Introduction to High School Interviewing

Interviews: What you do tends to matter more than what you say Only a small portion of communication effectiveness depends on spoken words according to a 1971 study by Albert Mehrabian 93% is contingent on what you do and how you do it 55%=Body language (non-verbal communication) 38%=Vocal qualities (primarily tone) 7%=Words 100% =Communication / Interview effectiveness Key takeaway: You can win the interview before you really start to speak 93% Source: Mehrabian, Albert (1971). Silent Messages 2

Body Language = 58% (Actions speak louder than words!) Body language absolutely answers several critical, but unasked, questions for the interviewer: – Do you really care about this interview opportunity? – Do you really care about my school? – Do you really care about yourself? Tips to improve body language: – Before the interview: practice good hygiene and dress for success (dress for where you want to go, not where you are currently at) – On the way to the interview: walk with a purpose and smile – Greeting the interviewer: smile, maintain eye contact and offer a firm handshake – During the interview: sit up straight, lean forward slightly in chair, maintain eye contact What to avoid: – Yawning, fidgeting, slouching, sloppiness – Attire significantly more casual or significantly more dressy than the interviewer’s – Overpowering perfumes / colognes 3

Vocal Qualities = 35% (Watch your tone!) What should my tone be? – Friendly – Enthusiastic – Interested Don’t be like these guys: – Eeyore (sad, depressed, mopey) – Cruella De Vil (critical, harsh, mean-spirited) 4

Words = 7% What you say can be important, so – Be concise – Be honest, and – Practice beforehand (just memorize 2-3 key points for each practice question, don’t memorize every word in your response or you’ll appear robotic) 5

How to approach interview questions… Before the interview: – Compile a list of anticipated questions (see samples on next page) – Write-out answers and practice them: Remember 2-3 main talking points for each answer (don’t memorize each and every word) Conduct a mock interview with parent or friend if possible During the actual interview: – Listen carefully to the actual question – If you draw a blank, it is ok to ask interviewer to skip and come back to that question later 6

10 Sample Interview Questions in two categories Category 1: Know thyself 1.Tell me about yourself? (this is not an opening to share all your life experiences…instead provide a memorized, 30 second to 1 minute “elevator pitch” that introduces you and shares 3-4 things that make you memorable) 2.What three adjectives would your friends use to describe you? 3.What are your interests (academic subjects, intramural activities, leisure activities)? 4.Are you nervous? (be honest, it is ok to say “yes” as most every candidate is) 5.Tell me about your family? (focus on the positives) Category 2: Know thy high-school 6.Why do you want to attend our school? (show off your knowledge of the school…see note on researching schools on next page) 7.What do you know about our school? 8.What is our school’s motto? 9.What does our school motto mean? 10.What programs, activities or classes interest you the most at our school? 7

Final Takeaways The interview is a small part of the overall application process. They really just want to get to know the real you a little bit better You’ll make a lasting impression by sharing your passions and what makes you most special Do some research on the school before your interview (brochures, school website) Review a list of your activities, awards and accomplishments Know your interview location and get there 15 minutes early Send a personalized thank you note to your head interviewer afterwards Relax, say a prayer and let God work his plan for you! 8