Career Center

Mock Interviews

The Mock Interview Program

Verbally translating one's skills to an employer in an interview — especially the first one — is often not only a new experience but can also be quite intimidating to students. Completing a mock interview will help prepare you for interviewing with companies recruiting on-campus by providing you with the opportunity to practice and develop interviewing skills in a supportive setting. The mock interview program parallels the on-campus interviewing procedure.

In order to participate in the Mock Interview Program, you must:

  • Create a TartanTrak User Profile
  • Complete an on-line Orientation Session
  • Submit an on-line resume
  • Be marked eligible in the system by the Career Center

To sign up for a mock interview, follow the same procedures as for open interviews sign- ups. Mock interviews are indicated in the Job Title field.

Since there are a limited number of dates for the mock interviews, a student is eligible to sign up for only one mock interview per year. If you participated in a mock interview and need further assistance with interviewing skills, you should schedule an appointment to meet with your college career consultant. In addition, general interviewing tips can be found in the Career Briefs section of the Career Center website: http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/career/.

Tips for a successful mock interview:

  • Prepare for the interview by reviewing the interviewing information on the Career Center website
  • Dress appropriately. Professional attire is strongly recommended.
  • Plan to arrive in the Career Center 10 minutes before your scheduled interview time. You may bring a different resume with you if you wish.
  • Check your name off on the schedule in the recruiting waiting area and wait for the mock interviewer to greet you.
  • The employer volunteers participating in the mock interview program are providing a valuable service...we encourage you to send a "thank you " note after your mock interview.

Please Note: GSIA and the Heinz School students are NOT eligible to participate in the mock interview program at the Career Center since both have a similar program in their respective graduate school.