September 29, 2010— On Wednesday, Sept. 29, Elizabethtown Area High School held its biannual Mock Interview Day. This simulation is a key piece of the school’s Pathways Program and helps prepare students to job interview successfully, as well as educate them on the importance of preparation. Approximately 130 tenth graders took part in the program that involved more than three-dozen local business and community leaders.

Armed with a resume and dressed in proper business attire, the students spent nearly fifteen minutes being interviewed by the volunteers. Following the exercise, the students were provided with immediate verbal feedback. To help them get ready for the interview, the sophomores received tips on effective interviewing and practiced answering sample interview questions in their Strategic Reading, Advance Communication Explorations, and Core Communication Skills classes.

According to Jackie Spittal, Pathways Program Coordinator, the event was an overwhelming success.

“The mock interviews helped our students practice the skills they are learning in the classroom,” said Spittal. “Thanks to the many volunteers, this year’s program was a huge success and gave them a taste of what a real job interview is like.”

If you are interested in volunteering for the second round of mock interviews scheduled for this school year (March 1), contact Spittal by phone at (717) 367-1533, ext. 2170 or by email at jackie_spittal@etownschools.org. You can also visit the district website at www. etownschools.org to learn more about the Pathways Program and to access a complete list of opportunities for local business to help students prepare for their future.

The Pathways Program helps students focus their academics on an area of interest and possible career path. It promotes student exploration and a way to organize instruction, academics, and work-based learning programs. It helps students see a connection between what they learn within the classroom and the skills they need for success in their adult lives and the work world.