Mock interviews
PrepAI's mock interviews are timed practice sessions that simulate a real technical interview, available in three formats — AI-led, peer-led, and mentor-led — each with optional recording, structured feedback, and per-session scoring. They let you rehearse the performance of interviewing, not just the problem-solving.
The three formats
| Format | Who runs it | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| AI-led | An AI interviewer powered by Google Gemini's free tier | Practising any time, instantly, without scheduling. |
| Peer-led | Another PrepAI user | Realistic back-and-forth and learning by interviewing others. |
| Mentor-led | A user with the mentor role | Higher-signal feedback from someone more experienced. |
How an AI mock interview works
- You start a session and choose a focus (for example, a topic or difficulty).
- The AI interviewer asks questions and follow-ups, adapting to your answers.
- You respond in the session UI; the interview is timed to mirror real conditions.
- At the end you receive structured feedback and a score for the session.
Because the AI uses a language model, treat its scoring as useful guidance, not a final verdict — it is excellent for spotting gaps and rehearsing articulation, but a human interviewer weighs things a model can't. See Configure a Gemini API key if you are self-hosting and want to supply your own key.
Peer and mentor interviews
Peer and mentor sessions pair you with another person in a live session. These add the human dimension the AI can't fully replace: communication, collaboration under pressure, and judgement. Mentor-led sessions are run by users with the mentor role and are aimed at higher-signal feedback.
Recording and feedback
Sessions can optionally be recorded so you can review how you communicated, where you hesitated, and how you structured your answer. Feedback is captured in a structured form rather than a freeform note, which makes it easier to compare sessions over time.
Scoring over time
Each session produces a score, and those scores feed your dashboard so you can see whether your interview performance is trending up as you practise. Like all PrepAI metrics, scores are a tool for reflection — the goal is steady improvement, not a single number.
Getting the most out of mock interviews
- Think out loud. Interviewers grade communication as much as correctness; rehearse narrating your approach.
- Do AI reps daily, human reps weekly. AI sessions are unlimited and instant; peer/mentor sessions are higher-signal but need scheduling.
- Review your recordings. Watching yourself is uncomfortable and extremely effective.
- Pair with practice drills. Drill the topic in coding practice first, then rehearse explaining it live.
FAQ
Is the AI interviewer free? Yes — it uses Google Gemini's free tier on the hosted app. Self-hosters supply their own free Gemini key.
Can the AI replace a real interviewer? No, and PrepAI doesn't claim it can. It's a rehearsal partner that's always available; peer and mentor sessions add the human signal.
Are sessions recorded by default? Recording is optional and under your control.
How is my score calculated? The AI evaluates your answers against the session's rubric. Use it as directional feedback, not a pass/fail.