Mock Interview

A mock interview is a practice session that simulates real interview conditions — someone asks you interview questions, you answer in real time, and you receive feedback on your performance. **Why mock interviews work:** Interview performance is a skill, and skills improve with practice. Reading about how to answer behavioral questions is far less effective than actually practicing answering them under simulated pressure. **Formats:** - **Partner mock**: A friend, colleague, or career coach asks questions and gives feedback. Most effective when the 'interviewer' follows up with probing questions. - **Professional mock**: With a career coach who specializes in interview preparation. Provides expert feedback and industry-specific perspective. - **AI mock**: Platforms like Interview Warmup (Google), Big Interview, or Yoodli use AI to conduct interviews and provide automated feedback on structure, filler words, and eye contact. - **Self-recorded practice**: Record yourself answering questions on video and play it back. Painful but highly informative — you'll notice habits you didn't know you had. **What to practice:** - 'Tell me about yourself' (timed to 90-120 seconds) - 3-5 behavioral STAR stories - Your answers to the 'greatest weakness' and 'why this company' questions - Role-specific technical questions **Timing:** Do at least 2-3 mock interviews before any important interview — one to identify problems, additional ones to address them. The first mock almost always reveals something unexpected.