Speed Interview Day
In this most recent cohort, Sarah McCaig (Career Readiness and Employment Manager) asked staff members to participate in a speed interview day where interns could ask questions to Commonwealth Autism staff as if they were hiring managers asking candidates interview questions.
I was first paired with two interns. Both in blue, they stood to shake my hand and introduce themselves.
After answering a question, I noticed that they would both nod and either one or the other would validate my answers, insisting that I had valuable information for them and “their hiring team”. They could clearly sense my nervousness and immediately set out to ensure that I was comfortable and confident in my answers.
After moving from their table to the next, to the next, to the next, I saw this same repetition with each person across from me.
I wasn’t the only one getting into the flow of the interview rounds. The questions became increasingly thoughtful and intentional as time went on.
“In what ways have you grown since starting at Commonwealth Autism? What are your strengths and weaknesses?” One of my favorite questions of the day was, “What is your favorite mythical creature, and why?”
When any one interviewer had to peer at their phone or laptop for the questions they had prepared, they issued a statement about why they appeared distracted and reinforced the idea that they were actively listening.
It was a great experience, and I have no doubt that once these interns graduate the Career Readiness and Employment program, they will be rockstars at any company they interview for!
