CAST Lead Seniors Build Confidence Through Speed Interviews

For a student preparing for a first professional interview, knowing how to answer a question is only part of the challenge. There's also the pressure of making a good impression, finding the right words, and convincing a potential employer—and sometimes yourself—that you're ready for the opportunity.

On September 15, CAST Lead seniors had the chance to work through those challenges in a supportive setting during the school's Senior Speed Interviews event. Professionals who volunteered from among community members and partners joined students for a fast-paced series of mock interviews, asking questions drawn from their own hiring experiences and offering feedback to help students strengthen their skills.

For senior Brian Velazquez, the experience came at an important moment. Students are preparing for upcoming interviews with downtown San Antonio hotels, where they hope to secure practicum placements that will allow them to gain industry experience and build professional connections.

“We were able to prepare ourselves, learn pointers, and things we can improve on to be able to make sure that we're successful wherever we go,” Velazquez said.

The event was designed to give students exposure to a range of interviewers and perspectives. As seniors rotated from one professional to another, they practiced answering questions, presenting themselves professionally, and responding to feedback they could apply in their next conversation.

Senior David Mendoza appreciated both the encouragement and the practical advice he received.

“The interviewers were incredibly nice and they gave us a lot of constructive criticism,” Mendoza said.

For Mendoza, the experience helped clarify what employers might expect of him, from anticipating interview questions to understanding how to conduct himself during a professional conversation.

“I learned how to answer the questions in an interview, and also how to act and behave for an interview,” he said.

For other students, the most valuable lessons came from discovering something specific they could improve.

Senior James Gonzalez realized that his approach to a common interview question—describing his strengths and weaknesses—wasn't always presenting him in the best light.

“One thing that I did learn is that whenever I'm asked to explain a strength and a weakness, sometimes I can highlight the weakness a little too much and not enough of the strength,” Gonzalez explained.

That realization gave him something concrete to work on before his next interview: communicating his strengths with the same attention he gives to areas for improvement.

Senior Frankie Ramirez came away with a different goal. After receiving feedback from multiple interviewers, he recognized that his answers needed more detail.

“I had received advice from each interviewer about being more specific and having more detail—elaborating more—that's what I need to work on for the upcoming future,” Ramirez said.

Together, their reflections illustrate the value of practicing with people who bring real hiring experience into the room. Rather than simply being told how to interview, students had the opportunity to try, receive feedback, reflect, and try again.

The experience also demonstrated the role that professionals can play in preparing young people for life beyond high school. By volunteering their time and sharing their perspectives, interviewers helped students build skills that can carry into internships, job interviews, and future careers.

Ramirez encouraged more adults to get involved, noting that many young people have not yet had opportunities to develop these skills.

“They can help a lot of kids learn how to speak up and out loud,” he said.

For Gonzalez, that kind of support can make the difference between considering an opportunity and finding the courage to pursue it.

“Introducing somebody to what an interview can look like can really help somebody find the confidence that they need to go and actually step through the door,” he said.

As CAST Lead seniors prepare for their upcoming hotel interviews, they'll carry more than a few practiced answers into the room. They'll bring firsthand experience, personalized feedback, and a clearer understanding of how to present themselves—confidence built one conversation at a time.

Help open doors for the next generation. Experiences like Senior Speed Interviews are made possible by people who invest in young people. Support more opportunities for students by donating to our Youth Leadership in Action campaign, exploring ways to serve as a mentor, or becoming an industry partner with CAST Schools. Whether you give your time, expertise, or financial support, you can help students take their next steps with confidence.