General
What questions do I use?
Who goes first?
What do I do as the interviewer?
Etiquette
PracticeTalking is the first practice interview site of its kind. It connects people who want to practice interviewing with each other. Every week, PracticeTalking members are paired with one or more other members to practice doing interviews. It's a simple, inexpensive and powerful means of increasing your interviewing skills... and it works.
Here's how it's done: Each week, PracticeTalking sends you the contact information of another member (or members) and their generally available times. By email, you both work to schedule a one hour block of time to practice. For the first 30 minutes, one person takes the role of the interviewer and the other as the interviewee (the interviewee calls the interviewer). Then ... the roles are reversed. Hang-up and the new interviewee makes the call. Repeat the interview process.
You will practice your interviewing skills as well as get to be on the "other side" and learn what "hearing" interviews is like. As an interviewer, you'll learn how certain types of responses sound and pick up good techniques and learn to avoid other things.
Both experiences are invaluable to mastering interviews and this is why the PracticeTalking system is works; once you try it you'll understand.
You'll also find that the more you practice, the better your answers become and the better your vocal delivery gets. Any fears or discomforts will also fade away. An interview is a "live performance" and simple repetitive practice with different people is the key to success.
The way to start is to sign up for an account and start getting interview partners!
The simple answer is: you pick the questions. If this is your first introduction to interviewing, we recommend starting with our "standard questions". They tend to come up in most interviews (no matter the type). Choose some or all of these questions and get started with practicing these with your assigned partner(s).
Specialized Interviews:
If you're in a specialized field, search the Internet for questions in your
particular field. For example "nurse interviews", "sales interviews" or
"business school interviews".
Random Questions:
If you want a little random challenge, ask your partner to add their own
question (or questions) ... or have them randomly choose from a list of
questions you provide.
Number of Questions:
Keep it to 5 questions - or 7 if you can answer efficiently (remember, you
have only 30 minutes as the interviewee, so target getting done by 20-25
mins so you can have time for feedback).
It's up to you and your partner. Ideally, one you will volunteer in your email correspondence, If not, flip a coin!
What do I do as the interviewer?
You've definitely got a less stressful job to do! Here are some things to think about:
1) Randomly select questions that your partner has provided you ... and then ask
them!
2) If you feel the need, jot down any quick notes for feedback later.
3) Watch the time; ask no question after 25 minutes have past and then end the
interview.
4) Provide positive feedback and go over any areas of improvement. This is a great time to be sensitive
and thoughtful when mentioning constructive things!
Be On-Time
If you're busy, you know the value of being on time. Please respect that
your assigned practice partner may also be making a special effort to do
the call, so make your best effort to start and stop on time.
Be Sensitive With Feedback Comments
Our recommended protocol is to offer feedback only if it is requested; some
people are only looking for the practice. If you do provide feedback, it's
always good stress the positives and be sensitive when mentioning constructive
aspects. Generally, people have a sense of the problems they had during
an interview and may not need "obvious" feedback.
Be Focused On the Task
Typing on the keyboard or doing other kinds of background activities is
generally obvious to the other party. You're there to help each other so
try to keep focused on the task at hand.
Be Wary of the Time
Sometimes answers may take longer than you anticipated. That's fine! Just keep in mind though that you want to finish in 30 minutes so your partner will have time too (or that your partner may have to leave at the end of the scheduled time).
Messing Up!
It happens all the time when you're practicing this type of skill and is
to be expected. The best thing to do is to recover as quick as you can and
keep moving on rather than talking about it.