If your child has an 11+ or 13+ school interview coming up, it is important their qualities shine through, and they showcase their achievements in the interview.

There are common ‘mistakes’ many children make which can be avoided with some guidance:

1. Not promoting their achievements and interests

Your child is likely to be asked ‘why do you want to come to this school?’.

Children tend to respond by talking about the facilities or it is a good school. The interviewer already knows their school is high achieving and offers wonderful facilities and opportunities. Instead, your child must use this opportunity to promote they are a great fit for the prospective school and how. For instance, if your child loves playing cricket, rugby, or drama, they can talk about loving the cricket pitches at the open day and that they currently pursue these sports or activities. Your child should show enthusiasm to play sports fixtures, represent the school in matches or take part in the school play. Your child should make a connection between what they like about the school, and how they can get involved in all aspects of school life.

2. Trying to give ‘perfect’ or ‘ideal’ answers rather than being genuine

Children often strive to give ideal answers…as we all would in an interview! For instance, if the interviewer asks do you get along with your sibling(s)?, your child may feel unsure on whether its appropriate to say they disagree or fight at times and be tempted to claim they have a flawless relationship with their brother or sister. Interviewers are seeking authenticity, honesty and to really get to know the child behind the school grades and school reference. It is better to offer sincere responses than giving ‘ideal’ answers which the interviewer will regard as disingenuous.

3. Exposing their weaknesses rather than highlighting their strengths

Your child may be asked questions with a negative connotation, that can throw them off. E.g., what do you not like about your current school? what is your worst trait? or ‘what might you find difficult and challenging if you came to this school?’.  Rather than just declaring a weakness, try, and put a positive spin on it. For instance, if you used to be disorganised, state this but add what you have done to overcome it e.g., ‘now I get my uniform and sports kit out the night before, I write my deadlines straight into my planner etc.’

I talk about this in much more detail at the school interview masterclass  www.etiquetteandemotions.com/school-interview-masterclass-for-11-and-13/

4. Giving one-word/short or unengaging answers

Due to nerves or inhibitions, students often give one-word or short answers. This will not make your child easy to converse with nor give the interviewer the impression of being curious and interesting to teach. Encourage your child to elaborate on their answers, to give answers in full sentences and provide examples where possible.

5. Forgetting they are being observed from arrival till departure

Children think only the ‘interview is the interview’. The whole process from arrival to departure is the interview……from the way you greet the receptionist, whether you are playing on your phone in the waiting area, how you behave in the break time and walking around school premises; your manners and behaviour should be impeccable throughout.

I cover all the above and much more in the two-hour interview masterclass. Places are limited. To reserve your place click here.