Students from Live Oak and Ann Sobrato high schools got the gears turning for life after high school, as they learned the art of interviews during Rock the Mock: An event held Tuesday at Specialized Bicycle Components in Morgan Hill.
Now in its second year, Rock the Mock is the brainchild of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Morgan Hill Unified School District, which created the extravaganza that will arm students with experience to “rock” an interview.
As part of their current high school curriculum, students receive classroom instruction on resume writing and interview techniques. With the Rock the Mock, however, their instruction is taken to a whole new level as teens receive hands-on experience with employers.
During the event, students became “candidates” and are split into groups. They then experience a variety of skill building workshops, one-on-one interviews and presentations from real life professionals.
Event Coordinator Karen Havstad of Specialized Bikes knows that sometimes her words fall on deaf ears, but she’s not too worried about it.
“Some kids are going to take a lot from this, and some are going to forget about it,” Havstad said. “That’s OK, they may remember something important several years down the road.”
Among the “interviewers” was Mayor Steve Tate, who said he enjoys working with students.
“Seeing them growing and maturing is a rewarding thing,” he said.
Many speakers shared their personal experiences, from job searching with only a GED, to working towards and achieving a master’s degree. In other skill building sessions, “candidates” were coached on interview skills, appearance and demeanor, helping the students to shine in the interview process. Students then completed a live interview with one of several Morgan Hill professionals.
En route back to school, students received a specialized water bottle imprinted with reminders to: “Breathe! Believe in yourself. Dress to impress. Use a firm handshake. …and don’t forget to smile!”
Students leaving the event had an extra spring in their step, as they believed they were better equipped for the future.
Although Live Oak High School junior Lauren Jud already boasts employment, she is confident that Rock the Mock is a stepping stone for her next interview.
“I do feel more confident that when I have another job interview, I will be able to present myself,” she said.
The mastermind behind Rock the Mock is John Horner, chair of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Education Committee and Owner of Thinker Toys in Tennant Station. Horner developed the concept more than two years ago after seeing many candidates interviewing for employment who were poorly prepared.
“There are two things you can do if you don’t like what is going on around you,” he said. “You can sit around and complain, or you can do something about it.”
Horner partnered with Havstad to launch their first event in April 2012. Since the inception, Havstad is aware of more than five students who secured employment with the help of their Rock the Mock training.
Horner and Havstad hope to make Rock the Mock an annual event, but plans for next year aren’t cemented yet.
For now, the “real world” experience came at just the right time for Jenny ONeill, a Sobrato senior who said her college entrance interviews are looming on the horizon.
“I was a little nervous [for Rock the Mock] because interviews are never fun, but I feel much more confident about interviewing now,” she said.
