Evaluating the Effectiveness of a Virtual Mock Interview for Health Professions Students

Abstract

Background: Virtual mock interviews were offered to students to improve job interviewing skills. This educational quality improvement project aimed to use virtual mock interviews to increase student preparedness and confidence, and reduce anxiety related to professional interviews.

Method: Health professions students (n = 19) participated in the mock interviews conducted and recorded through a web-based meeting. Students received the recorded interview to watch before follow-up. Students completed pre- and postquestionnaires that addressed students' preparedness, confidence, and anxiety related to interviewing.

Results: Participants' confidence and preparedness improved significantly in their virtual interviews (p < .001), and their anxiety decreased significantly after the virtual interviews (p < .001). After watching the interviews, students' reported eye contact needed improvement and answers included too many "uhms."

Conclusion: Students benefited from the virtual mock interviews. Mock virtual job interviews may have a positive effect on successful job acquisition in health professions. [J Nurs Educ. 2023;62(8):479-482.].