st. mary's academy
academic advising

mentorship event  

sma Mock panel interviews 

 

• Are you planning on going into a professional career that requires an interview (medicine, teaching, business, government)?

• Are you planning on applying for a major scholarship?

• What about applying for a job, co-op, internship or exchange?

 

       As the saying goes, only practice makes perfect! 

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St. Mary's Academy is hosting Panel Interviews

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Who: Grade 11 & 12 students

When: Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 (1:30-5:30 p.m.)

Where: Durocher Library  

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Students who choose to participate in this event are excused from class if it conflicts with their scheduled interview timeslot. Each interview is roughly 30 minutes in length. Start by checking in with Ms. McElrea in the library 15 minutes before your scheduled interview.

  

Why: St. Mary's Academy wants to offer an authentic chance for SMA students to develop career readiness skills, practice professional interview skills and receive practical and individualized advice. This event hopes to foster mentorship for our students leaving SMA and entering the professional world.  

 

Students' portfolios may include a resume, a letter of reference, a piece that exhibits a growth mindset, and a small body of work that documents skills and experiences. Your portfolio can be physical or digital. If you feel comfortable and for the sake of the panel it is recommended that you provide our resume in advance of the interview. 

 

How: RSVP by Monday, April 1st, 2024 using the Office Forms Survey which was posted on Teams and linked below. Rank your areas of interest and a time slot that works best for you.

 

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panel interview agenda

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3-minute Panel Introductions

Shake hands confidently, smile and make eye contact, tell them your name.

Panellists should provide a brief introduction of who they are.

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10-minute Student-Led Portfolio Presentation

You will professionally introduce yourself and your portfolio, which might include a: resume, transcript, evidence of extra-curricular involvement, accomplishments, a growth mindset piece (an example of strength and weakness) and a comprehensive plan for their future.

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5-minute Question & Answer Period

Panelists will ask you questions about your presentation. 

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5-minute Feedback and Advice

Panelists provide guidance and support.

 

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Q&A 

possible panel interview questions

 

• How are you well suited to the post-secondary program that they are applying for?  

• How do you think you will be able to adjust to the university environment?  How have you prepared? 

• How do you operate under pressure? 

• How do you find balance in your life? 

• How would you describe your ability to communicate, provide an example?  

• Do you see yourself as a leader? 

• Tell me about a time when you had to overcome a major obstacle that stood in the way of you accomplishing a goal or commitment. How did you approach the situation? 

• What are the three most important attributes or skills that you believe you would bring to any workplace? 

• How would a teacher, boss or coach describe your work ethic and contribution to the group? 

• Do you feel more energized when you are working alone or when you are working as part of a team? 

• Give me an example of a time when you worked well with a group to accomplish a goal. 

• Have you ever been a member of a team that struggled or failed to accomplish its goal? If so, what assessment did you make of the reasons for the failure? 

 

• Finally, ask the student, "do you have any questions for the panel?"