Mock Interviews Prepare Milton Hershey School Students for the Future

Job interviews can be intimidating, especially the first time. Leaders from Milton Hershey School, The Hershey Company, and Hershey Entertainment & Resorts recently helped to prepare MHS seniors for post-graduation success by conducting mock interviews.

“Mock interviews are a career-focused event that gives high school seniors the opportunity to have an interview with a true hiring manager,” said Jennifer Benson, MHS Career Services Support Specialist.

Students arrived at their mock interview with a resume to share and showcased skills they learned in their Senior Seminar class, such as presenting a personal elevator pitch, writing a professional email, telephone etiquette, and proper body language. They were prepared to discuss their previous volunteer and work experience, strengths, areas for development, future educational goals, and career ambitions.

The students left the mock interview with practical feedback from the person conducting the interview, which will allow them to continue working on these important soft skills. The exercise also served as graded activity in their Senior Seminar class.

“It’s invaluable feedback. One of our students told a story and the interviewer told her to tell that story in every interview for the rest of her life,” said Benson.

Mock interviews are an annual event at MHS that gives executives from Hershey entity partners an opportunity to share their expertise with students.

“Offering students opportunities to grow their soft skills through real-life experiences like mock interviews will help them succeed far beyond high school,” shared John Lawn, President & CEO of HE&R. “Being able to take part in activities like this with MHS students is something I look forward to. Our team members were impressed with the preparation and engagement of the students.”

The mock interview experience closely aligns with the school’s 2025 strategic plan, also known as the MILT Plan, which aims to deliver relevant, experiential education and individualized learning pathways to prepare students, pre-K through 12th grade, for career success in a changing world.