8.3 Interview Day Execution and Professionalism

Your interview isn't just the time you spend answering questions. It's the entire day. From the moment you arrive until the moment you leave, you're being evaluated. Sometimes the informal interactions matter as much as the formal ones.

Schools are assessing whether you're someone they want in their community for the next four years.

• Confirm all details. Time, location, format, parking, check-in.
• Plan your travel. Build in buffer. Arrive day before if flying.
• Know the schedule. Review itineraries.
• Prepare your materials. Copies of resume, secondary essays, pen and notebook.
• Get sleep. Two nights before matters too.
• Eat breakfast. Real breakfast with protein.

The standard: Business professional.

For men typically: Suit (navy, charcoal, dark gray), dress shirt, conservative tie, leather dress shoes, dark socks.

For women typically: Suit (pants or skirt), professional blouse, closed-toe shoes with moderate heel or flats, minimal jewelry.

General principles:

• Conservative over trendy
• Comfortable over impressive (you'll wear this 8 hours)
• Groomed and polished
• Weather-appropriate layers

Avoid: Strong cologne or perfume, flashy accessories, revealing clothing, wrinkled or ill-fitting items.

• Arrive early. 15-30 minutes before.
• Be polite to everyone. Receptionist, security, admissions coordinator.
• Turn off your phone. Not silent. Off.
• Use the bathroom.
• Observe your surroundings.

• Be friendly and collegial. These might be future classmates.
• Don't compare or compete. No stats discussions.
• Don't dominate group conversations.
• Support nervous applicants.
• Avoid negativity.

• Be yourself, but remain professional. Don't say things you wouldn't want repeated.
• Ask genuine questions.
• Don't drink excessively. One drink fine; getting drunk is serious error.
• Be a good guest.
• Remember names.

First impressions:

• Enter confidently. Good posture, genuine smile, firm handshake.
• Manage your nervousness.

Body language throughout:

• Maintain eye contact.
• Sit up straight but comfortably.
• Avoid nervous habits.
• Use natural hand gestures.

Communication approach:

• Listen fully before responding.
• Answer the actual question.
• Be concise but complete. Two minutes typically plenty.
• Be honest. "I'm not sure, but I'd approach it by..." is better than faking.
• Show enthusiasm.

Closing:

• Thank the interviewer.
• End on a positive note.

During tours:

• Ask questions.
• Be respectful.
• Observe.

During presentations:

• Pay attention.
• Take notes.
• Don't be on your phone.

During meals and breaks:

• Engage socially.
• Eat carefully (avoid messy foods).
• Stay alert.

• Sleep well beforehand. Several days before.
• Eat and hydrate strategically.
• Use breaks wisely. Movement helps.
• Stay mentally present.
• Reset between stations or interviews.

Before you leave:

• Thank everyone.
• Collect business cards or names.
• Note your impressions.

Within 24-48 hours:

• Send thank you notes.
• Don't overanalyze. Interviewers are trained to be neutral.

The interview is complete, but the process isn't over. How you handle post-interview affects your outcomes.