Most managers could share a few horror stories when it comes to hiring employees.  Botched resumes, cover letters and interviews, inappropriate clothing … the list goes on and on.  The emerging leaders at Harrison County’s United Way decided to create an event that could assist high school and college students in navigating the waters of employment readiness.  Spearheaded by Joe Spadafore and Austin Thrasher, the group brainstormed for ways to give students real-life experience in the process of onboarding without having the risk of failure.

 

The first “Hire or Fire” will take place at the Caperton Center in Clarksburg on May 3 and will include 10 students from each Harrison County high school, as selected by the staff.  Bridgeport High School students include Michaela Perri, Ella Flowers, Alex Byrnside, Garrett Reider, Ashely Weber, Ethan Aulds, Fallyn Swiger, Anna Cava, Terrance Hull and Titus Thomas.

There will be another "Hire or Fire" at the Thrasher Group facility at White Oaks. The plan for that event, said United Way Community Impact Director Brad Riffee, is to include more higher education students from various educational institutions.

 

At each of the events, students will undergo two and a half hours of mock interviews with some of the area’s leading professionals. Attendees will bring copies of their resumes, dress professionally, and practice common communication issues that arise in interviews.  After two rounds of interviews, they will work with the volunteers to evaluate their skills, addressing areas in which they excelled and in which they need improvement.  They will also get one-on-one help with resume preparation, interviewing tips, and social media presence.  

 

“We felt that many students, both in high school and college, graduate without knowing how to present themselves in order to gain employment,” said Spadafore.  “We want to use our experiences to help them stand out among other applicants and get the job.”

 

Professional volunteers for each event are from Aurora Flight, Antero, State Farm, Pratt Whitney, Steptoe & Johnson, Dominion Energy, Thrasher Group, MVB, Fairmont State University, Premier Bank, Merrill Lynch, City of Bridgeport and the Harrison County Board of Education.

 

“We are trying to give students a snapshot of reality and hope to give real feedback to show how they can improve in the job seeking process,” said Thrasher. “Common mistakes that we will review are punctuality, proper attire, researching the company beforehand, and goal setting.  By working with professionals, students will have the opportunity to grow from this experience and have a better chance at landing a good job after graduation.”