More than ever before, interview skills can help students interact with and succeed in our diverse world. By preparing for a private school, college or job interview, you can improve your own self-confidence and your chances for landing that new opportunity you are seeking. In this blog post, I’ll discuss some tips for parents and students as they prepare for a private school interview. I will also go over some of the other interview training I offer in my etiquette classes for adults and children.
Preparing for an Interview into Private School
Be ready to share with interviewers and know your own personal history. Write down all community service activities that you have participated in. Think about some answers to the following questions…
- What are your interest areas? Be prepared to elaborate on these and share how you pursue your interests in your life.
- What extracurricular activities interest you? What extracurricular activities have you participated in during the past?
- What do you find fun and rewarding?
- Have you ever thought about a career or what college you might want to attend and why?
Of course, an interview involves more than just answering questions. You will also need to project confidence and dress to impress your interviewers. Here are some tips for positively presenting yourself at an interview…
- Dress your best. It is always better to be overdressed than underdressed.
- Practice entering and exiting a room.
- Practice sitting in a chair…sit straight and tall, no slouching.
- Bring a Kleenex with you in case you sneeze.
- How are you presenting yourself to others? This is the most important factor that impacts your interview.
- Prepare five questions to ask about the school you are applying to.
- Know the history of the school and important facts about the school.
- Practice with a coach or parent every day so that you are comfortable talking with adults.
- Avoid all habits like foot-tapping, nail-biting or fidgeting with your hands. Your hands should never be in your pockets.
- It is up to you to point out your strengths and focus on your accomplishments!
- Tailor your interests based on what the school offers. Do not discuss any subject or sport that the school does not offer.
- Never bad-mouth your family or your current school.
- Again, study the school that you are applying to so that you have a knowledge of “why” you are seeking admission there. Know when the school was founded and what it has been most recently known for (such as a sports championship, a debate state championship etc).
- You want to be honest and always optimistic.
- Send a handwritten Thank You note within 24 hours of the interview.
- Contact the school for updates following your interview. Call and stay in contact with them frequently.
- You must be authentic, real and relaxed.
- Before the interview, work on your self-presentation. Prepare a two- to five-minute introduction about yourself.
- Think about how you would share about your family, vacations, interests and the purpose for seeking admission. Why do you want to attend here?
- Know your strengths and weaknesses.
- Be able to explain how you can make the school a better place.
- STEM and all science-related actives such as camps, travel or personal interests are a positive attribute for most private schools.
What is the School Looking For?
Remember, admission directors are looking for students who have a combination of academic and extracurricular achievement or a desire to participate. Above all, they are looking for a strong sense of character and the ability to lead. Keep in mind, goodness without knowledge is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous and is useless. The two must be joined together and then noble character is formed.
Goodness seeks to work hard and persevere through hard times. Competence is an achievement that is attained through hard work, experience and a sincere passion to learn.
Schools will look for answers to the following questions…
- Conflict – How do you handle conflict?
- Collaborating – Are you a team player?
- Competing – How do feel about competing (for sports or other academic endeavors)?
Sign up for a Dallas Interview Skills Class with Social Graces
Dallas expert, Lisa Burdette, offers private interview training for children, teens and adults. Below is a description for what students would learn from one of Lisa’s private interview training sessions.
Overview:
Self-presentation is an important lifelong skill that will help empower your children from kindergarten all the way through to adulthood. This class will enable your child to handle himself or herself confidently in a wide variety of settings such as sports, school and other social environments.
Students will learn how to dress and the importance of personal hygiene. Above all, gratitude and humility will be taught daily as this will impact all interactions.
We are living in a world that is shrinking. Students will master the skills they need to have meaningful interactions with individuals from around the world. Specifically, Europe, Asia, Africa and North America will be addressed.
It is my goal to help students minimize any fear and anxiety they might have in academic or social environments. When demands come, students should be empowered with the skills needed to handle themselves with confidence and a positive self-image. In addition to this, parents should work hard to prepare their children for adulthood. Life is a preparation ground and parents need to communicate to their children and help them prepare for all events.
Topics Covered:
- Learn the five C’s
- Practice the three P’s
- We will Practice Preparing for an Interview and Talking Points for Interview Success
- How to properly thank the interviewer
- Proper Conversation
- Preparing for your Interview with Research
- How and Why to Research the School or Organization You’re Interviewing For
- Self-Presentation Skills
- How to Conduct Oneself at an Interview while Dining
- Situational Awareness
- Positive Self-Image
- Emotional IQ
- How to Set up a Mock Interview
- The Good Conversationalist
- Proper Dress and Personal Hygiene
- Proper Usage and Reasons to Carry a Handkerchief for Males and Females
- How to Give a Short Commercial Speech
- The Thank You Note
- Intercultural Communication – Europe, Asia, Africa and North America
Other Class Details:
- Each student will receive Thank You notes with their names on them. Students will be taught the importance of when, where and how soon the note should be written.
- Each student will need to give a 5-minute speech at the end of the class.
- Each student will receive a Handkerchief and be taught about its usage.
Looking for Job Interview or Other Etiquette Classes for Adults and Children / Teens?
Lisa Burdette is an expert in social graces and interview skills preparation. Her private etiquette classes for adults and children have empowered many individuals and families in the Dallas area. She loves to assist others in increasing their personal confidence at work, in school and in their personal lives.
Lisa proudly works with children and teens to assist them with Private School Interview Preparation as well as college or scholarship interview prep. She also works with adults who want to improve their job interview or Business Etiquette skills.
Lisa’s own experience as a mom to six children who attended Military Academies has prepared her well for assisting other students interested in Military Academy Interview Prep assistance. Lisa also served on the Congressional Academy Boards, which has deepened her knowledge and experience in government legislation for Military Academies.
Ready to refine your (or your child’s) interview skills with some personalized training? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
