Mock Interviews
The Mock Interview Program allows prospective job candidates to practice their interviewing skills in a simulated interview environment. Mock interviews provide constructive feedback to the participants to enhance job prospects by improving interview skills. To participate in On-Campus Interviews and the Résumé Database, candidates must attend an orientation and submit their résumé via The Wright Search
Schedule a Mock Interview
Arrange a mock interviews by making an appointment in Career Services Office, (937) 775-2556. Mock interviews take one hour to complete. Bring a current copy of your résumé to the mock interview. The interview will be videotaped for review. If you would like to have a copy of the mock interview, bring a videotape for the recording.
Preparing for the Mock Interview
The key to a successful interview is preparation. Review the Pre-Interview Checklist on this page and review your experience for scenarios that answer the sample interview questions.
Dressing professionally is also an important part of the interview process and is a factor in the hiring decision. As a result, Mock Interview participants should dress in business attire for the interview. Feedback will be provided regarding the appropriateness of the attire.
The Behavioral Interviewing Technique
Based on the premise that the best way to predict future behavior is to determine past behavioral patterns, behavioral interviewing is becoming more common than the traditional interviewing method which used hypothetical questions. Examples of behavioral interview questions include:
- Describe a major frustration you have had in your work and how you handled that frustration."
- "Describe a time you worked as a member of a team and what the results were."
- "Describe a time when you worked with someone who wasn't pulling their own weight and how you handled that situation."
By focusing on the applicant's actions and behaviors, interviewers can make more accurate hiring decisions. The behavioral interviewer can collect and evaluate information objectively and work from a profile of desired behaviors that are indicators of success on the job.
In behavior based interviewing, candidates communicate to employers what they have successfully done in the past. Using the PAR model, candidates can discuss a Problem or task for which they were responsible, the Action taken to solve the problem or complete the task and the Results of the actions taken. (from the Career Development Guide: Strengths A Placement Manual Series Publication).
Some Sample Interview Questions
Why Should I Hire You? The Major Question in an Interview
What the Employer is Seeking
Prior to any interview, identify particular traits and skills that the employer is seeking. Develop specific examples from past experiences to demonstrate and support that you possess these traits and skills. Most candidates will claim to be hard workers with great people skills; however, it is candidates who support their claims with concrete examples who will be most successful.
In today's workplace, employers prize interpersonal skills. Most employers believe that top candidates are those who can excel in a team-oriented environment. In this "the information age" the most sought-after candidates have the ability to share knowledge (communication skills) effectively (motivation/initiative) and tactfully (interpersonal skills) to ensure the success of the group (leadership and teamwork skills).
Other personal traits that are highly valued by employers include self-confidence, a willingness to accept responsibility, imagination, enthusiasm, excitement, flexibility, and the ability to handle conflict. Candidates should demonstrate these traits in the interview through concrete examples.
Pre-Interview Checklist
In order to best prepare yourself for the interview process, review the following checklist.
_____ I have reviewed my strengths, weaknesses, accomplishments, and goals and thought about how they relate to the position for which I am interviewing.
_____ I have thoroughly researched the company with which I am interviewing.
_____ I know what the position involves, the qualifications the company is seeking and why I am interested.
_____ I have reviewed commonly asked questions, predicted interview questions, and rehearsed my responses aloud.
_____ I have made a list of questions to ask.
_____ I know the salary range for the position for which I am applying and how I will respond to questions regarding salary.
_____ I have prepared and made additional copies of my résumé, references, and any additional supporting documentation that may be requested by the interviewer.
_____ I have selected an appropriate interview suit to wear to the interview.
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This page was last updated Thursday, 15-May-2008 15:03:02 EDT.
Questions or comments?
Email career_services@wright.edu