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) Situation or Task Action Result

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!!!!