No matter your age, sitting down for a job interview can elicit feelings of stress and anxiety. Without the proper preparation, these feelings can overwhelm and negatively impact performance.
The University Career Center’s Practice Interview Event aims to remove the pressure that comes with that first professional interview through practice and feedback.
Ashley Derynioski (’21), the center’s coordinator for internships and Virginia employer outreach, says the goal is to allow students to gain experience in a difficult-to-access skill. “Normally when in the interview process, you aren’t able to receive feedback,” she said. “Being a part of this event is a great opportunity to get that feedback and build upon those skills.”
PIE has existed in some capacity for about a decade. This year, more sessions are being offered because of the program’s popularity among students. Normally the UCC hosts one session per semester; this semester it is conducting three. The first two occurred in February and March, with both online and in-person options. The third is coming up this month in a virtual format.
During these 30-minute, mock interviews with actual employers, students can get a sense of the real thing. By asking questions of the interviewer, they can also get a feel for how they need to prepare.
Dr. David Jones, professor of political science and faculty member in residence for the Washington Semester, encourages each program cohort to use the practice-interview resource before pursuing their internships.
“Interviews are intimidating and stressful. It is not uncommon to bomb the first interview. Clearly the stakes are much lower if your first interview is a trial run,” Jones said. “It’s excellent practice, and you get useful feedback on how you did. There is no downside.”
Derynioski said UCC interviewers range from local employers to campus partners, all of them experts in their fields. They include Revenue Solutions Inc., CGI, Valley Health and Fairfax County Park Authority. The list continues to grow as the UCC reaches out to employers who have expressed interest in participating in PIE.
Students wishing to further prepare also have access to Big Interview, an online tool for practicing tailored interview questions in your field, alone with a webcam, at any time of day. JMU students and alumni have access to the program.
PIE is free to current students. The next session will be held virtually on Wednesday, April 9. Those interested can register here.