In a step towards career readiness, Lewisham students learn key interview skills at our recent workshop. This initiative at Prendergast Ladywell School in South-East London engaged 180 Year 10 students, encompassed both mock interviews and a focused CV writing workshop.
The day began with a series of mock interviews, designed to simulate real-world job application scenarios. Students were presented with the opportunity to practice their interview techniques, refine their communication skills, and gain invaluable experience.
The Significance of Mock Interviews
- Real-World Simulation: By replicating actual interview environments, students gained firsthand experience in navigating the pressures and expectations of formal interviews.
- Skill Development: Participants honed crucial skills, including effective communication, confident body language, and articulate responses to challenging questions.
- Confidence Building: The mock interviews served as a powerful tool for building self-assurance, preparing students to approach future interviews with greater confidence.
CV Writing Workshop: Crafting a Professional First Impression
Complementing the mock interviews, a dedicated CV writing workshop was conducted. This session focused on imparting the fundamental principles of creating compelling and effective curriculum vitae.
- Essential Components: Students were guided through the key components of a successful CV, including personal profiles, work experience, education, and skills.
- Tailoring and Presentation: Emphasis was placed on the importance of tailoring CVs to specific job applications and presenting information in a clear and professional manner.
- Practical Application: Students were given the opportunity to apply their newly acquired knowledge by drafting or refining their own CVs, receiving immediate feedback from workshop facilitators.
- Future Planning: The workshop helped the students understand the importance of tracking their achievements and skills, for future CV updates.
The Impact and Outcomes:
The workshop and interview practice helped these Lewisham students learn key interview skills. Students reported increased confidence in their ability to present themselves professionally and a clearer understanding of the job application process. The event provided a practical and engaging learning experience, bridging the gap between academic education and the world of work.
Volunteer feedback on LinkedIn
Monique said:
"Growing up, my school didn't provide the opportunity to meet professionals across various industries and professionalisms who look like me, came from similar communities to mine, or could empathise with some of the challenges I faced. Making a connection. Sewing seeds of inspiration rooted in a familiarity of understanding where I was and where I had the potential to be."
“As a Sales Professional in Technology, Transformation Strategist & Author, I know firsthand how critical early exposure to real-world professional experiences can be. Beyond just interview practice, this was about representation, aspiration, and empowerment—showing these students that they belong in any room, any industry, and any career they choose to pursue.”
Kofi said:
“There were no black engineers coming to my school when I was a kid.
I had no accessible examples telling me *you could be this*, *you can do all of that*.
So now, as a black engineer, I do that 🙂
Thank you Urban Synergy team for hosting this event and inviting me along.
I know that it is one of many ways that your foundation inspire and guide the next generation of change-makers in STEM and corporate industries.
It is an honour to offer what little help I can!”
Student feedback
“I liked how it made us be professional and taught us skills we need when we are working in a professional environment”
“The interview was good and I got tips on how to represent yourself well in an interview”
“I liked how we had professionals and people who had real jobs in the real world to interview and guide us towards getting better at job interviews”
“I enjoyed the atmosphere, it felt as if I was in a real interview. It boosted my confidence, helping improve my body language and eye contact. This was a golden experience”
“I liked how seriously the school took the interviews by advising us to wear business attire and how the interviewers were supportive and encouraging.”
“I like how the interviews were structured to be very realistic. And I was given valuable feedback.”
“I liked getting a demonstration of how interviews work and what kind of questions they ask. I like being able to dress up in business attire”
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