Looking to ace your next interview? Try a mock interview. These practice sessions simulate real interviews, so you can get familiar with common questions while boosting your confidence and performance.
“Engaging in mock interviews prepares you by familiarizing you with interview formats, refining your answers, and boosting your confidence, ultimately increasing your chances of performing well in actual interviews,” says Adrien Kallel, a co-founder of Remote People who has nearly a decade of recruitment experience.
In this article, we’ll break down what a mock interview is, the different types, and the top mock interview questions to practice with—and how to answer them effectively.
What is a mock interview—and how can you get one?
A mock interview is a practice session that’s like a real interview. “This practice run allows you to experience the interview process, receive feedback, and refine your responses without the high stakes of an actual job interview,” Kallel says.
Mock interviews are often available through universities, career centers, online resources, and career coaches. (The Muse's Coach Connect offers personalized 1:1 coaching to boost your confidence and help you achieve results, including perfecting resumes and interview preparation.)
You can also practice mock interviews with friends, family members, or colleagues who are familiar with the industry you are applying for. This is a great way to receive honest and constructive feedback to improve your interview skills.
Another alternative is to leverage technology to your advantage. “ChatGPT can simulate mock interviews by posing questions, providing feedback on responses, and offering tips to improve interview techniques, making it a valuable tool for practice,” Kallel says.
Additionally, Kallel suggests checking out mock interview apps, such as Pramp, Interviewing.io, and Big Interview, which “offer structured practice sessions, real-time feedback, and resources to help users prepare effectively for various interview types.”
Benefits of a mock interview
Mock interviews offer a safe space for candidates to practice their answers, helping to improve speaking skills, handle technical aspects, and boost confidence when it's time for the real thing. The benefits include:
Enhancing your interview skills
Engaging in a mock interview practice helps you become more adept at answering questions under pressure. This process allows you to refine your responses, ensuring they are clear and concise. “It’s an opportunity to test different strategies for answering tricky questions, helping you find the best approach for real interviews,“ Kallel says. “Over time, this practice can significantly improve your ability to communicate effectively during actual interviews.”
Reducing anxiety
The thought of a job interview can be nerve-wracking, but mock interviews can help ease those nerves. This practice provides a space where mistakes are allowed, and learning from them is encouraged, making the actual interview less intimidating. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel on the big day.
This might also help: 12 Different Ways to Calm Your Interview Nerves (Because You've Got This)
Providing constructive feedback
Feedback, typically provided by the person conducting the mock interview, is a crucial part of the practice. It allows you to understand what you’re doing well and where you can improve. Constructive feedback helps you fine-tune your responses, making them more compelling. By addressing weaknesses pointed out in feedback sessions, you can enter real interviews more prepared and capable of impressing interviewers.
Improving your body language and communication skills
Mock interviews also focus on non-verbal communication. Practicing helps you become more aware of your body language, ensuring it aligns with your verbal responses. Good posture, eye contact, and appropriate gestures can enhance your overall presentation. Effective communication combines both verbal and non-verbal cues, and mock interview practice can help you master this balance.
Identifying and addressing your weaknesses
One of the greatest advantages of mock interviews is the ability to identify areas of improvement. Maybe you fumble over difficult questions or need to improve your understanding of a specific topic—mock interviews will highlight what still needs work. Once identified, you can turn your weaknesses into strengths.
Types of mock interviews
“Each type of mock interviewing targets specific skills and scenarios relevant to different job roles,” Kallel says.
- Behavioral interviews: These are designed to focus on how you've handled past situations. The questions aim to draw out examples of your previous experiences and behaviors to predict future performance. While most questions will center around past experiences, they can also explore how you might handle hypothetical scenarios. The emphasis is on your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and key competencies relevant to the job.
- Panel interviews: Typically involve multiple interviewers, who could be from different departments or hold various roles within the organization. The number of panelists can vary, usually ranging from three to six people. This format simulates real-life scenarios where candidates face a panel in video conferencing or on-site interviews, helping them prepare for such settings.
- Case interviews: Common in consulting roles, these require you to solve a business problem. You usually receive the case during the interview, although some firms might provide it beforehand for preparation. The focus is on assessing your analytical and problem-solving skills as you work through the case, structuring your thoughts clearly, and presenting your conclusions effectively.
- Phone/video interviews: These are similar to traditional interviews but conducted remotely. The format remains largely the same, with the main difference being the use of technology to facilitate communication. This type of interview is often used as an initial screening step or when in-person meetings are not feasible.
