Interview Mastery
Deep strategic guidance for making college interviews a competitive advantage.
Before the Interview: Research
Most alumni interviewers give 30-45 minutes. You cannot afford to waste any of it on things that could have been prepared in advance.
Research the Interviewer
Most alumni interviewers have public LinkedIn profiles. This is not stalking. It is preparation.
- Note their graduation year and major
- Look at their career path since school
- Find shared interests or connections
- Prepare 2-3 questions specific to THEM:
“I saw you majored in economics and now work in consulting. How did [School] prepare you for that transition?”
“I noticed you were involved in [activity/club]. Is that still active on campus?”
“What about [School] do you think has changed the most since you graduated?”
Prepare the Essentials
“Why This School?”
Have 3 specific reasons ready that are NOT about rankings. Name a professor, a program, a research lab, a tradition, a specific course. “It's a great school” is not an answer.
“Tell Me About Yourself”
Two minutes. Not a resume recitation. your student's STORY. What drives you? What connects the dots between activities, interests, and goals? Practice until it flows naturally but does not sound rehearsed.
Recent School News
Check the school's news page in the 48 hours before the interview. Mentioning a recent initiative, faculty hire, or event shows you is actively engaged, not passively applying.