Mock interviews help prepare students for future

CANASTOTA, N.Y. » On May 10, nearly 30 business students and FBLA members participated in a Mock Job Interview Day held in the Canastota High School Media Center.

Working together with the Canastota Chamber of Commerce, and CTEBusiness instructor, Robert Esposito, they coordinated the event that matched business professionals with business students to conduct mock job interviews. Prior to the interview, students were required to prepare a resume. Upon arrival to the interview, students were greeted at a Welcome Desk and given a job application (provided by the Chamber of Commerce) to complete prior to entering the interview.

Mock interviews provide students with an opportu- nity to test out their interview skills with someone who isn’t evaluating them for an actual job. Some additional benefits include helping students reduce stress and anxiety about interviewing, boosting self-confidence, providing constructive feedback in a low-stress environment, and by helping students prepare for potential interview questions.

Chamber of Commerce President Jim Caldwell helped obtain business professionals to assist and for participating in the event. Chamber of Commerce members and area business professionals who participated included Lois Brown, Joel Arsenault, Jeffrey Ticconi, Charlene Barres, Amollia Grossman, Rick Stevens, Peter Finocchiaro, Sharon Barker, and Joe DiGiorgio.