Interviews can be very intimidating if you don’t have much practice. Whether you’re interviewing for a job, an internship, or anything else, it’s always a good idea to rehearse ahead of time to give yourself the best shot possible. Going above and beyond to make the circumstances as close as possible to the real interview will give you a leg up and help you walk in with confidence on the actual day. Here is how to set up a mock interview.
Choose Your Interviewer
The first thing you’ll need to do is find someone willing to interview you. You can ask a friend, if that’s the most comfortable option for you. You could even switch it up and do an interview for them as well if they would find it useful. Otherwise, your university’s career service likely has someone you can arrange an interview with who has experience in this role. Let them know the details of what you’re applying for so they can tailor their questions.
Pick a Setting
For your mock interview, it’s best to find a setting that feels as professional as possible. An office-type space or an empty room in your student union are great options. Your university library might also have group study areas that you can reserve ahead of time.
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Dress Up
Part of feeling like you’re at an actual interview is looking the part. We typically wear our nicest clothes for interviews, which are clothes that you might not wear very often. They can also be a bit uncomfortable compared to your regular clothes, so it’s a good idea to give them a test run before the day of your actual interview.
Take Your Time
Even during a mock interview, it’s easy to be nervous, but try not to rush through too fast. Take a moment to consider the question, breathe, and then answer. It’s also a good idea to practice your listening skills during a mock interview, since this is the part you can’t practice on your own.
Consider Your Feedback
At the end of the interview, your partner can then give you feedback on what you can work on for the day. This is a great opportunity to ask them questions about anything you may be concerned about. It could be that something you thought of as a stumble was something they didn’t pick up on at all. Or, they might have insight into something you aren’t aware of.
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