Preparing for
the MockInterview
CALS Career Services
Consider your job objective
 The
mock interview involves interviewing for a
specific job, internship or admission to a
specific professional school.
 You will receive a job/intern/school description
in career services when you sign up.
 Examples are: Research Scientist, Sales Rep,
Environmental Aid, Management Trainee, Vet,
Dental, Medical School.
Must dos...
 Arrive
10 minutes early and check in with the
representative from CALS Career Services in the
3rd floor lounge of the Talley Student Center.
 You will be directed to your interview room.
 Do not be late!
 Do not miss the interview unless there is an
emergency. Call 515-3249 in this event. There is
a waiting list and we appreciate 24 hours notice if
you cancel!!
 Take this seriously and treat the recruiter with
courtesy and respect.
Before the interview
 Review
the company/school web site listed on the
job description you receive.
 Make a list of your strengths and skills.
 Practice talking about your skills in front of a
friend.
 List specific examples and stories for each selling
point.
 Prepare to discuss a weakness. Tell how you are
trying to overcome it.
Do your homework and think
about goals
 Discuss
how you feel you can contribute to
the company/program. What can you add?
 Impress the recruiter with the initiative you
have taken to learn about their organization.
 Talk about your future career plans.
 Have a plan! (It is ok to change your mind,
but don’t sound confused and vague in the
interview).
Demonstrate a pattern of
success
 Past
performance predicts future success.
 Describe accomplishments and how/why
you achieved them.
 Include examples from work and education.
 Highlight what you can do for them, not the
opposite.
Interview Etiquette
 First
impressions are critical. Start with a firm
handshake and a smile.
 Look your best! Dress professionally in a tailored
suit.
 Avoid distracting behavior such as touching hair
and tapping foot.
 Develop rapport and maintain a comfortable
dialog.
 Ask for the recruiter’s business card at the
conclusion of the interview.
Practice Sample Questions
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How would you describe yourself?
What motivates you to put forth your greatest effort?
What are your short-term, long-term goals?
What qualifications do you possess for success?
What are your greatest strengths/weaknesses?
What do you think you would like in this particular job? What
contributions could you make?
Do you think your grades are a good indication of your academic
abilities?
What steps have you taken to familiarize yourself with this profession?
What are the disadvantages of your chosen field?
What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?
Pretend I'm your boss and I just told you the sales presentation you
made this afternoon was ineffective. How would you respond?
Difficult questions
 Try
to relax and be yourself.
 Don’t freeze.
 Take a deep breath, repeat the question and
do your best.
 “Describe a time you were not pleased with
your performance, what did you do about
it?” explain a situation, how you acted and
what the result was. Don’t spend too long
on anything negative.
Stages of the Interview
 Introductions
 Questions
about your background, skills and goals
 Information about the organization
 ask
the interviewer questions like, “What do you like
best about working for XYZ?”
 Conclusion
 Thank
interviewer for their time
 20 minutes is spent on interview, 10 minutes is spent on
the critique
Take notes on improvements
Interviewer
will share your interview
evaluation with you in a 10 minute
verbal critique
Use the feedback to improve for the
real thing in the future
You will be asked to provide a written
evaluation of the interview
Tips
Be
confident and self-assured
Don’t be modest
Do look like a professional, not a
student
Share your accomplishments with
pride
Enjoy the experience
Dinner – After the Interview
 Join
us for a dinner celebration at 5:00pm in the
Walnut Room of Talley Student Center.
 Arrive at least 10 minutes before dinner.
 Plan to mingle with our interview guests, CALS
administration, and fellow CALS students.
 FREE facts are good discussion topics.
 From,
 You
Recreation, Education, Event
will be sitting at a table with your interviewer.
Watch his/her lead and sit down accordingly.
Don’t rush to the buffet line.
Dinner Tidbits
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Open napkin (half open if it is a large dinner size) as
soon as seated and place on lap with crease toward you.
If you leave during the meal, place napkin on the chair.
Never shake it out, snap it or use it as a handkerchief.
Don’t be a food critic. Use your time wisely over dinner;
converse on topics to impress your host, not complaining
about the meal.
Avoid taking cell phone calls during meals. It’s best to
turn them off. If you absolutely must take a call, leave
your phone on vibrate and kindly excuse yourself from
the table.
ALWAYS remember to thank the host or hostess. A
handshake and a polite "thank you" provide a sufficient
close to the occasion.
Conversation During Dinner
 Take
advantage of the networking opportunity
over dinner. Be conscious of safe and unsafe
topics. To prepare, think of conversation
starters ahead of time, for example:
 Would
you mind sharing your career path with us?
 What are the advantages/disadvantages of working
in your field?
 Is there anything you would do differently?
 What advice do you have for us?
Conversation During Dinner
 Remember
SOFTEN:
 S-
Smile
 O- Opening lines
 F- Forward lean
 T- Tone
 E- Eye contact
 N- Nod
 Enthusiasm
goes a long way.
Etiquette Tips
 Dinner
will be a buffet line. After you have
your food, take a seat and wait for one more
person to sit at your table before you begin
eating. Watch the host (interviewer) and follow
his/her lead.
 Don’t salt prior to tasting.
 Don’t groom at table.
 Don’t rock in chair, crunch ice, smoke or dunk
anything.
Outcomes
 Post
interview
 Send
a thank you note to the address on the business
card. (Actual job offers have resulted from mock
interviews in the past, so don’t be surprised if this
happens to you.)
 Keep in touch with the interviewer and seek out career
advice. This is how you network.
 Sign up for on campus interviews in 111 Patterson Hall
after your practice session is completed .
 Attend “Kick Start Your Career” to provide more help
to you as you prepare to reach your career goals.
Good luck in your mock interview!
GO GET ‘EM