Students at NRTC practice interview skills

Senior Hayden Buck and Amber Robertson of 3M sit down for an interview. Photo by Jane Westerhold/Courtesy of NRTC

Courtesy Nevada Regional Technical Center

Students at Nevada Regional Technical Center put their interview skills to the test during the NRTC Senior Professional Day, on Thursday. "The event was designed to give students the opportunity to experience an authentic job interview before they go out there to do the real thing," Dr. Phillip Witt, NRTC Director said. Students participating in the event were required to dress professionally for their 15 minute job interview and respond to a number of questions. After the interview they received feedback on their performance.

"This is the second year for our Senior Professional Day and we continue to hear from students the feedback they get from their interview is the most valuable part of the process. They are nervous going into the interview but come out with confidence and pride you can see on their faces," according to the NRTC Counselor Tammy Hendren.

There were 116 students who participated in the job interview process on Wednesday. Most of these students will complete a career and technical program at NRTC this year. Hendren went on to say, "This is one of my favorite days of the year because it is so valuable for students to have this experience as they leave school."

Over the past seven weeks students have been preparing for this day. On Feb. 2 students attended an interview tips workshop at the performing arts center where they heard from professionals about the dos and don'ts of a good interview. Amber Robertson from 3M Nevada and Travis Lathrop from Universal Technical Institute spoke on such issues as professional dress, resume preparation, and making a good first impression.

In addition to their interview, students were required to prepare a professional portfolio. This consisted of several documents including a resume, cover letter, job application, letters of reference, and their National Career Readiness Certificate. Valuable resources they can use when applying for jobs, internships, and even scholarships.

"Senior Professional Day wouldn't have been possible without the support and help from our local business and industry people," said Witt. "We had 18 wonderful volunteers from 15 local businesses and would like to thank them for volunteering their time and expertise."

Senior Justin Hurst introduces himself to Travis Lathrop of UTI. Photo by Jane Westerhold/Courtesy of NRTC

The individuals assisting with the Senior Professional Day included: Blake Cardin, Walmart; Jeff Snyder, YMCA; Cindy Thompson, Vernon County Northern Commissioner; Savanah Mendez, Meek's Lumber; Greg Cavener, Cavener's Office Supplies; Kim Williams, FCS Financial; Ross Lawrence & Shannon Jones, Hoffman Financial Resources; Travis Lathrop, Universal Technical Institute; Heather Brockmeyer, Nevada Regional Medical Center; Bud Mareth, Purina Mills; Amber Robertson and Matt Ketterman, 3M Nevada; Amber Schluckebier and Ashley Deboutez, U.S. Bank; and Sheree Gayman, Nevada Chamber of Commerce.