Practicing Interview Skills

Employers use interviews to assess a candidate’s ability to articulate how their skills and experiences relate to their organization and open position. Prior to any formal interview, students are encouraged to practice their interviewing skills through a mock interview. Mock interviews help to reduce stress and anxiety about interviewing and boost self confidence. In this assignment, you will practice your interviewing skills by answering 5 common interview questions.

To review basic interviewing skills read our TerpGuide Links to an external site., pages 29-32.

You will need a working computer and webcam with a microphone to complete this assignment via the platform BigInterview. Make sure that you give umd.biginterview.com access to your camera and microphone in order to utilize the platform. If you are having difficulty with the site try using a different browser, Google Chrome tends to work best. If you don't have access to a webcam, please call the University Career Center 301.314.7225 and request to use a virtual interview room in the Center. 

1. To access BigInterview visit: https://umd.biginterview.com/ Links to an external site.
2. Sign into your account using your terpmail.umd.edu email and the password you created.
   • First time users of BigInterview will need to create a new account using their terpmail.umd.edu email.

3. Once logged in, use the navigation bar at the top to select 'Interviews', from the dropdown menu select 'Interview Assignments.' In the space provided, enter this access code: 466853

   • *You will only have access to this code ONCE, so when you enter the code, be prepared to start the interview.  Do NOT enter the code and then close out of the system or allow the system to time out.  If you do so, you will no longer have access to the assignment.*

4. Complete the interview –There are a total of five interview questions. You will be given two minutes to complete each question and up to two attempts. 

   • Since BigInterview is a web application, the system does time out.  You must be ready to complete the assignment in one sitting.  Do not follow the steps above unless you are ready to complete the assignment

5. Upon the completion of your mock interview, you will need to upload BOTH your interview video link AND the Practicing Interview Skills Self-Evaluation Form Download Practicing Interview Skills Self-Evaluation Form for grading. The failure to do both will result in the deduction of points.
   • Please follow these steps to get your interview link:
     • Once you have completed your interview, click on Save and Submit Responses
     • Using the navigation bar at the top, go to 'Interviews,' then select 'Interview Assignments.'
     • Select 'Submitted' at the top of the page, next to 'Active'
     • There will be a box indicating your submitted responses to the UCC Commons Interview Assignment, in the top right corner, click on the share icon (circle with upward pointing arrow). 
     • You will have the option to either send an email or copy the link- make sure you copy the link and submit it with your assignment. 

If you have technical difficulties:

• Try a different browser: If you're using Safari, try using Chrome, FireFox, etc.
• Reference these resources Links to an external site. on BigInterview for additional technical support

Evaluation:

 In order to receive full points for this assignment, you must:

• Successfully answer the questions within the allotted time
• Put forth effort and professionalism throughout the interview
• Submit your BigInterview link and Practicing Interview Skills Self-Evaluation Form Download Practicing Interview Skills Self-Evaluation Form

For more information and additional resources, visit: careers.umd.edu Links to an external site.