Mock-Interviews for Senior Pupils

Community partners, The Langholm Alliance and Buccleuch Centre once again teamed up
with Mr Pete Ferris, Principal Teacher of Pupil Support at Langholm Academy to introduce
senior pupils to their first foray into the world of work, the interview.

Following on from the success of the local Career Fair held in November, the Langholm
Alliance reached out to employers and venues throughout the town to host ‘Mock Interviews’
for our young people. The response was overwhelming with NHS Dumfries & Galloway,
Muirhall Energy, Hilltop Leaf, Gretna Green, The Xcel Youth Project, Langholm Rotary Club
and Buccleuch Centre all investing in the interviews. In addition, Ashley Bank House, Tarras
Valley Nature Reserve and Langholm Townhall provided additional venues for the interviews
and looked after the interviewers and young people attending exceedingly well.
The aim was to make the interviews as realistic as possible, hence recruiting employers and
external venues which the young people had to research and locate ensuring they arrived
punctually for their appointment.

It then befell Mr Ferris, Langholm Academy the unenviable task of co-ordinating interview
times for almost 70 pupils, no mean feat but one which he pulled off admirably. With the
help of Langholm Academy office staff, pupils were each given an appointment card with
their time, venue and employer, along with an interview pack including potential questions,
interview tips and employer feedback form. It was then on the young people themselves to
research their potential employer and prepare accordingly. Donna Hislop of The Langholm
Alliance and Duncan Elliot, Xcel Youth Project then went into the school to talk to the senior
pupils and walk them through the process whilst enthusiastic Learning Support staff from the
Academy accompanied and encouraged pupils on the day as and when required.

On the day itself, it was of no surprise that the young people excelled themselves. Every
employer reported that all attendees arrived punctually, dressed appropriately and engaged
effectively. The pupils had clearly done their research and posed sensible and relevant
questions to their assigned employers. One interviewer even inquired if they were being sent
only the best candidates, as every participant exhibited politeness and clarity throughout.
Speaking to some of the young people throughout the day, it was encouraging to learn that
even those who were anxious about the interviews ultimately gained valuable experience
and enjoyed the day.

Each pupil has received feedback from their respective employer regarding their
performance and advice for future interviews. From the feedback we have received, it is safe
to say the young people could not possibly have done anymore. The majority of employers
anticipate offering some of these young people a job in the future and have already
proposed collaborating on employment and volunteering opportunities for pupils during their
continued education.

A huge thank you to all of our employers, our hosts and most importantly the young people
themselves. All of those who signed up rose to the challenge admirably and were a huge
credit to themselves.