In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
When it comes to job interviews, this quote could not be more accurate. Preparation is the key to impressing any hiring manager during an interview.
When you practice interviewing, you gain confidence in your approach as well as increased knowledge of the company. These tools are crucial for nailing an interview, according to employers. But not all methods of preparation are equally effective.
So what are some ways you can actively and effectively prepare for the interview?
Read on to learn how to practice interviewing so you can perform with confidence.
Four Ways to Practice Interviewing
You landed the interview. Now it’s time to work hard in the preparation phase. Here are four ways you can strengthen your interview abilities.
Practice with a Friend or Family Member
One method of interview preparation is to sit down with someone you know and hold a practice interview. When you practice with a friend or family member, you can rehearse aloud and get feedback on your responses. You’ll also be able to get acquainted with the question and answer format of interviews, which is helpful if this is one of your first job interviews.
Have your mock interview partner come up with the questions. Not knowing them beforehand allows you to practice improvisation.
Though this method is good practice, it should not be your only form of interview prep. A friend or family member won’t give the critical feedback you’d receive from a professional.
Record Yourself Interviewing
The next method of interview practice is one that requires just you and your phone. Practice answering regularly asked interview questions in front of a camera. Record your responses to each question.
For instance, one of the most common interview questions is, “Tell me about yourself.” This question allows you to deliver your “elevator pitch,” in which you tell the employer who you are and why they should hire you.
In this exercise, record your response to common interview questions to analyze your delivery. Take note of your tone and volume, in addition to parts of your answer that could be improved.
The con of this method is that you are evaluating yourself and could miss something as you play the recording back. Plus, since you’re asking yourself the questions, there’s no room for improvisation.
Daily Preparation
In the days leading up to the interview, having a clear idea of what you’ll say in the interview can help calm nerves. Even if you don’t have time to block out portions of the day for interview preparation, you can still get some good practice in.
To do so, incorporate your interview practice into your daily life. For instance, find out what questions the company typically asks candidates. You can usually find these on job search sites and forums. Then, prepare answers to these questions and rehearse them as you’re going about your day.
You can go over the interview scenario and rehearse your answers while you’re driving somewhere, doing tasks around the house, jogging or engaging in another activity. This time-saving method can come in handy. However, it is not the only form of preparation you should use before meeting with the interviewer.
InterviewFocus
InterviewFocus is an innovative mock interview platform that allows you to improve a wide range of interview skills. The system generates a tailored mock interview for a user according to their desired field and occupation, so you receive questions that are relevant to you.
InterviewFocus uses patented technology to give feedback on qualities like eye contact, speaking rate and voice tone. These are factors that significantly impact your overall interview performance.
This service is invaluable when it comes to preparing for an interview. It provides personalized questions, making it one of the best ways to mimic the conditions you’ll face during the actual interview. Plus, the feedback is specific and detailed, so you can focus on improving exactly what you need to.
Give InterviewFocus a try and learn how to improve your interview skills.
Tips on How to Practice Interviewing
When it comes to interview preparation, you get out what you put in. Maximize the benefits of your practice by following these simple yet useful tips.
1. Practice Positive Affirmations
Studies show that utilizing positive affirmations can help mitigate anxiety and boost self-esteem. Look in the mirror and recite affirmations like, “I am prepared for this interview,” and “I am confident that I will get the job.” Make sure to choose phrases that align with your values.
2. Treat Mock Interviews Like Real Ones
One of the biggest tips for how to practice interviewing is to take it seriously. The more similar your practice interview is to the real interview, the better prepared you will be. Try not to break character, laugh or stumble over your words, even if you’re practicing with a friend.
3. Practice Interviewing in a Professional Outfit
Practicing in the professional outfit you’ll wear during the interview makes the experience feel more real. This also gives you an opportunity to test run your outfit. Does it feel comfortable? Does it represent who you are as a professional? If you’re unsure of what to wear, read our guide to professional interview attire.
4. Don’t Forget to Practice Asking Questions
Interviews aren’t just about answering questions. To show your future employer that you’re the best candidate for the job, impress them by asking the interview follow-up questions about their company.
5. Memorize Your Talking Points
Have some main talking points prepared. These should showcase your best qualities. Some possible talking points are your work ethic, achievements, skills and examples of when you showcased these. Be authentic and honest about what you bring to the table.
Keep your talking points top of mind. If a question catches you off guard, incorporate your main talking points into your answer.
Got an Interview? Get InterviewFocus!
We hope these insights into interview practice helped you develop a plan for success. As you know by now, not all forms of interview preparation deliver the same benefits. To truly enhance skills, getting personalized and data-driven feedback is vital.
That’s why Interview Focus provides an excellent mock interview format to help determine what skills you can improve on before the big day.
Try InterviewFocus today to crush your next interview.
