![Bass Clef Choir members Zion Ondoma, Henry Hansen, and Zerik Nicholson harmonize vocals while singing "Prayer of the Children". “[It’s] a piece dealing with the Bosnian conflicts of the ‘90s,” said Associate Director of Choral Activities Matthew Jensen, “but is applicable to what's happening today all over the world.” The students will perform the song during Large Group Contests in Cedar Falls in May.](https://riverhawkpress.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/20260414_111618-1200x554.jpg)
Teachers at MCHS held mock interviews recently to prepare students for real-life job interviews. The practice allows students to improve their communication skills with real business leaders from the community, answer questions they might be asked in a real interview, and gain more confidence in themselves.
“This has gotten progressively better each year,’ said Tony Buhr, Metalcraft Human Resources Business Partner. “There was a period that was a little rough, and they’ve really done a nice job of preparing the candidates and having good resumes. The interview questions have been really good. So it’s really become a nice experience for the students.”
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Khamron Cherry, sophomore, engages in a mock interview with local business leaders inside the FEMA room at MCHS.
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Dan McGuire, Chief Human Resources Officer from First Citizens Bank, helps sophomores practice interview skills during Mock Interview Day this spring.
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Wayome Gonzaka talks to Tony Buhr from Metalcraft Human Resources during Mock Interview Day.
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The mock interviews were held in the FEMA Room. Students were graded on their communication skills, presence, self-confidence/attitude, and professionalism. Each interview lasted about 10-15 minutes. Fifteen businesses attended the mock interviews. It’s been a sophomore English project for approximately ten years.
“I feel like the interview went well,” said Meleiana Burthnant, “If we were very talkative, they were asking good questions, and we also got to share our feedback at the end. So I feel like I got a good grade.”
[video credit=”Melieana Berthnant” align=”center” caption=”For the sophomores in English 10 at MCHS, Mock Interview Day is basically the closest thing to a real job interview. To see how everyone felt, Meleiana Berthnant interviewed three students and three adults about the experience. While some people thought the practice was helpful, others were just counting down the minutes until it was over.
Teachers say these skills are also needed when applying for college or even starting a career. Students practice introducing themselves to people, answering questions quickly in conversation, and talking about their strengths. All of these skills are important for any job.
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience. I’ve been doing this for several years, and every year I’m just so impressed by the students’ ideas and creativity about their future plans. So thanks for asking me to do it again.” Alyse Hesley, Financial Consultant, Thrivent Financial, says
Mock interviews will continue to be an opportunity for students. These interviews will happen every year.
