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As a career counsellor, I believe it is essential to employ creative techniques to help school-leavers navigate the complexities of selecting a career path and transitioning into the workforce.

I developed a technique that I call the collaborative mock interview. What’s different about these mock interviews is that I don’t use them to prepare for a specific forthcoming university interview – I use them as a counselling tool, to help assess a student’s fit for a particular field.

Our mock interview process also empowers students to become more proactive in their career decisions.

What a mock-interview counselling session involves

I begin by identifying the student’s career interests and goals, then involve teachers from relevant subjects to create a realistic interview simulation in a supportive environment.

For instance, if a student is considering a career in architecture, I would partner with the art teacher to assess the student’s understanding of design principles, spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Through a series of questions and tasks, we challenge students to demonstrate their knowledge of the field and their passion for it. This interactive process provides valuable feedback that helps students identify their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to refine their goals and aspirations.

Moreover, it gives them a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in their chosen career, including the skills and attributes required to excel.

Thought-provoking conversations

Recently, I conducted a mock interview with a student who was keen to study veterinary science. The biology teacher brought in a horse bone that had suffered an injury, which sparked an enlightening and thought-provoking conversation about animal welfare and conservation.

The student’s passion and knowledge shone through as he enthusiastically discussed the importance of responsible animal handling, habitat preservation and the interconnectedness of species. His responses demonstrated a clear understanding of the impact that human actions can have on the natural world and the need for veterinarians to be at the forefront of conservation efforts.

Throughout the interview, I was impressed by the student’s thoughtful questions and insights, which showcased his critical thinking skills and ability to connect theoretical concepts to real-world applications. The student’s genuine interest and empathy for animals was palpable, and his responses highlighted his potential to make a positive impact in this field.

A flexible and adaptive approach

The interview does not always go to script, and this requires a flexible and adaptive approach. In another session, a student interested in fitness and sport science was clearly nervous at the start of the interview. I therefore began by talking about my passion for CrossFit, which helped to break the ice. Then I challenged the student to do some sit-ups – a challenge he gladly accepted.

This light-hearted approach helped put the student at ease, and allowed us to engage in a more relaxed conversation about his goals and aspirations.

I believe that what sets this approach apart from traditional career-counselling sessions is the focus on real-world application. In a simulated interview setting, students are forced to think on their feet, respond to challenging questions, and demonstrate their communication skills.

The whole process not only prepares them for future interviews but also helps them develop essential social skills, such as responding to emails, being on time and preparing beforehand.

How to set up mock interview counselling sessions

From my experience, I learned the following, and believe it would be beneficial for other counsellors:

• Involve teachers from relevant subjects to create an interview environment that is engaging and informative. This collaborative approach will help to build relationships between teachers and counsellors, leading to more effective communication and support systems in school.
• Prepare thoughtful questions that assess the student’s knowledge, passion and suitability for the course or profession.
• Encourage students to prepare beforehand by researching the industry, practising common interview questions and preparing considered questions of their own.
• Be empathetic and understanding and look out for non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice, as these can reveal just as much about the student’s personality and fit for the profession as their verbal responses.
• Provide constructive feedback that is specific, actionable and encouraging.

Collaborative mock interviews are time-consuming but exceptionally valuable. They are also, importantly, a way to engage the expertise and experience of other staff in the school.

In an era where traditional teaching methods are being challenged, it is essential that we as educators continue to innovate and adapt our approaches to meet the evolving needs of our students.