Mock interviews: how to practice so it counts
A mock interview is a practice run under realistic conditions: real questions, a timer and honest feedback. It works because speaking an answer aloud exposes gaps that silent preparation hides. Do two or three rounds before an interview that matters, and review each one against a short checklist.
At a glance
- Practise aloud, sitting or standing as you will in the interview.
- Time every answer. Two to three minutes suits most story questions.
- Review with a checklist, not a feeling.
- Repeat the answers you were weakest on.
- On LiveRec, mock interview practice is part of the Professional plan and is self-practice.
How to run a useful mock interview
- Choose a question set that matches the role.
- Set a timer for each answer.
- Answer aloud. Record yourself with a phone or computer if you can.
- Replay it and score yourself on the checklist below.
- Rewrite your weakest answer and do it again.
A self-review checklist
- Did I answer the question that was asked, in the first sentence or two?
- Did I use a structure (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for a story question?
- Did I give a specific example with real details, not a general claim?
- Did I say what I did, not only what the team did?
- Did I end with a result, ideally a number or a clear outcome?
- Did I stay within the time without rushing the ending?
- Did I avoid filler words such as "um" and "you know"?
Mock interviews on LiveRec
Mock interviews are included in the Professional plan. They are self-practice: you work through a set of questions, choose a timer (two or three minutes), read what a good answer covers, and review yourself against the checklist. There is no AI scoring and no live interviewer. The sets are:
| Set | Best for |
|---|---|
| General and behavioral | Any role |
| Software engineering | Engineers |
| Data and analytics | Analysts and data roles |
| Product and project management | Product and project roles |
| Sales and customer success | Sales, support and account roles |
| Healthcare and nursing | Clinical and care roles |
See the plans overview for which plan includes what. On any plan you can practise with a friend, a mentor or a recording, using the questions in our free guides.
Other ways to practise
- Ask a friend or former colleague to ask you questions and give honest notes.
- Use a recording to check pace and eye contact.
- Practise on the same device you will use. See virtual interview tips.
Frequently asked questions
How many mock interviews should I do? Two or three, spaced across days. More is fine if you are changing fields.
Do mock interviews use AI? LiveRec's practice sets do not. They are question sets with guidance and a self-review checklist.
Is a free account enough to prepare? Yes, with our free guides. The Professional plan adds structured practice sets in the product.
Next step
Start with the STAR method, write your five stories, then run your first practice round.
This page is general career information.