How should I act in an interview?

Question

It's not a job interview as I am only 14. It's for a student ambassador program called People to People that sends high school students on international trips during the summer. Everyone has to be interviewed, and they only accept 40 kids out of the entire region. I don't think it's a group interview but I'm not positive. Any tips on how I should act or what to say? I should also mention that it is my first interview.

Answer 1

You should be honest be yourself and do not make any fake answers. Also have fun!!!

Answer 2

Do not mention that it is your first interview. We all have to start somewhere, no need to apologize or point it out.

Smile, be energetic, be talkative.

I recommend practicing tough questions you may get:

Why should we select you as a student ambassador?

What would be your greatest strength as a student ambassaor?

You greatest weakness?
BE CAREFUL DO NOT GET NEGATIVE EVER
Say a weakness that actually isx a strength. For me its that i am really hard on myself (see this is a negative but it can actually be seen as positive, it means i m a had worker!

Why do you want be a student ambassador?

Practice and this way when you get a question you are not sure of how answer you will have idea ready.



In a grou pinterview you must talk. Stand out. Even if you are not 100% confident of what other peopple are talking about you can ask a question or make some sort of comment.

Answer 3

Hi Liz,
That's a really great opportunity and make the most of it! In any interview, it's important to just be yourself, that's what they'll want from you. Be open about yourself and try to show that you're confident... even if you're shaking inside. This includes giving extended answers and also asking questions about the sort of things that you're going to be taking part in. Also, be well prepared for any questions that may be asked and any reactions that may be given.

And try to make yourself different from anyone else, for example:
- Come up with individual/unusual reasons as to why you'd be good for this program and what you'd like to achieve from it. You mentioned that there are only 40 places out of the entire region - you've got to show something special.
- Be professional and be yourself: don't put on airs that you don't have: answer questions honestly and don't try to come up with the ideal answer, just your own.
- Tell them interesting things about yourself (that are relevant, of course).

It's also extremely important to look smart: if you're in your school uniform, tuck your shirt in and don't wear your skirt to short. Or if you're in normal clothes, it's OK to wear jeans and fashionable stuff but nothing revealing, provocative etc - the things that might put the interviewers off.

Also, you should get good sleep the night before and be well-groomed: clean teeth (it's important to smile!), hair etc. Even though it's not a job interview, all these things will make an impression.

Don't worry - everyone will be nervous and the interviewers will know that! It's obviously something very important to you and tell them that - but again, don't worry too much!

Good luck - let me know how you get on!
Lorna

Answer 4

You may interview one on one or it may be a panel.

Look your interviewer(s) directly in the eye and answer each question honestly and as best you can. It is not the time to make jokes or try to be funny or cool. Speak clearly without mumbling or putting your hands near your face. Don't wiggle or squirm, sit up straight and confident.

Talk to your teacher or someone who might have some practice questions for you. Practice with a parent, teacher, or friend until you are comfortable with that format. Don't try to come up with the "best" answer, just your answer.

Some of the types of questions you might encounter may have to do with why you are interested in this trip or what you have to offer. Write a list of your own practice questions and practice in front of a mirror. Don't put on false airs, but do realize that you are interviewing for a position that will involve the sponsoring organization time, effort and money. You will be representing them. Make sure you are professional in that capacity.

Good luck, I'm sure you'll do a good job.

Answer 5

Hi Liz,
What a great opportunity and you should be excited. This kind of stuff helps you in to major universities. Okay, first you have to list all the things you have going for you and then expound and sell on that. Also, what is it that the program director is looking for in these 40 kids? Keep in mind those are the keywords you want to keep mentioning in the interview (albeit subtly I might add). Do this, and without even knowing it, you've sold yourself. That's what should be your overlying theme throughout the interview, "what's so great about me that I should be 1 of 40?" Without demoralizing yourself, remember that this is what they will be asking themselves when picking from the list. Good luck and I hope you get it.

Answer 6

Be polite, but be yourself. Answer whatever questions honestly. Be prepared to talk about yourself, including family, hobbies and extraciricular activities. Be prepared to tell the inerviewer why you deserve to be selected, how you can contribute to the experience and what you can gain from the experience.

Try and watch your language in terms of saying uummm and of course no cursing. Keep your answers short, but provide all the information they are asking for. Don't forget to ask questions as well. Simple things, like when they will be making a decision, if a second interview is required, etc.
Also mention you understand their job must be very difficult choosing only 40 out of so many applicants, but you really want to be considered and why. Remind them you are grateful for the opportunity, but you deserve it too.

Answer 7

They may ask you why they should choose you instead of the other applicants. They will want to know that your motives are genuine, that you want to do something constructive or to help others , not just to get a free holiday. Think of some questions that you would like to ask them. Be truthful and friendly. If you are not succesful remember you may get another opportunity next year. Be respectful and make sure you are properly dressed and on time. Do not sit down unless you are invited to do so. Listen carefully and speak slowly and cleary. Do not interrupt or talk over somone when they are speaking. Smile.
I hope it goes well for you.

Answer 8

You should mention its your first interview. Thats a good way to get something like that out in the open. Then you should start thinking about 5-10 reasons why they should pick you- why you really wanna go. Practice in a mirror or with a family member. GL!!

Answer 9

First, be yourself. Second , let your passion come out as to why you want to be a part of this program. Do some research into the program and someof its past participants. Why will you make a good representitive? What qualities/views as far as diversity, respect, do you hold? How will the experience benefit your school? Your community? Give yourself a moment between questions to formulate what you want to say. Think about questions you may have of them.

Answer 10

As in all interviews its important to sit up strait and not look too relaxed or too nervous. (In this case they'll expect you to be nervous so dont worry too much)

Maintain eye contact with whoever is speaking but dont stare. (Some people find this hard to do, a good tip is to look between they're eyes but remember to blink)

Be Pepared, bring pen and a small notepad if possible. Have any paperwork, that may be required, neatly organized in a folder.

If you know the kind of questions they may ask, study up before you go so you'll have the answers fresh in your mind.

Since it has to do with foreign countries you may want to study up on the cultures. It probably wont be good if your prejudice either, so if you have a problem with multi-cultural settings, you might not wanna do this.

Most important though is to not put too much pressure on this. Life will go on if you dont get it. It's important to be relaxed enough and confident enough to answer the questions calmly, accurately, and with as much pertinant info as possible...with out babbling.

On a side note,
You may want to think of a good reason why you want to do this, as they will probably ask. Something like, "I really want to broaden my horizons and learn about other cultures and lifestyles."

Another question they may ask is how you plan to utilize the knowledge you gain from this experience. So think of something good for that too. Even if they dont ask it might gain you brownie points to mention it. Something like "I know I'll remember this experience my whole life, I think it will help me to gain life skills. I have a sincere interest in other cultures and helping them to understand ours aswell."

But dont take my word for it. You know you, say it how you would, and be real, honest, and sincere. If it's meant to be, it will be.

Answer 11

Smile look in there eyes keep eye contact answer the question to the best you can but if you don't know tell them. No street slang or computer jargon YES SIR/MAM as much as needed. And thank them for the interview. Again no street replays if you don't know for fact don't repeat it. Don't voice you're oppion just say I don't have an opinion on that, gay,straight fat,skinny,white,black no opinion no rumors NO STREET FACTS ONLY