Are mock interviews the secret weapon? If you're nervous about speaking, can't quite articulate your thoughts, or you just want to get comfortable with the Oxbridge interview system, they very well could be.
To get the best results from your mock interview preparation, it's best to approach them strategically. From choosing the right interviewer to practising regularly, every detail matters. In this blog, we’ll explore how to maximize the benefits of mock interviews so you can walk into the real thing feeling ready to shine, and collect your offer on the way out (metaphorically speaking, of course).
Choose the right interviewer
This is more key than most people think. Of course, any practise is good practise, but the right mock interviewer can make all the difference. Ideally, try to connect with someone who's taken the course you're applying to at the university you're applying to.
A good mock interviewer will take you miles further than any other, as they have an intimate understanding of the subject (and an Oxbridge way of looking at it). Someone who has been through the process before can ask you targeted questions, challenge your answers and force you to defend your positions, much like tutors will do in the real interviews.
You will probably have two interviews, both of which with different academics, so it's good to get familiar with engaging with new faces. This is where we can help! For our typical series of four mock interview sessions, you will be assigned four different interviewers, each of which has experience in your chosen field.
Do your research
It's important to familiarise yourself with the Oxbridge interview. You can read our series of blogs down here, to get you started:
Tailor your preparation to the college you're applying to. You won't know exactly what college is interviewing you until you get your invite, but once you do, take a note of the possible tutors that could be meeting with you. Interviews can occasionally lean to each tutor's academic interests. So, for example, if you're being interviewed by Dr John Smith at Balliol College, and you've read on his profile on the college site that his research interests include Shakespeare, maybe think about Shakespeare.
Practise regularly
We love a schedule here at Avalon, but consistency is key. Set aside dedicated time each week for mock interviews or question drills, focusing on different topics and styles of questioning.
Space out your mock interviews to give you a chance to reflect on feedback.
Make your mock interviews hard
This is where your good interviewer will make the most difference. Encourage your interviewer to push you with difficult, open-ended questions that test your ability to think critically and adapt. Don’t shy away from tough topics or unfamiliar concepts — these are opportunities to stretch your intellectual boundaries.
Don't be afraid to make your mock interviews difficult; after all, the real thing usually is. And if it's not, you'll be only pleasantly surprised!
Record yourself
This is invaluable. Your interviewer should provide you with feedback, but there's nothing like seeing it for yourself. Recording yourself is a great way to both track progress (to make sure you're getting the most out of your mock interviews), and a great way to catch areas of improvement.
Some things to look out for:
Unclear responses
Filler words
Uncomfortable body language
Repeating yourself
Speaking too quickly (or too slowly)
Reflect on what you find, and try to focus on it for next time.
Get useful feedback
The difference between good and bad feedback is monumental. Make sure you're getting the most out of your mock interview by ensuring your feedback is actually useful: it needs to be actionable, not overly opinionated, and is specific and detailed.
So for example: 'You did okay' is not particularly useful to you. It's not specific enough, it's not objective, and it doesn't tell you what to do to go from okay to wow.
A better example might be: "Your answer on X was strong because you used evidence, but you could improve by explaining why it supports your argument." It's better because it's giving you something specific that you did well and a specific way you could improve next time.
Your interview preparation is only as useful as the feedback is. Otherwise, it's frankly a waste of your time.
By choosing the right interviewer, practising regularly, pushing your limits, and seeking constructive feedback, you can turn your preparation into a powerful advantage.
So let us help you go from okay to wow, and book your interview package with Avalon now. We guarantee you'll get experienced tutors who've gone through the same interview, flawless feedback, and that you'll see an improvement.
Try us out. We don't bite.
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