Job Interview

Mock Job Interviews for Your Dream Job

It’s natural to feel nervous about job interviews. But you can use mock interviews to gain confidence and make a better impression on a potential employer.

The dreaded job interview seems like the most stressful part of a job search, but it’s also the most important. The interview process will be a major part of landing the new position you want.

It is also the best way for a potential employer to understand who you are and what you bring to the table. This is the time for you to get to know the company on a deeper level and to discover if the position is a good fit for you.

Preparing for a Mock Job Interview:

Do your research. Act like you’re preparing for the real thing, starting with comprehensive research. Identify the industry and the type of position you want. It may be helpful to use an actual job description from a specific company to keep you focused.
Rehearse answers to common questions. Put together a list of questions that are likely to get asked in an interview. Practice a brief opening statement describing your qualifications. Later, you can customize this for each situation. Go over your job history to extract several success stories that demonstrate your abilities.
Develop your own questions. Brainstorm relevant questions you can ask to demonstrate your interest and knowledge about the job opening. Find out how industry trends are affecting your potential employer. Clarify aspects of the organizational culture that may not be described in its written materials.
Choose your mock interviewer carefully. A friend who works in human resources may be an ideal choice. People with a managerial position in your chosen field can also be helpful. Look for someone who can devote adequate time and take the task seriously.
Discuss your goals. Have a preliminary talk with the person who’s helping you. Share what you want to achieve with them. Let them know that you appreciate candid feedback on your entire performance, from body language to verbal responses. An outside observer can help you identify any distracting mannerisms you may have.
Select a neutral setting. Try to hold your interview in the same type of setting you want to work in. If you’re looking for an office job, visit your friend’s office before work or book a meeting room at a local restaurant.
Dress the part. Wear your interview suit. It will help to put you into the right mindset and give your friend a chance to confirm that you’re dressing appropriately.

Conducting a Mock Interview:

Record your session. A video or audio recording provides helpful documentation. You’ll be able to see how much you really fidget or how often you insert the word “like” into your sentences.
Repeat as often as possible. Schedule as many drills as you need to get comfortable and competent with the interview process. Ask your friend to vary their questions and approach each time. Keep track of your progress.
Work on your greeting and closing. Everything you do contributes to the impression you make on your potential employer. Learn to shake hands smoothly while you’re carrying a briefcase. Prepare concise closing statements that sound natural while expressing your gratitude and enthusiasm.
Finish up with a debriefing. Review every session with the person helping you. Gather all the advice you can. Write down what you need to work on, as well as the areas where you succeed in making improvements.
Watch yourself in a mirror. It’s best to train with another person, but using a mirror is the next best thing if no one else is available. You’ll be able to see whether you look poised or anxious. Watch your hand gestures and observe your facial expressions. Even if you do have someone to help you, practicing with a mirror is a valuable supplement to your mock interviews.
Consider professional services. If you want to go a step further, explore professional services. Most universities offer a wide range of support through their career service centers. Employment agencies are another resource to explore.

The more you practice, the better you’ll perform at your actual interview. Mock interviews can make you stand out as a better candidate in this competitive job market.

The best way to take the stress out of interviewing and ensure success is to be prepared. Easier said than done, right? Not anymore if you prepared before, during, and after the job interview.

Evaluating a Job Offer:

Think beyond salary. If your bills have been mounting up while you’re unemployed, it’s natural to focus on the size of your next paycheck. On the other hand, the real value of a job offer also includes the fringe benefits, time off, and less tangible factors like meaningful work and a supportive culture.
Plan your commute. Studies show that long commutes can affect your mental and physical health. Figure out the shortest route to the office and see if you can work from home sometimes.
Reread the job description. Scrutinize your new responsibilities. Ask yourself if these are tasks that you enjoy doing and can complete successfully.
Look ahead. How will your new job affect your long-term career prospects? Will you expand your network and learn valuable new skills?
Continue your research. You probably investigated the company before you went to the interview, but now the stakes are even higher. Find out what others are saying about your future employer on social media. Study the annual report and financial statements.
Consult others. If possible, interview other employees and former employees to hear about their experiences. Ask your family and friends for their feedback too.
Accept trade-offs. Keep in mind that each opportunity comes with advantages and disadvantages. Decide which factors are most important to you.

Negotiating a Job Offer:

Stay positive. Now that you know the company is interested in you, this can be an opportune time to make a counteroffer. Let your new boss know that you’re excited about joining the team while you try to achieve the terms you want.
Review your options. Understand your position before entering into any negotiations. Do you have other offers? How long can you afford to continue looking if you’re unemployed?
Be realistic. Of course, you’ll be in a stronger position if you know the average salary ranges for similar positions in your area. It also helps to learn as much as you can about the company’s policies and resources.
Put it in writing. Make sure to document any changes to your employment offers. It will give you something to refer to in case there are any future questions.

Declining a Job Offer:

Be gracious. Let the company know that you’re grateful for their time and consideration. When you turn down an offer, be prepared to state a brief reason that will not reflect poorly on them.
Act quickly. Delays in the hiring process can be expensive if promising candidates take other positions or essential positions continue to be vacant. You can show the company that you’re responsible and considerate by letting them know your decision as soon as possible.
Stay in touch. You obviously impressed the employees who wanted to hire you so add them to your network. You may be able to help each other in various ways, especially if you’re in the same industry.

Considering the pros and cons of any employment offer will help you to enjoy more job satisfaction and keep your career on track. It’s well worth giving yourself a couple of days to decide if your new position is really an excellent fit for you.

Viken Mikaelian

Viken Mikaelian is the CEO of PlannedGiving.com and Major Gifts LLC — the resource for all your major and planned giving marketing needs. Viken is available for speaking engagements on planned giving marketing, personal development and time management at viken.net. Connect with Viken on LinkedIn.

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Mock Job Interviews for Your Dream Job

Preparing for a Mock Job Interview:

Conducting a Mock Interview:

Evaluating a Job Offer:

Negotiating a Job Offer:

Declining a Job Offer:

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