Interviewing

<p>If an interview is at a place like Panera Bread or some other eatery, what would be the best attire? Casual with jeans, certainly not suit/slacks right? Also, who pays? Should you bring money and buy something while at the interview?</p>

<p>Jeans would be fine with a decent top (no T-shirt, sweatshirt or joggers). Khakiis and a polo or buttoned shirt would work, especially if it is a work day and your interviewer will be in office clothing. If it is a weekend, then he or she may be casual too.</p>

<p>Yes, have some money in case you arrive first and need to order a beverage. If interviewer is there first and offers to buy, accept if you want a drink. Do not bother with food, you’ll be busy talking or maybe too nervous to want to worry about chewing with your mouth full, burping, or crumbs flying everywhere.</p>

<p>When does one typically schedule an interview? Must one schedule earlier for SCEA?</p>

<p>All the interviews are alumni interviews. An alumni interviewer will contact you if there is one available to interview you in your area. You don’t need to do anything.</p>

<p>princetonmom, Does your application need to be submitted for them to contact you?</p>

<p>Yes. Otherwise they would have no idea that you are applying. The admissions office will send the local Princeton alumni chapter a list of students applying in the area. The chairperson of the local chapter will assign students to different alumni interviewers. The alumni interviewer will contact the student directly to set up an interview. Now since this is the first year of SCEA, it’s hard to know exactly how quickly these interviews will happen, but it’s likely they will be in a very tight time frame. Btw, the word is that the interviews are mostly a way to keep alumni happy and engaged. Don’t stress over them. Use them as an opportunity to find more out about Princeton.</p>

<p>Should you also bring a resume? I heard some interviewers like that but others get offended if you give them a resume.</p>

<p>Bring one if you have it. I can’t imagine why anyone would be offended. They might not use it, but it will give your interviewer some ideas of questions to ask if you all run out things to talk about.</p>

<p>I would err on the side of formality and caution against jeans. Some interviewers might mind, some might not, but why risk it? Khakis and a button down shirt for guys, whatever the equivalent is for women (sorry, being male I know nothing about women’s clothing). Suits and ties are also overkill (as are blazers, etc.). My rule of thumb (as a Princeton interviewer) would be: Look like you’re taking the interview seriously without being inappropriately overdressed, if that makes sense. . .</p>

<p>Absolutely. ALWAYS have a copy of your resume with you. You don’t have to volunteer it, but it’s always better to have one in case you’re asked for it versus not having one if someone wants it.</p>

<p>Don’t wear jeans - listen to “2006Alum”.</p>