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College Interview Workshop

Pleasantville High School 2018

What is an Interview?

Purpose of Interview Interview= Exchange of information

Learn more information about the student that data does not tell.

Gain knowledge of the student that test scores, essays, and other

application material may not provide.

Looking for student to share stories, experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and feelings.

Interviews should be a way to advocate for yourself.

Interviewer is aiming to gauge personality and gain a better sense of the type of person you are.

3 Interview Styles 1) Q & A Interview

Back and forth question/answers (Structured)

2) Non-Structured Interview

Conversation with interviewer that follows an impromptu structure.

3) Behavior Interview

Specific questions that demonstrate how you react to certain situations.

No matter what the style is…

The interviewer is looking for certain characteristics and experiences.

Opportunity to advocate for yourself; strengths,

positive characteristics, situations of overcoming adversity, extra-curricular activities, jobs, etc.

Looking to see if student is a good fit in for the school and student community.

Will the student bring positive energy to the college and be a model student in and out of the classroom.

Marc Pachter: The Art of the Interview

Preparation Arrive early

Wear proper attire

Bring a notepad, copy of transcript, resume, list of activities

(school programs, extra-curricular activities, community service, etc.) the you are involved in.

Come prepared with questions about the school. Do your research!

Be prepared to speak about grades, test scores, extra-curricular activities, interests, college search, strengths, and weaknesses.

Be yourself and show who you are.

DO’s

Be enthusiastic and confident

Listen to the interviewer

Demonstrate interest and knowledge

Be polite (Calm, cool, collected)

Maintain eye contact

DON’T’s Stress

Appear over-rehearsed

Use one-word answers

Use words such as “like” “ok” “to be honest” “umm”

Slouch, use slang

Common Interview Q’s Tell me about yourself.

What are your strengths/weaknesses?

Why are you interested in our college?

What can I tell you about our college?

Who in your life has influenced you the most?

Do you have a major in mind?

What will you contribute to our campus community?

Tell me about a challenge you overcame.

Summary Use the interview as an opportunity present yourself, highlight your

strengths and qualities, and show genuine qualities.

Appear confident, professional and independent.

There are no wrong or right answers. Just be genuine.

Prepare yourself with background information about the school. Think of questions to ask the interviewers.

Attempt to familiarize yourself with questions they may ask. Practice these questions on your own so you are not blind-sided.

Remember: Be yourself and show them who you are

Resources

College Board: Questions & Strategies

Prep Scholar: Prep

College Vine: Dress Code

Huffington Post: Interviews