Interviews are some of the more anxiety-inducing experiences related to our careers.
The situation is nothing like most of us experience in our day-to-day work.
It involves:
- meeting new people
- an unfamiliar location
- talking about yourself
- having your words judged
It should be no surprise that most of us struggle to bring out our best.
Compounding this challenge: most of us don’t get much practice at interviews.
Many people will only change jobs a handful of times in their career.
This is particularly the case for high performers, who are often promoted internally or ‘courted’ for new roles without a formal interview.
Performing well in an interview is a skill, but an unusual one.
But, like any skill, interview performance is something you can practice.
The best way to practice? Mock interviews.
A mock interview will help you feel relaxed about your real interview and prepare you for a range of questions you might be asked.
Want to set up your own mock interview? Here’s how:
Find a mock interviewer
Find a friend, family member or partner who is willing to play the role.
Pick someone you’re comfortable with and won’t be too self-conscious practicing in front of.
Plan the practice questions
Choose a mix from the many free lists of common interview questions online and add some role-specific ones you might encounter.
Ask your mock interviewer to bring a few surprise questions too (without revealing them beforehand).
Plan the environment
Practice in a setting similar to the real interview. If it’s online, use Zoom for your mock interview. If it’s in person, arrange a table and chairs, and sit across from your mock interviewer.
Wear the clothes you plan to wear for the actual interview.
Practice your interview from start to finish
Rehearse your introduction with a warm greeting, smile, and handshake (if appropriate).
Go through the questions you’ve prepared and any you plan to ask the interviewers.
Finish by practicing your conclusion and parting words.
Get feedback
Consider how you might improve your responses.
Ask your interviewer for feedback on your responses and your general presentation e.g. body language, tone of voice, pacing.
Get your reps up
Rinse and repeat the mock interview a few times to increase your level of comfort.
Improve your responses and general performance with the feedback from your interviewer.
