Ware County High School hosted a mock interview day for all 12th grade students on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. The interview day was designed to teach and reinforce valuable employability skills that students need for today’s workforce. The event was a coordinated effort between Ware County High School and the local business community. The need for such an event was expressed in meetings of the Ware WORX committee which is a local workforce development committee comprised of members of the Waycross-Ware County Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce, Georgia Department of Labor, Coastal Pines Technical College, South Georgia State College, and staff from the Ware County School System. Fifty-five people from local businesses and community organizations volunteered their time to serve as interviewers to give each student practice in an interview setting. Tamy Snow with Baptist Village who served as an interviewer said, "It is refreshing to see such accomplished students entering college and who will go on to become productive adults and business minded individuals."
Over 290 students participated in the interview process with each one receiving feedback on how to improve his or her interview and communication skills. In preparation for the event, each student completed a job application, resume, and cover letter. In reflecting on the event and what she learned, senior Brionna W. said, “I enjoyed experiencing what it’s like to prepare for a career. I learned valuable tips on how to present myself to an employer. It helped me improve my mannerisms and communication skills.”
The event resulted from much planning over the past few months. Ware County CTAE staff formed a committee of teachers to plan the event, chaired by Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Kim Bennett Callahan. Dr. Paul Callahan, 12th grade academy principal, and Ms. Bess Davis, 12th grade counselor were actively engaged in making the activity come together. The committee then involved many others at Ware County High School and in the community to help bring it all together.
After completing the entire process, students went to a “thank-you note station” where teachers guided them through the process of following up with the person who interviewed them. Students who completed the entire process correctly were given a promotional WARE WORX shirt sponsored by Prime South Bank and Clayton Homes. CTAE Director Dr. Lynn Barber said, "It has been great to see this entire process come together. Principal Bert Smith and the entire faculty at Ware County High have been on board with this event with the goal of making sure we are preparing our students for success after graduation."
Pictured from L to R: Mrs. Christa McDonald, Zorian T., Chyna C., Mr. Chris Hunteman, Otis R., Mr. Edward Cady