What do you talk about in an alumni interview?

Instead, focus on sharing your passions, interests, and what excites you about your upcoming college experience. An alumni interview can be a chance to build on your in-paper application, while also gathering more information to help inform your decision as to where you should apply, and, perhaps, attend!

What should I say in an alumni interview?

Be prepared to talk about yourself and have a genuine conversation. Telling the interviewer about your background, intentions for college, and any uncertainties that you have will make you not only a more honest applicant but also a more interesting person in general.

How do you nail an alumni interview?

Alumni interviewers often express how they cherish their face-to-face meetings with applicants. Honor that and build on it. Approach your interview with the desire to make a friend. Show interest in the interviewer, and prepare thoughtful answers to their first and last questions.

What questions to ask alumni in an interview?

What are your professional goals? What do you see yourself doing five years from now? How long do you think you'd be happy in this position before you started thinking about promotion? What's the most difficult challenge you have faced in life?

What happens during an alumni interview?

Interviewers may try to explore many different aspects of the student's world from academics to extracurriculars to personal life to future plans to level of interest in the college.

Alumni Interview Dos and Don'ts

How do you introduce yourself in an alumni interview?

How long should an alumni interview last?

Interviews typically last between 20 and 45 minutes. The write-up following should take approximately 20 minutes.

Should I say yes to alumni interview?

Are interviews required or suggested? Often students turn down alumni interviews because they think they are unnecessary but that is a mistake. Always say YES to an alumni interview as admission offices would wonder why, if you were offered an interview, you turned it down.

Are alumni interviews worth it?

In such cases, the alumni interview can act as a useful first-step, even helping you narrow down your list of college options by asking initial questions about a university's “fit.” Scheduling an alumni interview early in your senior year— as you begin to collect your materials and draft your written application— can ...

Do alumni interviews matter?

On paper, alumni interviews are a perfect mechanism for the admissions committee to construct a clearer picture of applicants beyond a smattering of scores, a resume of extracurriculars, and a tasting menu of essays they have written.

Do alumni interviews increase chances?

First, it's important to know that alumni interviews are fairly low-stakes in terms of their relative value in the application process. Many informational interview programs, like at Cornell, were built to keep alumni connected to the university, and don't hold much weight in the admissions process.

What to do before alumni interview?

Do alumni interviewers see your application?

You may be asked to bring a resume.

This is something the alumni interviewer may want. Why? Because the alumni interviewer is curious about you and they don't get to see your application.

What is the purpose of alumni interview?

What is the purpose of the interview? The interview is an opportunity for students to share any information that they feel was not captured in their applications or to highlight any relevant information.

How do you respond to tell me about yourself?

The best way to answer "Tell me about yourself" is with a brief highlight-summary of your experience, your education, the value you bring to an employer, and the reason you're looking forward to learning more about this next job and the opportunity to work with them.

How much weight do alumni interviews hold?

First, it's important to know that alumni interviews are fairly low-stakes in terms of their relative value in the application process. Many informational interview programs, like at Cornell, were built to keep alumni connected to the university, and don't hold much weight in the admissions process.

Do college interviewers read your essays?

Alumni interviewers do not receive a copy of the prospective student's application; this information is strictly confidential. Alumni interviewers also do not receive or read an applicant's college essay responses.

What should you not say in a university interview?

Do not shout or argue. If you are not able to understand a question, ask the interviewer to repeat the question. Do not lie - be honest in your answers, and do not exaggerate. Do not forget to thank the interviewer.

Is it OK to say yeah in an interview?

Certainly, it's important to maintain a professional and respectful tone during interviews. Instead of using informal language like "ya," it's better to use more formal and complete words or phrases. For example: Yes: When responding affirmatively, you can simply use "yes."

Should you say that's a good question in an interview?

In a recent Fast Company article, Judith Humphrey advises never to say 'that's a great question' in an interview. Humphrey suggests, “Instead of commenting on the quality of the question, pause. Don't be afraid to take a moment to think in silence.”

Can college interviewers see your application?

This will vary depending on the school, as every school conducts interviews differently, but typically, interviewers do not have access to a student's entire application. They do have some information that is helpful for context.

Why should we hire you?

“I should be hired for this role because of my relevant skills, experience, and passion for the industry. I've researched the company and can add value to its growth. My positive attitude, work ethics, and long-term goals align with the job requirements, making me a committed and valuable asset to the company.”

What is your greatest strength?

What do you consider to be your weakness?

Some skills that you can use as weaknesses include impatience, multitasking, self-criticism, and procrastination. An authentic answer goes a long way. That's why the best solution is to identify your real weaknesses and take proactive measures to address them.

What not to do before an interview?