<p>My D will have her first alumni interview in two days. For our family, it's a completely foreign experience. I told her the usual stuff like "read their web-site, prepare good questions, make an eye contact ... blah-blah-blah ... don't buy any messy food or drink" ;) (the interview will take place in a Starbucks). What else have I forgotten? How should she dress? Should she take there some kinds of "bragging itmes" with her - any awards certificates, newspaper clips or, at least, a resume?</p>
<p>She usually makes a good impression on grown-ups, but is shy and tends to forget to say/ask the "right" or important things in the less-than-compfortable "real-life" situations ...</p>
<p>I'm an alumni interviewer for Yale, so that's where my perspective is coming from. I wouldn't wear jeans, although I don't think she needs to dress up. A casual skirt or non-jean pants and sweater/blouse would be fine. I have had some young women interview in revealing clothes and I wouldn't recommend it. I personally don't like to see certificates/awards (I'll believe you if you just tell me about it) and don't have time to review art, writing samples, etc. during the interview. In any event, I don't think the admissions committee wants me to act as art or writing expert, so I only look at those items after the interview as a matter of curiosity, not as part of my evaluation. Although Yale says not to ask the interviewee to bring any materials to the interview, I do like to have a resume so my memory is sharp when I'm writing my interview report.</p>
<p>Be sure she can answer the "Why college X" question. At least a third of my interviewees answer that poorly. "Because it's prestigious" is not a good answer in my book. I totally agree that she should look at the website and other informational materials. I am shocked when interviewees have never heard of key aspects of the school I interview for, like its residential colleges. Obvious gaps in knowledge about the college call into question the sincerity of your interest.</p>
<p>I recently read an article in either the NY Times or the Philadelphia Inquirer by a university interviewer. I believe he was a Yale alum. He wrote that for him the most important thing he looked for should happen after the interview but that much to his amazement it never did for him. He has always expected but never has received a HAND-WRITTEN thank you note from the pre-frosh that he has interviewed. He thinks that type of gesture truly indicates a kid who has what it takes. So tell your D to write, not email, a thank you note acknowledging her interviewer and noting why she enjoyed the meeting.</p>
<p>Also tell your D to try and relax. If the interviewer is good he/she will put your D at ease. Don't try and show off,just converse intellegently and share a bit of herself.</p>
<p>This may be obvious, but she should ask for the interviewer's business card in order to have an address to use for that all-important note!</p>
<p>It's always a good strategy to ask about the interviewer's college experience--nothing too general. It will be informative, and people like to talk about themselves!</p>
<p>In addition to the advice about clothing, may I suggest that she be careful not to wear any overpowering scent?</p>
<p>I'm an interviewer, too, and I don't mind if the kids wear jeans. As long as they look neat, I'm OK with casual clothing.</p>
<p>I never look at resumes, portfolios, etc. I like it when students have a range of good questions to ask, and can keep up their end of the conversation with enthusiasm. Here's an example of an interview that didn't work: When I asked about a summer job, the student told me about what sounded like an interesting internship. When I asked a follow-up question, the student shrugged and said "it was boring - just an office job." </p>
<p>If there is anything your daughter didn't get to talk about in length in her application (like an extracurricular activity, her favorite subject, volunteer work -- anything) this is a good time to bring it up.</p>
<p>myau, A few comments for your daughter on interviews: </p>
<p>The interviewer will most likely strive to put you at ease and find common ground for discussion. You should do the same for him/her.</p>
<p>Think about ways to build your self confidence. Wear comfortable (but suitable) clothes. A sweater + skirt or nice pants. Clean shoes, not sneakers. Simple jewelry and makeup. Keep your hair out of your eyes. Have a manicure (no crazy nails!) If you wear a skirt, make sure you can sit comfortably in it.</p>
<p>Know where you're going and get there early. Practice pronouncing the interviewer's name. Walk in and extend your hand for a sincere handshake as you introduce yourself. If you're carrying papers put them in a folder or clipboard so you don't shuffle or juggle. Practice this too. A simple act like extracting a resume from a folder on your lap and handing it across a desk or table to the interviewer can either cause distress or exhibit confidence. Do some trial runs.</p>
<p>I like a short one page resume as it offers "talking points" but I would skip any other supplemental materials.</p>
<p>Don't ask any questions that could easily be answered on the website: e.g., what meal plans are available? When do classes start?</p>
<p>You want to elevate the discussion to focus on the academic and intellectual aspects of the college, including teaching style and ambience. Spend some time reviewing the on-line course catalog and come up with some observations that could lead to discussion. Ask about programs that are specific to that college. </p>
<p>Practice answering typical openended questions in front of a mirror. Again, you want to use this opportunity to showcase what a smart, confident, multi-faceted person you are. The interviewer knows you are 17 years old and nervous. S/He most likely won't try to entrap you but s/he will try to get you to open up. If you have two or three prepared (not memorized, just thought through) repsonses to questions like, "Why College X? How is College X viewed in your high school? What do you like to do in your down time? What will you contribute to the campus community? What can I tell you about College X?" then you'll be all set.</p>
<p>You might reassure your D that if the conversation wanders into what is for her an unusual, unfamiliar or odd topic, that could be OKAY. My H went into his college interview and ended up spending some time talking about sports, and believe me, he doesn't know ANYTHING about sports. It wasn't the topic, as it was the way he approached the topic, that seemed to interest the interviewer.
