MOCK INTERVIEW

MOCK INTERVIEW

A typical mock interview is a practice job interview held with a professional career counselor.  It is a simulation of an actual job interview. It provides job seekers an opportunity to practice for an actual interview and receive feedback on their interviewing skills. Mock interview is an ideal way to practice for real job interviews.

       i.          Importance of Mock interview

Mock interviews are very helpful for any aspirants as it gives a good practice to him. It helps

a.      To learn how to answer difficult questions.

b.     To develop interview strategies.

c.      To improve your communication skills.

d.     To reduce stress before an actual job interview.

e.      To practice answering common interview questions with confidence.

f.      To help enhancing knowledge for body language, eye contact, and interview attire.

     ii.          Tips for Preparing to a Mock Interview

The key aspect is that one should take the mock interview as seriously as the final interview. Candidate should prepare all the technical aspects required and take a look at the most common and most frequently asked questions in the type of interview that you are attending.

a.      Suitable Environment

Make sure the mock interview location simulates the actual interview. The environment should be noise-free and be similar to the type of background that would be seen in the office that you are going to attend the interview for.

b.     Formal Attire

It is a must and obvious rule to dress formally and present yourself impressively for any interview. Make sure dressing up formally in the mock interview also.

c.      Punctuality

Keep good time during mock interview also. Practice coming on time for the mock interviews will help you to be punctual at the time of  the actual interview. Please remember to plan to reach the destination 15-30 minutes before the scheduled time.

d.     Self-Assessment

No matter how much feedback you get from the mock interviewer, make sure that you also analyze your performance. Try to think of the things that you have been satisfied with during the mock interview and the things that you are not. If possible, record the mock interview and carefully go through it later. This way, you can take a look at your body language, communication skills, etc. for further improvement.

e.      Constructive Criticism

Asks your interviewer to assess the positives and negatives of your performance in the mock interview. Make a note of every point. Later, work on every negative point so that you can excel in the final interview.

   iii.          How to conduct a mock interview

a.      Scheduling mock interview

Before conducting a mock interview, you should set a date, time and venue of mock interview. Candidates should be informed at least a week before the date.

b.     Note your first impression

If you are familiar with the candidate then your first challenge is to behave as if you are meeting him first time. Be formal and in your role perfectly.

c.      Note what the student brings

Check all the things and documents of the candidate before starting mock interview and note everything on a paper for discussion after the session.

d.     Note their attire

Take care of attire of the candidate. Check whether he is in formal and neat attire. Give negative remark in your note if he is not following the dress code.

e.      Ask variety of questions

Structure the interview very well and list the questions. Choose variety of questions related to personal, professional or behaviour.

f.      Note silence

While asking questions you should also note the silence of the intwerviewee. It helps him later for better preparation of interview.

g.     Discuss pay

Don’t forget to discuss this point. Salary negotiation is an art and interviewee should be confident while discussing salary.

h.     Debrief one-on-one

The last part of any mock interview is the debrief. Debriefing means you bring the student back into the interview area and discuss the interview with them.