Mock Interview: 3 Benefits of a Mock Interview

A mock interview, also called a practice interview, is a simulated session that can help you refine your interview skills before you meet your potential employer or recruiter. Usually, career counselors facilitate mock job interviews based on the information you provide about your potential employer and job description.

At the end, the mock interviewer provides feedback on your performance to identify areas of improvement. In addition to the career counselor’s personalized assessment, filming mock interviews can help you track nonverbal behavior like eye contact, body language, and posture.

A mock interview can help you get hired. Here are a few benefits:

1. 1. They allow you to get constructive feedback on your performance. Career services know what employers look for in an interviewee and can maximize your chances of impressing your interviewer. Not only can interview practice refine your answers, but it can also improve body language, eye contact, and general demeanor.
2. 2. They prepare you for curveballs in actual interviews. If you work with a mock interviewer to improve your interviewing skills, you will prepare for anything the actual interviewer throws at you. Without practice, you may feel frazzled during a big interview due to a lack of confidence.
3. 3. They push you to get more comfortable with the interview process. By running through a practice round in a realistic interview setting, you familiarize yourself with the interview process and develop confidence in your interviewing skills. As a result, you increase your chances of having a more natural, conversational tone during the actual interview process.

Here is how to make the most of your mock interview:

• Bring a copy of your résumé and cover letter. Your mock interviewer can highlight weaknesses in your materials and tailor mock interview questions based on your work history and skill set. You should also bring anything else you would bring to the real job interview, such as portfolios, writing samples, or references.
• Come ready with a list of questions for the interviewer. Ask your interviewer compelling questions to show thoughtfulness and personality. These questions will also help you understand the company culture and day-to-day work environment. Even though your mock interviewer cannot answer questions about your potential position, they can offer feedback on the quality of your questions and the impression they may leave on your real interviewer. If you don’t know where to start, read the company’s mission statement and come up with questions related to company values and goals. You should also ask about job specifics based on information in the job description.
• Dress in professional attire. To get the most out of your mock interview experience, treat it like an actual interview. Dress professionally to simulate real conditions. As a bonus, this can help you find what you find most comfortable and feel confident wearing when you meet the hiring manager.
• Have a notepad and pen handy. Constructive feedback is one of the most valuable elements of mock interviews. Bring a notepad and pen and take notes on their comments, so you can remember what improvements to make for your actual interview.
• Prepare answers to common interview questions. Think through potential interview questions and answers in advance, so you have a strong foundation to build on with your mock interview feedback. Ensure your answers relate to the job and articulate why you are an ideal candidate for the particular role.

For a mock interview and a real interview, you want to provide thoughtful, genuine answers tailored to the specific requirements of the position. To help you craft your responses, look up sample answers relevant to your field. Rehearse your answers based on your past experiences. For behavioral interview questions—which ask about your conduct in a given situation—structure your responses using the STAR method: describe the situation, the task you performed, the actions you took, and the result. Here are a few mock interview questions to expect:

1. 1. “How do you handle stressful situations?” For this question, you want to have a realistic answer so you appear genuine. Think of instances when you felt overwhelmed but successfully overcame the stress with strong coping strategies. This shows an interviewer that you can handle unexpected situations.
2. 2. “Tell me about yourself.” This is a vague interview question that gives you an opportunity to pitch yourself to your potential employer. Instead of repeating your résumé, prepare a brief pitch that mentions your career goals, skill set, and prior experiences that highlight your strength as a candidate. Ensure your pitch contains information relevant for the position.
3. 3. “What are your salary expectations?” Prepare for this question in advance by researching average salaries for similar positions, and finalize a salary range that you can share with your potential employer. Be realistic given your work experience, education, and whether it's an entry-level position, but keep the bottom of your salary range close to what you hope to earn.
4. 4. “What is your greatest strength?” Behavioral interview questions like this benefit from concrete examples. Rather than listing off positive attributes, pick a few traits pertinent to the role and illustrate them with examples that the interviewer will remember.
5. 5. “What is your greatest weakness?” This interview question helps employers evaluate your self-awareness. Pick an answer that is an honest representation of you but won’t threaten your employability. Also, demonstrate how you have worked to improve in this area. If you deny you have any weakness or share one that calls your ability to question, an employer may consider that a red flag.
6. 6. “What is your work style?” Interviewers want to know how you work and whether you fit in with existing team members. Explain your work style in positive terms, highlighting examples of work ethic, collaboration, leadership, and communication in your previous work experiences.
7. 7. “What motivates you?” Think about past jobs where you felt motivated to succeed and identify what they had in common. If you can cite examples and tie them back to features of the potential job, the interviewer will see that can thrive in the position and maintain enthusiasm for the work.
8. 8. “What’s your dream job?” Similarly, an interviewer may ask something like, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” These questions answer the same thing: Do your long-term career goals align with this position? If your potential employer believes the position makes sense on your desired career path, they will have more confidence that you want to invest in the job.
9. 9. “Why are you leaving your current job?” For interview questions like this, keep things positive and avoid badmouthing your former employer. An example answer to start with is, “I am looking for new opportunities for growth.” Then, explain why the potential employer could further your career goals more than your last job.
10. 10. “Why do you want to work here?” Think about what you bring to the table. Address not only what makes you a good fit for the job but why you would thrive at this particular company. Mention specific features of the company culture or work environment that appeal to you.
11. 11. “Why should we hire you?” Though this question may sound intimidating, take it as an opportunity to highlight why you would be a perfect fit for the job. Explain what sets you apart and why you would fit in at the company.

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