Practising Interview

Introduction

This assessment is designed to help you build confidence and gain experience in the interview process. You will record a 34 minute mock interview video using the resume you created for Assessment 1. The goal is to practice articulating your qualifications, connecting your education to a career path, and presenting yourself professionally. Even if graduate school is your next step, youll eventually be entering the job marketthis exercise offers valuable practice for that process. As part of your preparation, be mindful of your appearance and environmentdress as you would for a real interview, and choose a clean, quiet, and distraction-free background. Do not read your responses word-for-word; instead, speak naturally and confidently as though you were in a live interview setting.

Note: The course assessments build upon one another and should be completed in sequence.

Prepare

This assessment involves making an audio/video recording of yourself. If you have not already done so, set up and test your microphone, headset, webcam, or hardware using the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Practice using the headset, webcam, or hardware to ensure the audio and visual quality is sufficient.

Kaltura Basics Tutorial is a great overview of Kaltura basics. You can also refer to Using Kaltura for more directions on recording and uploading your recording in the courseroom.

Instructions

You must address the questions below in your 34 minute video:

As you address the questions, think about all of the highlights you included in your resume assessment. Use the job opening you referred to in Assessment 1, or choose another. Remember to:

Apply your psychology knowledge and background to the question and the job. (A distinguished interview would also provide details and specific examples.)

Show professionalism and self-regulation in the way you respond.

Respond to the questions in a well-organized text. (A distinguished interview would also incorporate appropriate evidence and tone in grammatically sound sentences.)

Thanks for coming in. I have your resume here. Can you just walk me through your background?

Provide a brief summary of your educational background, key experiences, and relevant skills.

How has your education prepared you for this role?

Discuss how your coursework, projects, or training have equipped you for the position.

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

Be thoughtful and honest. Choose a strength that aligns with the role, and a weakness you are actively working to improve.

Why should we hire you over other candidates? (or, if youre applying to graduate school, Why should we admit you over other applicants?).

Focus on what makes you stand out. Highlight your skills, attitude, work ethic, relevant experiences, or unique perspective that set you apart from others and make you a strong fit for the position or program.

“Why are you interested in working for this company?”

If you’re applying for a job, explain what draws you to the company’s mission, culture, or opportunities. If you’re applying to graduate school, frame this as: Why are you interested in this program? and discuss how the program aligns with your academic interests, career goals, or values.

Show that youve researched the company or school and explain how your values and goals align with theirs.

Do you have any questions for me?

Conclude by asking 12 thoughtful questions you would ask in a real interview. If youre applying for a job, consider questions about company culture, growth opportunities, training, or team structure. If youre applying to graduate school, ask about things like research opportunities, faculty interests, program structure, student support, or career outcomes.

Before recording, take a moment to ensure you are presenting yourself and your environment professionally:

When recording consider the following:

Dress as if you were attending a real interview. Choose clean, neat, and appropriate clothing that reflects your professionalism.

Check your video background. Record your video in a quiet, well-lit location. Make sure the background is neutral and free from distractions, clutter, or anything inappropriate.

Minimize background noise and ensure your face is clearly visible with good lighting.

Maintain eye contact with the camera and speak clearly and confidently. Avoid reading word-for-word; instead, practice enough that you can speak naturally and with ease.

Tips for Success

Practice your responses a few times before recording.

Review your video before submitting to make sure you’re happy with the presentation.

Remember, this is a chance to showcase your professionalism, preparation, and personality!

If you have any technical issues with Kaltura, please contact Technical Support.

Uploading Your Recording

Place the URL link to your Kaltura video into a Word document and upload the document.

Competencies Measured

By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:

Competency 2: Apply critical thinking, scientific analysis, and innovative thinking to problems in the field of psychology.

Apply psychology content to a work setting in an interview.

Competency 4: Apply psychology specific content to effective self reflection, project management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.

Exhibits professionalism and self-regulation in answering interview questions in an audio/visual recording.

Competency 5: Communicate effectively with diverse recipients in a manner consistent with expectations for psychology professionals.

Respond to interview questions in a well-organized manner.