Interview:  Instructions for Timer

When the Interviewer has used six minutes of the seven minutes allotted, the timer will hold up the “1” (one minute card) indicating time remaining. At six and one half minutes, the timer will hold up the “½” card. At seven minutes the timer should hold up the 0 card. This indicates the interviewer has used the allotted time of seven minutes. The interview should be concluded at this time.

After completing the interview, the student will be instructed to wait outside the door for the judge’s comments. Comments will include one point the student did very well and one point where the student could improve. Judges are instructed to keep comments constructive.

Notes for Coaches and Students

1. Interview questions are generally limited to the following areas:

1. Activities listed on the Extracurricular Activities sheet
2. Selecting a college or university
3. Selecting a field of study in college or identifying a career goal
4. Individual and team preparation for the Decathlon
5. Values that have strongly influenced the student's life
6. Most difficult event in the Decathlon
7. Most influential person in student's life

2. Order, logic, imagination, intelligence and other personal qualities are reflected in the way answers are given. A well thought-out answer engages the interviewers' attention and gives insight into the candidate’s personal qualities, skills, goals and experiences, as well as insight about the world in which they live. Relevant examples and illustrations support the answers. All information presented should be relevant to the question being asked.

3. Lastly, appropriate attire for speech and interview is important. Students must recognize they are presenting themselves in the best light as they would for an important interview. We have over a 150 local members of the St. George community who conduct these speech and interview sessions, and many of them are retired professionals. Students must adhere to the following dress code:

Boys: Coat, with pressed clean dress shirt, tie and slacks; dress shoes and well-groomed hair kept back from face. They should also be well-shaven and clean. Baggy clothing is inappropriate, as is facial piercing.

Girls: Dress or skirt and blouse; blouse and slacks okay as long as they are pressed clean and look professional. Keep your midsections covered please. Hair should be out of face and well groomed. Makeup should be modest. Tight-fitted clothing is inappropriate, as is facial piercing.