Sharon Branham knows a thing or two about hiring people.

The registered nurse’s Pike County Hospice and Home Care agency has grown to employ 110 people since she founded it 15 years ago. She has developed a firm command of the finer points of conducting job interviews, including reading body language, asking questions that get honest responses, evaluating those responses, and separating the best candidates from the rest.

Branham recently shared inside tips and strategies for job seekers with a six local young people who are participating in a new initiative launched by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP). The pilot project—called "Success NSight"—began in mid-January at the Prestonsburg offices of the Big Sandy Community Action Program (CAP).

Branham was one of six business and community leaders who spoke to the youth on important career topics during the three-week course. In addition to job-interview skills, the topics included instruction on saving and managing money and ways to develop and demonstrate the basic job skills that most employers are seeking.

Branham told the young people that how well a person performs in an interview can make the difference between being seriously considered for a job or cast aside. Branham said she is more likely to hire an applicant who is qualified and can present himself well in a job interview than she is to hire an applicant who is heavy on credentials but light on self expression and personality.

"It’s OK to think about what you’re going to say to an interviewer ahead of time and be ready to respond to common questions that usually come up," she said.

When a participant asked what questions she asks applicants in job interviews, Branham responded with an example.

"In one or two words, what would you say are five positive characteristics about yourself?" she asked, quizzing the youth on how they would "sell" themselves in a job interview.

"I’m a hard worker," said one; "I’m always on time," added another.

"Those are good answers," Branham said. "Dependability is one of the most important characteristics any employer looks for."

Success NSight was developed by management at EKCEP to provide 18- to 21-year-olds a quick and intensive preparation for entering the job market and becoming good employees. Building and perfecting job interviewing skills is a large component of the curriculum.

The Success NSight participants went through rounds of practice job seeking, filling out actual job applications and then going through mock job interviews. The interviews were conducted by staff from the Big Sandy CAP’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program and the Kentucky Department for Employment Services. The participants were even required to dress in appropriate business attire for their mock interviews.

Life skills that support successful employment are also an important part of the curriculum. Throughout the course, WIA Youth Director Jim Stewart taught lessons on several basic aspects of money management, including detailed information on interest rates, ways to build good credit, the importance of savings, and savings options provided by banks.

Other guest speakers from the community shared their knowledge of business, money management, the importance of education, and other topics. These speakers included: O. Sam Blankenship, an investment representative with the Edward D. Jones & Co.; Pete Grigsby Jr., assistant superintendent of the Floyd County School System; Mike Howell, executive director of Big Sandy CAP; Shawanna Crider, Ready-To-Work coordinator for Mayo Technical College; and Mark McLemore, park manager at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.