The Mock Interview role

Braven’s Mock Interviewers help prepare college students for one of the most daunting and critical steps in launching their career: the interview. Mock Interviewers are volunteers who simulate the job or graduate-school interview process for students (called “Fellows”) and provide feedback. Volunteers commit to just 2.5 hours of time, but Fellows feel their impact for the rest of their careers. 

The Mock Interview comes halfway through a Fellow’s time in Braven’s signature semester-long career course. At this stage, Fellows have built a solid foundation of career skills—everything from resume and cover letter writing to effective networking. Now, they need the chance to build skills and confidence in the interview process. Mock interviews also tend to be a great networking opportunity for Fellows and volunteers alike—this is a moment for Fellows to connect with working professionals, and for volunteers to meet the next generation of leaders.

You’re thoughtful and passionate about helping develop the next generation of leaders. You’re eager to help Fellows move from college to strong economic opportunities. You’re excited to make an impact, but the time commitment required to serve as a Leadership Coach or Professional Mentor isn’t a fit for you right now.

Mock interviewers have the opportunity to work closely with a single Fellow for up to three rounds of a simulated interview process. During each 25-minute interview, you’ll offer Fellows coaching and feedback on their approach. Fellows and interviewers then repeat this process one to two more times. At the end of the event, everyone will gather for a short close out and celebration.

Depending on the number of students and volunteers, you might participate in a panel interview where you’ll volunteer with another professional.

We request Mock Interviewers engage in half an hour of virtual training in advance of a virtual two-hour session of mock interviews. In under three hours, volunteers make a lifelong impact for Fellows. These sessions take place in March and October of each year.

Mock Interviewers receive everything they need to offer a strong experience for Fellows. There’s no advance preparation required before the training, and volunteers receive sample questions they can use with Fellows.

Both the training and interview sessions are fully virtual and conducted over Zoom. Mock Interviewers should plan to join sessions on a computer.

How to register

We would love to have you join us for this essential part of Fellows’ experience. Please fill out a volunteer application and select the session(s) you’re able to commit to (different sessions have different application deadlines). After you press “submit,” you’ll receive a confirmation message with your registration.

Please only sign up for sessions that you know you can join. When volunteers miss a session, it can leave gaps in the experience for Fellows and make it harder for our team to deliver a high-quality program. We mark some of our most popular student events as ‘priority.’ While you’re welcome to sign up for any event, choosing a priority event is a great way to make the biggest impact.

Thank you for your commitment to Braven’s mission!

Mock Interview Events

Region
Day & Time
Deadlines
Atlanta
Spelman
Tuesday, 3/17, 5:30-8:00pm ET
Wednesday, 3/18, 5:30-8:00pm ET
March 8
Bay Area
San Jose State University
Tuesday, 3/17, 5:30-8:00pm PT
Thursday, 3/19, 2:30-5:00pm PT
March 8
Bay Area
San Francisco State University
Tuesday, 3/17, 3:30-6:00pm PT
Wednesday, 3/18, 3:30-6:00pm PT
March 8
Chicago
BravenX
Tuesday, 3/10, 2:30-5:00pm CT
Wednesday, 3/11, 4:30-7:00pm CT
Thursday, 3/12, 3:30-6:00pm CT
March 1
Chicago
National Louis University
Wednesday, 3/4, 8:30-11am CT
Wednesday, 3/4, 12:30pm-3:00pm CT
February 22
Chicago
Northern Illinois University
Tuesday, 3/3, 5:00-7:30pm CT
Wednesday, 3/4, 5:00-7:30pm CT
February 22
Dallas Fort-Worth
University of North Texas
Wednesday, 3/4, 3:30-6:00pm CT
February 22
Delaware
Delaware State University
Tuesday, 3/3, 3:30-6:00pm ET
Wednesday, 3/4, 11:30am-1:55pm ET
February 22
Greater Boston
UMass Lowell
Thursday, 3/19, 3:00-5:30pm ET
March 8
New Jersey
Rutgers University-Newark
Tuesday, 3/10, 5:30-8:00pm ET
Wednesday, 3/11, 5:30-8:00pm ET
Friday, 3/13, 11:00am-1:30pm ET
March 1
New York City
The City College of New York
Tuesday, 3/24, 6:00-8:30pm ET
Thursday, 3/26, 10:00am-12:30pm ET
March 8