<p>This Friday I have an interview for a full ride at Georgia Southern (so prestigious, I know), but I kind of am horrible at interviews. Example: Last January, I went to interview for the Georgia Governor's Honors Program (communicative arts major), and my interviewer asked me if I like poetry. I'm majoring in English- although it's not my favorite, I like poetry a little bit. But I froze up and said, "uh, not really. It's kind of confusing."
...
This coming from the person who memorizes T. S. Eliot poetry for fun. </p>
<p>I also had to interview for drum major tryouts at my school, and when my band director asked me why I wanted to be drum major, I said, "I don't know. Why does anyone want to do anything, when you think about it?" </p>
<p>Needless to say, I didn't get either things. </p>
<p>I relay my thoughts much better on paper than in person. </p>
<p>So, how do I interview without becoming a cynical, irreverent mess? The typical questions (e.g. Why do you want to go to college? What makes you stand out?) really frustrate me. It's kind of awful. So...
If anyone has any tips, I would GREATLY appreciate it. </p>
<p>(One last thing- this interview is more or less practice in a way, because there's a strong chance I might get an interview at Oxford College of Emory and that's where I REALLY want to go!)</p>
<p>Maybe you could try writing out the answers to a bunch of common questions and practice saying them?</p>
<p>Yes, do look at list of common interview questions and think about how you would answer them. No need to memorize an answer, that might actually be obvious to the interviewer. Just think of a reasonable response so you don’t grasp at any thought that pops into your head. (Like the Stay-Puf marshmallow man in Ghostbusters!)
Be prepared to explain why you are interested in that school. Know enough about it to say something specific, not just “cuz it’s a good school”.
Have good questions to ask the interviewer. If you can get them talking, less time for you to talk. Ask about their major, their favorite memories, how the school helped them after they graduated, where else they applied, why they chose that school etc.
REXLAX - You are not on trial. It is supposed to just be a conversation where someone gets to know you a little better. Take your time - when you get asked a question, don’t just start babbling. Take a few seconds to ponder the question, it shows you are a thoughtful person.
Bring you resume and offer it to the interviewer, though if you are interviewing at the college that may be unnecessary if the person has seen your application. But bring it anyway in case it is an intern or just an upperclassman who doesn’t know much about you. It may provide them with topics that are comfortable for you.</p>
<p>good advice! thanks :)</p>