Practicing for the real world

Have you ever come out of a job interview and wished you could push rewind and start again?

For some, job interviews are the stuff nightmares are made of, especially young people entering the workforce.

As part of the 10-week SEED course at Hurunui District Council which focuses on preparing young people for the workforce, this week participants were given the opportunity to role play a job interview.

The ‘interviewer’ looked through their CV, asked them their strengths and then asked for examples, plus many other typical interview questions which could potentially lead them into a job.

Hurunui District Council SEED Youth Connector Jakob Eder (27) said it was really about having a safe space to make mistakes, and learn from.

“Because the more practice they get, the better they will get.”

He encouraged young people on the job hunt to persevere and keep applying, and to be confident with handing out CVs. He added up that following up by revisiting the organisation a few days later can be very beneficial, even if it may seem daunting.

“Face to face, it’s the best way to make connections.”

SEED participant Karl Cave from Cheviot was really pleased with how his mock interview went, and was looking forward to making some finishing touches to his CV.

Currently a kitchen hand at Cheviot Trust Hotel, Karl is yet to be interviewed for a job and feels more confident after this week’s practice.

“It was really helpful, I wouldn’t have gone so well if this was the real world.”

Mayor Marie Black said the opportunity through SEED to test and reflect on the wide range of skills needed to adapt into employment or training is so valuable.

“Experiential learning is the best way to test your knowledge and hone these skills through practice.”