Interview Tips
by Barbara Wagner

Mrs. Barbara Wagner who is in charge of Yale University alumni interviews for the greater Cincinnati area did a presentation to our juniors and seniors about tips for alumni interviews.  Her handouts are listed below.

Basic Tips

• Be sure to get interviewer’s name and contact information in case of last minute change of plans, delay, etc.
• Don’t be late (but don’t be so early that you sit and get yourself tied into a nervous knot).
• Stay calm and enjoy the conversation.
• There is no right or wrong answer.
• Talk in your most grown up manner, minimize the use of “yeah, like, well, um,”
• Don’t hesitate to let your personality show through — if you’re a comedian, you can tell a joke
• Don’t worry if you can’t rattle off an answer instantly - you’ll probably have a better answer if you pause a minute to think, and you can buy some time by saying “Gee, that’s a good question.”

Sample Questions Which an Interviewer Might Ask You

Note: all of these are obviously first questions in what could be an ongoing discussion on a particular topic.

1. What have you enjoyed most out of your high school experience? Why?
2. What extracurricular activities have you participated in?
3. Which activity has been particularly meaningful? Why?
4. What is your favorite course? Why? [or least favorite]
5. What teacher do you like the least? Why? [or most]
6. What accomplishment has made you most proud? Why?
7. Describe your family (siblings, etc.). (opens up possible line of questioning like whether you’re the first to go to college, last to leave the nest, etc.)
8. What is your most important contribution made to your school and/or community?
9. What changes would you like to see made in your school? Why?
10. What will your teachers remember about you after you graduate?
11. What do your friends value most about you?
12. What are some of your interests outside of school?
13. What particular interests or skills are you looking to develop in the next few years? Why?
14. Tell me about something you have read recently that was not required reading for a class.
15. What characteristics or qualities will you bring to ____ that will really distinguish you?
16. What do you expect to get out of an education at ____?
17. Why did you choose to apply to ___?
18. Who do you most look up to as a hero or role model? Why?
19. What is your biggest weakness?
20. Do you know what you want to do after you graduate from college?
21. What did you do last summer?
22. What community service activities have you participated in?
23. What issues are big issues among students at your school? Are there any controversies? What’s your opinion?
24. Is there anything I can add to my report that may not be reflected in your application (e.g., recent honors, accomplishments, etc.)