Before you write off this post, please just hear me out! I’m Sarah Lyngdal, the Program Manager for ERI’s Ticket to Work Program, ERI PLUS. In my role, I provide benefits counseling and career counseling services. Some of our career counseling services include resume review, cover letter assistance, mock interviewing, job search strategies, disability disclosure, and reasonable accommodations. My favorite part is mock interviewing. I LOVE mock interviewing. Let me tell you why.
Mock Interviewing Builds Confidence
Mock interviewing is one of the most effective ways to build confidence. While it can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re nervous or out of practice, it’s essential for preparing for real interviews. Open-ended questions, like “Tell me about yourself,” can be particularly challenging and may lead to rambling or oversharing.
Practice Makes Closer To Perfect
Mock interviewing with a career counselor provides a safe space to refine your responses. This practice helps you articulate the skills and experiences that qualify you for the position. You can also tackle difficult topics, such as explaining gaps in employment. Mock interviews can significantly reduce anxiety and increase your preparedness for the interview process.
Additionally, you’ll receive feedback on crucial interview elements, including a professional background for video interviews, the functionality of technology like Zoom or Teams, appropriate attire, body language, eye contact, and coping mechanisms for nerves, such as fidgeting.
Mock Interviews Take Many Forms
There are various approaches to mock interviewing. Some conduct a series of questions and provide feedback at the end. However, I prefer a more tailored method. I review the job seeker’s resume, cover letter, job posting, and the company website. Then, I prepare a mix of general and role-specific questions.
My mock interview format is a question, the job seeker’s answer, my feedback, and then the next question. Once we complete the interview Q&A, we work together to come up with a few questions the job seeker could ask the employer during their interview. Right after, I send the job seeker a follow-up summary of our Q&A, and other important reminders for their interview. I regularly get feedback that job seekers impressed employers in their interviews because they were prepared for the questions.
In conclusion, mock interviews are a valuable yet often underutilized resource in job preparation. Embrace the discomfort—they're an essential step toward personal and professional growth!
