Private School/College Interview Tips

By Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick

 

• Get plenty of sleep the night before; and eat something before you go to the interview.

 

• Dress nicely, neatly, and appropriately for the interview–more formal than you would if you were going to a class at school.

 

• Make sure that you are well groomed with clean hair and nails, perfectly pressed clothes, and polished shoes.

 

• Be on time!

 

• Introduce yourself using your first and last name.

 

• Smile when you meet your interviewer.

 

• Shake hands with your interviewer,  with a firm handshake and direct eye contact.

 

• Do not sit down until you are invited to do so.

 

• Sit in your chair with good posture and legs together, not spread apart.

 

• Avoid nervous habit taboos, such as playing with your hair or pen in your hand.

 

• Listen carefully, making good eye contact; and do not interrupt.

 

• Take a clean, perfect copy of your resume.

 

• Be prepared to answer questions about yourself and why you would like to attend the school.

 

• Be honest, yet polite, about your opinions and experiences.

 

• Prepare a list of questions about the particular school you are visiting–it makes you seem more interested in the school.

 

• Don’t mumble; speak slowly and clearly.

 

• Do not call your interviewer by his or her first name unless invited to do so.

 

• Thank your interviewer and shake his or her hand at the end of the interview.

 

• Follow-up with a hand-written thank-you note to the person who interviewed you.