Don't falsify anything, and be sure to indicate any other names you used in school. Educational records are easily checked, and usually are.
Q. What college did you attend?
A. I went to _ in _.
Q. Why did you attend that particular college?
A. I chose _ because of its competitive atmosphere and the good reputation of the School. Although I could have attended other colleges, this one emphasized practical, job related courses and student participation in activities related to their specific careers.
Many of my friends found themselves going to colleges their parents had chosen, but I set my own educational and career goals. _ may have been a little more expensive than some of the other colleges, but this forced me to work harder since I helped pay my own way.
I'm pleased with my decision. I relied on my instincts, and they paid off. Now, I'm extremely optimistic about my future, since my college education also taught me self reliance, time management, and the value of hard work.
Q. Did your family have any influence on your choice of college?
A. My family had several suggestions to make, but they realized I was pretty sure of myself and knew what I wanted. They stood back and let me decide. They agreed with my decision when I shared the results of my research with them.
Q. What made you choose _ as your major?
(Your answer here will obviously depend on your individual situation. Here are two scripted responses. The first is for people who majored in a subject or area that directly applies to their careers. The second is for those who majored in one thing and are doing another.)
A. I always knew_(business management/electrical engineering) was where I had the most potential, and I've remained with it because I turned out to be right. Not everyone is as fortunate as I have been. It's very difficult at 18 to predict and plan for the future; but, even then, I knew what I wanted to do. I'm glad I set my goals at a young age. It has worked out well for me.
(Or;)
At the age of 18 nothing in the world seemed so important as_(American history/philosophy/English literature) and I studied for the sake of learning. Later, I realized I needed further education in subjects that would help me in my career.
Q. Do you feel you made the right choice?
(Again, the first answer is for those who never made a career veer, and the second is for the rest of the world.)
A. Absolutely. And my career success bears me out. I am very happy with the path my life and work have followed.
(Or:)
Yes, at the time I did. I learned a great deal, and I believe in the value of education. I of course went on to learn more, both formally and on the job that applies directly to my field. I'm glad I started out in one area and switched to another. It has enhanced my ability to be creative and flexible, since I have learned different approaches to performing the work successfully.
Q. How have your education and training prepared you for the job?
A. My education gave me the tools to succeed and my training taught me how to do the job properly. Before I really knew what my job entailed, I only thought I would perform it well. The training gave me the opportunity to apply my education. By having the chance to do the work expected of me in advance, I gained the confidence to meet future challenges and the experience to do so successfully. The real challenge starts where the education and training end. Studying diligently and practicing constantly really paid off. Now I am confident in my work and have earned the respect of my coworkers.
Q. Why didn't you continue your formal education?
A. Two reasons. The first was my impatience to earn rather than learn. The second reason was that I enjoyed being productive. As I mentioned, I worked part time to pay my college expenses, and I was fortunate to be employed by some excellent companies.
My employers always seemed to want more of my time and talents. And in many cases I was working at levels way beyond what I was studying in my classes. Finally, I left school in my _year and devoted myself full time to my career. I've never regretted that decision, because I have continued to learn and grow with my work.
Q. Are you currently taking, or do you plan to take, any evening courses?
A. I am presently studying _ at _ , which I find very valuable to my ongoing job performance and general knowledge.
(Or:)
With the demands of keeping up with my job while inter viewing, I haven't signed up for anything this semester, but as soon as I've made a decision and settled into my new position, I'm sure I'll be looking at those catalogues again. There's always something being offered that can help me perform better and bring new ideas to my work. I like to learn about new developments. Education is a lifelong process.
Q. What are your educational goals for the future?
A. My goal is to do everything possible to keep learning and improving. Things change so rapidly that we cannot rely on what we learned ten, five, even two years ago. Some of my education will be informal: reading, research, and simply paying attention to what is going on. You can learn a lot just by listening to the right people, and watching them.
Q. Did your grade point average reflect your work ability?
A. My grades were above average to excellent, and I think my work record has been the same. There is a different method of evaluation in school, of course, and I've worked harder on the job than I did in school. At work, it's results that count, and I've always been able to achieve results. It's not just what you know, but what you do with what you know. This has always been my formula for career success.
(Or:)
I earned average grades in school, but my work record has been good to excellent. In school you are evaluated simply by how well you show what you know. At work, it's what you do with what you know the results you achieve that counts for everything. I've always concentrated on the result, and I've always delivered.
Q. Name three things you learned in school that could be used on this job.
A. There are many specific applications to this field that I studied in school, including _, _, and _. But what school really taught me that has worked throughout my career was how to solve problems, how to apply myself, and finally, how to set a goal and achieve it.
Q. Why didn't you do better in school?
A. I guess I was just involved with other activities and growing up. I always got along with my teachers and classmates, and even won awards for (perfect attendance/science projects/and so forth). The importance of grades did not have an impact on me then. Today I realize the value of formal academic achievement, and my "career marks" have always been well above average.
