California State University, Fullerton

Types of Interviews

  • One-on-One Interview
  • Panel Interviews
  • Group Interviews

How to Best Prepare?

No later than one business day before the mock interview, we request that the student emails the following items to the counselor they will be meeting with:

  • Similar to a job interview
  • Research, practice, practice
  • Dress to Impress
  • Schedule a Mock Interview

Basic Prep-Tips

  • Arrive on Time
  • Know who you will be interviewing with
  • Dress to Impress
  • Know your CV/Resume and Statement of Purpose for that school

Research and Know the Following Very Well:

  • The Campus
  • The Program
  • Mission/Philosophy of the Program/School
  • The Faculty
  • School’s Reputation/Program’s Reputation
  • Geographic Location

Practice the following Obvious Questions:

  • Tell me about yourself?
  • Why are you interested in our program?
  • What do you have to offer this program?
  • How do you know this is a good fit for you?
  • What are your short-term goals and long-range goals?
  • What do you plan to contribute to the program?
  • Why should we admit you over other candidates?
  • What other schools have you applied to?

Before The Interview:

  • Have correct directions and plan accordingly for traffic and parking time
  • Always know ahead of time who will be conducting the interview
  • Ask ahead of time what type of interview format will be used (individual, panel, group, etc.)
  • Research information regarding the school and program you are applying to (minimum two hours)
  • Memorize your résumé or CV
  • Make sure interview clothes fit well and are clean and pressed
  • Practice. Schedule a mock interview with the Career Center to help you prepare

Day Of The Interview:

  • Dress to impress
  • Always arrive 15 minutes early
  • Be nice and courteous to everyone
  • Bring a portfolio with notepad and pen

During the Interview:

  • Have a firm handshake
  • Always remember to smile and show enthusiasm
  • Consistently make good eye contact with all interviewers
  • Be prepared with your 60 second introductory speech that essentially answers the “Tell me about yourself question?’
  • Limit responses to no more than 2-3 minutes per question
  • Know strengths and weaknesses
  • Be prepared to identify specific skills and experiences that have prepared you for graduate or professional school
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your future career goals, academic skills, and what you have to contribute to the program or the field you want to pursue
  • Provide examples that illustrate or demonstrate a specific skill or function
  • Be ready to handle situational/behavioral questions utilizing the STAR (situation, task, action, result) approach
  • Always ask informative questions at the end of the interview
  • Ask about the next steps in the interview process
  • Remember to shake everyone's hand and thank them

After the Interview:

  • Send a thank you letter to all interviewers
  • Follow-Up with the school

Dress Accordingly

Women
  • No excess jewelry
  • Neatly styled hair
  • No excess makeup
  • No excessive perfume
  • Dress shirt
  • Jacket
  • Long skirt
  • Neat, trimmed nails
  • Small portfolio
  • Skin-toned nylons
  • Close-toed shoes
  • No spike heels
Men
  • Clean-cut hairstyle
  • Clean shaven face
  • No excessive cologne
  • Deodorant
  • Dark colored suit
  • Collared dress shirt
  • Subdued tie
  • No excess jewelry
  • Small portfolio
  • Dress slacks
  • Black dress shoes & socks
  • Belt, shoes and socks should match


Peer Categories