More than 1,750 students had one-on-one mock interviews at this year’s NW Youth Careers Expo, thanks to the stellar volunteer outreach by the Portland HR Management Association (PHRMA), an Expo sponsor working in partnership with PWA.

In our annual post-Expo survey, educators cited mock interviews as one of the most beneficial parts of the Expo. Fully 100 percent of educators whose students participated in mock interviews rated the experience as “excellent” or “good.”

Here are a few of educators’ comments from this year’s Expo:

“My sophomore AVID students were nervous about participating in the mock interviews, but they learned a lot, including how to turn their weaknesses into strengths during an interview. They will be much more comfortable interviewing next time, whether at next year’s Expo, or for an actual job.” — Educator, Tualatin High School

“My students absolutely loved the mock interview experience and were excited to know they had an opportunity to practice how to answer interview questions and get feedback from professionals.” — Educator at Expo

“Our students really enjoyed the mock interviews. It’s so beneficial to them to understand the different factors and feelings prior to an interview and how to use it to their advantage.” — Educator, Newberg High School

Our students gained so much confidence from the mock interviews! They were so nervous beforehand, and so confident after! What a great growth to see in our students. They will definitely use this experience for job, internship and scholarship interviews!” – Educator at Expo

SEE A PHOTO TOUR OF THE 2016 NW YOUTH CAREERS EXPO

PWA works closely with PHRMA to offer mock interviews, and PHRMA takes the lead on recruiting, organizing and training volunteers. Special thanks go to PHRMA’s mock interview committee, including co-leaders Lori Boullet and Janet Rodriguez and members Mary Lou Keeran, Cynthia Lassen, Jen Gwin and Joy Dazey. Our incoming board president, Natalie Miller, is active in PHRMA and was also essential in pulling off this epic feat of community volunteering.