Question 1

What is a mock interview?

Accepted Answer

A mock interview is a practice interview that simulates a real job interview. It can be conducted with an AI tool, human coach, peer, or by yourself. The goal is to practice answering questions, improve your delivery, and reduce anxiety before the actual interview. Mock interviews help you identify weaknesses and refine your responses in a low-stakes environment.

Question 2

How many mock interviews should I do before a real interview?

Accepted Answer

Most candidates benefit from 3-5 mock interview sessions before a real interview. Start with 1-2 sessions to identify gaps, then do 2-3 more to refine your answers and delivery. For high-stakes interviews (FAANG, executive roles), consider 5-10 sessions. Quality matters more than quantity—focus on implementing feedback between sessions.

Question 3

Are AI mock interviews as effective as human coaches?

Accepted Answer

AI and human coaches serve different purposes. AI mock interviews excel at: high-volume practice, consistent feedback, 24/7 availability, and lower cost ($5-15 vs $100-300/hour). Human coaches excel at: nuanced feedback, industry-specific expertise, and complex negotiation prep. Many candidates use both: AI for volume practice, human coach for final polish.

Question 4

What should I wear to a mock interview?

Accepted Answer

Dress as you would for the real interview. This helps your brain associate the outfit with interview mode and reduces anxiety on the actual day. For video mock interviews, at minimum wear professional attire visible on camera. The goal is to simulate real conditions as closely as possible.

Question 5

How do I find a mock interview partner?

Accepted Answer

Options for finding mock interview partners: (1) Ask friends or family in professional roles, (2) Join career networking groups on LinkedIn, (3) Use platforms like Pramp for peer matching, (4) Ask your university career center, (5) Join industry-specific Discord or Slack communities. Alternatively, use AI mock interview tools for instant, judgment-free practice.

Question 6

What questions should I expect in a mock interview?

Accepted Answer

Mock interviews typically cover: (1) "Tell me about yourself", (2) Behavioral questions (STAR method), (3) Role-specific technical questions, (4) "Why do you want this job?", (5) Strengths and weaknesses, (6) Salary expectations, and (7) Questions for the interviewer. Good mock interview tools tailor questions to your target role and company.

Question 7

Should I record my mock interviews?

Accepted Answer

Yes, recording is highly valuable. Video recordings reveal: (1) Filler words you don't notice (um, like, so), (2) Body language issues (fidgeting, poor eye contact), (3) Pacing problems (too fast when nervous), (4) Answer length (rambling vs concise). Review recordings to identify patterns, then practice eliminating them.

Mock Interview Practice