- Stress interviews: Designed to simulate high-pressure scenarios to observe how you react. Techniques may include rapid-fire questioning, challenging your responses, or introducing unexpected elements to test your composure. The goal is to assess your ability to remain calm, think critically, and maintain professionalism under pressure, reflecting how you might handle real workplace challenges.
How to prepare for a mock interview
Preparing for a mock interview, even as practice, boosts confidence and enhances performance in real interviews. It helps identify areas for improvement and refine responses. To make the most of your mock interview practice, follow these steps:
- Research the position and company: Thoroughly investigate the values and culture of the company you're applying to (the real one; not the mock setup) and tailor your answers. During mock interviews, polish your responses and practice delivering them with clarity in preparation for the big day. This will help you articulate your ideas clearly, so that you’re well-informed and ready to answer anything thoughtfully and knowledgeably.
- Prepare and practice common interview questions: Familiarize yourself with typical questions and their variations. Practicing your answers aloud will help you articulate them better and appear more confident. (Check out our examples in the next section.)
- Dress as you would for the real interview: Choose professional attire you’re planning to wear on the big day, considering the company culture, and the dress code depending on the position. For instance, a position in a legal department may require a suit and tie while one in marketing may call for more casual dress. Dressing appropriately will get you in the right mindset for the real interview.
- Set up a realistic interview environment: Select a quiet, well-lit space, free from distractions, to simulate a real interview setting. If interviewing remotely, make sure your webcam and microphone are functioning properly.
- Record the session for self-review: Watching yourself after the fact can reveal habits, such as excessive hand gestures or filler words, you may not notice otherwise. This allows you to refine your presentation skills.
- Seek additional feedback: Following your interview, keep practicing by finding a friend or family member to conduct more interviews. Their valuable feedback can help you identify areas for further improvement.
Mock interview questions and answers
During mock interviews, you’ll encounter various questions. Here’s how to handle them:
This question is about your professional journey. Briefly cover your background, skills, accomplishments, key projects, and what you’re looking for in a new role, including the type of company and work environment you thrive in.
Possible answer:
“I’ve been in marketing for five years, focusing on digital strategies, including social media campaigns and SEO optimization. I’m passionate about leveraging data to drive results and have successfully increased engagement by 30% in previous roles. I am excited to bring my skills to a dynamic team and further develop innovative marketing solutions.”
2. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Identify a strength that’s relevant to the job and a weakness you’re actively working on improving. For strengths, focus on skills that match the job description. For weaknesses, choose something that isn’t critical to the role and explain how you’re addressing it.
Possible answer:
“One of my strengths is my analytical ability, which allows me to solve complex problems effectively by breaking them down into manageable parts. A weakness I’m working on is public speaking; I’ve joined a local club and attend weekly meetings to practice and improve my confidence and delivery skills.”
3. Where do you see yourself in five years?
This question gauges your long-term interest. Align your goals with the company’s vision. Show enthusiasm for growing within the company and contributing to its success.
Possible answer:
“In five years, I see myself as an integral part of your team, taking on more leadership responsibilities and contributing to the company’s growth. I’m eager to develop my skills further and take on new challenges.”
4. Why do you want to be part of our company?
Show that you’ve done your homework. Mention specifics you admire about the company, such as its values, culture, or recent achievements. Highlight how these elements align with your own professional goals and values.
Possible answer:
“I admire your commitment to innovation and the positive impact your products have on everyday lives. Your dedication to pushing boundaries and improving consumer experiences is truly inspiring. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to such a forward-thinking company and to be part of a team that is shaping the future.”
5. Do you have any questions for me?
Always have questions ready. It shows you’re engaged and interested, and it can help you gain valuable insights. Ask about company culture to understand the work environment, inquire about upcoming projects to gauge future opportunities, or learn about the team you’ll be working with to ensure a good fit.
This proactive approach not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you make an informed decision.
Possible answer:
“Could you tell me more about the team I’d be working with, including their roles and expertise, and any exciting projects they’re currently handling or have planned for the future?”
6. Describe a challenging situation and how you handled it
Use the STAR method to structure your response. Begin by describing the context or situation you were in, then outline the specific task or challenge you faced. Detail the actions you took to address the situation, and finally, explain the positive outcome or result of your efforts.
Possible answer:
“In my previous role, I faced a project deadline that was moved up unexpectedly. (Situation) I needed to reorganize the team’s workload to meet the new timeline. (Task) I prioritized tasks and delegated effectively, ensuring everyone understood their role. (Action) As a result, we delivered the project on time with great feedback from the client. (Result)”
Bottom line
Mock interviews are invaluable in preparing for real interviews. They help build confidence, improve skills, and give you an edge in a competitive job market. By practicing, receiving feedback, and refining your approach, you’re setting yourself up for success.