Acquiring professional skills such as interviewing is best done with real-world experiences. On Tuesday, April 3, 107 juniors from Downey and Warren High Schools in Downey, CA participated in mock interviews with 32 local business people in an event organized and led by Bayha Group team member Carmen Tovar.
Each student had the chance to role play in a mock job interview two or three times with different interviewers, and then received feedback from each of their “prospective employers.”
To prepare, students were coached during monthly, after-school work readiness seminars on topics such as non-verbal communication techniques, dress code, resume, cover letters, as well as some specific questions that the interviewers were likely to ask. During one of the seminars, Kathie Sullivan, Volunteer Manager at Gerinet Healthcare, presented her tips on the interview process and what she looks for when hiring.
Common, general interview questions included topics on student’s experiences working on a team, how they manage time and tasks, what drives their curiosity, and how they have overcome challenging experiences.
At the conclusion of each mock interview, the interviewer provided constructive feedback to the student regarding their verbal communication skills as well as their written resume and cover letter. They were also able to submit “You’re Awesome” comments to students in areas employers wanted to highlight. Some of them included:
“He had a poise and professionalism that you don’t see in some college-level students. He knew his subject matter, drew upon multiple experiences to sell his story.”
“Very bubbly, happy, pleasant personality. Easy to talk to. Makes you comfortable immediately. Would love to hire her.”
“It is impressive how much experience she has. She made sure to share it by answering all questions clearly and by providing examples of how her experience relates. She was confident and positive, a joy to meet.”
“He did a great job explaining how seemingly non-relevant job experiences gave him very relevant and transferable job skills.”
Students hand-wrote thank you cards to the industry partners, and were able to personally express their gratitude.
“I would like to thank you for taking time out of your day to help me become a better candidate in the interviewing process.”
“Thank you for the advice and support, and taking the time to talk to me. I will take your advice to become more involved in school and my community so that I can reach my goals.”
“Thank you for your constructive criticism. I’m very well aware of how to prepare for a real interview now. Your company seems very exciting. Maybe we will meet again. Thank you for your time.”
“It really boosted my confidence and helped me out. I appreciate it greatly.”
Thank you to all of the partner businesses (listed below) who made this mock interview event possible.
The MADE Work Experience Program is a collaborative partnership between DUSD, Bayha Group, and Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board with a mission to instill workforce skills in students that will allow them to succeed in the rigors of college and working environments. This is accomplished by teaching participating students essential skills: problem solving, critical thinking, and the ability to use a diverse sets of tools. More information about the Downey MADE Work Experience Program can be found on our blog at https://www.bayhagroup.com/blog/made-work-experience-program/.
Additionally, every summer, DUSD places student employees in local businesses and nonprofits through the MADE Work Experience Program. It’s an educational program designed to provide students with academic, technical, and employability skills to pursue higher education or ongoing learning in a career field of interest.
There are several great benefits to local business partners, and we are currently seeking additional hosts and sponsorships. We invite your company to support the effort. If you would like to learn more about this community program, please contact Carmen at carmen@bayhagroup.com or (858) 633-6191.
Participating industry partners:
Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia
Carrot
City of Downey (ASPIRE)
Cummins Inc.
Downey Chamber of Commerce
Downey Federal Credit Union
Efficient Lighting and Electric
Escrow Corporation
Farmers & Merchants Bank
Financial Partners Credit Union
Gerinet Healthcare
Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center
Kowalke Organics
Law Office of Blanca Pacheco
Maria Galli State Farm Agency
Mr. John Lacey
Rancho Los Amigos Foundation
Southeast Los Angeles County (SELACO) Workforce Development Board
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas)
Strayer Financial Services, Inc.
U.S. Bank
United States Army
USC Bridge Institute
Vazza Cafe
WoodSnap
*All photos by former MADE program student, Anais Macias.
