Big Interview: Unlimited Mock Interviews + Expert Strategies to Ace Common Interview Questions
Interviewing can sometimes feel like just a casual conversation — you’re talking about your experiences, skills, and how they connect to the role, whether it’s an e-board position, internship, job, or graduate school admissions interview. But interviewing is also a unique skill. It requires you to pull specific examples, explain them clearly, let your personality come through, tailor your responses to the role, and do all this without being overly lengthy.
That’s why I always encourage everyone to practice and use our interview support services. Of all our resources, Big Interview is one of the quickest, most effective ways to see how well you’re doing. With this tool, you can:
- Record yourself responding to tailored practice questions.
- Review your responses for clarity and flow.
- Receive AI feedback on 12 different areas of your performance.
- Share recordings with others for additional input.
It’s a low-pressure way to practice before stepping into a live mock interview with staff (which tends to feel much closer to the real thing). Using Big Interview first helps you gain confidence, refine your answers, and make the most of staff feedback when you do an in-person or virtual mock interview.
Practicing Questions in Big Interview:
Updated Steps — Practice Sets & AI Feedback
1. Sign in / Create an account
2. Open Practice Sets
- From the homepage, click Practice in the middle of the screen, then select Practice Sets.
3. Choose a category
- You’ll see several categories. Common options include:
- General — covers ~80% of common interview questions. Great starting point.
- Under General you can focus on Entry-level Roles or Internships.
- You can also choose a difficulty level (Easy / Medium / Hard).
- Admissions / Academic Cohorts — tailored for application interviews, including:
- Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate School, Business School, Law School, Medical School (general + specialties), Dental School, Veterinary School, Optometry School, Architecture School, Education, Social Work.
- Other categories: Industry, Competency/Skillset, Government, Veterans, Favorites, & Custom Sets
- General — covers ~80% of common interview questions. Great starting point.
4. Pick a practice set & difficulty
- Start with General / Entry-level / Easy, then increase difficulty as you get comfortable.
5. Complete Eye-Tracking Calibration
- Follow the on-screen steps before recording so the system can accurately analyze eye contact and gaze.
6. Record your response
- Make sure responses are 30+ seconds to receive AI feedback.
- Keep your camera steady, speak clearly, and use good lighting/audio.
7. Save your recording
- Saved recordings appear under My Videos.
When you select a question, you’ll notice a Tips option (usually at the bottom right corner). These tips:
- Provide a concise strategy for answering the question.
- Often include a short example to help guide your thinking.
Why use them?
- If you already have a draft response, tips help you check whether your answer is strategic and tailored.
- If you don’t have a response yet, tips give you a starting point to build from.
Practice Styles:
- Full Script Approach: Write out your answer word-for-word and practice it.
- Be mindful: memorizing can make you sound robotic or rigid if you forget a part.
- Bullet Point Approach: Write 2–3 main points as a framework for your answer.
- Be mindful: if too vague, you might ramble or drift off-topic.
Both approaches can work — the key is knowing your own style and being aware of the pitfalls.
Review AI Feedback
- Go to My Videos → AI Score for a recorded response.
- Check both the AI Feedback and Action Plan tabs.
- The Action Plan offers concrete steps and exercises to improve.
What AI evaluates:
- Answer relevance
- Pace of speech
- UM counter (“um” usage)
- Vocabulary and precision
- Power words (strong, action-oriented language)
- Filler words (“like,” “you know,” etc.)
- Pause counter
- Negative tone
- Answer length
- Authenticity score (natural delivery)
- Volume (clarity and loudness)
- Lighting (video visibility/quality)
Caution:
AI is an excellent tool, but not every piece of feedback is critical. For example, using a couple of “ums” is natural and won’t ruin your interview. Use the feedback strategically, focusing on what will strengthen your delivery most.
In My Videos, click the three dots under Actions. Options include:
- Review Yourself: Watch your recording and rate yourself using built-in criteria. This deepens your reflection.
- Share: Generate a link or send directly to someone’s email.
