When National Interview Week faced an unexpected interruption earlier this year due to technical issues beyond our control, we made one promise to the schools, students and volunteers who had put their trust in us: every effort would be made to ensure those opportunities weren’t lost.
Over June and July, we delivered on that promise.
Over the course of two months, thousands of secondary school students from across the UK took part in high-quality one-to-one mock interviews with professionals from a huge range of industries. Thanks to the dedication of our employer partners, schools and volunteers, National Interview Week was successfully rescheduled, ensuring students still received the valuable experience they had been preparing for.
A National Effort
Behind every interview was a volunteer who gave up their time to help inspire the next generation.
We were proud to welcome hundreds of volunteers representing over 100 different organisations, from global businesses and public sector employers to SMEs and charities. Together, they shared their expertise, encouraged students and helped build confidence at one of the most important stages of a young person’s education.
Their willingness to rearrange diaries, volunteer again and continue supporting young people after the initial disruption demonstrates the incredible commitment businesses have to developing future talent.
More Than Just Practice
A mock interview is about far more than answering questions.
For many students, National Interview Week provides their first opportunity to speak with a professional outside of school, helping them to:
- Build confidence in communicating professionally.
- Develop interview techniques.
- Receive personalised feedback from experienced professionals.
- Understand employer expectations.
- Feel more prepared for apprenticeships, college, university and employment.
Every interview concluded with detailed developmental feedback, giving students practical advice they can immediately apply to future interviews and career opportunities.
Overcoming Challenges Together
Rescheduling a nationwide programme involving thousands of students is no small task.
Schools adapted their timetables, volunteers rearranged commitments and our team worked tirelessly behind the scenes to coordinate new sessions while maintaining the quality and consistency National Interview Week is known for.
Although attendance naturally fluctuated across different schools due to exams, term dates and end-of-year activities, the enthusiasm from both students and volunteers never wavered. The feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive, with students describing the experience as confidence-building, insightful and inspiring.
Thank You to Our Volunteers
Quite simply, National Interview Week would not exist without our volunteers.
Every interview delivered represents someone choosing to invest their time in a young person’s future.
Whether offering reassurance to a nervous Year 10 student, sharing career advice or helping someone recognise strengths they didn’t know they had, our volunteers continue to make a genuine and lasting difference.
To every individual and every organisation that supported us throughout June and July, thank you. Your commitment has helped ensure thousands of young people have taken an important step towards their future careers.
What’s Next?
The success of our rescheduled National Interview Week has created even more momentum for the year ahead.
Our Industry Edition Mock Interviews are now open for volunteer registrations, giving professionals the opportunity to support students interested in specific sectors.
Upcoming editions include:
- Engineering & Construction – 20-22 October 2026
- Finance & Banking – 24-26 November 2026
- Technology – 15-17 December 2026
- Professional Services – 23-25 February 2027
- Law – 27-29 April 2027
- Defence – 25-27 May 2027
- Media & Marketing – 22-24 June 2027
Whether you’re an individual professional or an organisation looking to strengthen your social value, ESG or early talent strategy, we’d love to have you involved.
Together, we’re helping young people build confidence, develop employability skills and take their next step towards successful futures.