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*

Practice/Mock Interview Worksheet