Interviews for a private school are usually the decider as to whether you will receive an offer to attend the private school or not. Not many people like interviews as the pressure and artificial setting can make you feel nervous. The unfortunate truth is that in most cases the first impression the interviewers get from you is important. It can determine how the rest of the interview goes so it is essential that you make the best impression you can at a private school interview. By adhering to the following tips you will be greatly increasing the chances that the impression that you make is a good one.
Get A Good Sleep The Night Before – This is necessary as it will ensure that you are alert and full of energy, ready to give the interview your best shot. Getting a good nights sleep is also essential as it will help you to be more relaxed.
Be Yourself – In any interview, not just one for a private school, you should never try to portray yourself as someone you’re not. Doing this is possibly one of the worst things you can do, and it is extremely likely that you will be soon found out – which will cause huge embarrassment. Just be yourself it will be much easier, trust me.
Check The Dress Code – The last thing you want to do is turn up in the wrong attire. Turning up to the interview wearing the wrong type of clothing is probably the best way you could make the wrong impression. Always make sure that you check what you are expected to wear. If the letter or email you received about the interview doesn’t tell you, then don’t be shy to ring up and ask, the schools staff will be happy to help you.
Be Prepared – Do some research first about the school and then on what sort of questions they are likely to ask. Once you have a rough idea you should get friends and family to ask you variants of the questions so that you can cover all bases and be as prepared as you possibly can.
Don’t Slouch and Always Smile – If you want to get an offer after the interview you need to show the interviewer that you are interested in the school. Slouching can give the impression that you are bored and if you don’t smile it also gives the same impression. Sitting up straight can also help you with speaking at the interview by helping your voice stay clear and preventing you from mumbling.
Follow these steps and I am sure that your Interview will go really well and you will receive an offer. Best of luck!
This is a guest post by contributing author Paul W. Paul is working for Bales College, one of London’s oldest established private secondary schools.