Why Every Job Seeker Should Practise with a Mock Interview

Securing a role in today’s competitive job market goes beyond qualifications it’s about how confidently and convincingly you present your value in an interview setting. For many candidates, this is the critical moment where opportunities are either unlocked or lost.

As a career coach, I have worked with hundreds of professionals who believed they were interview-ready only to discover, through mock interviews, the gaps in their delivery. That’s why I strongly advocate for structured interview practice before you walk into the real thing. Here’s why it matters.

1. Candidates Who Practise Are 75% More Likely to Succeed

A LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report highlights that candidates who engage in mock interviews feel up to 75% more confident and perform significantly better in actual interviews. Confidence comes from repetition — and there’s no better way to rehearse than through simulation.

2. Uncover Blind Spots Before the Employer Does

Mock interviews provide a safe space to identify and correct common pitfalls — from rambling answers and inconsistent body language to weak examples. You gain objective feedback before it costs you the job offer.

3. Master the STAR Technique with Ease

UK employers, particularly in the public sector, expect structured responses using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Mock interviews help you refine this approach, ensuring your answers are concise, relevant, and results-driven.

4. Reduce Nerves and Build Real Confidence

Nerves are natural, but preparation reduces their impact. Repeated mock sessions help build muscle memory so you can focus on content, not anxiety. Practising under time constraints also improves your ability to think clearly under pressure.

5. Improve Relevance for ATS and Human Review

Increasingly, recruiters look for keyword alignment between your CV and verbal responses. Practising mock interviews helps you naturally include the right industry language — enhancing your ATS match score and overall alignment.

6. Tackle Difficult Questions with Poise

Questions like “What’s your biggest weakness?” or “Why did you leave your last role?” can be challenging. A mock interview provides time to refine your answers without stumbling through them in front of an actual hiring manager.

7. Receive Actionable Feedback — Not Generic Reassurance

Most employers don’t offer interview feedback. A mock interview, on the other hand, gives you detailed, constructive advice that highlights specific strengths and areas for improvement — making your preparation much more targeted and effective.

Practising with a mock interview is not just a confidence boost — it’s a competitive advantage. It sharpens your messaging, reveals gaps you can work on, and prepares you for high-impact conversations that shape your future.

For personalised mock interview coaching and professional career support, connect with Bidisha Ray at www.bidisharay.com. Her expert guidance has helped countless professionals secure roles across industries. or you can use nterview Pro to Practise

Interview Pro is an AI-powered mock interview simulator that helps you ace your next interview with confidence. It offers real-time feedback, personalised coaching, and detailed analytics giving you an edge over other candidates.