first interview tomorrow -- questions!

[johndoe3344]

---

Members do not see this ad.

So yeah, I'm having my first interview tomorrow...

Um... besides myself, what do I bring? A pen? A notebook?? I have no idea...

And if anyone has any last minute tips, that would be very helpful as well.

EDIT: Also, for guys, do we usually take off our suit jacket? Or do we leave them on the entire time?

I'm freaking out, in case people don't realize 😀

 

[armybound]

A pen never hurts. You don't need a notebook. Typically they'll give you a folder if they want you to have any paper. You won't be writing anything down.

Leave your jacket on all the time

 

[Laryngophed]

So yeah, I'm having my first interview tomorrow...

Um... besides myself, what do I bring? A pen? A notebook?? I have no idea...

And if anyone has any last minute tips, that would be very helpful as well.

EDIT: Also, for guys, do we usually take off our suit jacket? Or do we leave them on the entire time?

I'm freaking out, in case people don't realize 😀

I have one previous attempt at matriculation and while as a whole it was unsuccessful, my interviews went stellar so I can offer you what I found worked for me.

I brought a leather notebook, the kind that holds a legal pad inside and a pen. I got there quite a bit early and walked around on my own to get a feel for the surroundings so it wouldn't feel completely brand new to me during my interview. Leave the jacket on until you are told you can take it off. If they don't mention it, don't take it off. Make sure you button it when standing and unbutton it when you take a seat. Some docs, particularly the "old guard" are quite particular about this etiquette and at a minimum you want to give them nothing to dislike you about. Relax, and be yourself. Think of it as a first date and a job interview and you'll be fine. You've made it this far, so they are obviously interested in you. Remember to be polite to everyone you meet, as you may meet your interviewer in the hall unknowingly or you could anger the office member that makes sure your file makes its way to the adcomm meeting in a timely manner. Good luck to you!

 

[Hextra]

First, take a deep breath. Lots of people are and will be in the same position as you, so try not to be too nervous--you're not alone!

Now, many people find it helpful to look over their personal statement/research/etc. so that it's fresh in their minds should a question arise. As for the interview itself, eat a decent breakfast and try not to drink too much water before the day starts 🙂

At my interview the guys kept jackets on except for while we ate lunch. After the food was put away, we all put them back on for the remainder of the day. I don't think there's a hard rule for this, so go with the flow and remember that it probably isn't a deal breaker whatever you decide to do.

 

[Mattabet]

Can't hurt to bring a pen, I wouldn't bother with anything else. It's very common for schools to give you a binder, folder, tote bag, etc. - you'll have something to carry around with papers in it (and I'd prefer not to have two such things on me. Although if you have a padfolio that you want to bring along it won't look out of place.

I'd leave the jacket on unless it's too hot to do so. Definitely for the interview, if you want to take it off at lunch, go for it, nobody's gonna care one way or the other.

Take a deep breath, take a peek over the school's website, and think of a good question or two you can ask specifically about that school if things cool down in the interview. Good luck!

 

[kia ora]

would one look like a tool if one carried a briefcase during the interview day? some interview days are several hours long and there is stuff I want to have with me (and when you're a girl, there's stuff you sometimes *have* to carry with you...)

 

[armybound]

would one look like a tool if one carried a briefcase during the interview day? some interview days are several hours long and there is stuff I want to have with me (and when you're a girl, there's stuff you sometimes *have* to carry with you...)

you'd definitely be unique. there's really no need for much more than a purse for girls.

 

[BlueElmo]

would one look like a tool if one carried a briefcase during the interview day? some interview days are several hours long and there is stuff I want to have with me (and when you're a girl, there's stuff you sometimes *have* to carry with you...)

I haven't seen one briefcase as of now. Don't carry a briefcase, for God's sake.

 

[kia ora]

I hate purses. and padfolios. and as a person who has had an actual, professional career, I don't think briefcases are so weird

 

[armybound]

I've never seen one at an interview, and I've probably seen 500+ people at interviews. You may not think it's "weird," but you'll probably be the only person with one.

You really don't need any paperwork or anything at an interview, so if you think you need something related to female needs, do you really need a whole briefcase for that?

 

[kia ora]

I've never seen one at an interview, and I've probably seen 500+ people at interviews. You may not think it's "weird," but you'll probably be the only person with one.

You really don't need any paperwork or anything at an interview, so if you think you need something related to female needs, do you really need a whole briefcase for that?

I'm ok with that. most interviewees are college students and probably don't even own briefcases, maybe that's why you haven't seen any? I'd want to carry a wallet, phone, keys, and maybe a few other things. can't really put those in a pocket. and as I said, I hate purses. I never carry one. the purses that most women carry these days are so ugly...I'd think it's better to have a classic leather satchel than a hideously ugly purse

 

[BlueElmo]

why don't you carry a portfolio? Very professional looking and you can put bulky stuff in there no problem.

 

[kia ora]

why don't you carry a portfolio? Very professional looking and you can put bulky stuff in there no problem.

hmm...is that different than a padfolio? if so, I guess I'm not sure what it is? I am trying to avoid having to buy anything, but I will look into it. thanks for the suggestion

 

[BlueElmo]

hmm...is that different than a padfolio? if so, I guess I'm not sure what it is? I am trying to avoid having to buy anything, but I will look into it. thanks for the suggestion

 

[jjmad1201]

dont forget your huggies

 

[neutropos]

Just bring a pen. You only need a pen. Anything else is really unnecessary.

 

[teenmachinery1]

You don't need anything. good luck!

👍

 

[ilovebear]

what are some good questions you can ask the person interviewing you?