Why it’s powerful:
- Recipients (even without a Big Interview account) can rate you using the same criteria and leave comments.
- You can share responses with mentors, trusted family members, or professionals in your field for targeted feedback.
Interview Question Guides:
| Question / Topic | Resource Link | Author(s) / Editors | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Tell Me About Yourself” (20+ Sample Answers + How-to) | Link | Pamela Skillings (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Briana Dilworth) | This common first question can set the tone — here’s how to nail it. |
| Why Are You Interested in This Position? | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski; Contributions: Nate Nead, Laia Quintana) | Focus your answer on alignment between role and career goals. |
| Strengths and Weaknesses (Tips & Example Answers) | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Maja Stojanovic, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski) | Learn how to frame strengths with clarity and weaknesses positively. |
| Behavioral Interview: What It Is & How to Prepare | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Pamela Skillings) | Understand what to expect from behavioral interviews and how to prep. |
| What Accomplishments Are You Most Proud Of? | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Check: Briana Dilworth) | A complete guide with tips and examples for this common question. |
| Tell Me About a Time You Failed | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Briana Dilworth, Fact Check: Pamela Skillings) | How to discuss failures honestly but in a positive light. |
| Conflict Resolution Interview Questions | Link | Pamela Skillings | Strategies for answering “How do you handle conflict?” |
| 40+ Smart Questions to Ask at the End of Any Interview | Link | Pamela Skillings (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski; Contributions: Briana Dilworth, Michael Tomaszewski, Bojana Krstic) | Strong questions to ask employers that show interest and gain insight. |
| Title | Link | Author(s) | Blurb |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Are Your Strengths (and Weaknesses): Tips & Example Answers | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Maja Stojanovic, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski) | Your strengths deserve better than a boring, cliché answer. Learn how to frame them with clarity and zero eye-rolls. |
| “What Can You Contribute to the Company?” How to Answer | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski) | Learn how to speak about what you bring to the table, and what to include in your answer. |
| “Why Did You Leave Your Last Job?” Top Reasons, Examples, How to Answer | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Pamela Skillings) | “Why did you leave your last job?” will almost always come up — here’s how to prepare. |
| Behavioral Interview: What It Is & How to Prepare (Tips) | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Pamela Skillings) | Behavioral interviews focus on your experiences. Learn what to expect and how to prep. |
| “Why Do You Want to Work Here” Best Answers + Career Expert Tips | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski) | A complete guide to answering one of the most common (and most critical) interview questions. |
| What Is Your Greatest Weakness? (Sample Answers + Tips) | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Briana Dilworth; Contributions: Pamela Skillings) | How to talk about weaknesses without hurting your chances. |
| 15+ Data Science Interview Questions (+ Sample Answer and Tips) | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Briana Dilworth) | Key data science questions, sample answers, and strategies to stand out. |
| “Tell Me About Yourself” 20+ Sample Answers + How-to | Link | Pamela Skillings (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Briana Dilworth) | This common first question can set the tone — here’s how to nail it. |
| How to Answer: “Where Do You See Yourself in 5 Years?” (+ Examples) | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Briana Dilworth; Contributions: Pamela Skillings, Michael Tomaszewski) | Tips and sample answers for short-term and long-term career vision. |
| How to Answer: “How Do You Handle Stress?” Interview Question | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Pamela Skillings) | How to talk about stress without undermining yourself. |
| How to Answer “What Are Your Salary Expectations?” (+3 Templates) | Link | Briana Dilworth (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Checked: Pamela Skillings) | Navigate salary questions with confidence and avoid lowball offers. |
| 40+ Smart Questions to Ask at the End of Any Job Interview | Link | Pamela Skillings (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski; Contributions: Briana Dilworth, Michael Tomaszewski, Bojana Krstic) | Great end-of-interview questions to show interest and gain insight. |
