When you're looking for a new job, one of the most important
factors in the hiring process is the job interview. It can also be the most
difficult aspect of a job search for some. With proper preparation,
particularly through a mock interview, job candidates can excel. Find out more
about mock interviews and how they can help you prepare for the real thing.
What Exactly Is a Mock Interview?
A practice interview, also known as a mock interview, is a
simulated session that can help you fine-tune your interview skills before
meeting with a potential employer or recruiter. Mock job interviews are usually
conducted by career counsellors based on the information you provide about your
potential employer and job description.
Finally, the mock interviewer gives you feedback on your
performance in order to identify areas for improvement. In addition to the
personalized assessment provided by the career counsellor, filming mock
interviews can assist you in tracking nonverbal behaviour such as eye contact,
body language, and posture.
3 Benefits of Mock Interviews
A practice interview can help you land a job. Here are a few
advantages:
1. They provide constructive feedback on your performance.
Career services understand what employers look for in an interviewee and can
help you impress your interviewer. Interview practice can help you improve not
only your answers, but also your body language, eye contact, and overall
demeanour.
2. They prepare you for unexpected questions in interviews. You
will be prepared for anything the actual interviewer throws at you if you work
with a mock interviewer to improve your interviewing skills. Due to a lack of
confidence, you may feel frazzled during a big interview if you haven't
practiced.
3. They encourage you to become more at ease with the
interview process. Running through a practice round in a realistic interview
setting allows you to become acquainted with the interview process and gain
confidence in your interviewing abilities. As a result, you have a better
chance of striking a more natural, conversational tone during the interview.
How to Prepare for a Mock Interview
Here are some tips for making the most of your mock
interview:
Bring a copy of your resume and cover letter with you. Your
mock interviewer can point out flaws in your materials and tailor mock
interview questions to your work experience and skill set. You should also
bring any additional materials that you would bring to a real job interview,
such as portfolios, writing samples, or references.
Prepare a list of questions for the interviewer. In order to
demonstrate thoughtfulness and personality, ask your interviewer compelling
questions. These questions will also help you understand the company culture
and work environment on a daily basis. Although your mock interviewer will be
unable to answer questions about your potential position, they will be able to
provide feedback on the quality of your questions and the impression they may
leave on your real interviewer. If you're stuck for ideas, read the company's
mission statement and come up with questions about the company's values and
goals. You should also inquire about job specifics based on the job
description.
Dress in business attire. Treat your mock interview like an
actual interview to get the most out of it. To simulate real-world conditions,
dress professionally. As an added bonus, this can assist you in determining
what you are most comfortable and confident in wearing when you meet with the
hiring manager.
Keep a notepad and a pen nearby. One of the most valuable
aspects of mock interviews is constructive feedback. Bring a notepad and pen to
take notes on their comments so you can remember how to improve for your actual
interview.
Prepare responses to commonly asked interview questions.
Consider potential interview questions and answers ahead of time so you have a
solid foundation to build on with mock interview feedback. Make sure your
responses are relevant to the job and explain why you are the best candidate
for the position.
11 Mock Interview Question Examples
You should provide thoughtful, genuine answers tailored to
the specific requirements of the position in both a mock interview and a real
interview. Look up sample answers relevant to your field to help you craft your
responses. Rehearse your responses based on your previous experiences. When
answering behavioural interview questions about your behaviour in a given
situation, use the STAR method: describe the situation, the task you performed,
the actions you took, and the outcome. Here are some sample interview
questions:
1. "How do you deal with stressful situations?"
"For this question, you should have a realistic answer in order to appear
genuine. Consider times when you felt overwhelmed but were able to overcome the
stress with effective coping strategies. This demonstrates to an interviewer
that you can deal with unexpected situations.
2. "Tell me about yourself," is a broad interview
question that allows you to sell yourself to a potential employer. Instead of
repeating your résumé, prepare a brief pitch that highlights your career goals,
skill set, and prior experiences as a candidate. Make sure your pitch includes
information pertinent to the position.
3. "What are your salary goals?" Prepare for this
question ahead of time by researching average salaries for similar positions
and developing a salary range to share with your potential employer. Keep the
bottom of your salary range close to what you hope to earn, given your work
experience, education, and whether it's an entry-level position.
4. "What is your strongest suit?" Concrete
examples help with behavioural interview questions like this one. Rather than
listing a laundry list of positive characteristics, choose a few that are
relevant to the role and illustrate them with examples that the interviewer
will remember.
5. "What is the biggest weakness you have?"
Employers can assess your level of self-awareness using this interview
question. Select a response that accurately reflects you while not jeopardizing
your employment prospects. Also, give examples of your efforts to get better in
this area. An employer might view it as a warning sign if you confess to having
a weakness or if you deny having any.
6. "How do you like to work?" Interviewers are
interested in your work style and how well you get along with the rest of the
team. Describe your working style in positive terms, giving examples from your
prior employment of your work ethic, teamwork, leadership, and communication.
7. What inspires you? Consider previous positions where you
felt driven to succeed and list the traits those positions shared. The
interviewer will be able to tell that you can thrive in the position and
maintain enthusiasm for the work if you can provide examples and connect them
to characteristics of the potential job.
8. "What is your ideal career?" In a similar vein,
a potential employer might inquire, "Where do you see yourself in 10
years?" Do your long-term career goals and this position align? is the
same question that each of these questions answers. Your potential employer
will be more confident that you want to put effort into the job if they think
the position makes sense for your desired career path.
9. "What led you to leave your current position?"
When faced with questions like this during an interview, remain positive and
refrain from disparaging your former employer. Start with an example response
like "I'm looking for new opportunities for growth." Then, describe
how the prospective employer could help you achieve your career goals more so
than your previous position.
10. "What draws you to this position?" Consider your contributions to the discussion. Describe not only your qualifications for the position but also why you would succeed at this specific company. Mention specific aspects of the workplace atmosphere or company culture that you find appealing.
11. "Why should we employ you? Although this question might seem intimidating, use it as a chance to explain why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Describe your unique qualities and why you would be a good fit for the company.
