Mock Interviews

Korrin B.

November 20, 2010 - 11:00 PM

This last Tuesday, I had the opportunity to help out in the PPPM 412 class, Internship Development. PPPM 412 is a class required by PPPM majors to complete before starting a credit internship. It provides valuable professional development tips and opportunities to learn how to create the best resumes and cover letters possible. Last Tuesday was the Mock Interview class session and I got to act as one of the interviewers.

The students were required to send their resume and a job description they wanted to apply for to their assigned interviewer prior to the class. The interviewers were to then come up with six to eight questions to ask each of their students. I actually found this process very educational. Sitting down and taking the time to think of questions that an interviewer might ask helped me better understand the mind of interviewers. It was valuable being able to think of what a person might be asked and to see how the interviewer would arrive at their questions.

On the day of the interviews, I had three different students to interview and they each did a great job. We got the chance to discuss everything from a good handshake and attire to avoiding the word "Um" and how to be prepared for questions. I had a really nice time being able to discuss the interviews afterwards with the students. I think it was valuable practice for all of us.

I also got the chance to talk with the teacher of the class, Rhonda Smith, afterwards about ways to further improve the mock interview process and make it run smoothly for sessions to come. Hopefully, I will get the chance to be an interviewer the next time around as well.