Ten Step Guide to Interviewing

The following suggested  interview outline is designed to cover a number of relevant topics with logical transition from one to the next. You will find a natural flow to your conversation…

GREET THE STUDENT

• Introduce yourself.
• Explain your connection to Bates – year of graduation, volunteer involvement.
• If there is a family member present, politely make it clear that the interview is with the student only.

CONVERSATION STARTERS - help the student overcome any pre-interview jitters.

• Where is the student from?
• How was the trip to the interview?
• Explain that the student should feel comfortable asking and answering questions.

TALK ABOUT THE STUDENT’S COLLEGE SEARCH - this is a good starting point for interview questions.

• Tell me about your college search…
• At what point are you in your search? Have you visited any schools?
• What kind(s) of schools are you looking at? How are you deciding where to look?

TALK ABOUT THE STUDENT’S HIGH SCHOOL / CURRENT COLLEGE

• Where are you going to school now?
• What do you like / dislike about the school?
• (If a private school or college / university) – How did you choose that school?

TALK ABOUT THE STUDENT’S FAVORITE COURSES / SUBJECTS

• Tell me about your favorite courses or subjects…
• What sparked your interest in those areas?
• Are these areas you hope to pursue in college?

TALK ABOUT THE STUDENT’S FAVORITE EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

• What keeps you busy in addition to your classes?
• Why is ______ your favorite activity?
• What activities would you like to continue in college? Any new activities?

ASK THE CANDIDATE IF S/HE HAS ANY QUESTIONS

• This is particularly important if the candidate has not asked any questions by this point.
• Note the thoughtfulness of the student’s questions.

WRAP-UP

• Is there anything you would like to talk about that I neglected to ask? This gives the student an opportunity to share something of importance that has not been covered.

CHECK WITH THE PARENT / GUARDIAN / SIBLING

• If the student was accompanied to the interview, ask if the parent / guardian / sibling has any questions (remember, the student is interviewed alone.)

OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE, COMMUNICATION

• If you wish, reiterate your name and contact information in case s/he has further questions.
• The student may also call the Admission Office at (207) 786-6000.