Mock Interview Week will help students get in interviewing shape for JobFest and their career goals

Students interested in honing their skills before that first big interview will have a chance to practice during Careers Service’s Mock Interview Week, February 26 – March 2, 2018.

The weeklong event is designed to connect students with WVU Tech alumni from companies ranging from Appalachian Power and Toyota to Wells Fargo and the West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families. These alumni will conduct mock interviews so that students can practice for the job search.

Felicia Garcia-Wedemeyer, coordinator of career and orientation programs at WVU Tech, said that mock interviews are a great way to practice in a low-pressure environment. And since the JobFest career fair on Tuesday, March 6 is only weeks away, it’s the perfect time for students to get started.

“Sitting in a one-on-one interview will boost their confidence for the kind of environment that JobFest provides. Recruiters will usually say something like 'tell me about yourself,' and many students don't know how to answer that in an effective way. They forget to talk about their experiences, their class projects or any of the career goals that they have,” she said. 

The mock interviewers will work from a standard set of questions and provide feedback to students, helping them on points ranging from attire and eye-contact to communication skills and how they handle questions.

Each one-hour mock interview will be conducted in the Student Life House (505 S. Kanawha Street). Available times include Monday, February 26 from 1-4 p.m.; Tuesday, February 27 from 4-7 p.m.; Wednesday, February 28 from 8 a.m. – noon; Thursday, March 1 from 1-4 p.m.; and Friday, March 2 from 8 a.m. – noon. Students must sign up using MountaineerTRAK (see below for details).

“Most interviews won't last the full hour, but we wanted to give students time to be introduced to the alumnus and build rapport before the interview," said Garcia-Wedemeyer. “It’s a great way for them to start building professional connections with our alumni.”

Students should bring printed copies of their resume and dress as if they were attending an actual interview. Those who want more practice can sign up for multiple sessions.

Garcia-Wedemeyer stressed that Mock Interview Week isn’t just for job-seeking seniors. Any student who plans to interview for internships, co-ops and summer jobs would benefit from the experience.

Students who want to get a head start can contact Career Services for resume help and can visit during drop-in hours each Thursday from 1-3 p.m. Garcia-Wedemeyer will also host drop-in JobFest resume review hours in the Library on Wednesday, February 21 from 10 a.m. – noon and on Thursday, February 22 from 9-11 a.m.

Want to sign up for a mock interview slot? It’s easy:

1. Log into MountaineerTRACK. 
   
2. On the toolbar on the left hand side, click “events.”
   
3. Click “workshops.”
   
4. In the keywords text box, type “WVU Tech” and hit search.
   
5. You will find five mock Interview links, one for each day of the week.
   
6. Click on the day you want to sign up for your mock Interview.
   
7. On the right hand side, select your time slot. Each mock Interview has a 60-minute block.
   
8. When you RSVP, you will receive a confirmation email.
   
9. Arrive to the Student Life House (505 S. Kanawha St) for your Mock Interview.