PUPILS prepared to take their first steps on the career ladder by getting top tips from businesses.

Year 11 pupils at Manningtree High School took part in mock job interviews from various companies, including national firms BT, Asda and Nationwide, as part of the school’s Focus Day.

Afterwards, the bosses gave pupils feedback on their performance to help them prepare for when they face the real thing.

Focus Day co-ordinator Allison Morgan hailed the day as a great success.

“Having people from businesses come in was brilliant because as teachers we could do mock interviewsamillion times, but it does not compare to one with people from outside the school,” she said.

“Some students commented that even though they have part-time jobs, they had never experienced an interview like this and others were even offered the chance to apply for apprenticeships because of how much they had impressed. I was delighted with how many representatives arrived and we hope to welcome them back in the future.”