If you've asked yourself any of the following, you're in the right place:

How do I even begin????
I don't even have an interview yet but how do I prepare?
What if I bomb it?

Tell Me About Yourself

You simply have to prepare this question. It's a good launching pad for when you need to prepare for more specific questions (more on this in future posts/resources). It needs to be a great little soundbite that isn't rambly, is memorable, and answers the question. Always. Answer. The. Question.

Have Your Fit Ready

One less thing to worry about when the interview comes. I will openly admit that I am a low-maintenance woman who really does not overly plan out outfits. So keep that in mind when I say your professional appearance is really important. It is my personal opinion that it might not be worth the risk to use your outfit to express your personality, at least with colors. With patterns, I think you have more leeway. You'll have plenty of ways to show your personality in your interview answers. So I'd say go for solid colors and clothes that fit you well (not too tight). No strong perfumes or colognes. Be clean and sharp. Wear comfortable shoes in case there's a walking tour.

If it's virtual, the sentiment still applies! Look sharp! Just add on making sure your technology is all working/charged, you have the right phone number/video link ready, and the time and time zone is correct (funny story about how their call was also my wake-up call and my fight or flight was in full effect).

Know Your Application Best

Maybe it's been a while since you applied and don't even remember what you put in there. You better know it like the back of your hand! The interview is designed for recruiters and admission boards to ask you more specifics about what you put in your application and ensure you are able to speak to those experiences passionately. It's also an opportunity for you to highlight or throw in some experiences and skills that didn't make the word count in your application. When I prepared, I would strategically have experiences noted that I wanted to make sure I mentioned at some point during the interview so I didn't forget! (more on this in future posts/resources)

Have Questions Ready

I would have 5-10 questions ready per site. That were:

  • not basic questions that could be answered if I took a minute to look at their website or other posted information
  • insightful into what I, as an applicant, was looking for or prioritized in a school, program, or job
  • another opportunity to perhaps highlight something unique about myself and my interests

Why have so many ready? Because sometimes a part of the interview day or programming includes student panels, Q&As, a resource handout that already answers your questions. Why waste precious face-to-face time with an interviewer to ask something that doesn't challenge them? You'll stick out more if you make them reflect and think a second too. The biggest compliment is when an interviewer says "ooh that's a good question I haven't gotten before."

It's often the concluding question so it is also probably your biggest chance to leave a lasting impression and get information you actually want to know. Don't waste this chance asking something only to impress them. As much as you're getting interviewed, you're also interviewing them. Ask them about what would truly influence your decision if it came down to it and you have multiple offers. What answer are you looking for from them that would shoot them to the top of your ranking list? Build your questions around that.

Practice and Smile

Many of us suffer from RBF, Resting ____ Face. That's why actively keeping it in mind to have a soft smile will help you when you're just looking like a statue. I'd rather have an awkward smile than look like I hate being there.

How do you know if you have a problem at baseline? Record yourself with audio and/or video and watch it back. I know it sounds awful. But that was probably how I saw the biggest growth in my interview skills. You'll notice tics, jitters, eye contact issues, etc. And you'll need to work on it! Do practice questions so you can nail the ones you know they will likely ask on the big day. Give yourself the best chance to perform confidently and eloquently.

Interview Day

A future post will get into specifics of the day itself and variations of interview days (virtual, group, 1:1, multiple mini). But for now, remember to take deep breaths. Take mental and physical notes if you can of the day. Have a fidget in your pocket so you can release some anxiety that way. Be present. Be yourself. Absorb the experience. Answer the questions. Every moment of the day is part of your interview. Anyone you meet could report back to the recruiters or interviews that you were rude on the elevator or spoke unkindly to an employee. I hope that's not who you are at baseline, but alas, be on your absolute best behavior the second you arrive.

Post Interview

Take a breather. Get yourself a treat. You did it. Phew.

There are a lot of opinions on thank you cards/emails post-interview out there and vary depending on your field. I personally don't have a strong opinion either way. I didn't want to be annoying and shallow (it shows so easily if you're being a suck up) so I erred on the side of caution, only following up within a week after an interview to thank them if they were one of my top choices. If it's not going to significantly add to how you did in your interview, then maybe let your interview speak for yourself. Your humility and gratitude to be an interviewee should have shone through if you did well!

Now, take extremely detailed notes about everything about your interview. How you felt about their answers, what was the environment like, could you see yourself there, what felt weird, what felt good. Anything and everything. They are notes for your eyes only. Did an interaction make you really uncomfortable? Did one of their workspaces really impress you? No detail is too small. Why? It helps you process the stressful experience because you were so "on" for the interview. It also helps you in weeks or months time when it's time to make a ranking list or make a decision. You can reference these notes to remind you of how you actually felt on the day and inform your decision when you are thinking more clearly, have had more things to factor in, etc.

Keep an eye out on the student resources page for upcoming posts and files that will help you nail your interview! You got this.

Shedding Light on Child Life is an independent publication launched in November 2024 by Anisha S. Reza, MS, CCLS. All posts and resources are curated from this author's professional opinion and expertise. Any questions, comments, or requests can be directed via email to childlifewithanisha@gmail.com.