Mock Interview

YMF Interview Experience Program

Are you looking for a resume critique, seeking improvement on interviewing skills, or just want a practice interview before you partake in the real thing? Well the ASCE Philadelphia YMF’s Mock Interview Program is another benefit for civil engineering students, graduate students and recent grads. This program is now offered all year around and engineers have agreed to volunteer to help you look your best at your interview. To participate, simply respond to the single job posting that suits your interests best by emailing a cover letter and resume to MockInterview@ymfphilly.org to start the process and you’ll be contacted to schedule a mock interview.

What is a Mock Interview?

The Mock Interview Program is an opportunity offered by the YMF to college students seeking practical experience going through the engineering job interview process.

"...the event felt more real than it did mock, and yet, it still proved to give a person such as myself (a stressed, job-seeking senior) invaluable feedback pertaining to both my interviewing and resume-writing skills."

-Kenneth Freeman, Temple University, '16


Students are provided a number of job descriptions to choose from, which mimic actual engineering job listings for graduate level positions. They select one job description and submit a resume and cover letter indicating their interest. The YMF will critique the resume and contact the student to set up an interview, which will be held at a local engineering firm and conducted by civil engineering professionals who would actually interview college students for entry-level positions and internships, all with the goal of making the interview as realistic as possible.

Following the session, the student is provided with feedback based on their resume and interview performance. And, hopefully, all this translates to successful interviewing down the road!


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What should I wear to my mock interview?
    A: You should arrive to your mock interview dressed as you would for a real engineering job interview. First impressions are always important!

  • Q: What company should I research prior to my mock interview?
    A: You should research the company of the person conducting your interview and derive any company-related questions from that firm, as well.

  • Q: How long will my mock interview take?
    A: We expect interviews will last between 30 to 45 minutes; however, we recommend that you anticipate you'll be on location for about one hour.

  • Q: What should I do if I can no longer make my mock interview?
    A: While we strongly suggest that you take this opportunity seriously and you not miss your interview, especially since your interviewer is volunteering his/her time, we realize that sometimes things occur beyond your control. If a situation of this nature should arise, please reach out to your interviewer immediately to reschedule.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at MockInterview@ymfphilly.org and we will get back to you at our earliest convenience.