By JOYANNA LOVE/ Senior Staff Writer

Chilton County High School students worked on their interview skills with community leaders March 6-7.

Students were told to dress professionally and given a list of practice questions that would be asked. For many, it was their first time being interviewed.

Questions focused on topics like the students’ favorite subjects in school, future goals, jobs they might be interested in, role models and whether they consider themselves a leader.

Student Britten Worrall said he was “kind of stressed and nervous” going into the interview, but once it started it “wasn’t as bad.”

The same was true for Anna Cleckler.

“She (interviewer) smiled the whole time and made me feel comfortable,” Anna said.

She said the event helped her know what to expect from a job interview. In preparation for the event, Cleckler said she practiced with her father.

Isabella Adair said she was “very nervous” because she felt unprepared, but it actually went well.

To prepare, she practiced answering the questions with her mother.

Isabella said it will be helpful in the future to know what kind of questions may be asked in an interview.

“I was excited more than nervous,” student Mallorie Adams said. “I have done an interview, and I just like how it flows.”

She said her first interview had been for majorette captain.

Mallorie said the mock interviews allowed the students to experience “a real-life situation and it’s better to get it in high school before we actually go into it.”

Kaylee Carlee was also excited about the interview. Prior to the event, she practiced with her friends in order to be ready.

One-on-one interviews were held in the library.

“I think it’s a great idea because when some of them turn 16, they will be looking for part-time jobs,” interviewer Tammy Hand, Verbena High School principal, said. “It really makes the kids think about themselves, and I have had some creative answers.”

Clanton Fire Chief David Driver encouraged the students he interviewed that it was just like any other skill, and they would get better with practice.

“Most of them told me they have been through something like this before,” Driver said.

He said since an interview is often the deciding factor for employers, having the chance to practice good interview skills would definitely help the students in the future.

Driver said many of the questions were pretty basic since this was the students’ first time.

“It’s more about getting them to open up and talk about themselves,” Driver said.