Mock Interviews
The CDO is committed to providing individualized, intensive assistance in improving students' interviewing skills. This service is available to alumni as well. If you feel that your interviewing skills need sharpening, you may schedule a mock interview with a member of the CDO staff.
- To schedule your mock interview, speak to the program coordinator at the front desk. Please note that you must complete the "Mock Interview Form," making sure to indicate the type of interview situation you want the counselor to simulate, and submit your current resume prior to receiving an appointment.
- To simulate an interview situation as closely as possible, we ask that students wear a suit or appropriate business attire to the mock interview.
- Be aware that the interview will start as soon as the counselor walks out of his/her office. There will be no "getting acquainted with the counselor" time given that the purpose of the mock interview is to simulate, as much as possible, the conditions of an actual interview.
- Set aside at least 45 minutes for the mock interview and feedback from the counselor.
Please note that due to high demand for mock interviews in the fall, we ask that students attend one of several interview skills workshops prior to scheduling a mock interview.
A Note About Mock Interview Clinics
Occasionally the CDO organizes Mock Interview Clinics for current students. These events involve students visiting the offices of local law firms and interviewing with practicing BU Law alumni. Pre-registration is required. For additional information on scheduling and other details regarding clinics you should review the Online Calendar of CDO Events. Here are some things to keep in mind when participating in a Mock Interview Clinic:
- What to Wear: Dress as if you were attending an actual interview. Keep in mind that you DON’T have to wear navy to be taken seriously, and women are not required to wear skirt suits. If you’re comfortable and your suit is one that you feel is appropriately styled for a business setting then you’ll make a good impression.
- How to Prepare: Attend one of several interview skills workshops and review related handouts. Spend time reviewing your resume so that you’re not caught off guard by questions on past experiences. If you are interviewing with BU Law alumni, then perform some basic background research on him/her and his/her employer. We will inform all Mock Interview Clinic registrants of their assigned interviewer when we can. Even if your interviewer works for an employer or in a practice area in which you don’t plan to pursue during your search, practicing your preparation skills will be a valuable exercise. You need not become an expert on the interviewer or his/her employer and practice focus; this is an opportunity to work out some of your nerves and gain perspective on the interview process. Research the employer or type of employer with which you have/hope to have an actual interview but be mindful of the interviewer’s basic background.
- What to Take With You: We will inform all interviewers that student participants are only required to have extra resumes at the time of the interview. However, in order to simulate a real interview your interviewer might ask for a transcript, reference list or writing sample. Whether you actually bring those documents with you to the Clinic is up to you. If you would like the opportunity to discuss your transcript, reference list or writing sample, then you should feel free to take the documents to your interview.
Please contact the CDO if you have any additional questions concerning Mock Interviews or Mock Interview Clinics.