We highly recommend you review our Mock Interview Orientation video and look over our Mock Interview Learner Guide!
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at events@meritamerica.org!
What are Merit Mock Interviews?
Mock interviews are the #1 way Merit America learners can apply their interview skills and knowledge before meeting future employers. Learners should be prepared to answer mostly behavioral questions but may be asked some basic-level technical questions regarding their cohort's coursework.
There are two options for Mock Interviews currently:
One volunteer will be paired with one learner for a 40-minute interview
One volunteer will be paired with two learners for two 20-minute interviews or a group interview. This is an amazing opportunity to learn from another peer!
How long are Mock Interviews❓
Mock interviews are approximately 1 hour long. All participants will join the Zoom meeting for a 5-minute overview of the event and ensure their connections are okay, then everyone will be sent out into breakout rooms for their 40-minute interview. Once volunteers and learners are done, they may return to the main Zoom room for a 10-minute debrief.
Are Mock Interviews mandatory for Learners❓
Mock Interviews are not mandatory, but if you RSVP, your attendance is considered mandatory unless you cancel your RSVP. They are highly recommended if you want professional guidance and interview feedback from our Volunteers!
Do learners ask questions❓
We ask Learners to prepare with possible questions as if they were going to an interview with a future employer. Volunteers do not need to have answers, but they may suggest if their questions are beneficial to future interviews!
How to Sign Up + What Comes Next:
How do learners sign up for Mock Interviews❓
The Merit America Events Team will send out an email and Slack messaging for the upcoming event. You will only sign up via Zoom. Do not sign up via Calendly. Calendly is for our volunteers. The form will close on the Monday before the event dates. We are only able to accommodate 50 attendees per time slot given.
How many slots can learners sign up for❓
You must choose one time slot. Once signed up, you cannot switch time slots unless you cancel your RSVP and complete the registration form again with your new preferred time.
I filled out the Learner sign-up form, now what❓
The Merit America Events Team will send you a confirmation within 24 hours of the form closing for your event (if you did not receive one, contact us!). We will be in contact with you throughout the process with reminder emails and more information!
When do learners receive their calendar invites for the interview❓
An invite will be sent within 48 days prior to the event.
The invitation will have the Zoom link embedded in the invite and an event overview. Please accept the event invites. If you do not receive your calendar invites, please check your email calendar too or inform the Merit America Events Team ASAP!
Do I do anything before the interview❓
Be prepared! Make sure to pre-plan your day & technology before you meet. We suggest reviewing commonly asked behavioral interview questions, familiarizing yourself with some technical concepts relating to your coursework, dressing professionally and checking your zoom link. You are building a professional network, someone may be hiring, or know someone who is! If you’d like to have your resume handy or some questions for your volunteers you may as well. Please be prepared to stay professional throughout the event.
📌 We highly recommend you review our Mock Interview Orientation video and look over our Mock Interview Learner Guide!
Day-of the Event FAQ:
Where are Mock Interviews❓
All mock interviews are held virtually via Zoom - the link is embedded in your invites.
What time do I need to arrive❓
Please arrive at the start time of your calendar invite. We will get started right away!
What do I do if I need to cancel❓
Please follow these steps in order to cancel your RSVP.
What happens once I join the Zoom❓
Learners and volunteers will be provided with a quick overview of the event. Next, you will be asked to join a breakout room and start your interview. Once done, learners will come back to the main room for a debrief. Volunteers are welcome to join and provide advice to the group!
What is the feedback form❓
We ask our volunteers to fill out the provided feedback form, but learners are responsible for taking notes on their feedback! Click here to make a copy to help guide your volunteer’s feedback. If you would like to receive feedback from our volunteer form, please contact your coach.
What is the debrief❓
During our debrief, coaches will discuss with learners their impressions of how their interview went. We want learners to be able to see where they are successful, and where they feel improvements can be made. For our volunteers, they may discuss any advice they believe would be beneficial for learners in their future interviews.