Preparation for the Senior Exit Interview Portfolio Project Keeping the End Product in Mind

Objective of the Senior Exit Interview: 1.Seniors will be given a portfolio that is purchased by the Crooms Business Advisory Council. ($1,500 investment) 2.Seniors will be assigned a 30 minute interview with a representative from the business community. 3.The professional portfolio will be the final product that all seniors will take to the senior exit interview. 4.Seniors will demonstrate understanding of appropriate interviewing skills. 5. Seniors will dress professionally for the interview.

Stakeholders Involved: Administration and receiptionist Crooms Business Advisory Council Parents English Teachers,Social Studies Teachers, Career Specialist, Guidance Secretary Seniors

Process: Introduction of the portfolio project in September—Career Specialist Seniors will utilize the guidelines to produce their professional portfolios. Review interviewing skills—Crooms Business Advisory Council/Parents Establish an interview schedule for seniors and interviewers.—Career Specialist Prep seniors for the exit interview.—Crooms Business Advisory Council/Parents Prep interviewers of the process and their role in the exit interview.—Career Specialist. Interviewers will provide feedback via rubric.—Business Advisory Council Assign a grade based on student’s participation.--Teachers Seniors will write a “thank you” letter to the interviewer.—Semiors

Interviewers: Please make sure you have completed the dividend’s application. Your volunteer time with the senior exit interviews will assist Crooms in earning the Five Star Award. All volunteers must be registered dividends. Visit click Dividend School Volunteer; click Be A Volunteer-Apply Here. Begin the process. Please meet me in the Guidance Conf. Rm by 7:20 a.m. because your first student will arrive at 7:55 a.m. Sign in on the computer located in the lobby. You will sign in as a dividend PROVIDED that you completed the application prior to your visit. You will receive an Interviewer’s folder with your assignment and instructions. A stack of portfolios will be placed in the room where you will be assigned to conduct the interviews. You will have 30 minutes for each senior. That time is used to preview the portfolio, interview, and complete the evaluation form. You will receive a rubric to measure their performance. When the interview is over, please provide constructive feedback to each student. Give specific examples of what they did great and what areas they can improve upon for the next interview.

Logistics: Seniors will check in with Mrs. Borders 5 minutes prior to their interview. They will be sitting outside your room so step out and invite the student in when you are ready. Please watch the time and stay on schedule. When you finish, please place the evaluation inside your folder not the portfolio and return your folder and the portfolios to Guidance- Michelle Borders will collect them. Please leave a business card attached to your folder. Students like to send thank you notes. Mrs. Borders will give seniors a pass back to class upon completion of their interview.

Share experiences you have had in your life during interviews. Our seniors enjoyed this part of the interview. Many of these seniors will be nervous even though it a mock interview. If your company actually offers Internship positions to graduates, please let them know how to apply for the positions.

Suggested Content of the Portfolio Resume and Cover Letter Autobiography Any recommendation Letters IT certifications Test Scores (CPT, SAT, ACT and AP) Transcript NAF Certificate – if applicable ASVAB results-if applicable Sample student work to demonstrate employability/technical skills Feel free to suggest other items that can be important to an employer or college representative.

Show Time—Nov. 28-Dec. 2

Exceptional – 4 Commendable – 3 Marginal – 2 Unacceptable – 1 SCO RE First Impressions Shows up early for the interview looks relaxed and confident. Shakes hands and introduces himself/ herself. Shows up on time for the interview, shakes hands and introduces himself/ herself. Shows up on time for the interview but has a weak introduction. Shows up late for the interview and does a poor job introducing himself. Coherence/ Organizatio n Answers are complete and clearly stated; specific examples provided which clearly support the answer; response well organized and flows smoothly. Most questions answered clearly and completely; most had specific examples supporting the answer; response organized and flows smoothly most of the time. Few questions answered clearly and completely; few had specific examples supporting the answer; response poorly organized and choppy. Very few questions answered clearly or completely; specific examples supporting the answer rarely evident; most responses unorganized and rarely flow smoothly. Poise Good posture is used. No nervous habits are exhibited. Good posture; some uneasy behaviors were observed. Posture could improve; uneasy behaviors were inappropriately demonstrated. Poor posture and nervous habits throughout interview. Appearance Professional dress and manners are used; appropriate body language. Student wears appropriate clothing; little inappropriate body language. Student wears appropriate clothing; some inappropriate body language. Student is not dressed appropriately; inappropriate body language. Speaking Skills Clear articulation; excellent eye contact; enthusiastic; confident. Clear articulation but not polished; good eye contact; not as enthusiastic or confident. Some mumbling; little eye contact; uneven speaking rate; little or no expression. Much mumbling; no eye contact; speech was difficult to understand; little or no expression; monotone. Total Points Earned

Thank you stakeholders…..for providing a “real life” experience with constructive feedback so our seniors will be prepared for future opportunities. We hope you enjoyed the experience as well. You make a difference in the lives of our young people.