The Mock Interview

Edna Dudley, Chief, Data Services Branch (MITS)

Reginald Franklin, Program Manager, Philadelphia Accounts Management, AM Operations (W&I)

Fred Hodge, Director, Atlanta Submission Processing (W&I)

Cecille Jones, Acting Director, Electronic Tax Administration and Refundable Credits (W&I)

2

Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance

I Have An Interview! Now What?

3

Mock Interview

mock in·ter·view

Definition: practice interview for skill development: a simulated interview, designed to develop or test the communication skills of the interviewee

4

Why Should I Have A Mock Interview?

Mock Interviews Help You: Practice phrasing your answers Practice your presentation skills Learn to focus your answers Evaluate your ability to interview with poise and

confidence Obtain constructive feedback Builds confidence

5

The Time Is Now

Don’t wait until the mock interview is scheduled to begin preparing.

Put together a work history – keep it updated Prepare a list of experiences and

accomplishments – keep it updated Determine the message you want to send.

6

Types Of Interviews Traditional (Typically Bargaining Unit Jobs)

What do you think? How could you? If you had to?(approach from the hypothetical)

“How would you meet an unreasonable deadline?”

7

Types Of Interviews Behavioral (Typically Non-Bargaining Unit Jobs)

Give us an example when? Walk us through a time? Describe?

(approach from past experience)

“Tell us about a time when you had to meet an unreasonable deadline?”

8

Before The Mock Interview

Choose a seasoned interviewer when possible

Review the position description/CJE’s Develop examples that illustrate

qualifications Develop a list of practice questions

9

During The Mock Interview Dress as you would for the actual interview (boosts

confidence) Take your time responding to the questions Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question Tailor interview responses to the job Give complete answers (Use the S.T.A.R model)

SituationorTaskActionResult

10

During The Mock Interview

Be aware of body language and non-verbal actions Be assertive and promote yourself Be energetic and enthusiastic Allow for spontaneity in answering follow-up questions Be specific Stay focused Avoid criticizing your co-workers or supervisors Take the interview seriously Relax!

11

After the Mock Interview

Get feedback from the interviewer Get clarification on the feedback Review the feedback and make

adjustments where necessary Schedule additional mock interview if time

permits

12

Final Thoughts

Will you enter your next interview with that “deer in the headlights” look or with a confident, successful aura? One or more practice interviews could determine how you’ll appear to your next potential boss.

It’s all up to you!!!!