Dr Fabio Oliveira
Dec 6, 2023
Young students from the ChurchMead School in Slough have completed the Bodyswaps training to craft winning answers using the C.A.R. (Context, Action, Result) technique.
Preparing for the job market is both an exhilarating and challenging endeavor. Sixth form students, amid their academic commitments, must also begin gearing up for their entry into the workforce. On December 6th, 2023, I had the privilege of visiting Churchmead School in Slough, an initiative sponsored by the University of Reading and BodySwaps.
During this visit, over 30 students engaged in a unique training session utilizing Virtual Reality and digital human avatars. This innovative approach enabled them to contextualize their responses and refine their skills for job interviews. More than just acquiring a new technique, the training was structured to bolster their confidence.
"I loved how I could see my answers from the interviewer's perspective".
This was achieved by watching avatars simulate job interviews, practicing response strategies to common interview questions, and engaging in reflective observation from the interviewer's perspective.
The impact of this training was evident. Positive feedback from the students was overwhelming, and by observing their behavior before, during, and after the session, I noted a significant shift.
"It was so cool and interesting. I found it a fun way to find out new information and improve my interview sklls. I was able to confidently structure a great answer in an interview, the CAR technique was very helpful".
This experience highlighted that, despite being a tech-savvy generation, their exposure to such advanced technology in practical applications is still in early days of adoption.
I am hopeful that this experience has been invaluable for them!
Dr Fabio Oliveira