Mock interviews allow seniors to practice skills

Seniors at Lost River Junior/Senior High School took an important step toward career readiness on Tuesday, Jan. 13, by participating in mock interviews with a diverse group of local professionals and community members.

The event gave every senior the opportunity to experience a formal interview setting, complete with professional attire, prepared resumés, and one-on-one feedback from interviewers who conduct hiring interviews as part of their careers. Twelve interview rooms were set up to simulate real-world interview environments.

“We wanted to give our seniors a real chance at experiencing a formal interview,” said Sarah Bandfield-Johnson, the school counselor who organized the event. “So many of our seniors have jobs, but often are working for family or friends and do not know what to expect when a real interview takes place.”

Bandfield-Johnson said community response to the idea was overwhelmingly positive, resulting in strong participation and meaningful conversations for students.

“Not only did every senior at Lost River get to have a mock interview, many of them were able to chat afterwards about opportunities at Sky Lakes, Oregon Tech, and local businesses,” she said.

In preparation, seniors worked on resumé development, practiced tying ties, and learned proper handshakes with eye contact. During the interviews, participants were evaluated using rubrics that were later returned with detailed feedback.
Comments focused on professional presentation, communication skills, and interview habits, such as avoiding fidgeting and expanding conversation topics.

Several interviewers noted they would “hire the student on the spot if they could.”

"It was overall a great experience, and we are planning on continuing the tradition with our future senior classes,” Bandfield-Johnson said.

Lost River Junior/Senior High School extends its appreciation to the community partners who volunteered their time, including Sky Lakes Medical Center, Oregon Tech, Klamath County School District, Basin Fertilizer, Tiny Mighty Strong, and Janice and Ted Hamann.