Mock interviews are an excellent way to prepare for your actual interview, especially if you’re new to the hiring process or get easily intimidated. They allow you to simulate being interviewed in a familiar environment with people you feel comfortable with, who can provide constructive feedback.
In this article, we will closely examine the meaning of a mock interview, discuss its benefits, show you how to conduct one, and provide sample answers to the most commonly asked questions.
Key Takeaways
A mock interview can prepare you for your interaction with a recruiter, refine your delivery, and improve your overall performance.
To prepare for it, choose the right setting, research the role and company, and use a list of common questions.
You should also record your performance, review it, and ask for feedback.
What Is a Mock Interview?
A mock interview is a practice job interview that provides an opportunity to simulate and prepare for an interaction with a recruiter. In this process, you become more comfortable answering questions, refine your delivery, and receive valuable feedback on your overall presentation.
Essentially, mock interviews are interview roleplays; you select a person to play a recruiter, give them the questions to ask, and then go through the entire interviewing process. Once you finish, they can share their thoughts on your performance, or you can ask for specific advice.
The most important part comes after: reflection on the mock interview. Though interview simulations are excellent for your confidence, their true benefit lies in the information they provide, which can help you perfect your performance.
Types of Mock Interviews
To have a mock interview, you need someone to play the role of a recruiter. Practically anyone can do this, but here are some of the most common choices:
Career counsellor, who may give particularly useful advice and tips, considering their job is helping people advance their careers. Make sure to find one with experience in your particular field.
Mentor, usually a more experienced professional in your field, who has already had similar interviews. As a result, they can advise you on how to behave and give you specific tips.
Colleague, preferably someone who has already held the position you’re applying for. In such cases, they can offer you excellent advice based on their personal experience.
Friend, who will create a more relaxing atmosphere, which might help you go through the more difficult questions with greater ease.
Family member, who, similarly to a friend, may provide emotional support as you prepare and give you their insight on questions where you have to describe yourself.
Why Do a Mock Interview: 5 Benefits You Shouldn’t Miss
The benefits of mock interviews include the following:
Confidence boost. Simulating the actual interview step by step will help you become better acquainted with the entire process and build confidence. As a result, once you attend the actual interview, you won’t feel like you’re on unfamiliar grounds; instead, you’ll fall back on the experience you’ve gained during practice.
Opportunity to receive constructive feedback. The only way to learn what kind of impression you’re giving is to ask, and it’s best to direct those questions at someone who genuinely wants to help. Once you receive the feedback, you can incorporate the advice into your answers and behaviours and rehearse again.
Rehearsing common interview questions. Writing down your answers to common interview questions may not be enough; it might be beneficial to say them out loud. That way, you can work on your delivery to maximise their impact and improve your confidence.
Communication skill improvement. Mock interviews can help you become a better communicator, as they challenge you to actively think about and evaluate your interpersonal skills. They also ask you to listen to feedback and refine your strategy accordingly, which can help you immensely in all your professional communication.
Reduced interview anxiety. The more you practise and boost your confidence before the interview, the less nervous you’ll be when it arrives. Though some anxiety is to be expected regardless, it won’t be as debilitating as it might have been without rehearsal.
How to Prepare for a Mock Interview
To prepare for a mock interview, you should choose the right setting, research the role and company, and use a list of common interview questions. Afterwards, you should also review your recorded performance and get feedback from a mentor or career coach.
Now, let’s examine these interview preparation tips in more detail:
#1. Choose the Right Setting
When conducting a mock interview, choose a setting that most closely resembles your actual interview. It may not be possible to rent an office space or a conference hall, but you can place a work desk and chairs in a quiet room to create a similar atmosphere.
#2. Research the Role and Company
Although the mock interview isn’t the real deal, you should prepare for it like it is and research the company and the role. The entire experience will be far more authentic if you answer and behave exactly like you would in the actual interview, and you surely wouldn’t go unprepared.
#3. Use a List of Common Interview Questions
Prepare a list of the most common interview questions for your mock interview practice and have the interviewer go through them. They don’t have to ask every single question, but they should target the more difficult ones to help you rehearse your answers and give you constructive feedback.
#4. Record and Review Your Performance
Use a smartphone or another device to record the audio or film the entire mock interview. This footage will be a goldmine of information later; you can review it with your mock interviewer or on your own and note any potential areas for improvement.
#5. Get Feedback From a Mentor or Career Coach
Asking your mentor or a career coach to participate in the mock interview might be the best idea, but even if you haven’t done that, you can still receive their feedback. Send them the recording and ask for constructive criticism. They will surely point out your strengths and weaknesses, which can help you tweak your performance.
Top 9 Common Mock Interview Questions and How to Answer Them
The most common mock interview questions are those typically used in an actual interview: questions about your strengths, weaknesses, goals, motivations, experiences, and skills.
Below, we will explore some of these questions and give example answers for a mock interview:
#1. Tell me about yourself
The “Tell me about yourself” question is usually asked at the beginning of the interview to ease you into the conversation and determine which of your skills and experiences you consider most noteworthy.
Here is how you may answer it:
Good Answer
“I am a graphic designer with seven years of experience creating visual content for various businesses, ensuring that each piece aligns with their brand. I began my career as a freelancer, which taught me how to communicate effectively with clients, and then I joined a marketing agency to pursue better opportunities.
