Manchester High Holds Mock Interviews

Manchester High School students received a taste of the real world Wednesday morning as the school's Internship class held a series of “mock interviews” with community business partners in the Manchester High cafeteria.

“It's a great experience in a non-threatening environment” said Lisa Bumbera, School Business Coordinator at MHS. Students presented their resumes and answered questions from local business owners and government employment representatives. The interviewers will later provide feedback as to how each student fared during their interview.

“The goal of the mock interview is to help students understand the process of applying and interviewing for a job and to learn from their mistakes in school,” explained Mark Danaher, Career Center Coordinator and Internship Teacher.

Senior Internship student Jessica Johnston said she gained some valuable real world experience from the process.

"I think that this was a very beneficial experience," Johnston said. "Although I already have a job, it was good because I got to see what employers are really looking for in an interview. It was a very good experience."

"It’s worth paying attention in class, because the information you get from your teacher when you pay attention in class will take you a long way in your future life experience," said senior Kodjo Erasmus. "Mr. Danaher and Ms. Bumbera taught us what interviewers expect from us. I implemented it in my mock interview, and it worked like magic!  I recommend that students take what they are taught in class seriously."

Local Realtor Anne Miller has been a volunteer for the MHS School to Career Program for several years and served as an interviewer.

“I'm proud of the MHS teachers and counselors for recognizing the need to get students ready for the workforce," she said. "I was so impressed by the caliber and leadership abilities of the students that I interviewed today. They are very capable and ready for employment” she said.