What exactly does "Open File" mean?

[Danny0230]

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So I'm excited about my upcoming interviews, and I've been checking out the feedback.... but I'm confused at what exactly "open file" means......

Will the interviewers have my file open and be looking at it? Will I bring my own file? What do I bring in my own file? I assume I use a standard type folder for holding my paperwork?

Thanks for the help

 

[gym.addict]

I believe they have your file in front of them to look at.

 

[Streetwolf]

I believe they have your file in front of them to look at.

Yes.

 

[I-Baby]

Since we're on this topic, which schools have open file interviews and which schools have closed file interviews? Thanks 🙂

 

[Danny0230]

Since we're on this topic, which schools have open file interviews and which schools have closed file interviews? Thanks 🙂

The best way to figure that out would be to just go to the student feedback website and check out each school - http://share.studentdoctor.net/interviewdent/interview_read.asp

 

[Mila]

Since we're on this topic, which schools have open file interviews and which schools have closed file interviews? Thanks 🙂

Check the interview feedback section of this site. It mentions which are open and closed file interviews.

 

[I-Baby]

Check the interview feedback section of this site. It mentions which are open and closed file interviews.

Thanks 🙂

 

[lemoncurry]

does it really matter if it is open file or not? Is that going to change your preparation? You still don't know what they are going to ask you or want to talk about, so how does the interview being open or closed file make any difference?

IMHO, preparing well for an interview is not about knowing every minute detail of what happens, but rather being very comfortable with who you are, where you've been, where you're going and why you want to go there, and to make it sound engaging. You could drive yourself nuts trying to predict the interview down to the minute.

 

[Danny0230]

does it really matter if it is open file or not? Is that going to change your preparation? You still don't know what they are going to ask you or want to talk about, so how does the interview being open or closed file make any difference?

IMHO, preparing well for an interview is not about knowing every minute detail of what happens, but rather being very comfortable with who you are, where you've been, where you're going and why you want to go there, and to make it sound engaging. You could drive yourself nuts trying to predict the interview down to the minute.

I agree... but my question wasn't about 'driving myself nuts' or 'predicting the interview down to the minute.' I just didn't know exactly what open file meant, so I wanted to be sure I'd be prepared for an interview that is open or closed...

 

[lemoncurry]

my comments weren't directed specifically at you. sorry.

 

[harjay]

If the interviews are open file, it would be a good idea to re-read your personal statement (they could ask you a question or 2 about it- I know UOP does sometimes). They could also just cover some of your scores/grades and review them with you/ ask for explainations

Closed file means they want to find out more about you as a person specifically. They might just have a conversation and get to know you or they might ask about your background or volunteer experience.

^ is not all-inclusive and is meant to be used as a guide. They may not ask you any of these things.

 

[I'mFillingFine]

does it really matter if it is open file or not? Is that going to change your preparation? You still don't know what they are going to ask you or want to talk about, so how does the interview being open or closed file make any difference?

IMHO, preparing well for an interview is not about knowing every minute detail of what happens, but rather being very comfortable with who you are, where you've been, where you're going and why you want to go there, and to make it sound engaging. You could drive yourself nuts trying to predict the interview down to the minute.

For my interviews, I found that it actually did make a big difference. My closed-file interviewers asked questions like, "Well, this is the first I've heard of you so just go ahead and tell me about yourself." My other ones would ask questions as specific as "Tell me about that comic you wrote in college" or "how did studying piano affect your time in undergrad?"

True, your demeaner and confidence shouldn't change, but the difference between the two definitely affects the dynamic, and closed-file interviews will put you on the spot more, so be ready to answer general questions.