Interview Tips
Tips for a good interview from the Union College admissions staff
Preparation
- Read materials about the college you are visiting.
- Schedule an appointment.
- Know whether the interview is evaluative or informational.
- Tour before your interview, if possible.
- Plan your clothes.
- Be sure that you are not hungry, hot or angry before your interview.
Greeting
- When the interviewer calls your name, greet him or her with a handshake and a smile.
- Introduce your parents or siblings, if they are with you.
The Interview Itself
- Be prepared to speak about yourself.
- Be prepared to ask questions about the college.
- Use a notebook or 3" by 5" card to remind you of key questions.
- Remember to use good posture and to maintain appropriate eye contact.
- Use correct grammar.
- Avoid inappropriate language and "like", "you know" or "um."
- Take time to think before you answer questions.
- Exude confidence.
For Parents
- If your parents are invited to join the interview, suggest that they ask the same questions at each college.
- Decide in advance if you want your parents to ask if you are qualified for the college.
Using the Interview to Your Best Advantage
- Ask the interviewer about successful applications to the college; what yours should include.
- If you want to know how your qualifications match a particular college, you can ask your interviewer.
After the Interview
- Write a short note to your interviewer thanking him or her.
- In the note include a reference to something specific from the interview.
- If you have a question that was not answered include that in the note.