Cyndi Loza

Speaking in front of a mirror, 17-year-old Austin Morgan practiced his interviewing skills Wednesday night.

“I said my name, tried to give a little explanation (about myself) and tried to sound confident,” the Reno High School junior said.

Morgan was one of the juniors at Reno High who had his interview skills tested Thursday by community business leaders. More than 70 community members were at the high school, 395 Booth St., to critique students on their appearance, résumé and skills.

“It was kind of nerve-wracking. I’m not going to lie, but it was a good experience to undergo,” said junior Estefani Bustos Dena, 17.

“I’m glad they did this because I would have really messed up my real interview.”

Every junior at the high school participated in the event sponsored by the Peppermill Hotel Casino. Students received résumé tips to prepare them for college and business interviews.

“I think it’s very good for the students because it prepares them for the real world,” said Linda Brady, the school’s college and career center technician.

Toni Miller, office manager of Southern Wine and Spirits, said she was impressed with how prepared the students were when she interviewed them.

“These are our presidents and vice presidents for the next generation,” Miller said. “It’s kind of nice to see they’re prepared.”

Appearance, keeping eye contact and asking questions are some of the key elements people should focus on, according to Christ Barrett, president of Issue Management and Government Relations.

“You have one shot at an interview,” Barrett said.

Asking the interviewer questions was one aspect that threw Dena off guard.

“I totally just froze,” Dena said. “I didn’t know what to do. But for the most part, I saw it coming.”