Interviewing

Colleges and Universities A-Z Princeton University
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<p>I’m a Princeton alumnus and interviewer, and having seen much of the consternation that comes on this board around interviews, I thought that I would try to give my $0.02 regarding what I think all interview candidates should do when it comes to (Princeton) interviews. One thing to note—an interview isn’t a make or break moment—you don’t have to ‘nail it’, and you can still certainly get in if it’s not perfect. So take a deep breath and try to enjoy it—it’s not nearly as high stress as many people around here make it out to be.</p>

<p>Here’s the thing, it’s not rocket science. In fact, the bar is actually quite low. But there are some pretty basic things that you need to do. </p>

<p>Before the interview:
Know that it’s coming, so be ready for it. Princeton tries to interview anyone who’s interested in interviewing, so if you’d like one, you can get one. One day your phone is going to ring, and it’s going to be an alumnus who wants to interview you. Say hello, and find a mutually convenient time to meet. If you haven’t heard within a month or so from the day that you’ve submitted your app, call the admissions office “to check”, that’ll get them moving.</p>

<p>Research and prepare. Try to figure out what your interviewer is going to ask. Do a google search for popular interview questions and have answers ready for them. Talk to friends who did college interviews last year to see what their experiences were like. Most interviewers aren’t out to stump or trip you, just get to know you a little. Here’s a hint—your interviewer is going to ask why you want to go to Princeton. Spend, I dunno, an hour on this. Tops. </p>

<p>Write a quick resume/list of extra-curricular activities. Please please please don’t stress over this, it doesn’t have to be perfect, or anywhere close. Download a template off of the internet or ask a friend, you want something that the interviewer can look at to get a quick sense of what they should ask you about. </p>

<p>If you live within, oh, 50 miles or so, visit campus. </p>

<p>Reherse. Find someone who interviews people for jobs (it’s not that dissimilar) or has been through a lot of interviews (a boss, a mentor, an older friend, an uncle/aunt, a parent, neighbor, whatever) and just ask them to run you through a practice interview or two. You just want to get comfortable in an interview setting if you’re not comfortable already. </p>

<p>Relax. Seriously. </p>

<p>Day of:</p>

<p>Be early. Not freakishly early, but at least ten minutes early. Being late is a problem; so drive around the block a few times if you need to just to ensure that you’re on time. </p>

<p>Pop a breath mint as you walk out the door. Why risk it?</p>

<p>Relax. Seriously.</p>

<p>Be well dressed. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that jeans aren’t ok. Some might not mind, but why push it? I’d say slacks/chinos and a button down for guys, and something equivalent for girls. Look well put together, like you want to be there, and that you’re taking the process seriously. </p>

<p>Turn your cell phone off. Better, just leave it in the car. </p>

<p>Bring a folder with a sheet of paper, a pen, and a copy of your resume in a folder. If it’s not asked for, don’t whip it out, but always be prepared.</p>

<p>Find your interviewer, and shake his/her hand like an adult. </p>

<p>If it’s in a café/starbucks/Panera, etc., the interviewer might offer to get you some food/drink. The best answer is water. It doesn’t fizz, stain, require you to chew, get whipped cream on your nose, or otherwise embarrass you. And it’s often free. </p>

<p>Have a conversation with the interviewer. Be upbeat, generally optimistic, and know what you want and why you wan it. The best interviews are fun.</p>

<p>Have questions for the interviewer at the end. </p>

<p>Relax and have fun. </p>

<p>After the interview:</p>

<p>Send a thank you note. Email is ok, so is snail mail. Telephone isn’t.</p>

<p>The bottom line here is that with a little prep and practice, interviews can become not so scary. Just act like you want to be there and are interested in the school, and hit a few different 'must do's' for an interview, and you'll be more than fine. . .</p>

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<p>Awesome post!!</p>

<p>One thing to add: be prepared for the “tell me about yourself” question to open. Not everyone does this but it’s definitely common for alum interviews and on campus (ie Harvard).</p>

<p>It’s a great opportunity to frame the discussion any way you want to ;)</p>