Sometimes it matters less what you talk about than the way a student discusses "any" subject that is endearing.
If, however, she isn't able to carry on a conversation on some topic from left field, then teach her how to indicate she's ready to redirect the conversation. That's when she can bring out one of her own good questions.
Can you role play at home? Pretend you're the interviewer and ask her about her high school, her EC's, and so on. Let her just hear herself outloud. She might readily see what sounds positive, what sounds dull if she can trial run it once with you at home. DOn't force her to, however, if she doesn't want to do this. Just offer.
There was a thread here a few months back about how the kid would get to the Starbucks. The mom wasn't sure if she should hang in the same cafe during the interview. Do you have all your moves worked out, if you're dropping her off or picking her up? Basically, don't leave the interviewer waiting for you to pick her up. Either have her come and go independently, or be close at hand by cellphone for a fast pickup; don't delay the interviewer.
Warn her she might see others interviewed before or after her, and she should be pleasant to nod to the other students, too.</p>
<p>She is particularly concerned about dressing "right". ;) Her friends and teachers adviced her about "no jeans, but not "too formal", nice, but not "dressed up" etc". Particlularly, we couldn't agree on shoes: based on the local whether (California), she is choosing between her everyday black "sportsy" sneakers ("gently" worn) and "dress shoes" which are used for any special occassions (mostly, performances). I try to convince her to choose the latter, but my husband insists that for our "dress-relaxed" area such shoes look "too formal". (But, in my opinion, the former ones would look too careless ... or "hippiish" ;)).(The other options would be high winter boots or hiking boots which I think are even less approrpiate ;)). What is more advicable to choose? </p>
<p>Also, we are not sure whether it's appropriate to show any kind of "personality" in clothing style or to be dressed as "neutral" (or conservative ... or boring?) as possible is a better idea. She is not a big fan of "revealing clothes", but likes some "artsy" accessories (like scarfs) or the "quirky" ones (like neckties) and tends to wear them on all kinds of occasions. Should I caution her against using them?</p>
<p>We tried to convince her to have her resume with her (just in case) and, maybe, some particular print-out of an on-line magazine article about that one achievement she is especially proud about ... She is opposed to such an idea, claiming that she can't imagine how would she could use those things in her conversation. Like, if a suitable moment will come, she would just tell in her own words about all her activities and achievements, and if not - no papers would help. Should we try to convince her further? What advice could we give her on the approrpiate ways to make use of a resume in the conversation? Or is she right about not bringing it?</p>
<p>I interview for a New England LAC. I don't mind resumes - sometimes, they give me a quickie ideas for questions - but they are not essential. Maybe you and your daughter could compromise - she could bring the resume and online magazine article with her in a bag, and at a moment she feels it is appropriate, ask if the interviewer would like to have them. It's always good to have options, but sometimes interviewers prefer not to have extra paper, or the conversation may flow in different directions.</p>
<p>Re dress: think it's really important to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and yourself. Funky scarves are great! When my own kids interviewed, I felt a nice top paired with non-denim pants was appropriate. Definitely no flip flops or bare toes or midriff. And be clean: I still remember one young man who showed up for the interview in a rumpled t-shirt and dirty cargo pants, topped off by unwashed hair and a few days' worth of beard growth. Ick.</p>
<p>A topic she should expect this year: What do you think about the elections?</p>
<p>I, too, am astounded that very few - maybe one a year if I'm lucky - students bother to follow up with a thank-you after our interview. I don't expect a handwritten note, but certainly one by email, as that's how I usually make the initial contact.</p>
<p>If the interviewer didn't ask for a resume, s/he probably doesn't need one. I don't think it's a bad idea to have one in her bag in case the interviewer asks. As I emailed earlier, the resume is more to jog my memory post-interview than something I use during the interview, unless I have a very difficult interviewee who only talks in monosyllables.</p>
<p>Dressing funky is probably fine for most interviewers. If she is interviewing at a very conservative school, I'd dress in a more traditional fashion. If she knows the interviewer is a 60+ year old male, I'd also play it safe. If the interview is at a professional office, I'd make sure not to go too far. When I've interviewed at work and someone comes in scantily attired or in total goth mode, it's a little strange to have them hanging out in the reception area.</p>
<p>If she knows the interviewer is a 60+ year old male, I'd also play it safe.</p>
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<p>Well, he is male, she doesn't know his exact age, but from the way he described himself to her by the phone, I make it he is not a very young man. So ... how safe? ;) No scarves or ties? The school is not very conservative, but a very serious/intellectual one. ;)</p>
<p>Artsy scarves are fine. Interesting jewelry is fine, too (maybe not the skull-and-cross bone type!). She is interviewing to be a college kid, not an insurance salesperson, so it's OK! I'm assuming that her "real self" was shown in her essays. It's good to show her "real self" in her dress, as long as that self is not dressing for the beach or something. </p>
<p>And, I think the everyday shoes are OK if that's what makes her feel comfortable, especially if the dress shoes will look odd with her artsy outfit.</p>
