<p>I've got an interview with this dude at the place where he works-some fancy law firm. He said that the interview'd take place in his office. I have never ever been in a law office-or any kind of office in fact-and my earlier two interviews took place in libraries so I don't know what to wear. </p>
<p>Should I wear dark blue jeans or dress pants or a suit or what? (I have never dressed up before, ever) And should I wear make-up? I don't like makeup at all. The perfume gets on my nerves and some types make me kind of allergic, but if I hafta wear makeup, I guess I should. </p>
<p>BTW, my interview's this sunday...I really should have thought about this earlier...</p>
<p>You definitely don’t have to put on makeup if it’s not something you normally do. I suggest wearing nice pants with a top and sweater - a cardigan can look polished and isn’t as structured as a jacket. Or, if you have a conservative, daytime dress, that would be be fine too. Low heels, flats, or boots would be appropriate footwear. I wouldn’t go out and buy anything new. Consider it “Sunday best” apparel - a little dressier than what you would wear to school, but not fancy and not at all evening attire. Good luck!</p>
<p>Yeah, I agree with you when you say ‘don’t buy anything new’. New clothes that look decent are totally expensive. Would a trenchcoat be inappropriate? It’s totally freezing where I am. Also does the fact that this guy comes from a fancy law firm affect the questions he’ll ask? Do Harvard interviewers normally throw oddball questions? I’m ADHD, and it helps me if I know what’ll happen beforehand. I heard that Harvard interviewers are famous for difficult or up-to-speed political questions, and I’m really really anxious about that…</p>
<p>One last thing that’s also related to my ADHD…I have a bracelet/ring kind of deal, a puzzle ring. Whenever I’m nervous or totally freaking out, it kinda helps me to pick at the bracelet (y’know, re-assemble, assemble) so I can calm my nerves. Would it be okay to bring it along? (I can usually answer questions and fiddle around with the bracelet at the same time)</p>
<p>Wearing a trench coat would be absolutely fine. I’d suggest taking it off right after you enter the building - fold it over your arm and carry it, that way you won’t have to think about taking if off once you are in the office. You also don’t want to go through the interview wearing your coat. </p>
<p>It’s really hard to predict what your interviewer will ask. Both of my kids’ interviews with the many colleges they applied to were very conversational and low key. Neither had a stressful interview or were thrown curve ball questions. So, while it’s not likely this will happen to you, if it does and you don’t know what to say, have something prepared that speaks honestly…“I haven’t had a chance to think about that, but…” How you answer a specific question is probably less important than your demeanor and how you present yourself. As to the bracelet/ring - it’s probably best to avoid the appearance of fidgeting, but if you can do it discretely…and it really helps you, take it along. </p>
<p>These interviews really, really don’t have much bearing, so keep that in mind - there is no good or bad interview, truly. Interviews are a way for alumni to connect with applicants… to reach out and put a friendly face on the school. Also, come up with a few questions for your interviewer - it will take some of the pressure off you, and you will gain another perspective on Harvard. Post again and let us know how it went!</p>
<p>Sorry I couldn’t write earlier, but I was a little busy. Anyhow, I wore a plain black shirt under a black vest and blazer. My interview was about a little over two hours, and was a little stiff at first, but as I kept talking, it got easier. My interviewer wasn’t quite ready to begin when I got there, so it gave me some time to calm down before my interview began. He asked about my extra-curriculars, what I liked about Harvard, and about myself and my family. He seemed really interested in my intended major (International Studies) and my hobbies (coding and my five languages I can speak with varying fluency) so I talked quite a bit about those. He asked me to say a couple phrases in each language, which I thought was kind of weird, but I did anyway. I wasn’t sure if he understood any of what I was saying. (Is that normal? Asking interviewees to demonstrate their language proficiency?)</p>
<p>At the end, I did ask him about his experiences at Harvard. He really seemed to open up then, telling me about university life, the professors, etc. In the end, he said he’d certainly put in a good word for me with Harvard, and that he really enjoyed my interview. </p>
<p>Do Harvard interviewers always say something like this? Or was it something special about my application/me that really impressed him?</p>
<p>"Do Harvard interviewers always say something like this? Or was it something special about my application/me that really impressed him? " You’re overthinking this, ZZwicker. He was being polite, chatting. He wasn’t using any code words to indicate something hidden. </p>
<p>You already said it: “he said he’d certainly put in a good word for me with Harvard, and that he really enjoyed my interview.”</p>
<p>It sounds like you had a interview with a nice alum who wanted you to feel comfortable. He most likely participates in admissions interviews because he enjoys meeting students, answering their questions about the college, and being involved in the process. Undoubtedly, he’ll write a nice report about your meeting…and it won’t make much, if any difference, in whether you’ll be admitted or not. It’s great that it went well and you felt comfortable speaking with him… a good experience for both of you.</p>
<p>As far as the language testing, he was probably just curious about the languages / checking to make sure you were telling the truth, that’s all.</p>