RACINE – On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, a vibrant atmosphere filled Southern High School as dozens of students, mostly seniors, took part in a dynamic Mock Interview event, highlighting the critical transition from academic life to the professional world.
Under the guidance of Mr. Brian Allen and his fellow educators Mr. Alan Crisp and Mrs. Brittany Hill, students meticulously prepared their resumes and engaged in personalized mentorship that honed their interview skills. This invaluable experience focused on enhancing crucial aspects of the interview process, including effective communication, positive body language, and building self-confidence.
Participants had the unique opportunity to receive constructive feedback from seasoned professionals, empowering them to navigate real job interviews with greater ease and assurance. The panel of interviewers was an impressive blend of local professionals, each bringing their expertise to the table.
Among them were Kristy Greenlee from Home National Bank, Amy Robinson from Project RISE, and Leslie Kitchen representing Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. Additional professionals included Destiny Cox and Ashley Hill from Ohio Means Jobs Meigs County, Kelly Helber from GRIT, Nancy Stotts, from Living Life Support Coach, LLC., the former superintendent of Eastern Local School District Steve Ohlinger, Jeremy Ward from BB2C, and Susan White from the Meigs County Chamber & Tourism, alongside the retired Southern High School teacher Mrs. Diane Dunfee.
Their presence provided students with diverse insights into what employers look for in potential candidates. As mock interviews unfolded, students engaged in lively conversations, gaining a deeper understanding of the skills and qualities that contribute to a successful job interview.
The format allowed each student to be paired with one or even two interviewers, which sometimes involved being interviewed alongside a classmate. This unique setup not only intensified the experience but also pushed students to articulate their strengths more effectively under pressure.
“I’m hopeful the students received a much-needed confidence boost from these mock interviews,” shared Mr. Allen. “They did an excellent job articulating their responses and exhibited exemplary respect towards our guests. It’s completely normal to feel nervous before a job interview, but I was genuinely proud of how well they adapted to various interview environments.”
SHS Career Coach Beth Lanning echoed this sentiment, stating, “Overall, the students performed exceptionally well. The event was not only engaging but also a fantastic opportunity for students to shake off some of their nerves before stepping into a real interview scenario. I am incredibly grateful to all the interviewers who generously dedicated their time to provide constructive advice and commend the students for their hard work.”
Mr. Daniel Otto, Principal of SHS, emphasized the significance of conducting mock interviews for high school students as a means to effectively prepare them for future internships, college admissions, and job interviews.
“Providing students with opportunities to refine their interviewing skills within a safe and supportive environment is of utmost importance,” Mr. Otto remarked.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the success of the mock interview event, paving the way for students to confidently step into their future careers.
