Practice/Mock Interview Prep
Practicing your interview skills through a Practice/Mock Interview is essential for success. Not only will you be evaluated on your answers, but also on your non-verbal characteristics. Do you fidget? Do you have proper eye contact? Are you able to engage in conversation?
Prepare for a Mock Interview
- Have a job description in mind, better yet, share it with the person conducting your Practice/Mock Interview.
- Bring a copy of your resume for the person conducting your Practice/Mock Interview
- The person conducting the Practice/Mock Interview will share feedback and notes on the Practice/Mock Interview Form.
You will be evaluated on the following criteria:
INTRODUCTION
- Introduced self appropriately
- Greeted with firm handshake or appropriate greeting
- Arrived punctually (early or on time)
- Good eye contact
INTERVIEW CONTENT
- Stated experience and skills clearly and in concrete terms
- Avoided giving inappropriate information (personal problems, negative feelings about past employers, etc.)
- Answered questions adequately and communicated clearly
- Content shared was relevant
- Knew about company and job/program requirements
INTERVIEW SKILLS & TECHNIQUES
- Was appropriately dressed and groomed
- Had an appropriate attitude
- Used proper body language
- Exhibited good pacing, conciseness in responses
- Spoke at audible level; no slang or space fillers (i.e. “um”)
- Maintained good eye contact throughout interview
CLOSING
- Had questions for interviewer (at least 2 questions about employment or business/service)
- Asked about next steps
- Offered to follow-up on interview
- Offered final handshake or appropriate closing and thank you
INTERVIEW DOCUMENTS
- Completed application packet
- Appropriate, relevant information
- Neatness
- Organized
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
- Tell me about yourself. | How would you describe yourself? | How would others describe you?
- Tell me what you know about our organization. Why are you interested in this position?
- What are your skills or strengths?
- In what areas do you need to improve? | What do you consider your biggest weakness?
- How do you think a friend or professor who knows you well would describe you?
- What accomplishment has given you the greatest satisfaction?
- What is the toughest challenge you have faced? Why?
- Tell me about a time when you had a major problem and explain how you dealt with it. A good follow-up question to this might be: How would you handle the same situation differently now?
- Tell me about a time when you worked with someone you disliked and how you handled the situation.
- What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
- Why did you choose this particular career field?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- We’re interviewing a number of qualified candidates for this position, why should I hire you?
*Completing a practice/mock interview is equal to 6pts for Viking Score*