Prospective Learner Interviews
Congratulations on taking the next step in your Per Scholas application! This page provides information to help you prepare for your upcoming interview with your admissions team. This behavioral interview is designed to help us understand your motivations, learning style, and how you approach challenges. We want you to feel confident and prepared, so please review the information below carefully:
What to Expect:
- The interview will last approximately 30 minutes and will be conducted via video conference (generally one-on-one with a member of your campus admissions team).
- Some campuses hold group interviews. Group interviews will last approximately 60 minutes and will be conducted via video conference with a member of your campus admissions team.
- The interview will focus primarily on understanding your motivations, your approach to learning, and how you handle different situations.
- For example, while the interview for the Cybersecurity Analyst course is not strictly technical, familiarity with technology and cybersecurity concepts is beneficial.
Prepare for Interview Questions:
- Demonstrate Your Passion and Goals: Be prepared to discuss what excites you about a career in technology and the research and preparation you have done into the specific training track you are pursuing, what you hope to gain from the Per Scholas training, and your long-term career aspirations.
- Time Management and Commitment Strategy: Per Scholas training is demanding, so we want to understand how you plan to manage your time, balance your commitments, and stay focused on your coursework.
- Demonstrate Key Skills Through Past Experiences: Think about past experiences (work, school, personal projects) where you demonstrated problem-solving, teamwork, communication, or a willingness to learn.
- Handle Challenges and Responding to Feedback: Consider how you’ve handled challenging situations, resolved conflicts, or dealt with feedback in the past.
- In addition to the topics above, we recommend reflecting on the following items:
- Make sure you have a good understanding of our mission, values, and the specific training track you’re applying for.
- Familiarize yourself with fundamental technology concepts relevant to the course (e.g., networking, operating systems, security principles for Cyber).
- Familiarize yourself with the attendance expectations.
- Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest and engagement.
How Else to Prepare:
- Complete the Pre-Interview Form and share a resume if you have one.
- If you do not complete the Pre-Interview Form, please be prepared with information regarding your Proof of Work Authorization.
- If the course has required pre-work, it is highly recommended that you’ve completed it or, at a minimum, begun to complete it and are prepared to discuss it.
- Some campuses may require completed pre-work before scheduling an interview.
- If applying for New York courses, submit your DVP.
- Need accommodations for the interview? Reach out to your admissions lead prior to the interview.
- Be Professional:
- Wear business casual attire.
- Keep your camera on and be sure that there are no distractions in the background.
- Be respectful of your interviewer (and interviewees if in a group interview).
We wish you the best of luck with your interview!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of questions will be asked during the interview?
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The interview will primarily be behavioral, focusing on assessing your experiences and skills. However, you can also expect a few foundational questions related to tech topics specific to the course you’re interviewing for. These questions are designed to ensure you have a basic understanding of the subject matter.
- Are there any sample interview questions available that I can review in advance?
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We don’t provide sample interview questions in advance, as our goal is to have a genuine conversation with you. Think of the interview as an opportunity for us to get to know you better, confirm some of the information you’ve already shared, and for you to ask any questions you might have about our programs. This way, we can ensure that we’re a good fit for each other.
- What qualities or skills are you looking for in a strong candidate for this program?
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We’re looking for candidates who have a passion for tech and demonstrate a strong motivation to learn and succeed in the tech industry. Key qualities include a willingness to adapt to new challenges, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and excellent communication skills. Additionally, we value candidates who are team-oriented, resilient, and committed to achieving their tech career goals immediately after graduating. While previous technical knowledge may be beneficial for some courses, the interview is designed for people from all backgrounds and levels of technical experience. What’s most important is a candidate’s potential to thrive in our rigorous training environment and their alignment with our program objectives.
- Is there anything else I should prepare before the interview to improve my chances of selection?
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To improve your chances of selection, we recommend reviewing the information you’ve already submitted and being prepared to discuss your experiences and goals in more detail. It’s also beneficial to have questions ready to ask us about the program, as this shows your interest and engagement. Additionally, take some time to reflect on why you’re interested in this program and how it aligns with your career aspirations. Our programs are multiple weeks (and typically full-time). Think through how you will be able to commit to our courses and be sure to let our admissions team know! This will help you communicate your motivations clearly during the interview. Lastly, ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space for the interview to minimize distractions.