Mock Interviews

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT

Mock Interviewing Program

Practice makes perfect! We've all heard this phrase whenever we've tried to master a new skill. While "perfect" may be hard to define when discussing employment interviewing, it is certainly imperative that job seekers practice their interviewing skills. In addition to the readings, videos, and workshops available, the Center for Career Services can help job seekers improve their skills by simulating an interview. The following questions and answers will explain this valuable service.

Q: Can mock interviews really help?
A: Without a doubt! Candidates must feel confident and in control whenever they meet an employer representative, either in a short "screening" interview or a lengthier "selection" interview. Without the feedback that a mock interview features, how can an interviewing beginner know how to evaluate his/her performance and take corrective action? Certainly, there is the "learn by experience" pathway, but too often mistakes are repeated because the candidate is ignorant of what constitutes a mistake!

Watch a video on the value of a mock interview which was presented as part of a career development series in the iSchool in the Spring of 2008.

Q: Who is eligible? Who should use this service?
A: All students and alumni/ae who can visit the Center may take advantage of the Mock Interviewing Program. Anyone anticipating an interview for an internship, co-op, summer job, or permanent position should consider using the service.

Q: When are practice sessions available? How long does a mock interview take? How can a mock interviewing session be scheduled?
A: Mock interviews are available year-round and require a one-hour commitment. They may be scheduled by visiting the Center or calling 443-3616. Students should not wait until they have real interviews already scheduled to begin practicing, especially since appointments often need to be arranged a week or more in advance and may seldom align with the time frame during which a real interview will occur.

Q: What preparation is recommended? What should be brought to the appointment? Is dressing up required?
A: Mock interviews are sometimes scheduled prematurely before a student is really ready. Attending a workshop, reading up on interviewing, viewing related videos, and even discussing interviewing strategies and expectations can help prepare people to succeed in simulated interviews.

At the point a mock interview is scheduled, students will be instructed to email a resume and the job description of the position for which they wish to be interviewed to the advisor with whom the appointment has been made no later than 24 hours before the appointment. This allows the advisor to prepare to play his or her role effectively. The more thought and preparation students invest in a scenario, the more prepared they will be to treat the experience as "the real thing." This can include research of a real employer to simulate what should occur in advance of any interview.

Although dressing up helps simulate a real situation, it is not required for a mock interview unless the mock is a class assignment that has required dressing for the interview.

Q: What options are available? What will actually happen?
A: Students have a choice between recording a simulation using a web cam, or simply having the consultant take notes to use for feedback. Both are valuable. However, a recording reveals non-verbal elements of the candidate's performance that can be important in an employer's evaluation. Consultants should be able to email the file for review at home after suggestions have been offered for improvement.

The hour is usually broken out into three parts: a short discussion of scenario and expectations, an actual simulation of 20-30 minutes, and time for review and constructive suggestions.

Do your career a favor and use mock interviewing to help you succeed!