| Situational Interview Questions: Sample Answers & Tips | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Pamela Skillings) | Learn to approach hypothetical questions with confidence. |
| What Motivates You? Interview Question: Sample Answers and Tips | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Pamela Skillings) | Find meaningful, compelling ways to explain what drives you. |
| 15+ Unique Interview Questions (+ How to Answer) | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski; Contributions: Pamela Skillings) | Why interviewers ask unusual questions, and how to handle them. |
| How to Answer “Why Are You Interested in This Position?” | Link | Maja Stojanovic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski; Contributions: Nate Nead, Laia Quintana) | Focus your answer on alignment between role and career goals. |
| 20+ Second Interview Questions, Example Answers + Tips | Link | Bojana Krstic (Edited: Briana Dilworth, Fact Checked: Michael Tomaszewski) | Learn what makes second interviews different and how to prepare. |
| 18 Career Change Interview Questions and Sample Answers | Link | Briana Dilworth (Edited: Michael Tomaszewski) | Transitioning careers? Sample answers for common pivot questions. |
| “Describe Your Current Job Responsibilities:” Sample Answers | Link | Pamela Skillings | How to describe your role in a clear and strategic way. |
| Common Interview Questions (Tips + Sample Answers) | Link | Maja Stojanovic | Covers a wide range of frequently asked questions with tips. |
| Why Should We Hire You? Best Answer Examples | Link | Maja Stojanovic | Nine strategies for crafting a persuasive response. |
| 14 Internship Interview Questions (+ How to Answer) | Link | Pamela Skillings | Guides first-time interviewees through common internship Qs. |
| How to Answer Brain Teaser Questions in a Job Interview | Link | Pamela Skillings | Are brainteasers still relevant? How to respond when asked. |
| Prep for a Case Interview: What it is + How to Ace it | Link | Pamela Skillings | A step-by-step guide to preparing for case interviews, with examples and strategies. |
| Title | Author(s) | Link | Blurb |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Accomplishments Are You Most Proud Of? (6 Examples) | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Check: Briana Dilworth) | Link | Complete guide with tips and examples for this common question. |
| Tell Me About a Time You Failed | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Briana Dilworth, Fact Check: Pamela Skillings) | Link | How to talk about failures honestly but positively. |
| Teamwork Interview Questions | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Check: Briana Dilworth) | Link | Tips and examples for answering teamwork-focused Qs. |
| Conflict Resolution Interview Questions | Pamela Skillings | Link | Strategies for handling “How do you handle conflict?” |
| The STAR Interview Method | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Michael Tomaszewski, Fact Check: Pamela Skillings, Contrib: Pamela Skillings) | Link | How to use STAR to organize strong behavioral answers. |
| Problem-Solving Interview Questions | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Briana Dilworth, Fact Check: Michael Tomaszewski) | Link | Tips and examples for demonstrating problem-solving. |
| 40+ Behavioral Interview Questions | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Briana Dilworth, Fact Check: Pamela Skillings) | Link | Broad list of common behavioral Qs with sample answers. |
| 20+ Competency-Based Interview Questions | Maja Stojanovic (Ed: Briana Dilworth, Fact Check: Michael Tomaszewski) | Link | Explains competency-based Qs with sample answers. |
| Leadership Behavioral Interview Questions | Pamela Skillings | Link | Focused on leadership Qs with examples. |
| Intercultural Fluency Behavioral Questions | Pamela Skillings | Link | Guide to addressing intercultural fluency Qs. |
| Work Ethic Behavioral Questions | Pamela Skillings | Link | Tips and examples for discussing work ethic. |
Your edge in every interview. Explore expert-backed answers to top questions here.
Additional Methods of Support:
Big Interview also offers Interview Playbooks, which are tailored sets of lessons for specific situations. These provide extra insights that help you feel like the advice is designed just for your path.
Examples include:
- New Graduate – 18 lessons
- Senior Level / Executive Presence – 15 lessons
- Internal Interview – 13 lessons
- Military Transition – 39 lessons
- Disabilities & Neurodiversity – 15 lessons
- Career Change, Resume Gaps, or Reentry – 9 lessons
- Introvert / Too Modest – 15 lessons
- ESL / English as Second Language – 15 lessons
To access Playbooks: Log in to Big Interview → Click Learn → Select Interview Curriculum → Choose Interview Playbooks.
