Wilnecote School Students Gain Valuable Interview Experience at Mock Day
Students at The Wilnecote School took a significant step towards preparing for the world of work yesterday as they participated in a comprehensive mock interview day, designed to equip them with essential skills and confidence for future career prospects.
 
The event, held on Wednesday 7th May 2025, provided students with a realistic simulation of the interview process, offering invaluable practice and feedback from a diverse range of industry professionals and educational institutions.
Mrs Talbot, the school’s Careers Assistant and organiser of the event, commented on the importance of the initiative: “Our mock interview day is a cornerstone of our careers guidance programme. It provides students with a safe and supportive environment to practise vital skills that they will undoubtedly need as they move on from Wilnecote. We are incredibly grateful to all the external visitors who gave up their time to provide such valuable, real-world experience and feedback to our students.”
 
A key aim of the mock interviews was to familiarise students with the format and structure of a real interview, helping to demystify the process. Participants had the opportunity to practice answering common interview questions and receive constructive feedback on their communication skills, body language, and overall presentation. This direct interaction and feedback were crucial in helping students identify areas for improvement and build confidence.

Speaking to visitors about their CVs was another vital element of the day, allowing students to gain insights into how their skills and experiences are perceived by those in the professional world. This interaction also provided a valuable opportunity to learn more about various industries and the “real world” of work directly from experienced individuals. The initiative also aimed to reduce interview anxiety by ensuring students felt more prepared and comfortable in an interview setting.

The success of the day was made possible by the generous support of a wide array of employers and organisations who dedicated their time and expertise to interview the students. Participants included:
  • Aston University
  • BMET
  • Children’s Hospice
  • CIC / Tamworth Employment Action Group
  • Community Academy Trust
  • Equans
  • Gary Saunders Consultancy
  • HS2
  • McGinley Support Services
  • Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
  • NWSLC
  • Pi – Kem
  • Renewable Energy & Electrical Engineering
  • Staffordshire County Councillor & Close Protection Officer
  • Staffordshire Police
  • The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
  • University of Staffordshire
  • Virtual Director
  • Vivus Group
  • Walsall College
Feedback from the visitors highlighted the positive impact of the event and the calibre of the students. Comments included:
 
“I really enjoyed being able to support these students with progression into the ‘real world’.”
 
“A very well organised event from The Wilnecote High School. I am very excited for their future career progression and thankful I can be part of helping them.”
 
“A wonderful day to be part of. Really well organised. The students all tried so hard.”
 
“Good mix of skills.”
 
“Most students were really engaged, and I had lots of enjoyable conversations. Overall students need to be more confident in themselves to share their passions and strengths.”
 
“The mock interview events are an excellent way to prepare students for future interviews and share with them some of our skills and knowledge.”
 
“Students were engaging and some very enthusiastic about their futures.”
 
“This was a lovely event with brilliant students, everyone was well prepared – these guys will go far.”
 
The mock interview day at The Wilnecote School proved to be a valuable and successful initiative, providing students with essential skills and confidence as they look towards their future careers.