Interview Guide: Setting Up A Mock Job Interview

Top-tier candidates are well aware of their need to research the employer/interviewer and prepare specific answers and questions. However, researching and preparing notes can only get you so far. One of the best methods to increase your readiness level is experience, which can be replicated through an organized mock interview. Rehearsing an upcoming job interview is a great strategy to boost confidence and refine interpersonal skills in a safe, low-risk environment.

What is a mock interview? It does not involve the actual employer but instead operates as a role-playing exercise enlisting the support of a career mentor, a former professor or colleague, or a close friend/family member. 

What are the benefits? Walking through the interview process without real pressure allows the analysis of your strengths and weaknesses when attempting to market yourself effectively. Highlighting your strengths will help you sound more personable and less rehearsed. It also allows you to forge thoughtful responses, improve nonverbal communication, and eliminate ‘filler’ words such as ‘um,’ ‘uh,’ and ‘like.’

Courtesy of the career experts at Indeed, we reveal seven steps to take in preparation for your mock interview and how to make the most of it:

1. Dress appropriately.

Your interview attire is the genuine first impression for the employer, and it has the power to positively or negatively impact your candidacy. Don’t just roll out of bed knowing the interview isn’t for real or is being conducted virtually; the way you dress has the power to impact how you conduct yourself. You’ll want to hear feedback on how you presented yourself, and that includes your attire. Any signs of laziness or disinterest will carry over into your real-life interview in ways you may not realize. 

2. Mimic the interview setting.

Whether online, in-person, or over the phone, make a conscious effort to emulate your interview setting to the best of your ability. Setting the proper scene will allow you to feel more comfortable and attuned to the environment. For example, if your prospective employer already sent you the address to a local coffee shop, utilize the knowledge to your advantage by inviting your mock interviewer to the exact location. Take into consideration the noise volume, physical surroundings, and size of the tables where you will place your resume and other documents. If the employer sent you a Zoom invite, request that your mock interviewer do the same and isolate yourself into a quiet, enclosed area with a quality internet connection.

3. Choose the right interviewer.

Whether it is a close family member or friend, or a career mentor, make sure your choice is someone capable of asking tough questions, detail-centric, and willing to provide honest feedback. Another great option is to tap into your university’s career center or alumni center to check if they offer mock interviews with their faculty. 

4. Bring your resume and other necessary materials.

Be thorough in your document presentation by bringing extra copies of your resume, portfolio, a notepad, and written references. Aim to discover your mock interviewer’s thoughts on your materials and what else your intended industry and position may demand. 

Be sure to review Indeed’s Job Interview Walkthrough [Video] in their new ‘Job Science’ segment here.

5. Take your time answering questions.

In their ‘Job Science’ segment, a spin-off of ESPN’s Sport Science, Indeed aims to review and dissect the interview experience through data analysis. In their mock video, the moderator recognizes the importance of being patient in conversation and not rushing into a response.

Your interviewer wants to hear what makes you unique and what you can bring to the table. If forming an honest answer requires you to briefly pause in thought, aligning your past experiences with future goals, your interviewer will admire your poise.

One excellent method to providing thoughtful answers with real-life examples is through the STAR Approach. These four steps will allow you to walk through all the basic interview questions without rambling on. You can get your best stories out there and take advantage of every opportunity to connect with your interviewer, but leave it up to them to ask you for more details.

  • Situation – Set the story and provide all the necessary details of your example.
  • Task – Describe the responsibility given to you and, if applicable, how it’s tied to an overarching goal
  • Action – Thoroughly explain what steps you took and WHY.
  • Results – Reveal how the outcome was for the greater good of the company, not just yourself.

6. Research the company.

Any interviewer will notice right away if you failed to conduct fundamental research into their website. Asking overly basic questions about their core values, mission statement, top competitors, or target audience will reveal a lack of preparation and interest. Asking questions you can quickly find online will be a ‘red flag’ to employers. Give respect to your interviewer and make the most of their time and yours by doing your homework.

From their blog to various social platforms, there is no reason not to view every page on their website. Additionally, visiting the company’s Glassdoor or Indeed company pages will highlight their strengths and weaknesses, as told by their employees. These links will offer a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look into their culture, highlight any awards, and provide key insight into their brand reputation. 

7. Record it.

Your mock interview will provide great experience to help you work through any nerves and constructive feedback to craft your responses in real-time. However, adding a video review will allow you to assess your body language and finetune your answers even further. Pay close attention to your posture, eye contact, voice tone/speed, and any fidgeting you may want to extract. If you notice any wordiness, overuse of ‘filler words,’ or a lack of confidence, you may want to work through your responses and set up another mock interview. 

Wrap Up

Assess your interview skills and ensure your level of preparedness following TopResume’s list of questions here.

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Don’t Ask These Questions During Your Next Job Interview

When you are eager to begin your next journey with a new company, there is not much more exhilarating and nerve-racking than the job interview season. Meeting new potential employers during an interview is an exciting occasion because it acknowledges mutual interest in a likely long-term relationship.

To this point, you have dedicated hours preparing what to say, what to expect, and how to showcase your skills in a manner that convinces your interviewer you are best suited for the job. However, it is essential to remember that the interview is a two-way street, and you will be expected to ask questions. This can be a tricky line to walk as you balance 1) uncovering the unknowns surrounding the job while 2) staying appropriate and professional as not to deter your interviewer.

Your closing questions should not be a deep dive into specific company issues, nor should they be overly basic questions. Don’t tarnish any rapport you’ve built with your interviewer and spoil your shot at the job through incompetence. Here are a few questions you would be best suited to AVOID bringing up during your first-round interviews:

“What Does This Job Entail?”

