13 replies to this topic

[Rigaudon]

Hi everybody,

I have an interview this Saturday for a really prestigious school that revolves around math and science (only 13 of these schools in the USA). I'm relatively young and have almost no experience in interviews. I know some of you are much wiser than I and can offer me some advice apart from the obvious (dress nicely, be polite, etc.)

I'm really nervous and psyched for this, mostly since the majority of the people who apply for MIT (my dream school) here get in.

Thanks in advance.

[anwiii]

i would say eye contact is very important. since mit is your dream school, then you probably know things already, but it's important to do your research about the school before you go in for an interview. that way, you can mention the things about the school and why you want to go there. a good hint to the research part is to try to find some good trivia about the school that even the interviewer may not know. be confident, but not cocky. listen, and don't interupt. pretend you already know they are going to accept you to help build that confidence and to help you relax.

just a few suggestions for now

[Rigaudon]

Oh yea, I forgot about eye contact. I suppose I should learn a little more about the school too.

Pretend that I'm going to be accepted already- I like that.

I'm writing these things down and practicing speaking in front of the mirror in the hope that it will do some good.

Coincidentally, I talked to a neighbor of mine who was accepted to this school and she said that an interviewer asked her "What is pi?". Conveniently, I've memorized Pi to about 100 digits, but would be the best response? I think I'd like to say "Tasty pastry" for humor but I'd be in pretty bad shape if the interviewer had no sense of humor. My neighbor said "a number", but I don't think I'd be satisfied with a simple answer like that

Thanks for the tips, anwiii.

[Saint_Michael]

Knowing the school will help a lot, also ask questions to your interviewer when giving the opportunity, of course make sure your resume is error free and completely honest. Do not have anything in your hands or even fidget with your hands as well, try to remain calm the whole time.

[kleong]

Beside have knowledge of the subjects & the school, dress well and maintain eye contact, another important factor is to be confidence. You might be shivering inside, but exteriorly, you must maintain a certain level of calmness. Also, you will speak, do so with confidence and project your voice. If you do not understand what the interviewer is asking, just admit it. Rather to admit it and be expose later that you do not know the answer.

[web_designer]

hi rigaudon, i hope you are doing well in you interview. i also would say, stay calm, be serious, keep eye contact, don't joking or he won't take you seriously unless he started, being confident is very important because you will pass that feeling to the person sitting in front of you. here is some useful links.

http://www.groovejob...interview/tips/
http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20045.htm
http://www.elevateyo...r.com/p169.html

good luck.

[k_nitin_r]

Hi!

@Rigaudon

Interviews are the opportunity for you to understand what the employer needs and for the employer to understand if you are the right candidate who can perform in the role that they have envisioned.

Have a look at the job description that has been posted for the job you are applying to and make sure that you can answer any related questions. For example, if you were applying to a project management positions, you would want to review the different project management tools that you have used in the past and should be able to talk to the interviewer about how you have handled a crisis situation.

While appearing calm and composed, you also need to know that there might be thing you do and do not know. Admitting what you do not know shows honesty although you do have to be able to figure stuff out when you do need to know.

After you have been interviewed, the interviewer may ask you if you have any questions about the position and the organization that you have applied to. At this point, you could ask something that does not reflect negatively on you. For example, avoid discussing salaries, office timings, or things that you do not like to do - save those for later when the interviewer does make up his or her mind that you are the right candidate to hire for the job. You might also want to contact the interviewer if you have not heard from them because some organizations do start interviewing candidates and then put the hiring process on hold to attend to something of a higher priority. Calling them up or emailing them would remind them of something that they need to deal with.

In reference to your question about explaining that "pi" is a "tasty pastry", you probably want to appear to be serious about the position so while that remark might be fun and amusing, you do not want to come across as the easy-going type unless you are applying for a position in the entertainment industry, such as a radio jockey or a television presenter on a music video charts show.

[webishqiptar]

Practice makes perfect. It is hard to do, but the best way to prepare is noted in the mirror and evaluate your facial expressions and your body language. You can find the interview questions as possible here (insert link to interview requests on the bench). Practice and review these questions in your answers in the mirror. Employers are looking for strength and confidence. The best way to prove it is safe use should observe the interviewer straight in the eye. If you can make direct eye contact exude strength. This is very difficult for many people in the beginning, but if it exercised the skill will be a great asset. Find a friend or a relative and a practice the look in the eye.

Create a list of your skills & qualifications

Anytime you have a discussion with someone forget to mention things. People get updated in the conversation and even though they may say, "Oh, I would mention this ..." who can forget them. If you have a list will be much easier to include all the information that you feel are important. An interviewer may ask what skills that match up with the job opening, a list will allow you to respond to quickly and confidently.

Prepare professional equipment
Arrange in advance and make sure you have professional equipment looking for the interview. You may need to buy some items, so if you do buy a few days ahead of time. Make sure you have right shoes, jewelry minimum, the hairpieces well-governed, deodorant, your socks / hose, portfolio / briefcase etc. Have everything you need presented or prepared the night before. Preparing for an interview is nerve-wracking enough. If you wake up and everything is all the waiting will reduce the amount of effort they feel. God forbids you not a shoe or a sock matching, preparing the day before allowing you to be prepared and it reduces stress. In addition to the preparation of your clothes, you have to make sure you have enough gas in your vehicle and that you have paper, pens, business cards and a copy of your resume in your portfolio / briefcase. Again, do this first day and everything you need to do is to attach car will be ready for the following day.

Get directions and a program

If you have the address for the interview you can get a program off the Internet. If you use Yahoo or MapQuest programs will get under way-it-away, and the estimated time it will take to arrive (ETA). Play close attention to ETA and consider traffic in your city. You will need to run my schools that can slow down traffic? Are there obstacles to traffic on the way? Give yourself an extra 20 minutes. You have to walk quickly in a few minutes anyway, so leave a little early. If you arrive 15-20 minutes early you can take the time to review your resume, calm nerves, control your hair and make sure you have fresh breath before you walk inside. The extra time is always a benefit.

Eat Breakfast / Lunch

Do not miss a meal before an interview. The nerves often play a part in the interview and your blood sugar falls in the middle of an interview only make things worse. Make sure you eat adequate hydration before and have an interview.

If you take the time to prepare for an interview to reduce stress and be more impressive during the interview process.

[anwiii]

he was talking about an interview for a school he wants it get in to. not a job also, i saw some really common sense answers so i would like to add one too. i would suggest you bathe before the interview because....well...i think it would be the right thing to do....

[Emily88]

I think confidence is quite important in a job interview. Just show your confidence and make the interviewer feel that you can do the job well.

Edited by moderator, 17 April 2012 - 07:28 AM.