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Washington Corrections Center for Women Hosts Mock Job Interviews for Residents

March 19, 2025

By James Kopriva Communications Office
The people sitting at a table during a interview session.

Incarcerated individual Mariah Boudrieau participates in mock job interviews held at the Washington Corrections Center for Women. (Photo courtesy of Communications Office)

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GIG HARBOR, WA — Twenty-one incarcerated women met with local employers at Washington Corrections Center for Women (WCCW) for mock interviews on Thursday.

Through Correctional Industries (CI), participants received prior training on resume writing, professional dress, and interviewing. Thursday’s interviews tested those skills. Guest interviewers representing 20 local employers asked realistic questions and provided earnest feedback.

“What we were looking for as interviewers was curiosity; a hunger to learn,” said Shannon Costanti, human resources director for the City of Gig Harbor. “Job interviews are a chance to set yourself apart, and to prove that you are capable and dependable. This exercise was transformational and I’m so proud of the participants.”

For participants, the exercise was nerve-wracking but fulfilling.

“I was so nervous that when I shook my interviewer’s hand, I said ‘Hi, I’m nice.’ Of course I meant to say, ‘Hi, nice to meet you,’” said one participant. “But after a few questions, I was able to calm down and talk about my transferrable skills. I’ll definitely do more of these practices.”

CI’s goal is to smooth reentry by supporting the employment of incarcerated individuals. Washington State University research (pdf) found that CI participants were less likely to commit new offenses upon release. They were also more likely to earn a legal income, and earn more on average, than non-participants.

“I speak with employers all the time who consider reentry workers to be their best workers. They have something to prove when people give them a chance,” said Winnie Chan, manager of DOC’s Tri Cities Reentry Center.

“Today wasn’t focused on my past or what led me here to WCCW. It was a chance for me to sell myself and talk about the good in me,” said participant Jessica Maldonado. “It felt really good to not have to identify by my past mistakes – I was able to show them who I really am as a person.”