By Katarina Webb
As part of their Locally Created Pathway (LCP) requirements, midterm graduating seniors using Career+ Pathways™’ LCP for graduation recently took part in mock interviews organized by Greater Lafayette Commerce to help them strengthen their communication skills, prepare for future employment, and practice presenting themselves professionally. We were thrilled to welcome employer partners from Express Employment Professionals and IU Health , who volunteered their time and expertise to make this experience both meaningful and realistic.
Over the course of the event, each student sat for a brief one-on-one interview where they were asked a variety of general job interview questions – the same types of questions they can expect when applying for part-time jobs, internships, or full-time roles after high school. This format allowed students to practice describing their strengths, sharing examples of problem-solving, and talking confidently about their experiences and career interests.
After each interview, employer representatives provided immediate, individualized feedback, offering students practical suggestions for improvement. This included tips for crafting stronger answers, strategies for managing nerves, and reminders about body language, eye contact, and professional etiquette. Katie Westfall, Director of Operations with Express Employment, stated, “Partnering with Career+ Pathways™ on the mock interviews in the Greater Lafayette was a great experience for our Express Employment team. It’s a meaningful way for us to give back, connect with future talent, and help strengthen career readiness in our community.”
Many students noted that hearing this guidance directly from professionals made the experience especially valuable. A 12th grade student at McCutcheon High School noted that interviewees should “come prepared with questions or to make up questions … because that shows you are interested in the business and that you are actively listening [to them during the interview].” Another 12th grade student at McCutcheon stated that she “really enjoyed the interviews” and “really appreciate[s] the feedback that [she] received and will use it in the future.”
Students who brought résumés had the added benefit of a quick résumé review session, where employers highlighted areas to enhance, such as formatting, clearer descriptions of work experience, and ways to showcase key skills. These small adjustments help students present themselves more effectively when applying for future opportunities.
Mock interviews continue to be one of the most impactful components of the LCP process. They give students a safe space to practice, make mistakes, and grow while connecting with local employers who understand what today’s workforce requires. Career+ Pathways™ extends our sincere appreciation to Express and IU Health for supporting our students and helping them take meaningful steps toward postsecondary readiness.
Looking Ahead: Full-Year LCP Seniors Prepare for HireME! 2026
LCP seniors who will be graduating this school year in the spring will complete a similar interview process during HireME! 2026, Greater Lafayette Commerce’s large-scale regional hiring and career exploration event. At HireME! students will have the opportunity to participate in mock interviews (or even real job interviews ) with more than 50 employers representing industries across the region. This event offers seniors a powerful bridge to post-graduation employment, while giving employers access to work-ready talent.
Bio
Katarina Webb, School Success Manager at Career+ Pathways™! Starting as a Career Advisor through a partnership with Ivy Tech, Katarina now leads a team supporting schools across the GLC region. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, the creative arts and spending time with her family and fur babies.
