HHSD Hosts Interview Day for Special Education Students

Novice and seasoned professionals agree: Job interview jitters are natural but practice can improve performance and boost confidence.

Transition Coordinator for the Hatboro-Horsham School District Richard Levin and his colleagues, in an effort to reduce anxiety and increase the comfort level of special education students searching for jobs, organized two workshops to assist students who are transiting to the workforce. For prospective employees with special needs, preparation and practice can help candidates successfully and confidently secure employment.

In early May, Levin’s students participated in a working session in which they practiced completing paper and online applications, discussed interview dos and don’ts and learned about appropriate interview attire. With the information and skilled gleaned from the initial workshop, they were ready for Interview Day, which was held later in May.

On Interview Day, 21 employer volunteers met with 42 student participants and conducted mock interviews. Students applied what they had learned in the earlier workshop and received feedback from employers. The students, most of whom represented HHSD, arrived well-prepared, dressed to impressed and eager to meet individually with employers.

Levin, along with HHSD Director of Community Outreach and Communication Jeannie Hagan, community partner Nancy Kelly of MassMutual and HHSD Director of Special Education & Special Services Kimberly Myers arranged a pre-interview workshop for students, secured volunteers and coordinated Interview Day activities.

Levin said, “This was a very effective learning opportunity. Mock interviews help to reduce anxiety and the constructive feedback students receive in a low-stress setting allows them to process the information and adjust their behaviors. The experience really boosts confidence. I am grateful to the employers who enthusiastically participated.”

Volunteers completed feedback forms and evaluated candidates on first impression, professional dress, general attitude, content of answers and speaking ability. During the course of the interviews, employers provided feedback but the content of the forms is discussed with students at a later date.

The event was held at Horsham Library and community partner representatives from Ambler YMCA, BB & T Bank, Club Z, Courtyard by Marriott, Giant, Home Depot, Horsham Athletic Club, Interstate Building Maintenance, Lowe’s, MassMutual, McDonald’s, Montgomery County Commerce Department, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Special Equestrians, St. Matthew’s Pre-School, Target, The Intelligencer, Vamonos Childcare and Wegman’s attended. Prior to the interviews, community partner LaRecia Tripp of Microsoft Corporation kicked-off the workshop with a review of online resume templates.

“This was such an important and valuable experience for students, one that would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of the employers who participated. On behalf of HHSD, I can’t thank them enough,” said Levin.

Calkins Media Video Sales Director Kenneth Benson said, “The event was well organized and it was clear that students were well prepared. As a volunteer, I was impressed that the organizers familiarized us for the candidates, which helped to improve communication and the flow of information with the interviewees. I look forward to participating in next year’s workshop.”

This is the first time the HHSD has hosted the workshop series. In the past, the workshops were hosted by the county but due to decreases in funding, the event was scaled back significantly.