The Impact of Mock Interviews Preparing Students for Interview Success
Recently, we held a virtual mock interview session for our students, offering them a chance to engage in simulated interviews tailored to real job roles. As their program coordinator, I was thrilled to see their eagerness to improve and the tangible growth in their approach and confidence. Here are some of my reflections and the main takeaways from this workshop.
1. Growth in Preparation and Storytelling
One of the most noticeable shifts this year was the students’ proactive approach. They came prepared with tailored resumes and job-specific experiences. Their practice with the STAR method helped them structure their responses, though many still need support in fully crafting their stories. This skill is essential, as it not only highlights their achievements but also boosts confidence and clarity in their answers.
2. Navigating Nervousness and Embracing Vulnerability
While some students were hesitant to acknowledge their nerves, the mock setting allowed them to gradually open up about their challenges. The feedback from interviewers was particularly encouraging; they saw great potential in our students’ adaptability and encouraged them to take ownership of their successes. Learning to recognize and showcase individual contributions is an empowering shift that I hope they carry forward.
3. Key Advice for Future Interviews
We discussed the importance of developing a set of five core stories that can be adapted to answer a wide range of interview questions. Additionally, “closing for the job” – showing interest in next steps and reinforcing their enthusiasm – was emphasized as a critical skill. After all, interviewing is a form of selling one’s strengths, and expressing readiness is a great way to make a lasting impression.
4. Lessons from the Virtual Mock Interview Format
Our virtual setup mirrored the real-life experience of remote internships and job interviews. Students learned practical aspects like accepting meeting invites, joining early, and handling technical issues calmly. These are subtle yet essential elements that convey professionalism and respect for others’ time.
5. A Proud Moment of Growth
One of the most rewarding parts of this workshop was seeing the students’ openness to feedback. Their pride in their progress was evident, and their willingness to improve not only benefits them but also inspires their peers.
6. Looking to the Future: Preparing for Panel Interviews
To further develop our students’ skills, we plan to introduce panel mock interviews for graduating seniors. This will simulate a more challenging interview scenario, with multiple professionals posing follow-up questions, helping students practice engagement in a dynamic setting.
As we continue to refine these workshops, our aim is to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their job searches. With each session, they become more prepared to navigate the competitive job market and make impactful impressions from their very first interviews.