Master the College Interview with Confidence
Preparation is Key to an Effective Interview
College interviews are an important step in finding the right fit for your career preparation. These opportunities for focused individual time with an admissions officer or alumni volunteer will give you important insight as to how the university aligns with your values and goals. Though admissions and alumni interviews are different, preparing for them will be similar.
Interviews serve to inform and offer evaluation for both the interviewer and interviewee. While you aim to make a good impression on your interviewer, you are also looking for the school to make a good impression on you. College interviews are certainly a two-way street. Prepare for your interview with that philosophy in mind:
Dress professionally and be well-groomed. Business casual dress is typically appropriate, but try on your outfit well in advance of your meeting to make sure it fits properly. Your hair should be neatly styled, hands and nails should be clean, and make sure jewelry is subtle. Remember that while you are the focus of the interview, physical distractions will draw attention away from your words.
Arrive with plenty of time to park, navigate campus, and check in at reception. Your goal is to arrive at the interview on time, so know how much time you’ll need to get there. Make sure you have your identification handy in case there is a security checkpoint.
For virtual interviews, the same is true. Be ready ahead of your scheduled interview time. Test your technology and make sure you are plugged in or have a fully charged battery. Check that your background is neat and undistracting. Ensure that windows are in front of you and not behind you so you are visible and well-lit on the screen. Have your notes and a glass of water ready. Log-in a few minutes before the call starts so you are ready when your interviewer arrives.
Research the college and your major’s department so that you can speak to what attracted you to the school. Be ready to answer questions about your goals and how you believe you will achieve them at this school.
Bring your questions in writing, and take notes during the interview. Ask open-ended questions, and don’t be afraid to get off topic with follow up questions when they strike you. The interview may not go according to your intended script, but a well-grounded starting point will ensure that you cover your priorities.
Be sure to ask your interviewer to connect you with department heads, academic advisors, current students, or alumni who may offer additional perspectives about the university. Always end an interview with thanks, and follow up with a handwritten note.
The Admissions Interview: Evaluative
Your interview with a college admissions officer is typically designed to inform their acceptance process. Their job is to evaluate you, as well as many of your peers, to determine if you are a good candidate to successfully graduate one of their programs. Remember that colleges build their reputations on graduation and job offer rates, so they are seeking quality students who take their education seriously.
This interview will cover your academic achievements, activities, leadership and service record, and career goals. The interviewer will be looking for evidence that you have a variety of interests, honor your commitments, manage your time well, and are capable of completing the academic requirements. They also want to see that you’ve done your homework, so your questions about the school, departments, campus life, and career resources are welcome and expected. While it is an evaluation, the admissions interview is much more dialogue than inquisition. Practice both answers and questions for this interview.
The Alumni Interview: Informational
Alumni interviews are an excellent way to confirm that the school you are exploring will help you achieve your career goals in a way that aligns with your values. Alumni volunteers are cheerleaders for their alma maters, so expect them to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the school. During these interviews, be sure to ask questions about lifestyle. The grounds where you will spend the next several years of your life should be the kind of place you want to call home. If your interviewer’s social interests and recreational style are vastly different than your own, feel free to ask to be referred to another individual who may offer another perspective. Most universities have great diversity of activities and opportunities, but you should be confident you can find your fit before you finalize your decision.
Your priority during an alumni interview will be learning about the department that covers your major and what that academic environment is like. Your interview contact will give you a view of the real world application of that field and explain how the school provided the right training for it. Make sure to ask questions about what the interviewer thought the school could have done better, or what classes missed the mark. Ask about scheduling strategies, electives that provide the best career support, and which professors are most accessible. Feel free to ask your contact if you may reach out again with additional questions, or if you may reach out for internship inquiries in the future.
Make Your Best First Impression
Remember that the college interview is all about first impressions. While you want to make a great impression, you also need to be cognizant of whether the school is making a great impression on you. You should be able to envision your success when you choose your university.
Are you ready to take on your college interviews? Hollenback Consulting prepares students for the college admissions process with candidacy building, interview coaching, and application support. Review our services and schedule your free Strategy Session today.