Throughout the interview keep reminding yourself to relax and be as natural as you can. Keep focused on the questions, answering them with details and in the most conversational way you can. Don’t forget to look the interviewer in the eye. If a question comes up for which you have prepared information, don’t hesitate to refer to your notes. Remember to ask questions yourself from time to time.

Here are a few reminders about what not to do:

• Don’t tap your fingers or a pen on a table next to you.

• Don’t tap your foot on the floor.

• Don’t twirl your hair or chew your nails.

• Don’t slouch in your chair or stare into space.

• Don’t use profanity.

• Try not to use too many slang words or phrases such as “I’m all, like,  sweet, dude, um or ah.”

Most students report that interviews last from 20 minutes to an hour. Before leaving, let the interviewer know that this college is a top (if not THE top) choice for you. When the interview is over, stand up, thank him or her for taking the time to talk with you.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! If an interviewer asks you a question and you don’t know what to say, you can always say, “Gee, I’m not sure how to answer that question. Can I get back to you by email after I’ve had a chance to think about it?” Then follow-up when you get home.

CREATING A FRIENDLY, CONVERSATIONAL ATMOSPHERE AT THE INTERVIEW
The more you can do to create a conversational atmosphere during an interview, the more comfortable you and the interviewer will be. If there is any way to find out who your interviewer will be in advance, do it. Also, try to find out something about the person before you meet him or her. Your high school counselor may be one source. The college’s website may be another; they often post photos and short bios of their admissions staff. Find out whatever you can: where the person is from or where he or she went to college… what his or her interests are. Any tidbit of information can be useful and offer you the opportunity to relate more personally to the interviewer.

adMISSION POSSIBLE® TIP! Good conversationalists know that the key to making other people comfortable is to get them to talk about themselves. The college interview situation is no exception

If information about the interviewer isn’t available before the interview, then try to pick up cues from the person and/or his or her office when you first walk into the interview room. Are there photos on the desk that would indicate that the interviewer has children or pets? What are the books in the bookcase? Can you find one or more that you have read? What does the room say about the person’s interests? Is he or she into sports or traveling? Is there art on the walls or desk? What do they say about the person?

As the interview progresses, try to tie your answers and questions into something personal about the interviewer. Use the cues that you observe about the interviewer to ask relevant questions or make appropriate comments. One of your goals is to find and create a common bond with the person.