If you could prepare and practice for your upcoming job interview with the correct interview questions and strategies, wouldn’t you jump on this opportunity? Of course, you would! This is where mock interviews come in.
By utilizing mock interviews with interview coaching, you will be able to gain the real-world experience and practice necessary to help you feel confident and prepared for your actual job interview.
In this post, we’re going to discuss what a mock interview is and how you can prepare for a real interview. We’ll go over some interview tips to make the most out of your interview experience.
What Is a Mock Interview?
A mock interview is a practice job interview that simulates a real job interview in every way, from the questions that are asked, to the format and setting of the real interview.
Mock interviews are conducted by professional interview coaches, whether virtually or in-person and can be recorded so you can review your performance and get feedback. Here at The Resume Rescue, our team of interview coaches will carry out your mock interview in a professional setting virtually.
Mock interviews are an excellent way to gain interview experience, identify strengths and weaknesses, and build confidence.
What Are the Benefits of a Mock Interview?
There are many benefits of mock interviews, but here are some of the most important ones:
Gain Real-World Experience
Nothing beats a good ol’ experience. When it comes to interviews, practice makes perfect. By going through a mock interview, you’ll get a feel for what an actual job interview is like and won’t be as surprised or caught off guard during your real job interview.
Identify Strengths and Weaknesses
We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important to know what they are before going into an interview. That way, you can play to your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
A mock interview is a perfect opportunity to do just that. After your mock interview, take some time to reflect on how you did and what areas you need to work on. Then, you can create a plan to improve those areas.
Build Confidence
If you’re not confident going into an interview, it’ll show. And unfortunately, if you don’t have confidence in yourself, the interviewer won’t either. This is why it’s so important to build confidence before your job interview.
With a mock interview, you can practice your interview skills and build the confidence you need to ace your real job interview.
How To Prepare For a Mock Interview
Now that we’ve gone over what a mock interview is and the benefits of one, it’s time to give you some tips on how to prepare for your mock interview. Trust us, following these tips will make a world of difference.
Choose the Best Interviewer
When it comes to mock interviews, you want to make sure you choose the best interviewer. Ideally, you want to choose an interviewer who is experienced in conducting interviews and can give you constructive feedback.
Take Your Time Answering Questions
We know you’re nervous and want to get the mock interview over with, but you must take your time to answer the questions. Not only does this show that you’re taking the mock interview seriously, but it also allows you to think through your answers and give a well-thought-out response.
Choose a Professional Setting
While you may be tempted to do your mock interview in a noisy area such as a coffee shop, we recommend finding a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. This will help you focus and do your best. Opt for a home office, work office, or quiet area in your home. Therefore, finding a quiet and comfortable place to sit is key for a successful mock interview.
Bring Your Resume and Other Materials
A well-written and executed resume is your cheat sheet and should be prepared before your interview. Review your resume thoroughly to make sure it is error-free and up-to-date. Other materials you should bring to your mock interview include a list of references, a portfolio of your work (if applicable), and a notepad and pen to take notes.
Review Interview Criteria
The interviewer will be looking for certain qualities and characteristics during the mock interview. It’s important to review the criteria beforehand. This way, you’ll know what to focus on and how to prepare your answers.
Know the Company
You should always do research on a company before an interview, and a mock interview is no exception. Learn as much as you can about the company’s culture, values, mission, and goals. This will not only help you prepare for questions about the company but also show the interviewer that you’re invested in the role.
Practice, Practice, Practice
As we mentioned earlier, practice makes perfect. The more mock interviews you do, the better prepared you’ll be for your real job interview. Don’t forget to practice your body language and nonverbal cues as well.
Record It & Make Improvements
Once the mock interview is over, take some time to review it. How did you do? What could you have done better? Use this feedback to make improvements for next time.
Mock Interviews End With a Critique
Not only are resume critiques necessary but so is a mock interview debrief or critique. This is where your interview coach will go over your performance and give you feedback on what you did well and what areas need improvement.
These mock interview tips are just the tip of the iceberg. Use these as a starting point to help with your mock interview preparation and make the most of it. With a little preparation and practice, you’ll be well on your way to nailing your real job interview.
7 Common Interview Questions
Now that we’ve gone over some mock interview tips, let’s take a look at some common interview questions you might be asked.
Tell Me About Yourself
This is often the first question asked in an interview, which is why it’s important to have a great answer prepared. Keep your answer brief and to the point, highlighting your most relevant qualifications for the role.
What Are Your Strengths?
This is an opportunity to sell yourself, so don’t be afraid to brag a little. Choose qualities that are relevant to the job and provide examples to back them up. These examples should include a problem that you provided the solution to and how you did it.
What Are Your Weaknesses?
No one is perfect, and it’s okay to admit that you have weaknesses. Just be sure to frame them in a positive light. For example, if you’re not the best at public speaking, you could say that you’re working on your communication skills or taking a class to improve your confidence.
What Are Your Career Goals?
Your answer to this question should align with the company’s goals and values. For example, if you’re interviewing for a job at a startup, you could say that you’re looking for an opportunity to grow with a company.
Why Does This Role Interest You?
This is another chance to sell yourself and show that you’re knowledgeable about the company. Be sure to mention what you like about the company culture, values, or mission. You could also talk about how this role will help you meet your career goals.
What Do You Know About Our Company?
Your research on the company will come in handy here. This is your chance to show that you’re knowledgeable about the company and are invested in the role.
What Questions Do You Have for Me?
Take this chance to ask about the company culture, values, or anything else that you’re curious about. You can also ask about the role to see if it’s a good fit for you while also showcasing your interest.
Ready To Get Started With Interview Coaching?
Mock interviews are the golden ticket to nailing your real job interview. By following the above tips on how to prepare for a mock interview, you can capitalize on this strategy and set yourself up for success.
If you’re ready to get started with expert interview coaching, we’d be happy to help. At The Resume Rescue, we offer interview coaching services to help you land your dream job.
