Interviewing can be one of the most nerve-wracking steps in the hiring process, but a monthly workshop is helping job seekers brush up on their skills in a low-pressure environment.
At IowaWorks, monthly mock interviews give people the chance to practice their interviewing skills with real-life employers and receive real-time feedback.
"Being unemployed is very difficult, and so we want to make it as easy a transition as possible for the folks that come in here," said Jess Fah, a workforce training facilitator at IowaWorks.
Fah teaches a half-hour course before the mock interviews begin, brushing up on what to do before an interview. She recommends picking out your clothes the night before, researching the company, practicing the questions you want to ask, and making sure you arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.
Fah also dishes out advice on how to handle tough interview questions, especially if you were fired from your last job.
"Don't trash talk. Its something we see a lot of and talk a lot about. You never know who knows each other," said Fah. "As long as you can explain your gap in employment, what you were doing during that time... did you volunteer? Did you go back to school? That's going to make an employer feel a lot better."
Jabari Woods helps with hiring for Davenport Public Schools -- one of the many employers at Thursday's mock interview workshop.
Woods said too often, job candidates are simply over-thinking their answers.
"Honesty is key for me, and confidence in what they've accomplished. I don't think its beneficial to exaggerate your past work experience. I think its important just to share who you are and what you're good at," said Woods.
IowaWorks is located at 902 West Kimberly Road in Davenport.
They offer mock interviews every month, as well as daily workshops for job seekers. The services are free and open to people from both Iowa and Illinois.