Here's How:
- Relax! Don't be scared! Don't worry! Remember everybody is nervous at an interview. The admissions staff know this and will do their best to make you feel comfortable, at ease and as relaxed as possible.
The trick is to not let your nerves get the better of you. Use your nerves to give you that natural edge and alertness you need to present yourself in the best light possible.
- Be on your best behavior, socially speaking, but be yourself. Don't slouch. Don't jitter. Don't bite your nails or pull at your hair. Don't chew gum. Be polite and respectful. 'Please' and 'thank you' are always appreciated and go a long way to indicating respect for authority.
- Wear comfortable clothes appropriate to the occasion. Use minimal makeup. Keep your hairstyle simple.
Gentlemen: a plain shirt, slacks and shoes (no sneakers) work for most situations.
Ladies: a plain blouse, skirt or slacks and dress shoes with a conservative heel are appropriate.
There is nothing wrong with expressing your individuality. Just make sure that the way you express it is appropriate.
- Think positive. The school will be trying to sell itself to you as much as you are trying to sell yourself to it!
Listen carefully to what is being said. Is what you are hearing what you want to hear or is the school just not suitable for you? You will get a feel for that early in the interview.
- Don't panic. If you don't know the answer to the interviewer's question, say so. Look her in the eye and admit that you do not know the answer.
Honesty is an admirable personal quality which schools prize in a candidate.
- Ask questions about the school, its programs and facilities. Find out how it can help you achieve your goals.
If it doesn't have stables and an equestrian program and that's your passion, then you need to know that.
- Think before you answer. Avoid mannerisms such as 'like' and 'you know'.
Careless speech patterns can indicate a lack of discipline and general sloppiness. Standard business English is always acceptable.
- Keep a 3 x 5 card handy with questions you want to ask. It's easy to forget. A reminder is always helpful.
- Give truthful answers. If you are not an A student, admit it and tell the interviewer how you plan to achieve better results.
This goes back to being honest. If you are honest and truthful, you become trustworthy.
- When the interview is over, record your observations and compare these with your parents. Both of you will want to discuss these observations with your consultant.
- Send a handwritten thank you note to your interviewer. It will speak volumes for your ability to follow through and your personal sincerity.
Don't write a novel. Something like this is appropriate:
I enjoyed meeting you last Saturday and having a chance to visit St. Mary's.
Elsie Huffington
Tips:
- Do not display tattoos or pierced body parts.
- Do not chew gum or anything else.
- Shake hands firmly and confidently. Look the person in the eye.
- Get a good night's sleep before your interview.
- Check out the school's web site before you have your interview.
What You Need:
- 3 x 5 cards
- ball point pen
