Whether it’s for a job or college admission, interviews can be stressful. An inexperienced interviewee might get nervous that they won’t know the answers to specific questions or worry too much about the wrong parts of the interview. We understand this at Educational Attainment Services and want to help you with college interview preparation. Our team has put together six ways that you can prepare for your college entrance interview.
Perfect practice makes perfect
Perfect practice is truly what makes perfect. It’s easy to practice interviews with friends and family over and over again, but it won’t do any good if the questions aren’t legitimate and you’re simply going through the motions. Look up serious interview questions from other students who have interviewed at the school you have an interview for. You won’t be searching for answers during the interview if you have already practiced with these questions.
An important part of the practice is getting and giving feedback. Make sure that the person you’re working with gives feedback on your answers as well as how you present yourself while giving answers. Be aware of non-verbal communication as much as your verbal because interviewers will look at both.
Have a strategy
Know how you’re going to ask questions based on the subject matter that’s addressed in each. If the interviewer asks you a question about the university, have a strategy that allows you to talk about why this is the right place for you. Learn more about other types of questions you might see and put together a strategy to answer them. When you have a strategy for each type of question, you essentially have the ability to pull answers out of a hat that you have prepared. This makes your answer feel more natural, unrehearsed, and shows more of your personality.
Have your own questions
The best interviews are conversations. This means that you’re not just answering questions that your interviewer is throwing your way. You might know every answer and knock each question out of the park, but the interview can still go poorly if you don’t reciprocate the conversation. Be sure to bring questions with you about the school and what it can offer you.
Know the school
Don’t interview at a school you know nothing about. What if you get there and they don’t offer a degree in the field you plan to study? Do your research about the school where you’re going to be interviewing so you not only know what the school has to offer you but also what you have to offer that particular program.
Be mindful of etiquette
When it comes to the day of the interview, it’s perfectly normal to be nervous. Any interview that has an impact on your future can have you like you’re scrambling to be your best self. You can combat these nerves by making sure that you are dressed appropriately, early to your interview, and are well prepared. Make sure that you have clothing that’s appropriate for a college interview. Even if your interview is via Zoom (as most are these days), business attire is best.
Remember this: to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable. Even if your interview is digital, don’t wait until the last minute to get your computer or phone set up. Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location or have everything you need ready.
Contact EAS
Whether you’re planning on attending a color or university that has an interview process for admission, interview practice can be beneficial for the future. EAS can help with college interview preparation with mock interviews and thorough feedback sessions after. Contact EAS today to schedule an appointment for a mock interview session.
