"You Never Get a Second Chance to Make a First Impression"
At this point in the year, most seniors who are planning on attending college have "scouted" the competition. You have evaluated each of your options taking into consideration the size of the school, the location, the majors offered, the residence halls, the social life, and of course, the athletic teams and facilities. You may have even submitted your applications. However, you still have one more game to be prepared for, the interview. This is your chance to demonstrate your skills and get noticed. Keep in mind that it is also your chance to evaluate the school and make sure it is the right fit for your interests, needs, and skills.
There are a few key points to remember during your interview that are just as important as your actual answers.
Dress for the occasion! When teams travel for away games, they often dress nicely or wear their warm up attire. Be sure to dress appropriately in a shirt and tie for your interview. Do not look disheveled or have a sloppy appearance.
Maintain good eye contact! On the field, you look your opponent in the eye with confidence. Be sure to keep good eye contact with your interviewer and smile from time to time.
Be on time! You wouldn't be late for a game, so never be late for an interview!
Sit up tall! It is quite common to be a little nervous during an interview, but try not to display too much nervous energy. Sit up tall and try not to fidget. Try to use some of the relaxation techniques that you would use prior to a big game. This will help you maintain your focus.
Speak clearly! A quiet or hesitant voice may demonstrate a lack of confidence. Speak in an appropriate tone so that the interviewer can hear and understand you.
Mock interviews with a friend, parent, teacher, or guidance counselor may also help you feel more prepared for your interview. Below are some questions that the interviewer may ask you.
What is your career plan and how would a degree from this college help you achieve this plan?What qualities make you a good choice to be a student at this college?You received a bad grade in a U.S History class. Why did this happen? Could you describe a challenge you have experienced and how you were able to overcome it?Why are you interested in attending this college?What questions do you have for the interviewer? This last question is an important one. It shows that you have done your
homework and researched the college or university. Your questions will help you gather all of the information you need to make a good decision. Remember, the interview is also your chance to evaluate the college and make sure that is the best choice for your interests, needs, and skills.
If you have specific questions on this topic, you can write to us at nffcenter@yahoo.com.
Information adapted from: Petitpas, A., Champagne, D., Chartrand, J., Danish, S., & Murphy, S. (1997). Athlete's Guide to Career Planning. Illinois: Human Kinetics.
Here are the latest players to update their journals:
