Nearly 300 Culpeper County Public Schools students gained valuable real-world experience this week as they practiced an essential career skill: the job interview.
Eleventh-grade Economics and Personal Finance (EPF) students participated in mock interviews on Wednesday, August 26, at Culpeper County High School (CCHS) and Thursday, August 27, at Eastern View High School (EVHS).
The mock interview program, sponsored by Culpeper Economic Development through Career Partners, Inc., gives students the opportunity to practice applying and interviewing for a job in a simulated, professional environment. Local business and community members volunteer as interviewers, providing students with realistic interview experience and immediate, constructive feedback. Each day, more than 35 community interviewers made this experience possible for our students.
For students, the experience begins well before interview day. As part of their preparation, students create a resume and complete a job application for a hypothetical position of their choice. During the event, volunteer interviewers review each student's materials before conducting a 10-minute job interview.
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Following the interview, students receive individualized feedback on their application materials, presentation and responses to interview questions. This feedback helps students recognize their strengths while identifying areas they can improve before participating in future interviews.
For some students, the event builds upon experience they have already gained through employment. For many others, it is their first opportunity to participate in a formal job interview. In either case, the program provides a supportive environment where students can strengthen their communication skills, practice thinking on their feet and build confidence.
Career and Technical Education Director Randi Richards-Lutz praised the students and the community partners who make the experience possible. “Mock interviews extend learning beyond the classroom by connecting our students with business and community professionals for realistic, hands-on practice,” Richards-Lutz said. “Students have an opportunity to sharpen their communication skills, build confidence and receive feedback that will help prepare them for future opportunities. We are incredibly grateful to Career Partners, Inc., Culpeper Economic Development and all of the volunteers who give their time to support our students.”
Economics and Personal Finance is part of the Career and Technical Education program and is a graduation requirement for Virginia students. Experiences such as mock interviews help students apply what they learn in the classroom while developing skills they will use in college, the workforce and beyond.
Mock interviews are held at both CCPS high schools each fall and spring, providing students with continued opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world career preparation.
