Purpol goes back to school as ex Head Girl helps with interview training.

Purpol Marketing Managing Director, Denise O’Leary has returned to the Clarendon Academy Trowbridge after a gap of 27 years to help with student interview training. This was a real nostalgia visit for Denise as she had not been into the school since 1990, where she left as Head Girl after completing her A – Levels.

On Wednesday July 5th, Denise along with many other local business leaders supported the event that allowed students to put into practice all that they have been learning in lessons about preparing their curricula vitae and cover letters.

Having practiced interview questions within their lessons, the students came dressed in their best business wear to ‘interview’ with members of the local community.  Alongside Purpol Marketing; Volunteer support was from organisations such as Capita, Texas Instruments, Qinetiq, Splitz Support Service, Atkins Global, Army Outreach, Specsavers, Audience Systems, Little Light Bulb, the NHS, Dorothy House Hospice Care, the Ministry of Defence and Wiltshire YFC.

The mock interviews provided the students an opportunity to discuss their strengths, and learn how to best highlight their skills. They were asked to detail what they particularly enjoyed and how they could add value to a future employer.

Denise was one of a few former students who returned to give back to the community, and remembers fondly being Denise Smith as Head Girl of Clarendon School back in 1990. All the employers were impressed with the students, commenting on how well-prepared they had been and how delighted they been with the character and enthusiasm of the students. They not only got to practice an interview in a low risk learning environment, but have also been provided with written feedback, which will form the basis of future lessons allowing meaningful contribution to their post 16 choices.

Denise commented “It was a delight to be back at Clarendon after so much time, being part of the business community that was giving back by sharing experience and insight for the benefit of the students. When I left after being Head Girl, little did I know the different careers that would await, but even then, I had the dream of starting my own business. In fact the first Marketing role I held was with the Young Enterprise Scheme at Clarendon! The students were enthusiastic and soon overcame their nerves, I am sure the experience is hugely valuable to their confidence and will help as soon as they are ready to apply for future roles.”