<p>So, I just had an interview with a princeton male alum and the interview went well but I'm not sure how to describe it. We actually met at his office (on a Sunday morning) but there was absolutely NOBODY on the whole floor and given that the office was for a really really famous consulting firm, the place was huge. The whole floor was just empty so it was just me and my interviewer. But before, the office was locked and he was obviously the only one with the keys. When I entered the office he had to open the doors and even when I exited the office he had to open the doors from the inside with his keycard. Technically, I was "locked" in the office during the interview. </p>
<p>I've had all of my interviews at starbucks so having an interview at a huge closed space was just so weird. When I told my mom she was actually quite scared. </p>
<p>I can understand that that would be weird! I’m really glad that nothing untoward happened but I agree that that’s probably a very strange situation and perhaps Princeton should tell its interviewers to meet in a more public place that’s not so secluded.</p>
<p>I think it was lack of thinking on his part. It was a quiet place that was convenient. If there had been others at the ofc. I don’t think you’d thought a thing about it. Just let it pass. I’m sure he didn’t orchestrate its being empty for sinister purposes.</p>
<p>Please don’t read into this. He takes hours away from his family and work to meet w/HS kids to discuss Princeton b/c he loves the school and wants to give back. He just did not think anyone would feel uncomfortable in a place where he’s everyday.</p>
<p>If you visit a Starbucks on a Saturday afternoon during interview season, you will observe multiple interviews for different colleges happening at the same time, complete with the awkwardness of everyone finding each other, the ambient noise and the eavesdroppers. I would guess that the interviewer probably thought it would be easier to choose a quiet, safe place where it would be easy to locate each other.</p>
<p>As usual, T26E4 is a voice of reason. Your interviewer should have been more sensitive to the situation (and collegetime18 has a good point as well), but all’s well that ends well.</p>
<p>After acceptances go out, I would notify Princeton of the circumstances of this interview. It was an inappropriate decision on his part. In fact, I believe these interviewers are given guidelines that interviews should be in a semi-public venue. If you are female, it was beyond inappropriate, and if not female, still disturbing. The potential liability to which he is exposing himself is incredible, and calls into question his ability to make sound judgements as an interviewer. Be sure your letter is polite and non-accusatory. </p>
<p>My daughter had a male Princeton interviewer - at a coffee shop. Probably her best interview from her perspective.</p>
<p>@akiddoc: I don’t know the full circumstances of the interviewer but I think the generation above mine, who were not conversant with the daily indignities foisted on many women, might not be as aware/sensitive about discomfort that we now are wary in common everyday situations. Just guessing.</p>
<p>Frankly, it’s one of the reasons why interviewer guidelines needed to go out – to lessen these scenarios. I personally, would not use the adjectives inappropriate or disturbing or unsound judgment, however. Our opinions differ, here.</p>
<p>Less than optimal? Yes? Malevolent? Certainly not.</p>