The Career Center concluded its two-day Mock Interview workshop today, designed to prepare students for real world job interviews as they near graduation.

During the 40-minute session, students talked to recruiters from corporations they might be interested in working for.

After reviewing their resumes, recruiters asked questions a prospective employer might regarding the student’s work habits, strengths, previous experience and reactions in workplace situations.

“It really helped me to understand the (interviewing) process, and what I need to sharpen up on,” said Rosalinda Ledesma, senior accounting major.

Gina Conigliaro, a recruiter for Progressive, said she looks for tone, body language, eye contact, preparedness, gauging questions and engaging with the interviewer.

Cory Chen, senior accounting major, said the practice helped him feel comfortable and he was able to leave with methods on how to answer questions.

“I need to make sure my tone shows excitement when I discuss my experiences and show how I’m proud of my accomplishments,” Chen said. “That way the employer knows that it really happened.”

Conigliaro said the most common blunder is overall nervousness. But the more practice, the easier it becomes. Students should take the time to research the company they are interviewing at. This will set them apart and show they really want the position.

Around 60 to 75 students attended over the two days meeting with 16 recruitment officers from a wide variety of companies such as the Sacramento Bee, Liberty Mutual, CS Technology, Hyatt, Target and state agencies.

The Career Center was extremely pleased with the attendance and student feedback said Eva Gabbe, Recruitment Programs manager.

Chloe Daley can be reached at [email protected].