Psi Chis Guide to the Application Process

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Psi Chis Guide to the Application Process

• Interviewing

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What are they looking for?

• Self Confidence
• Initiative
• Interpersonal Skills
• Assertiveness
• Ability to Handle Pressure
• Leadership potential

• Motivation
• Enthusiasm
• Organizational Skills
• Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Oral and Written Communication Skills

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So how do I prepare?

• You have to think about yourself and what you
  have to offer a school before you arrive at your
  interview.

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Preparation

• Self-Assessment
• Reflect on your skills and abilities
• Practice interviewing
• Research the Graduate School
• Learn about the graduate program, their
  philosophy, faculty and reputation of the program
• Prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer
  once reviewing information to learn more about
  the program

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Interview Day

• Verify basics
• Time, date, location, and directions for your
  interview.
• Stock your portfolio with extra copies of
• Resume on bond paper
• Plan what you will wear and ask for advice if
  uncertain about appropriate professional attire.
• Arrive early and take care of a few basics
• Go to the restroom, get a drink, and dry your
  hands if you have sweaty palms.

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During the Interview

• Introduction
• Greet your interviewer(s) with a firm handshake,
  good eye contact, and a smile.
• Wait until you are asked to be seated and then
  sit
• Let the interviewer lead you into the process
  usually a question or comment about your trip or
  the weather will be used to help you get
  comfortable and relax.
• The interviewer then may explain how he/she plans
  to conduct the interview.

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Interview

• Body of the interview
• The interviewer will ask you questions regarding
  your interests, skills, and abilities
• Use specific examples
• The interviewer will also evaluate your nonverbal
  communication
• Maintain good eye contact, listen closely to the
  question, don't move nervously (such as shifting
  in your seat, playing with a ring on your finger,
  tapping your foot)

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Interview

• Closing of interview
• You will be given an opportunity to ask questions
• DO NOT ask something that you should have known
  from doing some basic research on the program
• DO NOT ask WIIFM (What's in it for me) questions
  until you have an offer!
• The interviewer might tell you what the next step
  in the process is and when you can expect to hear
  from them again
• If not, ask "what is the next step in your
  selection process?"
• Again a firm handshake to conclude the interview
  and thank the interviewer for his/her time and
  request a business card.

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After the Interview

• Self Analysis
• Reflect on the interview.
• What did you do well?
• What do you want to improve on in your next
  interview?

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After the Interview

• Follow Up With Graduate School
• Write a thank you letter to the interviewer(s)
  which is personalized recalling something the
  interviewer shared with you that you appreciated.
  
• If you have not heard from the graduate school
  within the time frame mentioned during the
  interview, recontact the interviewer by letter.
  Express your continued interest and indicate that
  you are looking forward to hearing from them
  again soon.

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After the Interview

• Follow up Continued.
• If you receive a rejection and you were very
  interested in the program, a follow up letter
  expressing disappointment is appropriate.
• Also express your continued interest and
  emphasize skills you could contribute if openings
  become available in the future.

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Some reasons why interviewees are rejected

• Poor personal appearance.
• Being late for the interview.
• Lack of questions about the program.
• Lack of confidence and poise.
• Lack of tact, maturity.
• Little sense of humor.
• Lack of knowledge of field.
• Low moral standards.
• Lazy.
• Intolerant. Has strong prejudices.
• Narrow interests.
• Inability to take criticism.

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Rejection reasons continued

• Lack of interest and enthusiasm.
• Lack of solid career planning.
• Goals and objectives are vague.
• No insight into the nature of the graduate
  school.
• Failure to maintain appropriate eye contact with
  the interviewer.
• Overbearing, overaggressive, "know-it-all
  attitude.
• Inability to express oneself clearly. Poor
  volume, diction, or grammar.
• Complains or speaks poorly about past
  employers/positions, or past faculty
  interactions.

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Now onto Some Sample Questions
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Personal Skills/Strengths

• Tell me about yourself
• What is your strongest personal asset?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses as a
  student?
• What would one of your friends/teachers/supervisor
  s say about you?

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Academic Experiences

• Why did you major in _________?
• Why did you choose to attend ___________
  College/University?
• When did you choose to enter this occupational
  field and why?
• How did you make the decision to apply to our
  program?

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Extracurricular Activities

• What is the most significant contribution you
  have made to your school?
• What activities do you enjoy most outside of the
  classroom?
• Do you have any hobbies or outside interests?
• Tell me about any volunteer experiences in which
  you have participated.

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Weaknesses

• What challenges do you think you might face in
  the graduate program?
• What would you say is an area in which you need
  improvement?
• What would you change about yourself and why?
• What skills or abilities do you hope to
  strengthen through our program?

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Goals

• What has motivated you to pursue this academic
  field?
• What are your short-term and long-term goals?
• Why do you want a graduate degree in ___________?
  
• How do you see this program fitting into your
  career goals?

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Leadership

• Tell me about a situation in which you showed
  initiative.
• Tell me about a group in which you were involved.
  How did you contribute to make this group
  achieve a goal?
• Tell me about a time you assumed a leadership
  role.
• Tell me how you handle stress.

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Specific Field Questions

• What do you believe to be the major trends in
  your intended career field at this time?
• What is the most important development in this
  field over the past 25 years, and why?

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Questions Applicants Might Ask an Interviewer

• What characteristics distinguish this program
  from others in the same academic field?
• How long does it take typically to complete the
  program?
• Where are recent alumni employed?
• What do most graduates do after graduation?
• What types of financial aid are offered?
• What criteria are used for choosing recipients?
• What opportunities are available through the
  program to gain practical work experience?

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Questions?