Career Development
Center
  Occidental College
 1600 Campus Road,
Coons 109
 Los Angeles, CA
 90041-3314

 Email: careers@oxy.edu
 Phone: 323.259.2623
 Fax: 323.341.4900

 
Career Guides to Assist in the Job Search

Mock Interviews

What is a Mock Interview?
A mock interview is a practice interview that simulates as much as possible the conditions of an actual employment or graduate school interview. Mock interviews are conducted by a career counselor or by an employer representative.  Alumni from the Alumni Sharing Knowledge (ASK) Network also volunteer to conduct mock interviews during the event "Interview a Tiger." Following the mock interview, or sometimes as the mock interview progresses, the interviewer will provide coaching and feedback to prepare you for a "real" interview.

How to Prepare for a Mock Interview
Prepare for a mock interview as you would prepare for a real interview:

• Wear business attire
• Style your hair as you would for the interview appointment
• Research the company or industry you are targeting
• Review your work statement, including your career goals, educational preparation and marketable skills
• Relate your work statement to the employer and to the position qualifications
• Practice responses to commonly asked interview questions available at the Career Development Center
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reviewing your education and experience for situations you can use to provide examples of your achievements, problem solving, conflict resolution, time management, etc.

What to Bring to the Mock Interview
The more your interview coach knows about the position/s for which you hope to interview, the more successful your mock interview will be. Be sure to bring:

• Your resume
• One or two position announcements; for admissions interviews, bring information about the school, if possible
• A VCR tape, if you would like to review the mock interview later at home.

To Schedule an Appointment for a Mock Interview
call or come in to the Career Development Center. Allow at least one and a half hours for the mock interview.