Lynda McGee

College Counselor
Downtown Magnets High School

The best interviews are conversations between two people who enjoy talking to each other. You need to give answers that include lots of details, but not so many that it is more like a long rambling essay. The best interviews involve you asking questions, too, and being genuinely interested in the answers. You will look happy to be there. You will lean slightly forward in your chair and you will not...

Pamela Hampton-Garland

Owner
Scholar Bound

Interviews

This question is very broad; however the basics are: 1) know background information on the entity the interview is for 2) practice interview skills with someone prior to the interview to gain feedback on presentation, disposition, appearance, communication skills, etc. 3) drive by or find the location of the interview ahead of time so that you are at a minimum 15 to 30 minutes early 4) present...

Nancy Milne

Owner
Milne Collegiate Consulting

Do your homework

When it comes to interviewing, it pays to be prepared. Not only do you need to anticipate the questions they may ask you, but you need to be ready with good questions for them. You need to dress for the occasion: business causal for college and scholarships, professional attire for jobs. Arrive on time, use a firm handshake, make eye contact, follow up with a thank you note. Be yourself, that's who...

Peggy Wallace

Founder
Making Conversation, LLC

To leave a favorable impression, definitely shake hands after the interview, but leave it at that! It is important that you “touch” the person and handshakes are truly the almost universally acceptable method. Many people, even those super warm folks, have a sense of personal space that would be invaded were you to hug them, so don’t risk it! Remember to express your gratitude, mention something you...

Peggy Wallace

Founder
Making Conversation, LLC

When it comes to deciding whether to send an email thank you and/or a snail mail one, you can do both, but be sure to send the e-mail later that day so the interviewer can reference it or incorporate their good feelings about you when they do their write-up. Leave as little to chance as possible, including making sure you have their email address if you wish to go that route. Make You can also ask how...

Peggy Wallace

Founder
Making Conversation, LLC

While you may feel inclined to skip an interview because it’s optional, remember that you getting into their school or getting that job or scholarship is optional too. If you want them, make every effort and that includes the effort of preparation for an interview in this highly competitive environment. By doing the interview, at a minimum you show just how enthusiastic you are and in the best case,...

Reecy Aresty

College Admissions/Financial Aid Expert & Author
Payless For College, Inc.

Plenty! Like how to present your credentials, what 3 things you MUST bring to every interview, and why you're there in the first place!

Claire Law

Seven tips to help you win those supplemental scholarships and job interviews: At this time of year, seniors in high school who applied to college in the fall, (via an early action or early decision) may be considered by the colleges that accepted them for a variety of scholarships, especially if they ranked at the top of that college’s applicant pool. These supplemental scholarships are renewable...

Bill Pruden

Head of Upper School, College Counselor
Ravenscroft School

There is no single thing that someone being interviewed must know. But you should always remember that regardless of the nature or reason for the interview, it offers an opportunity to enhance the impression and the understanding that the interviewer has of you. Whether it is an admissions interview, part of a scholarship competition, or for a job, whether the interview is being conducted by an alum,...

Tam Warner Minton

Consultant
College Adventures

Go to the interview prepared to answer questions about YOU. What are your passions? Your favorite books? Favorite activities? What are your goals? What majors/jobs are you interested in? What made you decide to look at College X or Company Y? Remember, be genuine. (But don’t tell the interviewer this is your safety or that your mom made you look at it or that you really don't even need a...