Looking to Boost Your Interview Skills? Try Mock Interviewing

To help you prepare for your interview,consider having a mock interview session first. There are several tangible benefits to mock interview practice that can help you perform your best.

The Benefits of a Mock Interview

“Mock interviews can be aneffective way to practice and hone your skillsprior to a real interview,” says FlexJobs’ career experts. This practice, in turn, can help improve your communication skills and build confidence in your ability to answer even the hardest questions. Once you’re feeling confident in yourself and your abilities, you’ll feel more relaxed during the interview.

Another benefit includes real-time feedback. Sometimes you don’t know exactly what to say or how to say it during an interview. In a mock interview, you can take as long as you want to answer the question. Or, you can ask your mock interviewer for clarification or what answer they want to hear.

This allows you towork with someone to improve your answers, and reflect on how your accomplishments align with the job openings you’re applying for. You can take as much time as you need to form an answer, start over, or change your response.

How to Conduct Mock Interview Practice

Setting up a mock interview practice session is relatively simple. Ask someone to play the role of “Hiring Manager” and have them interview you. Here are a few essential details to ensure that your mock interview thoroughly prepares you for the real deal.

Who to Choose

Working with a career coach or other trained professional can be a plus. They know what types ofquestions employers will likely askand have aknowledgeable eye for spotting potential weaknesses in your answersand delivery. They can give you focused attention and may have strategies for immediate improvement.

Colleagues, friends, and family members can also stand in as interviewers. Ask them to pepper you with perennial favorites (“Tell me about yourself”), as well as not-so-standard questions that encourage thinking on your feet.

Setting It Up

If you’re seeking remote work, it’s best to conduct a remote mock interview. Practicephone interviewsandvideo interviews(both with and without video). This gives you the chance to work out any technical bugs and helps you get comfortable seeing yourself on screen and speaking to someone through a webcam.

Practice Now for Future Success

After the mock interview session(s), show your mock interviewer your gratitude with athank-you note. It’s excellent practice for when you write a real thank-you note to your actual interviewer.

And if you're looking for more interview tips or assistance with your job search, FlexJobs can help! Take the tour to learn more about all of the ways a FlexJobs membership can support you in your job search and throughout your career!

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