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As instructors of our newly introduced Career Development Series Course, we spend a majority of our final class discussing interviewing. We allow students to interview their peers, bring in industry professionals, as well as interview with their Career Services team. We want to ensure that the best way to avoid being overly nervous for an interview, is to be completely prepared. We discuss researching the company, practicing questions, and even conducting mock skype interviews so students can review their interview from the reverse perspective.

Riley,

It sounds like you have a well thought out, wraparound approach to interview preparation; I really like the idea of doing the Skype interview to give students the opportunity to see themselves as an interviewee.

Elizabeth Kemler

I agree, I think mock interviews are very efficient because it makes them correct any mistakes, before hand.

Karina,

How many mock interviews do you typically do with your students?

Elizabeth Kemler

Practice, practice, practice! We hold mock interviews for the students and recruit instructors and staff to participate which really gives the students a realistic experience.
We also have the students interview one another which I think is a great way for them to look at the process more critically.
The other way we prepare is by reviewing the common questions and view videos of other people answering these questions and getting to the underlying meaning of the questions.
Most importantly we try to build confidence through these activities so that the student goes out feeling prepared.

Viola,

Ongoing mock interview practice is indeed essential--I like your idea of having students interview one another as well. Viewing videos is great as it really highlights the importance of 'soft skills'. Are you able to videotape your students doing their mock interviews?

Elizabeth Kemler

At this time we are not able to video the students but that would be great. I have been considering just bringing in my personal laptop to record them doing their "elevator speech" so maybe I should also record their interview. My students tend to be shy so I know they are easily embarrassed which I have to take into consideration. I don't want to freak them out too much! :-)

Viola,

I totally understand! It definitely adds a whole other level of anxiety to the mock interview but..it is so helpful to see yourself in action--maybe on the 3rd or 4th practice interview?

Elizabeth Kemler

I'm definitely going to give it a try. I think it's a worthwhile exercise.

I think doing mock interviews in front of the class really allows for students to see and understand everything. Giving examples of good interviews and then bad interviews. Then bringing in employers to do interviews for you and also if you can't bring in employers getting other staff/faculty that the students don't know helps them prepare as well. They take it serious when it's a Department Head or someone they have never interacted with before.

I prepare my students mentally and physically by conducting mock interviews, having the students dress in appropriate interview attire prior to the interview date, and have them meet with individuals to relieve some anxiety regarding the interview process.

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