The Benefits of Mock Interviews

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What can be more humbling and exciting in the job seeker’s life than being invited over for an interview? Almost, nothing can be as exhilarating. That means that all the preparations have finally paid off. It means that now has come the time to put one job into the bag.

“When you are invited to a job interview, you know that the job pool has narrowed. Your next challenge is to help the hiring authority decide that you are the best candidate for the job.”-  Bill Knaus, Ed.D., Sam Klarreich, Ph.D., Russell Grieger, Ph.D. & Nancy Knaus, Mba, Ph.D in FEARLESS JOB HUNTING: Powerful Psychological Strategies for Getting the Job You Want

By their mere virtue, interviews can be very unnerving. They can cause stomach gramps and sleepless nights. For some the idea of one’s mind going blank before the interviewer(s) raises anxiety levels. Although these are normal, any unmonitored occurrences can cost one the potential job. In the normal case scenario, as one prepares few things are fundamental.

You have researched an organization and matched the job functions from the job description against what you prefer to do, and you believe there’s a good fit. The quality and content of your résumé helped an employer decide that you have the right education and work experience for the job, you’ve been invited for an interview, and you’re prepared to make an ongoing positive impression. Still, you have to be on your toes. – BILL KNAUS, ED.D. et al.

An age-old practice has been to engage in mock interviews. Yes, they can work wonders in getting your groove on. Well, the idea of mock interviews can sound ridiculous for some, yet it has helped many job seekers in beating the nerves.

Some may dismiss the idea because they think they were born ready. Some, no doubt, they can go into the interview room and get their answers almost readily. Even in that case, mock interviews can help in many ways, with a result being a competent job hunter.

Nevertheless, someone might ask, why even bother with mock interviews? Below are some of the benefits of mock interviews:

  • One of the benefit to doing mock interviews before a real job interview is your options.  You get to decide how and with whom you’re going to practice. Of course, your choice has to be trustworthy and objective. This is practice like no other, so be sure to answer with professional responses, just as if you would in real job interview. 
  • Another one of the many benefits to doing mock interviews, before you have a real interview, is the practice that you will receive.  It is no secret that job interviews can be nerve-wracking.  Even if this isn’t your first job interview, they can still cause you nervousness. Many job seekers find that holding mock job interviews with their friends or family members helps to ease the nervousness often associated with job interviews.
  • Preparation is another one of the many benefits of mock interviews. The goal of a mock or practice interview is to help you prepare for an upcoming job interview. This preparation may include answering common interview questions in a timely matter, giving a proper greeting, as well as departing properly from a job interview.

In conclusion, mock interviews may work as your allies in enhancing your chances of finally grabbing the job. Mock interviews are like steroids on your confidence. They help in ensuring that you’re at your very best on your big day.

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Teboho Polanka
Teboho is a Social Worker, Writer and Inspirational Speaker. He is in pursuit of MSc. in Managerial Psychology. Graduates are able to apply psychological principles and methods to tackle challenges in the work environment and provide effective practical solutions. Acting as industrial-organizational psychologists.