While working there, I collaborated with content writers, marketing specialists, and other designers, which strengthened my teamwork skills overall. I was also recognised for my outstanding performance and the ability to deliver excellent designs on short notice.”
#2. Why should we hire you?
This question is, essentially, an invitation to pitch your skills and experiences by tying them to the requirements of the new position. As a result, you should present yourself as an ideal candidate with all the right qualifications.
So, you might say something like this:
Good Answer
“I am creative, efficient, and always ready to rise up to the challenge. In my seven years of experience, I’ve learned to work both independently and as part of a team, and have become proficient in client communication and brand awareness. Furthermore, I’ve always been praised for my ability to deliver high-quality designs before the deadline.”
#3. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
The infamous strengths and weaknesses question can be challenging to answer, so we recommend paying particular attention to it during a mock interview. While the strengths part is fairly straightforward, make sure to choose weaknesses that won’t significantly impact your image.
Here’s what that may look like:
Good Answer
“My strengths lie in my communicative nature, hardworking attitude, and willingness to learn and improve my skills. However, I often struggle with overcommitting, so I take on new tasks even when I have plenty on my plate already. This has caused me to burn out in the past, but I’ve been working on that lately and learning to say no when I’m spread too thin.”
#4. Where do you see yourself in five years?
The point of this interview question is to gauge your motivation and determine whether it aligns with the company’s direction and needs.
So, consider saying something like this:
Good Answer
“I see myself in a dynamic work environment, working with bigger and more challenging clients and creating more innovative designs that align with their vision. I would like to help a client create their brand identity from scratch and lead a team of junior designers as we take on larger and more exciting projects.”
#5. How would your boss/coworkers describe you?
Recruiters will ask you this if they want to discuss your strengths, such as your communication skills, organisation, leadership, and reliability. If you are in touch with your former coworkers, you can ask them directly, but you can also just highlight some of your traits on your own.
Here’s a good answer:
Good Answer
“My coworkers would describe me as creative, hardworking, and efficient, particularly when working under pressure. They have regularly commented on my ability to deliver fantastic designs on short notice and often asked for help and suggestions on their own projects.”
#6. Tell me about a time you had a conflict with someone on your team
Behavioural interview questions like these are quite common because they allow recruiters to assess your responses to real-life situations. As a result, they can garner information about your character and skills far more effectively than if they ask about them directly.
Here’s how you can answer such a question:
Good Answer
“I collaborated on a project with a colleague whose work style didn’t align with mine. We began clashing, and our teamwork suffered. Rather than let this go on, I initiated an honest discussion with him, explaining my issue and listening to his side. We concluded that it was best to divide responsibilities and work separately, while checking in regularly.
The compromise was an excellent choice because we completed the entire project before the deadline and maintained a respectful and friendly relationship afterwards.”
#7. Can you explain the employment gap in your CV?
If you’ve been unemployed for some time, it’s wise to practise your answer to this question, as recruiters are likely to ask it. Even if you don’t want to discuss the details, don’t try to evade the answer; be honest and direct, but keep personal information private.
You could say something along these lines:
Good Answer
“I had to take some time to be the primary caretaker in my family due to a family member’s health issues. I’m glad I was there for them, but I am eager to return to the workforce and put my skills to good use.”
#8. Why do you want to work here?
While making a livelihood is the obvious answer, you should highlight some specific reasons you’ve chosen to apply for a company. The best approach is to mention its values, company culture, work environment, or any other aspect that aligns with your preferences.
For example, you can say something similar to this:
Good Answer
“Your company collaborates with some of the biggest and most interesting clients, from a designer’s point of view. I would love to be a part of their projects and use my creativity to contribute to their vision.”
#9. Do you have any questions for us?
The answer to this question should always be a yes, followed by a question related to the company, the position, or the working environment. That’s how you show genuine enthusiasm for the role, which recruiters appreciate.
Here’s a sample answer:
Good Answer
“I do have some questions. What is a typical workday like for someone in my position?”
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Before you can secure an interview, you need a standout application to catch recruiters’ eyes. You can use our CV builder to create one within minutes by simply following the instructions, entering the required information, and selecting a suitable CV template.
If you’d rather write your application from scratch, take a look at our CV examples for some inspiration. We have a vast selection of options for various industries, positions, and career levels, so you’ll surely find something that suits you.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have a better understanding of mock interviews, you surely understand why many candidates use them as a vital preparation technique. You should try it, too; just remember to treat it as seriously and professionally as you would the actual interview!
Mock Interview FAQ
#1. What is the purpose of a mock interview?
The purpose of a mock interview is to practise your answers, gain confidence, and receive feedback on your performance. All this will help you prepare for the actual interview and minimise the chances of freezing up due to nerves.
#2. What questions are asked in a mock interview?
Questions asked in a mock interview are the same ones typically asked in a real interview; the goal is to choose the most common ones that will likely come up. You can also focus on the challenging questions, as they often trip candidates up.
#3. Are online mock interviews effective?
Online mock interviews are effective if your actual interview will be conducted virtually as well. Otherwise, it’s best to practise in a real setting and get the sense of what it might be like to sit in front of an interviewer.
