Introduction to High School Interviewing

1. Introduction toHigh School Interviewing

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 10 Sample Interview Questionsin two categories Category 1: Know thyself • 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) • What three adjectives would your friends use to describe you? • What are your interests (academic subjects, intramural activities, leisure activities)? • Are you nervous? (be honest, it is ok to say “yes” as most every candidate is) • Tell me about your family? (focus on the positives) Category 2: Know thy high-school • Why do you want to attend our school? (show off your knowledge of the school…see note on researching schools on next page) • What do you know about our school? • What is our school’s motto? • What does our school motto mean? • What programs, activities or classes interest you the most at our school?

8. 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!