Ballarat - A Learning Comminty: News Item

Job Interviews: A Learning Experience for all!

Can you remember the first job interview you attended? Maybe it is a blur because it was so long ago or because you were so nervous it didn’t register. Wouldn’t it have been great if you had had a few trial runs?

 Well the Rotary Club of Ballarat has helped 90, Year 10 students at Damascus College with a program of “Mock Job Interviews”. The students, under the guidance of their Careers Teacher, nominate a job they would like to have. They prepare a C.V. and research the requirements for the occupation in preparation for their chosen interview.

 The students’ then front along to a panel of two to three Rotarians with specific industry knowledge, who interview them for the selected jobs.  The experience and qualifications of the diverse group of Rotarians involved in this program, provides a valuable learning experience for the students. They learn the skills required to address nerves, project confidence and the ability to sell themselves. The transition from classroom to employment is made in a caring, relaxed and non-threatening environment.

 Most students’ start off being really nervous (naturally) but by the time the interview is finished they are over the worst and realize it is not such an ordeal. Many leave the interview with increased confidence and looking forward to the next experience in a ‘real life’ situation. For a number of participants the process confirms or perhaps eliminates a career path, having been questioned on areas of the job that students were unaware of or had not adequately researched. As for the students, they have gone through a real learning experience.

 For many of the Rotarians, it is quite an eye opener and an enjoyable event also. Rotarians, who have been involved in the program over the years, come away from the interviews marveling at the knowledge, skills and demeanor of our young people.

 “ The youth of today are tomorrow’s leaders”