Seniors

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Senior Presentation

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5 Ways to Impress an Admissions Counselor or Prospective Boss

After you have decided which colleges/careers you would like to get to know better, plan ahead and try to get there early.  If you are there first, you might have the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with the admissions officer/prospective boss.  If it is a presentation, get a good seat close to the officer and take that time to introduce yourself.  If it is a college fair, try to be one of the first individuals to speak with the admissions officer.

It is your job to make a positive impression.  Dress well and speak intelligently.  You will not only impress the admissions officer/prospective boss but you will also impress those around you.

 

Do your research on each college/employer before the visit/interview.  You should be prepared to ask the admissions officer/prospective employer a few questions.  For those interviewing with admissions officers here are a couple of sample questions:

  1. What first drew you to this school?

  2. What are your academic interests?

  3. Why do you want to attend this school?

  4. What do you do for fun?

  5. What books do you read for fun?

For those of you interviewing for a perspective job here are a couple of sample questions:

  1. What major challenges have you faced and how did you handle them?

  2. What has been your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?

  3. What was it like working for your last supervisor?  What were their strengths?  What were their shortcomings?

  4. Tell me about yourself.

  5. What motivates you?

If you have a firm grasp on all of the above, you wont' be tempted to ask questions you should already know the answer to.  It is important to BE HONEST. 

Harassing the admissions officer by dominating conversation or monopolizing his or her time will leave a bad impression.  Be sure to say thank you and goodbye with a firm handshake.

When you get home, review your notes from the day.  Then, write the admissions officer/prospective employer a short thank you e-mail, mentioning a few details from your prior conversation.  Make sure you include your first and last name, high school (if appropriate), and the date of your conversation/interview.  This will assist the admissions officer/prospective employer remember your face out of the tens or hundreds of students/prospective employees they may have met with that week.  Use this e-mail to ask another follow up question and make sure you convey how genuinely enthusiastic you are about the possibility of getting into their school/company.  Don't be disappointed if you don't get a response.  Remember, you are demonstrating sincere interest and that leaves a lasting impression.

Armed with these helpful tips, you will make a great first and lasting impression on the college admissions/prospective employers.  Work hard and remember to have fun while researching for schools/jobs.  Good luck!