Hey guys! I was just scheduled to have an interview with a former Pomona student and we’re meeting at a starbucks. Is there any sort of etiquette that I should know about? Should I arrive like 15 minutes before and order my drink or should I wait? Any other tips? I’m just sort of nervous because this is my dream college! Thanks:)
You should come earlier, 10-15 minutes to get a seat. Starbucks can be pretty crowded sometimes. For one of my interviews, I bought a drink before the interview and finished it before it actually started.
Just don’t be nervous. The people interviewing are actually really nice and aren’t out to get you.
Also, be prepared to answer why you want to go to Pomona and have some questions to ask at the end.
Just make yourself comfortable – but you certainly never offer to buy the interviewer a drink. He or she may offer one to you if you already don’t have one – if you want one, accept it.
For any interview it is good practice to arrive a little early. Try to stay in the background a bit if the interviewer is with another applicant when you arrive. If you want a drink feel free to buy one, but you don’t need to. Just try to relax and be yourself.
For all of my coffee shop interviews I’ve tried to get there 15-20 minutes early. I usually buy a drink, find a good table and get comfortable. I like to buy my drink before the interviewer arrives to avoid any awkwardness with whether or not he/she offers to buy me one. Make sure you relax!!!
In addition to the other points, a few tips that may be obvious, but just in case: stand up when exchanging greetings, eye contact, firm handshake, offer a copy of your resume if you have one. Don’t be afraid to pause before answering a question while you think (this is for you Northeasterners who think empty air time indicates lack of engagement). Ask for clarification around questions that you aren’t clear about. Remember the 3 key things you want to make sure the interviewer walks away with. Have your elevator speech ready (that’s the 1 minutes response to ‘tell me about yourself’ that hits the highlights.)
Thank you everyone!! These were all super useful tips:)