A Teacher in Training

If you intend on going to a private high school or Catholic school, then it is likely that you will be asked to go through an interview. This is especially true if the school is prestigious or if there are limited spots for applicants. Essays, grades, and extracurriculars can certainly prove that you are worthy of an available opening. Interviews are generally used as the deciding factor to show that you have the right attitude for the learning facility. The interview process can be nerve wracking, but you can make a great and memorable impression. If you need a little help with this, then follow the tips here.

Do Not Be Afraid of Saying "I Don't Know"

Many people who go through Catholic private school interviews think they need to show their intelligence to garner a spot at the school. Although this is true, and you should be prepared for questions about current events, headmasters and admissions professionals are also looking for things like honesty, a love of knowledge, and humility. One of the best ways to show these traits is to answer "I don't know" when posed with a question that you do not know the answer to. Stammering, saying "ummm", or making up an answer are common and obvious tactics used to skirt around questions. Unfortunately, the interviewer will be familiar with these things and they may create an unsure or poor image of you.

If you are not sure about an "I don't know" answer, then consider asking the interviewer about their thoughts. This is especially helpful if the questions is about the school itself or an open-ended or thought provoking questions about religion. You can also follow this answer with a statement about how you will look up the correct information when you get home. If you do this, just make sure to follow through. Either include the answer on a card or thank you email that you send to the interviewer after the interview. This shows a go-getter attitude and it will also solidify a positive and memorable impression of you.

Be Confident

Shake Hands Correctly

It can be incredibly difficult to try to exude confidence when you are nervous. However, as long as you pay close attention to your body language, you can project a strong image of yourself. Present your hand for a handshake at the beginning of the interview, but wait for the interviewer to hold out their hand first. This shows respect by taking the lead from the person in the more powerful position. Make sure to stand up when you do this, hold your shoulders high, but straight, and keep your elbow close to your torso and extend your arm out at a right angle. Make eye contact as well with a smile on your face, and introduce yourself by name.

Firmness is one of the keys to a good handshake, but you do not want to crush the interviewer's hand. When you make contact, shake in an up and down motion and let go after only a few seconds. Generally, it is polite to allow the person who extended their hand first to pull back from the handshake.

A good handshake can actually be a unique and mature way to show respect for your age during a private school interview, since many people shy away from the gesture due to a fear of germs. Since younger generations seem to have a greater germ phobia, a handshake just might make you stand out from the crowd.

Other Body Language Tips

It is wise to remain confident with body language throughout the entirety of the interview, so make sure to maintain eye contact. However, you do not want to stare down the individual with unblinking eyes or this will come off as unnatural. Generally speaking, you should keep eye contact around 60% or 70% of the time to show both interest and confidence. Of course, blink naturally when holding the gauze so you do not appear uncomfortable. Understand that you are likely to keep this eye contact while the interviewer is speaking, since a good amount of time will be spent providing you with information about the school, so consider small head nods as well. This will show interest in the school information being provided to you. 

You also should be aware of your hands throughout the interview. It is rude to tap, stuff your hands in your pockets, or cross your arms over your chest. Lay your hands flat on the chair arms next to you. Also, sit up straight throughout the interview and do not shuffle your feet when you walk. Steps that are slow and steady make you seem self-assured and mature. 

For more information about interviewing for a private school, visit websites like http://www.cadets.com.