Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Georgia Interview Boot Camp readies seniors for real world
Darlington School: Private Boarding School in Rome, GA
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Interview Boot Camp readies seniors for real world

February 10, 2016 | 180 views

A group of Darlington seniors recently put on the hats of young professionals at the inaugural “Interview Boot Camp” workshop, sponsored by Tiger PRIDE. The elective exercise was held on campus to give interested students the opportunity to hone their skills and practice interviewing with "potential employers" and "colleges," in a parent-led effort to prepare them for the very near future.

The free event coupled students with representatives from a variety of sectors including investment banking, pharmaceuticals, medicine, education, music and law. The guests were chosen specifically because of their role within their respective companies, which included conducting interviews with actual job applicants.

“We want our students to be as prepared and as comfortable with the process as possible, because it enhances their likelihood of success,” said Mary Frances Wright, a Darlington parent who organized the event. “If you appear awkward, uncomfortable and unprepared, that will be communicated and you might not answer a question as confidently.” 

Wright first consulted with the school's College Guidance Office, which was very supportive of the workshop, and offered it under its purview in tandem with many of the services that Darlington's advisers already provide. Participating seniors were given the option to engage in interviews geared more towards a college scholarship track, or, those more specifically formatted for internships.

“Most of our seniors had already had college admissions interviews, but those for scholarships are much different, and tend to be a little more aggressive with the questions asked,” added Wright. “There especially, you must really distinguish yourself from other candidates.”

Each interview lasted approximately 20 minutes. Students were given leather-bound portfolios as gifts in which to place their résumés and the business cards of those interviewing them. Throughout the learning experience, students picked up on different things finding confidence in what they already knew, while also becoming more in tune with how to better conduct themselves and answer questions, and to watch for different cues.

“I learned a lot about interview etiquette—how to address the interviewer, how to give a good handshake, and how to write a proper thank you note,” said senior Emily Robertson. “It was very helpful to be able to see how certain acts could really pay off during and after the interview.”

During the final 10 minutes of their time together, the working professional provided helpful feedback about each mock candidate’s interview responses and résumés, detailed their strongest and weakest moments, and gave other helpful information to prepare them for the next chapter of their lives.

Following a very positive response to the exercise and requests for additional workshops, there is already discussion about expanding the offering as an annual event done at different times of the year.

“The purpose of the Interview Boot Camp was to give our seniors that opportunity to present their best self,” said Wright. “It is great experience, and you leave more polished and professional.”

“Interview skills are needed in every job field and in many college applications,” added Robertson. “We can all benefit from learning how to present ourselves as amazing prospective students, interns or employees.”


Every year, each member of Darlington's graduating class is accepted to colleges and universities worldwide. Along the road to success, the school’s college advisers work closely with students to find the institution that is the best fit for each individual based on unique interests, abilities and academic achievement. Click here for more information about Darlington's College Guidance program.