How Is A Job Interview Like A College Admissions Interview?

A few weeks ago I attended back to school night at my son’s high school. Since he is a senior this year, the Guidance Department was on hand to talk about the things to consider as he transitions to college.  One of the pamphlets they distributed was called, “For Seniors Only, A Magazine for High School Seniors.” It contains all sorts of advice from financial aid, to campus safety to making the transition to college.  One article that caught my eye was called, Sell Yourself: The Admissions Interview.  As I scanned the article I realized that the advice they stated for the college admissions process can be useful for the job interview. 

Just like the admissions interview, you need to realize that a company reviews thousands of applications. The key, as with college interviews is to highlight your unique qualities and value. Sounds like personal branding to me and it also sounds like using this opportunity to present yourself as the person who will excel in this job.

The article goes on to list several steps to that the college applicant can take to present his or her unique attributes:  They are:

·         Be Honest and Straightforward

·         Be Yourself

·         Be Prepared to Ask Questions

·         Dress Appropriately

·         Be Aware of Non-verbal Communication

·         Be Prepared to Answer Questions

Let’s break them down for the job interview:

·         Be Honest and Straightforward: Your answers to behavioral interview questions will verify your abilities and skill sets. Make sure to honestly explain gaps in your employment history and similar areas.

·         Be Yourself: A given.

·         Be Prepared to Ask Questions: Make sure you do your homework and are prepared with a number of questions that relate to the position and company. Make sure that they are specific questions and not canned ones.

·         Dress Appropriately: Another given.

·         Be Aware of Non-verbal Communication: This is your opportunity to showcase your enthusiasm and energy. Be aware of how you come across and if necessary, correct any mannerisms that can diminish your self confidence.

·         Be Prepared to Answer Questions: Review the job description and come up with a list of anticipated questions.  Be able to relate the job descriptors to the types of work you did in previous positions.  Make sure you have measureable examples of your accomplishments.

For Seniors Only. A Magazine for High School Seniors. Volume 38. Number 1. Campus Communications, Boca Raton, Florida.