AMHERST - Kids looking to improve their interviewing skills as they head into college interviews and job searches can practice during the Souhegan Valley Chamber of Commerce's annual High School Interview Competition.

"The competition was developed to reinforce the importance of interview and presentation skills in high school-level students," according to the chamber's Executive Director May Balsama. "Our high schools are doing a great job with our students and they are a major factor in the continued strength of our region's economy and that of our communities."

The High School Interview Competition matches students from a number of schools by reaching out to their guidance counselors.

The first round of competition will take place in the first week of March at each participating school. The top three students from each school will move on to the final round at the chamber office in late March.

To prepare for the competition, students will be participating in skill-building activities that will teach them how to write cover letters and resumes as well as how to present themselves over the telephone and during interviews. Area schools will conduct mock interview elimination rounds which will lead to a final round to be judged by human resources professionals from chamber businesses.

All participating students will attend a Chamber After Hours event on May 14 when the winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

"This effort is a partnership between our business community and our schools," said Balsama. "It is intended to encourage solid preparation of our young people for the day they enter our workforce."

Students who would like to participate in the competition should express their interest to their school guidance counselor or principal. More information is also available at the chamber office or at www.souhegan.net.

nfoster@newstote.com