Lesson Plan
Mock Interview Mastery
Engage adult learners in structured mock interviews to boost confidence, practice responses to common questions, and apply peer and instructor feedback to improve performance.
Mock interviews simulate real job scenarios, helping adults refine delivery, manage nerves, and identify improvement areas before actual interviews.
Audience
Adults
Time
30 Minutes
Approach
Timed mock rounds with peer and instructor feedback
Materials
- Interview Question Cards, - Interview Feedback Form, - Stopwatch or Timer, and - Pen and Paper
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 Minutes
- Print or photocopy enough Interview Question Cards for each pair
- Print or photocopy Interview Feedback Form for each participant
- Ensure a stopwatch or timer is functional and visible to all
- Arrange seating to facilitate one-on-one interviews
Step 1
Introduction and Objectives
5 Minutes
- Welcome participants and explain session goals: build confidence, practice responses, and receive feedback
- Distribute Interview Question Cards and Interview Feedback Form
- Outline process: each pair alternates roles as interviewer and candidate
- Clarify timing: 5 minutes per mock interview round
Step 2
Mock Interview Rounds
20 Minutes
- Divide participants into pairs
- Round 1 (5 minutes):
- Candidate answers 2–3 questions from the Interview Question Cards
- Interviewer takes notes on response clarity and body language
- Swap roles and repeat for Round 2 (5 minutes)
- Repeat a third time if time allows, choosing different questions
- Use the stopwatch or timer to enforce timing
Step 3
Debrief and Feedback
5 Minutes
- Participants complete the Interview Feedback Form for their partner
- Invite volunteers to share one strength and one improvement area they observed
- Instructor highlights common best practices and tips for improvement
- Encourage participants to apply feedback in future interviews
Slide Deck
Crack The Interview Code
A 30-minute session of structured mock interviews
• Build confidence
• Sharpen your responses
• Receive actionable feedback
Welcome participants. Introduce yourself and the session: "Crack The Interview Code: Mock Interview Mastery." Explain that over the next 30 minutes they will practice real interview scenarios, receive feedback, and leave better prepared for job interviews.
Session Objectives
By the end of this session, you will be able to:
• Answer common interview questions with clarity
• Demonstrate confident body language and tone
• Give and receive constructive feedback
• Identify areas for improvement
Walk through each objective on the slide. Emphasize why each is important and how they will apply it in real interviews.
Materials & Setup
• Interview Question Cards
• Interview Feedback Form
• Stopwatch or Timer
• Pen and Paper
Prep (10 minutes):
• Print materials for each pair
• Arrange seating for one-on-one interviews
• Confirm timer is visible
Show the materials and explain how to prepare. Distribute printed materials now. Ensure everyone has what they need.
Introduction & Process
• Pair up: one interviewer, one candidate
• 5 minutes per mock interview
– Candidate answers 2–3 questions
– Interviewer takes notes on clarity & body language
• Swap roles and repeat
Explain the format and timing. Make sure participants understand roles will switch every 5 minutes.
Mock Interview Rounds
Round 1 (5 min)
• Candidate answers questions from the card deck
• Interviewer notes strengths & improvement areas
Round 2 (5 min)
• Roles switch
Optional Round 3 if time allows
Display this slide during the mock rounds. Keep time visible. Prompt participants to move to the next round when the timer goes off.
Debrief & Feedback
• Complete the Interview Feedback Form
• Share one strength and one area to improve
• Instructor highlights best practices:
– STAR method for behavioral questions
– Maintaining eye contact and positive posture
After the rounds, guide participants through completing the feedback form and sharing observations. Encourage honest but supportive feedback.
Next Steps & Resources
• Schedule additional mock sessions with peers
• Review top interview questions weekly
• Visit career services for resume tips and more interviews
• Keep refining your answers—practice makes perfect
Conclude by encouraging ongoing practice and offering resources. Remind learners to apply feedback in real interviews.
Worksheet
Interview Question Cards
Cut along the dotted lines. Distribute one card per interview question during mock interviews.
Card 1
Tell me about yourself.
Card 2
Why are you interested in this position?
Card 3
Describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you handled it.
Card 4
What are your greatest strengths?
Card 5
What is one weakness you have worked to improve?
Card 6
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Card 7
Why should we hire you?
Card 8
Tell me about a time you demonstrated leadership.
Card 9
Describe a time you worked effectively within a team.
Card 10
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Card 11
Give an example of a time you had to learn something new quickly.
Card 12
Do you have any questions for us?
Worksheet
Interview Feedback Form
Interviewer Name: ______________________ Candidate Name: ______________________ Date: ____________
Rating Scale
1 (Needs improvement) — 5 (Excellent)
- Response Clarity (How clear and organized were the answers?) _____/5
- Content Relevance (Did the candidate address the question effectively?) _____/5
- Confidence & Tone (Was the delivery confident, engaging, and professional?) _____/5
- Body Language & Eye Contact (Did the candidate maintain good posture and eye contact?) _____/5
- Use of Examples/STAR Method (Were examples specific, structured, and illustrative?) _____/5
Strengths Observed
Describe what the candidate did well (e.g., strong stories, clear examples, positive attitude).
Areas for Improvement
Provide constructive feedback on how the candidate can strengthen their responses or presence.
Additional Comments
Any other observations (e.g., pacing, filler words, question follow–up).
Overall Recommendation
Would you recommend this candidate moving forward? Why or why not?