posts ‘on offer.’ They entered fully into the spirit of the activity. All were polite and friendly and it was pleasing to see how they relaxed and grew in confidence as our interview progressed.

The students I worked with were looking at posts in schools or early years. In the majority of cases – as established at the end of the formal questions – my students weren’t actually thinking of working as assistants in a school setting. Most were looking at other roles post-18 or were thinking about what they might like to do at university. However, the experience of talking with a stranger about their achievements and interests and applying this to questions and scenarios is undoubtedly of value.

Schools are required to provide opportunities for students from Year 7 upwards to have ‘meaningful encounters’ with employers. This can be difficult to achieve and days such as this are an excellent way of broadening students’ experience.