Irvine Housing Association recently presented advice and useful tips on interview skills and techniques to forty S6 Enterprise, Yearbook and Business Studies pupils at Greenwood Academy. The session was one of a series of presentations and other activities that are being supported by Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce, Business Community-Private and Public Sectors.
Mairi Martin, Director of Executive Services at Irvine Housing Association, led the session, which began with a presentation on interview preparation, typical questions, job assessment, as well as other useful tips. The Association’s PR Officer and former Greenwood Academy pupil, Gillian Craig, then assisted Mairi in presenting a role-play of both a good and a bad interview. Pupils acted as the interview panel and scored both interviews on various criteria. The presentation ended with a question and answer session where pupils took the opportunity to ask Mairi for help and reassurance on any queries they had.
Mairi explains, “The Association was delighted to be approached by Greenwood to participate and take an active role in this initiative. Having worked in Human Resources for the past 8 years and having conducted interviews for the last 15 years, I am aware of how daunting the interview process can appear – especially for school pupils entering the world of work. I believe the pupils found it extremely useful which was the key objective. The role-play got a few giggles and by giving the pupils the opportunity to score both interviews it made them aware of what an interview panel might be looking for and allowed them to review their own techniques. We also provided each pupil with a pack, which they should find useful when invited for an interview. The Association is always keen to support the schools in our areas of operation and this is an excellent scheme to prepare S6 for life after school.”
Commenting on the event Mrs McGuire, Greenwood Head Teacher, said “This input was extremely valuable and complements our Personal and Social Education programme. The involvement of Irvine Housing Association emphasises the crucial role that non-teachers and businesses can play in encouraging the skills and confidence in young peopleso that they are well prepared for the transition from school to further and higher education or employment.”
The school’s S6 Business Advisor, Walter Smith said, “I was very pleased that Irvine Housing Association agreed to take part in our series of life skill talks for the S6 Greenwood pupils. Their interactive session was enthusiastically received by the pupils and teachers and it was a delight to hear their very positive feedback after the session.”
The Association is set to return to the school to do a second presentation for any pupils who missed out on the first session. Details of the next session will be available to S6 pupils soon.