<p>Thanks. Looks like she more or less decided on the outfit. :)</p>
<p>I am "alarmed" ;) by the following suggestion: </p>
<p>"A topic she should expect this year: What do you think about the elections?"</p>
<p>Generally, she is more or less informed on the current events, but doesn't have any strong opinions on the matter of politicis, religion and other "big issues". Also, the "admissions-guide" books don't recommend to express any strong opinions (just in case, if the interviewer happens to be the opposite-side-opinionated). Therefore, she is unsure how long she could sustain any meaningful conversation on such subjects (if interviewer would go in that direction), so that she'd manage to be vague and interesting person to talk to in the same time. What is a "safe" way to approach such topics?</p>
<p>Our other area of consern and unsureness are ... handshakes. ;) In our culture, when I was brought up, it was not very common of women to use them at all; but if they did, they ought to initiate it; on the other hand, the elder or superiror authority person should initiate handshakes when greeting the younger person ... Personally, I have always been confused in all those politeness issues.:( I have no idea what should a young lady in this country do when greeting an older male interviewer - should she extend a handshake first? Or just do it, if offered a handshake? Sorry for being so socially clueless ...</p>
<p>myau, my D had 6 or 7 interviews, and elections or politics have never been brought up! As soon as she started talking about art and her unusual project, it consumed most of her intervew time.</p>
<p>D said her interviewers extended a handshake when greeting her, and she shook hands with them firmly, like one would do at a job interview (two "shakes", and then let go).</p>
<p>The alumnus/alumna is more than likely conducting the interview on his/her personal time. Find out what motivates this involvement/commitment.</p>
<p>Curiosity/inklings of wisdom with questions like:</p>
<p>"The schools motto is [Veritas,...an institution where any person can find instruction in any study, Lux et veritas, etc.]...During your time there, how did you experience that philosophy? Do you think that philosophy is in place today?"</p>
<p>"Did you find the professors were not only experts in their field, but also willing to put in the time to be educators of undergraduates?"</p>
<p>Review the student newspaper and form a question like: "I see the administration is dealing with [housing and/or construction growth and/or student retention, etc.]...During your time there what type of issues were you aware of and how did the administration deal with them." </p>
<p>Good Closing:</p>
<p>"Hopefully I've left the impression that I'm very interested in attending X. Could you see yourself recommending me? Is there any area of concern I could address for you?"</p>
<p>I'm not sure there is any etiquette about who should initiate the handshake. In my experience, both parties reach out pretty much simultaneously. I'd practice handshaking with her to make sure she has a firm handshake not a limp one or a bent-wrist hand squeeze. It has nothing to do the interview, it's just a lifeskill.</p>
<p>Unless you have the attitude that "anyone who would vote for candidate X is an idiot", I don't think you need to be vague about your politics. I wouldn't go on a tirade, but any interviewer worth his/her salt wouldn't give you a worse report because you have a different point of view. I never initiate political discussions unless an interviewee has worked on a campaign or been otherwise politically active. When I do talk politics during interviews, the interviewees always assume I'm on one end of the spectrum because that's the way my community runs, when I'm really on the other. As long as people back up their beliefs and aren't too condescending about those who do not share them, it shouldn't affect the interview.</p>
<p>myau, the outfit that you describe sounds fine. Scarves, ties, artistic jewelry are fine. Don't obsess over the shoes either. If it's a college that attracts non-conformists the interviewer will be accustomed to seeing young people express their personalities through their apparel. Just don't wear anything that may offend -- like painful looking piercings or shock-value message T-shirts.</p>
<p>The fact that she ready, willing and able to talk about herself and her accomplishments without props is to me a great indication that she'd up for the occasion.</p>
<p>Mastering the art of the handshake for better or worse is an important part of the transition from childhood to adulthood. Again, don't obsess, but practice -- not bone-crushing, not limp, just confident. Practice. [EDIT: Cross-posted with Admissions Addict: "A lifeskill" indeed it is!]</p>
<p>I think being prepared for the political question is a good heads-up. My guess is that the interviewer will avoid politics and religion as our generation was taught, but who knows he may be of the provocative school, so have a thoughtful -- even light hearted -- answer prepared. Talk about the process, not the candidates.</p>
<p>Exactly, Momrath. "Have you been following the election?" leaves a lot of room for thoughtful discussion, and will indicate that the student is aware of what is going on outside of his/her school. </p>
<p>I was at a Starbucks recently and happened to sit next to a table where after a few minutes realized a Duke alum was conducting an interview. The election was the first question she asked after she gave her Duke spiel. The student handled it very well, describing a few debates her AP history class had watched and how interesting that her fellow classmates had so many different points of view, how excited she was when she registered to vote, etc.</p>
<p>Stitch, you make some good points, but asking an alum at the end of the interview whether he/she will recommend you may not be the best option - I would not like being backed in the corner like that, and even the very best recommendation does not guarantee the student will be accepted.</p>