Don't Mock Me--Unless It's For An Interview

Mock interviews.  I had a wonderful opportunity to do a mock interview with a recruiter the other day.  Admittedly, it is in her company's best interest to make me as prepared as possible, since they don't collect their fee until they successfully place a candidate.  But I still appreciated the effort they made.  These types of practice interviews are also strongly encouraged on campuses as well as community career centers.  But what about just taking the initiative and asking a friend to do a mock interview with you?  Your friend will only be able to ask questions about the company as it relates to the job description and information readily available on the website, but hey, it's still practice.  

I've always been in favor of mock interviews because practice makes perfect.  This isn't to say that you should have all of your interview answers rehearsed, and that your interview is going to have the feel of someone reciting lines from a play.  However, if you have already thought deeply about your answers and the general tone and delivery in which you want to give them, you'll be more comfortable.  Genuine emotion is great to display during an interview, but being a giant ball of nerves isn't.  If practicing helps dissipate some of those nerves, then go for it.  If you have access to a campus career center or community career center that's great, but if not, ask a friend.  People of the Internet, have you had a recruiter give you a mock interview in preparation for an interview with a potential company?  Have you ever done a mock interview in a campus or community career center?  Are there other resources you recommend, or do you think mock interviews are just a waste of time?