Try Using Video to Record Mock Interviews

In a tough job market, every advantage you can muster at your job interview makes a difference. Take a step beyond just practicing for your job interviews by making a mock interview video. When you record your mock interview, you get to see exactly what your interviewer sees and understand whether you're really making the impression you set out to make. Use these tips to make the most of your mock interview video.

1. Prepare for your mock interview video just as you would prepare for a real interview.

Think through the questions you are likely to be asked, and prepare answers for them. Come up with a winning answer to the always-asked question, "Tell me a little about yourself," and skew your answer to make yourself as attractive as possible to the company. Be prepared with answers to questions about your background, education, experience and career goals. If you are preparing for an interview with a specific company, research it and come up with questions to which you genuinely want the answers. Prepare your interview outfit as well.

2. Bring all the energy to your mock interview video you would bring to a real one.

The second you enter the room to sit down before the camera recording your mock interview, your interview has begun. Focus on making a good impression in the way you greet your interviewer and shake her hand, take your seat, present your resume and respond to questions. Ignore the camera completely, and avoid looking directly at it. Instead focus all your energy and attention on your interviewer.

3. Watch your mock interview video.

The value of a recorded mock interview is that you get to see yourself through neutral eyes. Start by turning down the audio on your video and just watch yourself. Take a look at what you're wearing, and see if it looks as good when you're sitting down as it did when you looked at yourself standing before your bathroom mirror. Are your buttons straining, or is your skirt riding up? Consider your posture. Are you slouching or slumping in your chair, or do you have your arms crossed? Do you look bored when the interviewer is speaking, or are you engaged and focused? Are you displaying any nervous tics such as playing with your hair or jewelry? Be ruthless as you regard yourself, and make corrections as needed.

4. Listen to your mock interview video.

Now go back over your recorded mock interview, and focus solely on how you sound. Is your diction clear, or is it difficult to understand what you're saying at times? Is your voice monotonous, or do you sound interested in what's going on? Do you sound natural or as if you've memorized everything you're saying? Are you speaking too loudly, or are you so softly spoken your interviewer might have trouble hearing you? Make the improvements you need to make.

A mock interview video can be a vital tool in your preparation for your next job interview. Use it to confirm your strengths and make the adjustments you need, so you can feel completely confident when you step into the interviewer's office.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)