Mock Interviews Prepare Springfield Public Schools Students for Workforce

Interviewing for a job can be an intimidating experience, especially for young professionals who are entering the workforce. In partnership with Springfield Public Schools, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce recently hosted mock interviews to help local students gain confidence interviewing in a supportive environment.

This annual event provided a unique opportunity for 25 students to gain practical experience in the interview process without the pressure of an actual job interview. These students are participants in the Youth Transition Program, a career readiness initiative that is part of the Springfield Public Schools’ Transition Services, which helps students facing barriers to employment build professional skills and prepare to enter the workforce.

Through a series of 20-minute interviews, participants connected with local business leaders and practiced communicating in an hiring setting. Students brought resume materials to the event, which simulated an authentic interview experience and helped interviewers focus conversations on the background and interests of each student.

Interviews were conducted by 15 Springfield Chamber members who represented a range of industries, from healthcare to food service, and volunteered their time to provide meaningful support to students. During the event, volunteers shared impactful feedback on how students can best present themselves during interviews. Strategic advice like this is critical for students who are entering the workforce, as participants can directly apply suggestions in their future job searches.

“Our transition team at Springfield Public Schools is thankful for the partnership with the Chamber in hosting our annual mock interview event. Events like these allow our students an opportunity to grow, learn, and become more confident in themselves for future work-related endeavors. We appreciate the time of the volunteers and the Chamber’s staff for hosting this event, and we look forward to more years of this partnership.”

– Garrett Davidson, Youth Transition Program Coordinator, Springfield Public Schools

The mock interview event reflects the Springfield Chamber’s commitment to facilitating workforce development and economic growth in partnership with community organizations. Through the collaborative WorkReady initiative, the Chamber provides workforce training and informative resources to professionals across experience levels. Two WorkReady programs, Student Access Pass and Mentor Connect, are dedicated to supporting students through networking and mentoring experiences, providing opportunities for growth in the interview process and beyond.

Thank you to Springfield Public Schools for their partnership and for helping facilitate this event. Additionally, thank you to the interviewers from 5 Star Concierge, AIMS Mobile Nursing, Banner Bank, GMA Architects, Latina Pro Solutions, Papa Murphy’s, Quantum Recruiters, Small Business Development Center, Travel Lane County, University of Oregon, Visions of Value Bookkeeping, and Visiting Angels. These individuals volunteered their time to provide invaluable feedback to the next generation of the workforce.