Job hunting is difficult and can be quite frustrating, but we all have to do it from time to time. In today's job market, we tend not to stay in one job for for "life", compared to the "old days", and this is especially true for restaurants. The industry can be fairly unstable, especially in the big city where rents are high and there's a lot of competition. Even splashy, highly publicized restaurants fail and close up all the time, so even if you love your current job you might find yourself unexpectedly unemployed! If you are presently unemployed and looking for a restaurant job, or if you already have a job and want to find a new one, there's no escape from the dreaded job interview.

You may be the most charming and confident person on earth, but if you're not used to the interview process or haven't done an interview for a long time you might want some constructive practice. This is where conducting a "mock interview" can be worthwhile. To perform a mock interview, ask a trusted friend or family member to help you and be your interview "buddy".

Select somebody who you feel comfortable around, and who you know will be totally honest with you. You don't want a "yes man" type of person who, because they like you, will be blind to your weak spots. Also, it helps if your interview partner has a lot of experience in interviews him or herself. Perhaps you know someone who works in a human resources department of a company? They know all the angles!

Ask your interview partner to prepare some sensible questions that an employer would ask an interviewee. Make sure you don't know the questions in advance, so you can practice thinking on your feet! As in a real interview, you should prepare yourself as well by thinking up answers to common interview questions. You can search online for typical interview questions if you need some examples. Ask your interview partner to honestly rate how you "come across"--ask him or her to make note of moments in your responses when you seem too cocky, hesitant, or unsure of yourself.

If you want another perspective on how you come across to others, try practicing on your own looking into the mirror. While it's important to be prepared, obviously, don't over-think it. Being too self-conscious during a real interview can paralyze you and make you look like you don't know what you're talking about. Remember, interviews for restaurants can often be more laid-back than corporate interviews, depending, of course, on the size and service level of the establishment.

Your interview process for a fine dining establishment or the restaurant of a major expensive hotel might be a bit more involved or intense than that for a local pub or watering hole. One more thing: make sure you smile! It goes without saying that you'll be nervous during your real interview, so smiling might not come naturally to you. So practice your smile, making it an active component of your presentation, when doing your mock interview. Studies have shown that facial expressions can actually shape mood. So smiling, as well as making a positive impression on your prospective employer, can really help generate a positive confident mood that will help you sail through your interview.

The bottom line is, be yourself. Be confident in your abilities! If you haven't done interviews in a while, or are new to job hunting, you might be a tad rusty. So performing a mock interview with a helpful friend is a great way to ready yourself for the real thing!