How to Handle Dropping Out of College in an Interview

For every 100 students entering 9th grade, only 29 will graduate from college, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

Interviews are often stressful for job-seekers. People have different fears and different reasons for feeling nervous and stressed out as they prepare for an interview. Often job-seekers wonder what questions hiring manager will ask, and worry about answers they don't have or don't want to give. "Why did you drop out of college?" can be a difficult question to answer. But it doesn't have to be. With adequate preparation and practice, anyone can pull off a good interview no matter what questions the interviewer asks.

Instructions

1. Create a good story for why you dropped out. Keep it truthful while elaborating on anything positive that came from this decision and downplaying anything negative. Think about your strengths and opportunities and use this story as an opportunity to illustrate them. If you include something negative, make sure you explain how you overcame or are planning to overcome it so that it will turn out to be a positive event.

2. Practice answering questions about your studies and dropping out of college. Mock interviews with a friend or mentor will help you feel more confident later in a real interview. Consider video recording your mock interview so you can watch yourself answering the questions. Make notes about what you should change the next time you answer the same questions and get feedback from your peers or colleagues.

3. Avoid focusing on dropping out of college in the interview. While the issue may be fresh on your mind, chances are the person interviewing you is more interested in all the positive skills and achievements you listed on your application or resume that got you the interview in the first place. Don't bring up dropping out unless someone specifically asks you about it. If you must talk about it, keep your remarks brief.

4. Relax. Lots of people drop out of college for many different reasons. Many people who drop out often return later when their circumstances change. Dropping out of college does not define you. Brainstorm your assets and the qualities you bring with you to the job you applied for. An isolated blemish is easily overlooked by everything else you offer an employer. Chances are that if you are OK with your decision to drop out of college, the person interviewing you will be, too.

5. Prepare to make a good impression throughout the whole interview. Arrive early, look your best, be knowledgeable about the organization you are interviewing with, use good manners, be positive throughout the interview and present your best self. The first impression you make and your answers to job-related questions will often be the most influential part of the interview. These should be your focus.

References

• U.S. Department of Education; College Completion Toolkit; 2011
• Bureau of Labor Statistics; Job Interview Tips; December 2009
• Georgia Department of Labor: Talk the Talk: The Interview

Resources

• Completion Matters; Video: Developmental Ed, Portfolio of Student Supports; Steven Johnson