Interview Preparation Program

Interview Preparation Program

Last week our junior class participated in a two-part Interview Preparation Program.  The program covered interview preparation and strategies for different types of interviews (college, internships and employment), as well as opportunities to practice interview skills. 

On Tuesday, May 16^th, the students began the educational process through videos, worksheets and small group discussion, all facilitated by our wonderful community volunteers.  Additionally, two of our graduating seniors were interviewed in front of the group and participated in the subsequent feedback discussion for the benefit of the juniors.  We thank Aaron Fils and Abraham Waserstein for volunteering for this program and showing some of the skills they have learned after having multiple interviews this year.

Session 2, held on Wednesday, May 17^th, was the individual implementation of what our students had already learned the day before; primarily through a thorough one-on-one mock interview with feedback. The students gained beneficial skills and experience; they learned how to effectively talk about themselves, how to prepare for some of the most common interview questions, and what questions to ask the interviewer(s).

With the help of our experienced community volunteers, we achieved our goals of providing a comprehensive skill-building experience and concrete practice opportunity to our students!  This will certainly benefit those who will interview for the most competitive colleges, and/or who plan to pursue a job or internship in the future. It was truly a life-skill experience, not just an interview preparation program.  Our volunteer facilitators included the following members of our greater community:

Mandee Heller Adler:  President, International College Counselors; University of Pennsylvania Alumni Interviewer

Lindsey Maharaj:  International College Counselors; experienced professional interviewer

Melissa Orlen:  Attorney; University of Pennsylvania Alumni Interviewer

Jackie Rockman: DKJA Director of College Counseling; former Brandeis University Admissions Officer/Interviewer

Brenda Rudman: International College Counselors; Brown University Alumni Interviewer

Julie Simons:  International College Counselors; teaches public speaking and communications skills

Bridget Varisco: Nova Southeastern University Admissions Officer; Scholarship and special program interviewer

Lesley Zafran:  Board Member (Past President); manager of personnel consulting firm

We are so excited that this wonderful program is an addition to our DKJA College Counseling Program!