At this point, you should have a decent understanding of the role you applied for and should avoid this generalized question. Instead, focus on specific aspects of the job, such as your daily responsibilities, who you will manage, or who you will be managed by. Ask about what future goals or projects they have in place and what you should prioritize within the role.

In a broader light, you can inquire about the work culture and work environment you will be joining. 

*Pro-Tip* Look back on the notes you’ve taken throughout the interview and pose a question based on your interviewer’s own words. Seeking further insight on a topic they covered will not only show you are a good listener but reiterates your interest in the job as well.

“What Is The Salary For This Position?”

The subject of salary and bonus potential is not deemed appropriate for you to bring up as the candidate. Leave this topic for the employer to reveal in a second or third-round interview or, to ask you directly: “What are your salary demands?” To answer this question, offer a specific range based on the research you have conducted for the position, location, industry, and experience level. Providing this range will leave room for compromise and negotiation. 

“What Exactly Does Your Company Do?”

Again, posing basic questions like this reveals a lack of preparation and a lack of interest to your interviewer. Either you failed to review the job description thoroughly, or you failed to conduct fundamental research into their website. Both will be seen as a red flag to any hiring manager or recruiter. As a general rule, you should never ask any question that you could have quickly answered for yourself online.

While you are expected to bring a blank notepad to track the information you receive during the interview, there is a similar expectation that you arrive with notes as well. From insight on the company’s mission statement, core values, target audience, provided resources, current challenges, and top competitors, speaking to these topics rather than asking about them will show you did your homework and are invested in making the most of your interview and interviewer’s time.

“What Is Your Policy On PTO & Health Benefits?”

Details surrounding paid vacation, 401k contributions, and provided health benefits can often weigh into your decision-making, but requiring this information early on will have your interviewer questioning your priorities. The more conventional approach is to evaluate these features in a later round of interviews or when weighing multiple job offers. Additionally, your immediate inquiry into paid time off will have employers questioning your commitment. If the details are not already revealed in the job description, it’s safe to assume the benefits will not surpass the industry standard.

“When Will I Be Up For A Promotion?”

While giving the impression that you are eager to grow and take more responsibility is admirable, your interviewer may not be keen to hear you are already looking beyond the job for which you are applying. Basic interview etiquette suggests that you should not be looking ahead to a new salary and job description before you’ve even been offered the job at hand.

Instead, ask your interviewer to define success within the role and provide an example of growth within the company. Turn your focus toward how you can impact the company rather than how it can best serve you. As the candidate being evaluated, you want to show you are ready to work hard and grow within the company rather than quick to pursue the next best opportunity.

Other Questions To Avoid (Which Shouldn’t Need Explaining)

– “Do I need to pass a drug test?”

– “Do your employees get breaks and if so, how long?”

– “Can I do this job from home?”

– “Will I be asked to work weekends or stay late?”

– “Will you be checking my references?”

– “Do you like your job?”

– “Do you have other openings I can apply for?”

Stay tuned for next week when I break down the meaningful, thought-provoking questions you should be asking during your interview.

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Three Principles To Live By For Networking Success

Networking is a combination of meeting new people and developing mutually beneficial relationships inside and outside your industry. Within your network, you gain further references, resources, and marketing opportunities to accelerate your career. The effectiveness of your network will follow of “You get out what you put in” mantra. Many will shy away from persistent networking tactics in fear of being considered overly aggressive or annoying, but that’s not what effective networking is designed to be.

Networking is credited as one of the most popular tools for finding your next job opportuntity, but that should never be the intended purpose. If you are aspiring to create an avenue for success based on your network, here are three fundamental principles you must understand and incorporate into your career daily:

What Networking Is & Is Not

Effective networking is not a practice limited to those seeking assistance. It does not entail calling everyone you know and asking them for favors, nor is it a therapeutic outlet for your problems. It is centralized on the gathering or sharing of information that can be momentous in your job search or current position. When you establish rapport with other career professionals and remain patient, a level of trust ensues, leading to optimal career opportunities. Business cards are often exchanged, but only when there is a legitimate reason to keep in touch. When operating with the right intentions, networking is also a great way to step out of the comfort zones of your personality type, career path, and background.

Do Your Homework

Networking does not have to be time-consuming, but there is an expectation that you will research whom you are communicating with and your connection would be beneficial. If you are attending a networking event (virtual or in-person), you can request a list of guests and prepare specific questions for individuals you plan to introduce yourself to. Stay realistic in what you hope to accomplish, and remember not to expect immediate results. When you pinpoint your objectives, you are setting yourself up for a greater chance of success.

Identify the industries, interests, and position titles with which you hope to establish a connection. Be intentional in blending conversations of your industry or interests into their industry or interests, and vice versa. Find ways to reciprocate the knowledge and wisdom they’ve shared back to their interests and career path.

Networking is an Ongoing Process

Quit generating excuses as to why you don’t have time. If you are not actively maintaining contact with your network or looking to expand upon it, you are practically begging for a rut in your career. Utilize social platforms such as LinkedIn to converse with business professionals that share a job title or industry with you. Be strategic with your work schedule and create blocks of time for lunch, coffee, or a virtual meeting. Your competitors are likely making time for networking, so to reach your highest aspirations, the expectation is that you’ll do the same.

Wrap Up

Networking is not limited to the scheduled events you often see promoted. You can capitalize on your network through a consistent approach and committed effort. Your active involvement will plant seeds for future business and unleash the potential for career opportunities. Whether through a paid networking event, social gathering, doing someone a favor or fostering your relationships, you are completing a form of networking every day. Just remember, the primary goal is to garner knowledge and wisdom, not to strike gold on a new sale or job opportunity.

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