Preparing Adolescents for Selection Interviews: The Impact of a Training Intervention on Levels of Worry and Locus of Control

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the impact of an interview skills training intervention on adolescent school pupils in Northern Ireland. In particular, it explored their levels of interview-related worry and career locus of control orientations, and how they were affected by the programme concerned. A sample of 264 students aged 14–16 were assigned to a training (n = 132) or control (n = 132) condition. Trainees were significantly less worried than their control counterparts about four of six interview-related items at post-test only—i.e. the training programme had significantly reduced their levels of communication apprehension about the interview process. No differences between the two groups were detected for career locus of control. The findings are discussed in the context of mediating variables including gender and religion. Their implications for educators in preparing young people for the rigours of the job market and selection interviews are also discussed.