A mock interview is an opportunity for you to mimic an actual interview setting and practice your responses without the added pressure. Think of it this way, if Presidents take the time to rehearse their speeches on multiple occasions before addressing a crowd, then it behooves you to get into the practice of taking part in mock interviews. We’re all aware of the saying practice makes perfect – the same logic applies here. Here are the main reasons why you need to take part in a mock interview:

You polish your answers. 

Interviewers are generally looking to assess your qualifications as well as your personality and whether you’ll be a good fit for the office. The best way to shake any nerves is to be extremely well prepared. Rehearsing allows you to pare down your answer so that you are highlighting only the most relevant examples in response to the interviewer’s questions. Moreover, you will be calmer knowing that you are well prepared for a particular question once you hear it. 

Your personality actually gets to shine through.

If you are like most people, your nerves can get the best of you during an important job interview, and while you can likely string together a somewhat coherent response to a question, you’d likely do a far better job and be more of yourself if you actually prepared. Like we mentioned earlier, interviews are a two-fold assessment of both your skills as well as your personality. By neglecting to practice, you forfeit the opportunity to demonstrate your confidence and enthusiasm for the position – two qualities that can really allow you stand out as a candidate.

You get personalized feedback. 

Practicing in the mirror or with a family member or close friends are certainly options when it comes to mock interviews, but nothing can beat experienced professionals who can tailor questions based on the job description, and in turn provide you with critical feedback that will enhance your interview performance. The best kind of interview preparation experts will provide you with specific feedback, good and bad, on each interview question, and will examine how you present on a personal level. This will allow you to connect with the interviewer and will ultimately significantly increase your chances of landing your desired job. 

We hope we’ve managed to convince you about the importance of a mock interview. If you are looking for professional help, The Upward Career are equipped to assist you. Get in touch with them so they can prepare you for your big moment.     

By Vanessa Onguti
Founder, The Upward Career