[Comprehensive Selection/School Recommendation Selection] [Interview] Don't be shaken by being asked "why?"! 3 ways to convey your reasons for applying, focusing on your problem-solving skills
In this series, we will be sharing information about university entrance exams and universities. Let's learn together.
The theme this time is "[Comprehensive Selection/School Recommendation Selection] [Interview] Don't be shaken by being asked "why?"! 3 ways to convey your reasons for applying, focusing on your problem-solving skills".
We hope you will also refer to our previous articles regarding interview preparation.
I have supported over 1500 applicants in total, but in fact, when I was working for a company, I was also in charge of interviews as a human resources recruiter.
I hope to share some of my thoughts from that perspective.
This year, we have also received many happy reports of successful applicants from students. Congratulations!
Let's all work together to achieve success.
[Comprehensive Selection/School Recommendation Selection] Grab your chances! Interview preparation①
[Comprehensive Selection/School Recommendation Selection] Grab your chances! Interview preparation②
[Comprehensive Selection/School Recommendation Selection] Grab your chances! Interview preparation③
Interviewers place importance on the "reason for applying"
Today, I will talk about "communication methods" that will be useful for the actual entrance exam.
Recently, when I'm practicing for interviews, I sometimes get the feeling that "this student has just memorized words from websites and pamphlets..."
If you're playing the role of interviewer, you can spot this right away.
The interviewer said,We place the utmost importance on the "reason for applying"Please keep this in mind.
So to the readers of this article,Three perspectives from the interviewer's perspectiveWe will be sharing the following information with you.
When talking about your reasons for applying in an interview for the comprehensive selection or school recommendation selection, you tend to focus only on "conveying your enthusiasm."
However, what interviewers want to hear is not simply an emotional response like "I like this university."
From your answers, the interviewer will be evaluating your "non-cognitive abilities" to predict your success after enrollment.
In particular, we look closely at the following three points when digging deeper into your reasons for applying. Make sure you understand these points.
- Level of understanding of the department you are applying to
Is the curriculum at that university really necessary to achieve your goals? - Tenacity to overcome difficulties
When you hit a wall in your research activities, do you have the strength to see it through to the end? - Willingness to contribute to society (initiative and sociality)
How can your learning relate to and contribute to society and the world?
Now, let's take a look at the countermeasures.
Strategy 1: Talk about "discovering past issues" in the first 20 seconds
During the interview, you should not talk at length about why you want to work there.
The key is to "simply leave an impact"It is.
The impact of this first sentence is very important.
The interviewer has seen dozens of applicants by that point.
Therefore, a typical entry will not set you apart from others.
❌️ Bad example (= emotional argument)
"I have a strong interest in contributing to the local community, and I would like to thank your university for..."
(I.e. Good example (= problem-solving type)
"Through my high school's regional revitalization project, I encountered the issue of the digital divide. In order to solve this issue, I would like to learn XX at your university."
*The digital divide is the difference between those who can use information and communication technologies such as the internet and computers and those who cannot, in other words, the information gap.
By presenting your logic at the beginning, such as "I faced a challenge → that's why I chose this university," you can leave a strong impression on the interviewer.
This will also help the subsequent questions go more smoothly. The first step is crucial.
If you tend to talk at length, try to keep your sentences short.
People who get nervous easily in particular need to calm themselves, adjust their speaking speed, and narrow down what they want to say at the same time, which can be quite a difficult task.
Practice it over and over until you get used to it.
Strategy 2: Talk about university learning as a "problem-solving tool"
They always ask probing questions like, "Why does it have to be our university?"
As an image,It's a good idea to prepare for two levels of digging deeper.
First, we recommend that you position studying in your desired department as the "means (reason)."
If your reason for applying is to "solve problems," think of the university curriculum as "a tool to solve those problems."
(I.e. Good examples (= problem-solving ability and logical thinking ability)
"Existing knowledge was insufficient to solve the problem. That's why I believe we need the advanced tool of Professor XX's 'Social Systems Design Theory,' which is researched only at your university."
It is important to prepare the specific lecture names and laboratory names you listed in your application letter so that you can speak them fluently during the interview.
Even if you didn't include it in your application letter, if there is still time before the interview, make sure you research it and be prepared to explain it verbally.
Strategy 3: Practice answering the question, "Why our university?"
What interviewers value most is your self-control and problem-solving ability when faced with an unexpected question.
The key is how to answer the ultimate question: "Why not other universities?"
At this timeThe focus is on self-controlIt is.
We look for signs of impatience, such as wandering eyes or unnatural hand movements.
Keep calm and practice until you can say it with confidence.
In the "Problem-solving ability" section, your ability to respond to questions and how you respond will be evaluated.
This question clearly shows the level of preparation. It can also be said to be a test of how serious you are about the situation.
Therefore, preparation and practice are essential.
Example question and answer 1: Could you continue as a volunteer?
Here are some examples of actual questions and answers:
This is your chance to showcase what you have researched, so it is important to read the website and brochures carefully and express your thoughts on any keywords that interest you.
Example XNUMX
Q. Can I continue my high school activities as a volunteer even if I don't go to university?
Example answer
"The activities I continued in high school allowed me to help people in need. However, as I continued my activities, I became keenly aware of the 'walls of the system' that individuals cannot solve. To break down these walls, I need specialized knowledge and analytical skills, such as the 'successful examples of local policy' that Professor XX from your university is researching. I believe that specialized learning is necessary to graduate from volunteering and aim for fundamental solutions."
Example 2: When you can't find a research topic
Example XNUMX
Q. What will you do if you have difficulty finding a research topic after enrolling?
Example answer
"I understand that research does not yield immediate answers. I have experience in high school club activities where I persevered until I achieved my goals, even when I couldn't find a topic or felt like giving up. First, I proactively consult with my teachers and seniors, and make time to stop and reconsider why I am so committed to that topic. I never give up, and I overcome any obstacles by being flexible and rethinking my thoughts in order to achieve my goals."
These are questions that ask how deep you have dug.
You can see at a glance how much enthusiasm you have.
If the information is limited, your enthusiasm will not be conveyed and your level of interest will be guessed to some extent.
Keep asking yourself questions so that you can answer any question in any phrase.
Summary: The reason for applying is the key to success in an interview
I am currently providing guidance on why I want to work at this company as part of my interview preparation, and I think this part is particularly important.
We believe this is such an important part that if you get stuck on your words or if the impact is weak, we will ask you to redo it.
The key to success is whether you can make the interviewer think, "I want to hear more about this student!"
Prepare and prepare to show off your best self.
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Article Author
Satoshi Akagawa
Online University Entrance Exam Prep School JADE
Since graduating from university, he has worked in the education industry, teaching entrance exams for junior high school, high school, and university. He has experience as a school principal, a new business division manager, and an executive officer. His strength is his ability to teach to each student individually, based on his many years of teaching experience.
