Inclusive session. loved being a part of it, very helpful and respectful team
Sarah Sanders Everard’s Brewery
Mock Interviews and Personal Branding: Building Confidence and Career Readiness
On the 22nd of October, our Youth Justice participants took part in a Personal Branding and Mock Interview employability session. The interactive session was designed to help young people gain confidence, explore their strengths, and prepare for the world of work.
The first half of the session was led by Aislinn McDonnell and Sarah Sanders from Everards, who delivered an engaging session on personal branding and how to stand out professionally. They began with a fun icebreaker, asking everyone in the room to describe themselves in three words and share why they chose them. The activity encouraged participants to reflect on how they see themselves and how others might perceive them.
Aislinn and Sarah then led a lively discussion on well-known celebrities such as Taylor Swift, David Beckham, and Lewis Hamilton, asking the young people to list words that come to mind when they see them. The exercise helped participants understand how a personal brand communicates values, identity, and personality.
Aislinn shared her personal journey of joining Everards, explaining that she was drawn to the company because of its family values, heritage, and sense of community. She encouraged the young people to research company cultures and values before applying for roles, to make sure they align with their own beliefs.
Sarah followed with practical interview advice, discussing different types of interviews such as phone, online, and face-to-face. She highlighted the importance of preparation, checking your surroundings for virtual interviews, planning your route if travelling, and dressing professionally. She also discussed the STAR method for answering questions confidently and reminded everyone to ask their own questions at the end of an interview. Sarah emphasised that interviews are a two-way process, saying that it’s just as important to find a workplace that feels right for you.
The session gave participants a better understanding of how to express themselves professionally and left them feeling more confident about future interviews.
This has helped my confidence big time
Participant feedback
The second half of the event was led by Nish from Curious Agency and Sue Woollett from Stepnell, who explored the theme of perception and how it shapes personal branding. Nish encouraged participants to think about what they want people to remember about them and how to communicate their story with confidence. He explained that perception is key in the workplace how we present ourselves can influence the opportunities we attract.
Nish emphasised the importance of volunteering and taking initiative, particularly for individuals with limited work experience. He encouraged the young people to view every experience as a learning opportunity and to utilise social media in a positive way to build a professional image.
The session ended with a Dragons’ Den-style activity, where participants shared their career goals with Nish and Sue and received valuable feedback on how to tell their stories with impact. The activity allowed young people to practise their communication skills and gain confidence in presenting themselves.
Participants left feeling inspired and motivated, equipped with new tools to build their confidence, enhance their personal brand, and approach interviews with self-belief.
I really liked the Dragons’ Den activity because it gave me a chance to talk about my goals and get real feedback. It made me think about how to explain my ideas better and believe in what I have to offer.
participant
A massive thank you to our incredible speakers, Aislinn McDonnell and Sarah Sanders from Everards Brewery, and Nish Wickramasinghe from Curious Agency and Sue Woollett from Stepnell, for bringing their time, honesty, and insight to the session. Your energy, encouragement, and openness created a space for real confidence-building and growth.
Written by
Jennifer Rodall
Youth Justice Development Officer
If you’re a business and would like to support our Youth Justice participants by offering mock interviews or other work-related experiences, please get in touch by using the email below. Your time could make a lasting impact.
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Youth Justice Project Development Manager
Chikodi Lori
chikodi@leicestershirecares.co.uk
To read about our Power to Change approach, click on the link below:
https://www.leicestershirecares.co.uk/about-charity/our-approach/power-to-change/#:~:text=We%20believe%20our%20power%20to,city%20and%20county%20for%20all.
For more information and insight into our Youth Justice Projects click the links below:
All-Things Investment Seminar | Leicestershire Cares
Time Products Youth Justice Work Tour | Leicestershire Cares
YOUTH JUSTICE MOCK INTERVIEW SESSION | Leicestershire Cares
All Things Youth Justice Podcast: Mindset, Making Mistakes & Moving Forward | Leicestershire Cares
Man Cave Participants Dive into Finance and Business Strategy | Leicestershire Cares
All Things Youth Justice Podcast - Clearing the Record: Life Beyond Crime with Dr. Nicola Collett | Leicestershire Cares
Man Cave Session: Business Ideas, Marketing, and Branding | Leicestershire Cares
Youth Justice Man Cave Enterprise Session Launches with Pathway and Cocoa Amore | Leicestershire Cares