PTG · 03b · Standalone

Mock Interview
Guide.

The standalone version of the interview guide for printing. Opening script, 9 questions with follow-ups, scoring rubric, and debrief framework. Confidential — do not share with your student in advance.

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01Setting the Scene

The more real it feels, the more they'll grow from it

Before you begin: Sit across from each other at a table. Stay in character throughout — don't break to give hints or encouragement during the interview. Take notes in this guide while they speak. Save all feedback for the debrief. The interview should last 20–30 minutes.

Student's Name
Job They're Interviewing For
Date of Mock Interview
Evaluator
Opening Script — Read This to Begin

"Thank you for coming in today. My name is [your name] and I'm the hiring manager for the [job title] position. Please, have a seat."

[Wait for them to sit. Make brief small talk if it helps settle nerves — then:]

"I've had a chance to review your resume and I'm looking forward to learning more about you. Let's go ahead and get started."

02The Interview Questions

Ask all nine — take notes on each response as you go

Tips for staying in character: Keep neutral body language — no approving nods or visible winces. Let silences breathe; don't rescue them if they pause. Ask follow-up questions naturally. Jot brief notes in each space provided.

Question 01 — Opening
"Tell me about yourself."
They should give a 60-second professional summary — not their whole life story. Listen for clarity, confidence, and relevance to the role. Did they stay focused or ramble?
Follow-up if needed
  • "What made you interested in this particular field?"
  • "What do you consider your biggest accomplishment so far?"
Your Notes
Question 02 — Motivation
"Why do you want to work here, and why this role specifically?"
Listen for company-specific knowledge. Did they research the company or are they giving a generic answer? "You seem like a great company" is a red flag.
Follow-up if needed
  • "What specifically do you know about what we do here?"
  • "What drew you to this position over others you might have seen?"
Your Notes
Question 03 — Strength
"What would you say is your greatest strength, and can you give me an example of it in action?"
Look for a specific example — not just a claim. "I'm organized — here's a situation where that mattered..." is strong. "I'm a hard worker" with no evidence is weak.
Your Notes
Question 04 — Weakness
"What's an area you're still working to improve?"
Watch for self-awareness vs deflection. "I'm a perfectionist" or "I work too hard" are non-answers. A real weakness with a growth plan shows genuine maturity.
Follow-up if needed
  • "What specifically are you doing to improve in that area?"
Your Notes
Question 05 — Behavioral (STAR)
"Tell me about a time you had to deal with a difficult situation or person. What did you do and what happened?"
Listen for the STAR structure. Did they take ownership? Did they blame others? Was there a clear outcome? The best answers are specific, not vague.
Your Notes
Question 06 — Accountability
"Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?"
This reveals character. Can they admit fault without falling apart? Do they show learning? Blaming others or denying mistakes entirely is a significant red flag.
Your Notes
Question 07 — Vision
"Where do you see yourself in five years?"
Look for ambition balanced with humility. "I want your job in six months" and "I'll probably be somewhere else" are both red flags. Genuine interest in growing in the field is the goal.
Your Notes
Question 08 — The Close
"Why should I hire you over the other candidates we're interviewing?"
This is their moment to close the deal. Are they confident without being arrogant? Do they tie their strengths directly back to what the role needs?
Your Notes
Question 09 — Their Turn
"Do you have any questions for me?"
Having no questions signals disinterest. Thoughtful, specific questions signal preparation and genuine engagement. Answer their questions as the hiring manager would.
What Did They Ask? How Were the Questions?
Closing Script — Read This to End the Interview

"Thank you so much for coming in today. We have a few more candidates to speak with and we'll be in touch within the week. Is the best way to reach you at the number on your resume?"

[Stand. Offer your hand for a handshake. Walk them to the door. Stay in character until the door closes.]

03Scoring Rubric

Rate each area 1–5 · Complete immediately after the interview

1 star = Needs significant work  ·  3 stars = Solid  ·  5 stars = Outstanding

First Impression & AppearanceDressed appropriately? Arrived on time? Looked the part?
Handshake & GreetingFirm? Eye contact? Warm and confident?
Eye ContactConsistent and natural? Or wandering and downcast?
Posture & Body LanguageSat up straight? Calm hands? No fidgeting or crossed arms?
Clarity & Quality of AnswersClear, concise, and relevant? Or rambling and vague?
Confidence & ComposureStayed calm under pressure? Recovered well from hard questions?
Company Research & PreparationClearly knew the company? Brought materials?
Questions They AskedThoughtful and specific? Or generic? Did they ask anything?
Overall — Would You Hire Them?As an actual hiring manager, what does your gut say?
Their Single Strongest Moment in the Interview
The One Area That Needs the Most Improvement
If You Were the Real Hiring Manager, Would You Call Them Back?

04The Debrief

This is where the real learning happens

Before the debrief: Ask your child to complete the Self Evaluation section in their Student Guide first. Then sit down together and compare scorecards. The gap between their self-assessment and yours is the most valuable data in this entire chapter.

Debrief Framework

Start with one specific thing they did well. Then share one area to improve. Then compare scorecards and ask: "Where did your score and mine differ the most — why do you think that is?" End with: "If you could change one thing before a real interview next week, what would it be?"

On the Thank You Note

After the debrief, ask to see the thank you note draft they wrote in their Student Guide. Give feedback before they finalize it. In a real interview, a thank you note sent within 24 hours can be the difference between a callback and silence.

Debrief Notes — What Came Up in Your Conversation?
What's the One Thing You Want Them to Remember From This Experience?
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