What is a Mock Interview?

The mock interview refers to a practice interview. It is the rehearsal of a job interview. Job seekers get an opportunity to have an insight into the questions they will need to answer in the actual job interview. Also, candidates get feedback about their interviewing skills at the end of the session. 

Generally, the candidates go through a practice session with an experienced career counsellor. The mock interview enables students to learn the techniques for answering complex questions that they may across in real job interview. 

The career counsellor discusses different interview strategies so that candidates could improve their communication skills. Mock interviews also help students to avoid stress before the actual interview.

The interviewers may employ a semi-structured pattern instead of coming up with a formal set of questions. 

Read More: Top Interview Questions with their Best Answers

Face to Face Mock Interviews

Several colleges, educational institutes and career centres encourage students to appear for a face to face mock interview sessions. The college students or graduates need to contact their career office or counsellor for relevant details to check if their institute provides this opportunity. 

Those who are not part of any college or educational institute, they can approach a career counsellor or coach. It’s better to have a practice session before an actual interview. 

The first step is to book an appointment with a mock interviewer. You can provide them with relevant information such as the details about a particular company, which has invited you for the interview.

In this way, the mock interviewer can tailor pertinent questions for you that may help you in the actual interview. For better results, you must give specific details to the mock interviewer or career counsellor. 

The counsellors often do the video recording of the sessions. A few counsellors and mock interviewers provide the option of mock interviews via online video and phone. They also record these interviews.

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Usually, the duration of the mock interview is 30-minutes. After the meeting, the interviewer evaluates your performance and gives feedback. 

Mock Interview Questions Examples

In the mock interview sessions, interviewers generally ask questions that are part of the actual initial job interview. However, if candidates have a specific idea about the type of job, industry or career prospect, they may get job-specific questions during the session.

Mock interviews provide candidates with a platform for the preparation of the actual job interview. 

In the session, the interviewers may ask you questions that hiring managers ask you for a particular job position. It is in your best interest that you provide all the information about your career goals and ambitions before scheduling the session.

For instance, if you are looking for a tech position in an organization, the interviewer may present a set of tech interview questions. In this way, the mock interviewers will familiarize you with the nature of questions. They will help you to prepare an appropriate response to these questions. 

Read More: What Are the Common Questions for an Internship Interview?

Similarly, if you plan to appear for a summer job, the mock interviewers may ask the questions that you will come across in the actual interview for this position. It is an excellent opportunity for you to prepare yourself in advance. Make sure you come up with specific responses to the question.

Also, the mock interview sessions will generate confidence in your conversation. When you have an idea as to how to answer the question, you won’t hesitate during the actual job interview. The purpose of mock interviews is to enhance your interview skills so that you could make a good impression. 

Preparation for a Mock Interview

Do not appear for a mock interview with a casual approach. You need to take this interview session seriously. Excellent performance in the mock interview may brighten your chances of success in the real interview. Before going for the session, think as if you appear for the actual interview. 

• Plan your journey well before the scheduled time, and arrive at least 15 minutes early. 
• Bring your CV and other relevant documents that you may require for the original interview.
• Take a notebook and pen with you so that you could note down the essential points. 
• Make sure you are in professional dress code. 

Additionally, you need to prepare answers to general interview questions before appearing for the session. The general interview questions relate to your academic career and professional experience.

Read More: Best Ways to Explain Your Weakness in the Interview

The interviewers also ask you questions as to how you deal with a particular situation. If your interview is for a particular position or a field, do some research about the job-related interview questions. 

Mock interviews prove to be effective to practice for the actual job interview. You assume yourself in a situation where you are answering the interview questions in original settings.

When you analyze your interview in light of the counsellor’s feedback, you are in a position to improve your responses and body gestures. 

Organize Your Face to Face Mock Interview

If you have decided to appear for a mock interview with a professional interviewer, you can ask one of your family members or friends to assist you in practising the interview. Spend more time in preparation. Your comfort level during the interview depends upon your preparation.

You would focus on providing appropriate responses to the questions. Likewise, it is equally important to use an appropriate tone or body gestures while answering the interview questions. 

Advantages of Practice Interviews

Online mock interviews give candidates an idea about the interview process. These interviews also enable you to practice responding to frequently asked interview questions confidently.

Online video mock interviews help you to evaluate not only your responses, but the overall body gestures, interview dress, and eye-contact. 

Read More: What Is a Pre-screening Interview?

Fee-Based Interview Sessions 

You need to carefully review your online practice interview sessions as you have to pay for these programs. Choose the program that is easily affordable for you. 

Final Word

Mock interviews provide you with a practice platform. The professional counsellors conduct these interviews and ask the questions that hiring managers ask you in the actual meeting.