Interview Practice with Loreto

Thirteen Year 12 students from Loreto arrived at Vineyard on Thursday morning, looking a little sheepish and unsure of where they were and what they had let themselves in for. All they knew was that they were here for "some interview practice."

I then unleashed ex Shakespearean actor and communications expert, Richard Garnet, on them! Within a few minutes he had them cautiously answering questions, within a few more minutes he had them laughing, and within a few more minutes he had each of them standing up in front of each other talking about either music or a food that they loved or hated. Each one of them was challenged to stand in a certain way, or to raise their energy levels or to use their hands more or less.

"You don't feel confidence, you DO confidence!" was Richard's mantra.

I was so impressed at how Richard managed to get each student speaking with so much more confidence than they ever thought possible and they all sat down after their spotlight moment feeling both relieved it was over, but hugely encouraged as Richard lavished praise on them.

In the afternoon it was time to put into action all that they had learnt, with some interview practice. Enter some completely unknown Step volunteers,  who conducted interviews for an imaginary job at Pizza Express. The students were in pairs: one would be interviewed, while the other observed and then it was time for feedback, before switching things round!  Some interviewers were kinder than others I think! But it was most definitely a valuable experience!

At the end of the day, we all sat in a circle and shared one thing that we had learnt from the day, and it warmed my heart to see that everyone had something to say! Overall it was a fantastic experience, and I was so impressed with the journey the students went on over the course of the day. The quiet, timid students who had arrived in the morning, left that afternoon with their heads held higher and their confidence levels elevated. Job done!

Thank you Richard, and the amazing team who helped make all this happen: Manjit, Steve, David, Terrie, Jackie and Andy.

Amy