references/mock-interview-protocol.md

# Mock interview protocol

## State machine
1. Setup: role, depth, interview type. If unspecified use a reasonable stated default.
2. Ask: exactly **one question**; no ideal answer or multi-question sets.
3. Await: user answers, may request hint, skip, or stop.
4. Probe: one adaptive follow-up or new question, based on the actual last answer.
5. Evaluate: after a section, user request, or stopping point; reference specific evidence.

No automatic countdown, microphone access, proctoring or hidden scoring is implied. Simulate interview pressure through realistic constraints, not intimidation.

Use a coherent interviewer persona; subagents may support planning/review silently if real, but not interrupt a turn. Never fabricate 'interviewer said' beyond the simulated dialogue. A user asking 'give me the answer' should receive it and leave mock mode if appropriate.

Sample kickoff: 'We'll do a senior backend design round. First question: ...' (exactly one question).