SALTILLO, MISS. (WCBI) – The Media Center at Saltillo High School looked like a job fair, or hiring event , but it was actually the result of weeks of hard work for college and career readiness students.
Representatives from area businesses, healthcare and law enforcement agencies volunteered to conduct the mock job interviews with students.
‘Career and college readiness teachers do a great job of getting them ready for mock interviews, that way when they go out into the real world to go out for an interview they are not as nervous and they kind of know what to expect,” said Connie Gusmus, Career Coach at Saltillo High School.
Students brought their resumes, and met one on one with representatives from the various career pathways.
How does this help?
“Just to know what it will be like when I do go interview for a job and to be more prepared when that time comes,” said SHS Senior Rowyn West.
“It is going good so far, I was nervous at first, but it is better than I expected,” said SHS Senior Adison Foster.
Whether students are headed into the workforce, a four year university or the military, experts say having soft skills like communication and good eye contact, can set applicants apart. And some interviewers have actually hired on the spot.
‘A lot of what we do is first time jobs, waiting tables, cooking, and we prefer it that way, you can learn it The Eat With Us way and we believe it is the best way to learn any restaurant skills in the state,” said Ashley Wilson, Chief People Officer with The Eat With Us Group.
“We are not necessarily looking for anyone to do the job, it has to be the right person for the job for it to be long lasting and to see it through to retirement,” said Sgt. Daniel Tucker, Public Affairs officer for MHP Troop F.
Feedback from the area professionals will be shared with students during their college and career readiness classes.
