How Mock Interviews and Career Coaching Help Students Succeed in Placements

Early 2026 reports said:

• 75% of the colleges in India are still not preparing students properly for industry (Economic Times)
• Less than 20% showed strong placement results within 6 months of graduation (Business Standard)

This shows that earning a degree alone may not make a student employable.

Students may know their subjects well, but an interview tests many other things. Recruiters notice communication, confidence, behaviour, problem-solving and job understanding. This is where mock interviews and career coaching come into the picture.

A student can score high marks and still feel nervous in front of an interviewer. This happens because academic exams and job interviews are very different.

In an exam, students usually know the syllabus. In an interview, they may face unexpected questions. They must think quickly, explain their ideas and remain calm. Some students give very short answers. Others speak too much and lose the main point. Many students are also unable to explain projects, internships or personal strengths clearly.

Such problems do not mean that the student lacks ability. They mainly show a lack of practice. Interview skills improve when students face similar situations many times and receive proper feedback.

A mock interview is a practice interview conducted in a setting similar to an actual recruitment round. A trainer, faculty member or industry expert may take the role of an interviewer.

During this practice, students may be asked common and role-based questions, such as:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why are you interested in this role?
• What did you learn from your academic project?
• How would you handle a difficult situation at work?
• What are your strengths and areas for improvement?

The interviewer observes the student’s answers, voice, posture, eye contact and ability to remain calm. After the session, the student receives feedback about what was done well and what needs improvement.

This makes the interview process less unknown. When students later enter a real interview room, the setting does not feel completely new.

Confidence does not come only from positive thinking. It usually comes from preparation.

During the first mock interview, a student may forget important points or feel uncomfortable. In the second session, the answers may become clearer. After more practice, the student may learn how to structure answers, give examples and speak without rushing.

For example, instead of saying, “I am hardworking,” a student can explain a college project where the team faced a deadline and how the work was completed. Such an answer gives proof of the skill.

Mock sessions also teach students how to pause before answering. This small habit can reduce unclear replies and help them think properly.

Career coaching helps students understand where they are going and why. It is not limited to memorising answers.

A career coach may support students in the following areas:

• Identifying roles that match their skills, course and interests
• Improving resumes according to job requirements
• Understanding employer expectations and workplace behaviour
• Preparing a clear introduction and career story
• Setting realistic short-term and long-term career goals

This guidance is useful because many students apply for every available job without understanding the role. As a result, they may struggle when recruiters ask why they want that position.

Career coaching helps students make better choices. It also teaches them to study the job description, research the sector and connect their learning with the employer’s needs.

Feedback is one of the most valuable parts of mock interviews. However, it must be specific and practical.

Telling a student to “be more confident” may not help much. A better comment would be: “Your project explanation is useful, but begin with the problem, explain your role and then share the result.”

Students can record repeated feedback in a notebook. They may notice common issues such as speaking too quickly, using repeated words or giving answers without examples. Working on one problem at a time makes improvement easier.

Students must also treat feedback as support, not criticism. The purpose is to find weak areas before a real opportunity is affected.

Parul University has a training and placement cell that plays an important role in the recruitment process. It connects students with recruiters, provides industry-focused preparation and offers career support throughout their placement journey. Students receive structured training based on the skills commonly checked during recruitment.

The preparation includes technical skill workshops, aptitude training, communication practice and soft skills development. These activities help students improve problem-solving, teamwork, professional behaviour and workplace communication.

A student’s next step can be simple. They can begin by preparing a one-minute introduction, reviewing their resume and practising five common questions aloud.

They should also study the role, understand the company’s work and prepare two examples from projects, internships or college activities. These examples can show teamwork, leadership or problem-solving.