What is a Mock Interview?
A typical mock interview is a practice job interview held with a professional career counselor. A mock interview helps you learn how to answer difficult questions, develop interview strategies, improve your communication skills and reduce your stress before an actual job interview.
During a mock interview, the interviewer may use a semi structured interview format rather than asking a formal list of questions.
In-Person Mock Interviews
Many college career centers and career counselors offer in-person mock interviews. If you’re a college student or graduate, check with your career office to see if they provide in-person or phone or video mock interviews. If you’re not affiliated with a college or university, a career coach or counselor is another option for practice interviewing.
You can make an appointment with a mock interviewer, and provide her with information on either a specific company with whom you are interviewing, or your general career field.
The more specific information you can provide for your mock interviewer, the better. The mock interviewer will often record the interview with a video camera.
Some career centers and career counselors also offer mock phone and online video interviews, and will record your interview on a tape recorder or with a webcam.
After the mock interview (which usually lasts about 30 minutes), the interviewer will then review the interview with you, and provide feedback.
Examples of Mock Interview Questions
The questions asked during a mock interview are typically the more general employer interview questions that are asked during a first round or screening interview.
However, for candidates who know what type of position, career field or industry they are interested in, job specific interview questions may be asked.
If you are using a mock interview to prepare for a job interview you have scheduled with a company, the interviewer may be able to ask you actual questions that are asked by hiring managers at the company. Glassdoor.com has company interview questions contributed by site visitors for many companies.
When you schedule a mock interview with your college career center or career coach provide them with as much information as possible about your interests and goals. The more information the counselor has, the better able he or she will be to tailor the questions to fit the actual interviews you will have.
For example, if you are searching for a tech job, the interviewer can ask a series of tech interview questions to familiarize you with the types of questions that will be asking and to help you frame good responses.
If you’re interviewing for a summer job, as another example, the interviewer can ask you the same questions you will be asked by the people who hire for summer positions.
Do take the time to prepare responses to the questions you will be asked during a mock interview.
This is an opportunity to practice interviewing and to make sure that you have the interview skills to make the best impression on your interview.
How to Prepare for a Mock Interview
Be sure to take your mock interview as seriously as you would an actual interview. Get ready for the interview just as you would for an interview with a hiring manager:
Arrive 10 – 15 minutes early, and bring your resume and any other materials you would bring to a real interview.
Bring a notebook to take notes on what your mock interviewer tells you.
Dress in professional interview attire You should also prepare answers to general interview questions before arriving. Here’s more information on mock interview questions including sample questions and answers you can review to get ready for your interview.
If you have a mock interview to prepare for a specific job or career field, also review these job-specific interview questions.
Mock interviews are an ideal way to practice for real job interviews, because you are in a situation that mirrors an actual interview with a company. When you review your interview with the interviewer, you’ll be able to modify your responses and interview behavior, if necessary.
Set Up Your Own In-Person Mock Interview
If you’re not in a situation where you can participate in a mock interview with a professional counselor, recruit a family member or friend to help you practice interviewing. The more you prepare, the more comfortable you will be with interviewing.
Benefits of Practice Interviews
Online practice interviews familiarize users with the interview process and allow users to practice answering common interview questions with confidence. Webcam practice interviews are particularly helpful in that you can review not only your answers, but your body language, eye contact, and interview attire.
Fee-Based Interview Programs
Be aware, however, that many of these online practice interview programs cost money, particularly the programs that record your interview or involve actual career counselors. Thoroughly review any online practice interview program; make sure the program offers what you want at a cost that fits your budget.
