Doing mock interviews is a pivotal part of preparing properly for a job interview. Neglect doing mock interviews at your absolute peril!

A mock interview, sometimes called a practice interview, is a real job interview simulation. Doing mock interviews will help you get ready to answer difficult questions and develop strategies that are appropriate for the interview that you face.

Mock interviews help you improve communication skills and to reduce stress leading up to your meeting with a prospective employer. As with every skill, your ability to impress at interview is best practiced and practiced repeatedly. A mock interview helps you to perfect your technique while also providing valuable feedback and access to performance coaching.

Mock interviews are time consuming. Some job seekers also neglect this important preparation because it involves confronting your fear and lack of confidence. However, the benefits of mock interviews far outweigh the effort needed. Your interview confidence grows significantly with practice.

You can record mock interviews using your telephone. Recording a mock interview not only captures your answers but also your body language, eye contact and overall interview style.. Below are some tips that may help you organise mock interviews.

Interview format

The in-person job interview can be conducted using the traditional unstructured format or competency based format. Knowing beforehand which format will be used allows you to develop your answers accordingly.

Practice your answers

Create a list of common interview questions and answer each one out loud. Practice and practice again. That said, you don’t want your responses to sound rehearsed. Strike a balance.

Help from friends or family

Give your list of questions to a friend or family member and have them direct the questions at you in a formal interview setting. Practising with a friend or family member also gives you access to their feedback that can provide useful objectivity.

Use technology

Consider using a camera to record your responses. It will capture your true verbal and non-verbal reactions. We all have habits which distract us from communicating well. Replaying your responses highlights your eye contact, posture and any unwanted fidgeting which may become obvious.

Create an interview space

The aim is to replicate the conditions of an actual interview as much as possible. Dress in your interview clothes. Set up your surroundings to imitate the interview - use the kitchen table with a chair on either side for in person interviews or Zoom meetings for online interviews.

It may seem like a lot of effort to do mock interview but the time and energy spent could mean the difference between being offered and not being offered that job you want.

Visit the Advice & Tips section of the website for more job seeking and career management advice.