Osama Alturkmani and Maria Rajput win Hopwood Hall College ‘You’re Hired’ competition

Martyn Hardy with Osama Alturkmani and Maria Rajput

Osama Alturkmani, 47 and Maria Rajput, 28 both from Rochdale, won Hopwood Hall College’s ‘You’re Hired’ competition.

Over 150 students, who are all studying to develop their English language and employability skills at the college, took part in the competition, designed to simulate the pressure and experience of a real-life job interview and the processes involved in preparing for it.

To enter, the students first had to apply for ‘interviews’ that the college had set up on its website. They then spent weeks perfecting their interview skills, including how to present themselves, how to prepare for interview questions and practicing what language to use to describe their specific skills and qualities. After they had refined these skills, they then entered the final stage, where each student was grilled on their experience and skills by an interview panel.

The students performed so well that it was decided on the day to award two first place winners.

Osama Alturkmani, 47 and Maria Rajput, 28 both from Rochdale, were given first place after impressing the panel with their professionalism, attitude, appearance and responses to interview questions. As well as first place awards, certificates were also presented to six runners-up.

Maria said: “The competition has helped me because coming from a different country, language is a barrier.”

Osama added: “I feel much more confident and prepared in looking for a job now we’ve taken part in the ‘You’re hired’ competition.”

Martyn Hardy, part of Hopwood Hall College’s human resources team, who helped make up the interview panel, commented: “It’s been great to see the dedication and professionalism of the students. They were all really good which made picking the winners a real challenge.”