YouTube Channel
Big Interview’s channel is filled with quick, practical videos covering interview prep, job search strategies, and career tips. This is especially helpful if you prefer learning visually or through short, engaging clips.
Subscribe Here
Every other Tuesday, their Chief Coach sends a short 5-minute read packed with job search and career growth tips. Newsletters are great because they take the effort out of researching — the best content comes straight to your inbox as a reminder to keep building your career skills. And if it’s not your thing, you can unsubscribe anytime.
Big Interview is an excellent resource, but you don’t have to navigate your interview prep alone. We’re here to help you feel confident and prepared for any situation. Here are additional ways you can engage with us:
- Interview Preparation Sessions: Drop in or schedule an appointment to go over strategies, discuss questions, and plan how you’ll approach your interviews.
- Career Guide: Pages 32–34 cover interview preparation, and page 31 shows how to send a professional thank-you email.
- Ace Your Interview: Questions to Ask Employers: Browse suggested questions and select the ones that feel most meaningful to you.
- Mock Interviews: Schedule an in-person or virtual mock interview with a consultant who will provide tailored feedback.
Career Support & Sources:
As you explore this resource, we encourage you to take advantage of everything available to support your career journey. Below, you’ll find the sources and contributors that made this guide possible, multiple ways to connect with our office for personalized career support, and some important reminders to keep in mind as you plan your strategy. Be sure to check them out, and remember, our team is always here to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
| Reminder | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| Use Multiple Sources | Information about careers and education can vary depending on where you look. Try checking several websites and resources when researching anything related to your career development (for example: job outlooks, salaries, industry trends, graduate programs, or fellowships, etc.). This will help you get a fuller, more accurate picture of what employers or admissions committees are looking for. |
| Make Sure to Network | Talking directly with people associated with your career goals or the programs/companies you’re interested in can give you the clearest and most useful insights. Reach out to professionals, recruiters, alumni, or current students to learn what really matters in your field (for example: company expectations, hiring timelines, résumé preferences, graduate program requirements, etc.). Even within the same industry or graduate program type, different organizations and admissions committees may value things differently. Listening carefully to their guidance can help you put your best foot forward. |
| Use AI Ethically in Career Development | AI tools can be a great resource for brainstorming, polishing materials, or practicing interview questions (for example: outlining position description details to guide your documents, generating practice questions, etc.). But it works best when you use it thoughtfully and make sure the final work reflects your own skills and voice. Some employers and graduate programs may not allow AI, so always check instructions carefully. Think of AI as a helper, not a replacement—and remember, Career Consultants are happy to guide you on how to use it effectively! |
| Be Aware of Employment Scams | When searching for jobs or internships, it’s important to stay alert for potential scams—especially when exploring positions outside of Binghamton’s Handshake. Common warning signs include requests for personal or financial information upfront, job offers without interviews, or anything that seems “too good to be true.” To learn more about what to watch for, see real examples, and find out how to protect yourself or respond if you encounter a scam, check out Employment Scam Information – Binghamton University. Staying informed helps you pursue opportunities safely and confidently. |
Drop-ins: When classes are in session, Monday-Friday, from 12-4 p.m., you can visit our office to schedule a 20-minute drop-in with our staff.
Appointments: You can schedule your 30-minute career session on Handshake. These are offered all year and can be done virtually and in person.
Online Resources: Visit uConnect, our virtual career center that is always accessible to support your career needs.
Picture Sources of the 2 Photos Listed in the Accordion Titled: Beyond Big Interview: More Support from the Fleishman Center: Photo by: Christina @ wocintechchat.com and Photo by Mina Rad
Website Sources: Special thanks to the organizations, industry experts, and thought leaders who share valuable career resources, research, and articles with the public. Your work provides important insights that support students’ career development.
AI Assistance: Portions of this resource may have been developed with support from AI tools (such as ChatGPT by OpenAI or Gemini), used to help synthesize research, generate summaries, and refine formatting. All final content has been reviewed and customized for Binghamton University students.
