Preparing for the Interview

The following steps will be of additional help in preparing for the interview:

1. Rehearse answers to the typical questions that may be asked at an interview. You should tape record your responses and hear how you sound.

2. See if you can appropriately fit or slip your rehearsed answers in during the interview in a manner which is casual and doesn't sound canned. The latter can be accomplished by pausing for a moment before answering a question that you are prepared for, acting as if you are preparing your answers.

3. Sell your favorable assets by fitting them into the interview (e.g., related work, research experience, community activities, research articles published, etc.). Know your strengths thoroughly.

4. Establish a rapport with the interviewer from the very outset. Walk in with a greeting, a smile on your face and a firm handshake. On leaving, express your appreciation for the time the interviewer gave you.

5. Avoid, where possible, "yes" or "no" answers. Rather, give the pros and cons of the issue and your views in a brief and concise manner. Show that you can be analytical while at the same time avoid being overly talkative.

6. If you don't understand the question, ask the interviewer to clarify it.

7. Look directly at your interviewer; act relaxed; avoid squirming in your seat; if you "flub" a question - forget it - go on, rather than become upset and ruin the remainder of your interview.

8. If you don't know an answer, admit it rather than guess wildly. If pressed for a reply, qualify it as being an "on the spur of the moment" judgment that is open to change on further reflection.

9. Don't open up discussions on your own, such as on politics or religion. If asked, don't be defensive. Interviewers seek a sense of confidence even on controversial issues.

10. Avoid disparaging your school or specific instructors or students. It will not help make you look better.