Mock Interview Success Stories

Over a period of five days from 12-16 October 2009, the Monash University Faculty of Education hosted mock interview sessions to prepare final year students for the real thing in the coming months. This annual event drew on more than 130 principals and senior secondary school staff from a wide selection of schools throughout Victoria who volunteered their expertise to the faculty. In total 351 students were interviewed by panels of 2-3 of the volunteers as part of their Professional Engagement unit. Students were questioned on their academic studies, work and life experience to find out how they have made the most of the opportunities presented to them during their time at Monash. After the interview the panel gave each student valuable feedback to assist them in future interviews.

As well as being part of the unit's assessment, the event is designed to give students a rewarding experience and help them on their way to finding work soon after graduating from University. For some particularly high performing students, there was an extra unexpected bonus. As in previous years, a few of the student interviewees actually received job offers as a result of their interviews. One student from Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) and one from Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) both impressed so much in the interviews they have been offered teaching positions as a result of the interviews.

One successful student told us after his interview; "It was interesting; it was insightful to get a feel for the questions that were asked and my responses to them. I tried to stay confident and answer to the best of my ability… one of the principals noted that she had a position opening up in my specialism that she strongly suggested that I should apply for it. Since then I have applied and I'm waiting to hear back!"

Another student told us; "I thought the mock interview was just a university requirement. (I thought) jobs being offered at the mock interview was just a rumour to get students to take it more seriously." The student says he was "really excited" to be made an offer (which he has accepted) teaching geography, Chinese and science at a secondary school in Melbourne's eastern suburbs.

The mock interviews provide a valuable link between the Education Faculty and highly experienced professionals such as Principals. This link is vital in developing partnerships in the preparation of future teachers with the profession itself. The Faculty of Education would like to thank all of the interviewers who gave up their time to attend and interviewees for taking part and making this event such a terrific success. We wish you every success in your new careers, wherever in the world that may be!