Practice Interviewing With People You Don't Know Well

During the job hunt, many job seekers practice for a job interview with a friend or family member. Unfortunately, because of the pre-existing relationship, this type of practice interview is not the most effective tactic. By finding a partner whom you don't know well, you can create a more realistic experience.

Preparing for a job interview can be a nerve-wracking process. As a result, it is tempting to find a close colleague, partner, or friend to do a mock interview; after all, they are rooting for you to succeed. In choosing someone who knows you well, however, you are placing yourself at a disadvantage. They are more likely to treat you kindly, anticipate your responses and respond to emotional cues. As a result, you will feel more relaxed and comfortable than you will in the actual job interview.

Instead, try to find a person with whom you don't have a close relationship. The lack of an emotional connection can help the mock interviewer ask more objective questions and create a more realistic interview situation. Because the person won't know your personal qualities and professional accomplishments, you'll be forced to articulate them as you would in a real interview. What's more, you'll be more nervous in front of a stranger, which more accurately replicates the actual job interview experience.

Choosing a person for a practice interview can be a delicate process. If possible, find someone with experience in your industry—or, even better, someone who has experience with the company you are interviewing with. If you know of a past or present employee and you feel comfortable asking, set up a mock job interview. The employee's personal experience will help them ask more incisive, direct questions. Alternatively, look for someone who works in your industry and has direct knowledge of the open position. Ask around in your professional organization or send out an email to several professional contacts. You might also check with local college career centers, which often hold mock interview sessions.

Before your practice job interview, send the person the job description along with your resume and cover letter. In doing so, you'll ensure that he has the same information as your potential employer. If the person has never participated in the hiring process, send him a list of the most common interview questions. Choose a space that is similar to the actual interview location: a quiet conference room or a crowded coffee shop, for example. This, combined with your nerves at proving yourself to a stranger, approximates the stress of an actual interview. The more realistic the experience, the more prepared you will be to make a better impression.

While it can be nerve-wracking to conduct a mock job interview with someone you don't know well, the experience can have valuable payoffs. When the actual interview rolls around, you'll be more confident, articulate and relaxed.

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