On November 8, over 150 students enrolled in English 11 participated in junior interviews. Many local business owners and community professionals came to practice interviews with students.  Some of the interviews later lead to employment.

Students had a set time to leave their English class and head to the cafeteria to get interviewed. After waiting in line until an interviewer was ready, they would be directed to a numbered table and interviewer. The interviews give students practice for later in life.

“I think it’s important that students get an opportunity to learn how to properly do an interview with someone outside of the school system,” said Mr. Jeremy Brown, Work Study Coordinator. “It’s good to get to know people from local businesses.”

Students spent the previous two weeks working on resumes and cover letters. The students would give these documents to their interviewers so they could get to know them better.

“The interview went really well. It was more like a conversation than an interview,” said Shannon Coggins.

The interviewers came in a variety of occupations. Jeff Bocar is an interviewer from Sandy Spring Bank. Sergeant Nicholas Hanson is part of the United States Marine Corps. Stacie Schattenberg is part of Bright Horizons Family Solutions, which is a child care provider.

Interviewers would grade the students based on their performance and give them tips on how to improve. Some students did so well that their interviewer gave them a business card and encouraged them to apply for work.

“My interviewer’s name was Molly Coughlan. She told me she was very impressed and she gave me her card for Country Meadows Retirement Communities and asked me to apply for a job there,” said Kayla Freeman.

Many students were more worried than they should have been. Some were worried because they didn’t know what to wear. Others because they get nervous talking to people they don’t know. In the end, most people said the interviews were fun and easy.

Thank you to all the community interviewers.

Dennis Ahalt, Community Volunteer; Chris Berry, Chris Berry Realty; Jeff Bocar, Sandry Spring Bank; Frank Bozzonetti, Mckenna Real Estate; Pastor Lorraine Brown, Mt. Gregory & Simpson UMC; Molly Coughlan, Country Meadows; Michael Dixon, Shepherd University; Donna Dorman, Dorman Home Remodeling; Kristin Ellis, Enter Exit Escape; Brad Feldhaus, Feldhaus Analytics; Steve Fennington, Frederick County Bank; Dr. Katie Grosso Rout, Grosso Family Dentistry; Sgt. Nicholas Hansen, United States Marine Corps.; Linda Koons, Carroll Community Bank; Cheryl McCaull, Sandy Spring Bank; Michelle Marzullo, Aquatic, Fitness and Safety Training; Lisa Matthews, KPMG Accounting; Sgt. Mark Pavlovic, United States Army; Victor Pellicier, Community Volunteer; David Reagle, Browing, Browing Reagle Insurance Agency; Jim Scales, Sandy Spring Bank; Stacie Schattenberg, Bright Horizons; Sgt. Anelia Smith, United States Army; Edward Witanowski, Maryland State Police; Belia Castellon, U.S. Navy.

Looking for a job? The interviewers are invested in Linganore’s success. Students may want to follow up!