| This is a good opportunity not only for the person | | | | where you’d be in close proximity with each |
| interviewing you but also for you to be sure that | | | | other. If the interview does not serve this purpose, |
| you’ve made the right decision. | | | | your chances of getting selected will be less. |
| Unlike a job interview, being interviewed as a | | | | Third - Interview Your Interviewer |
| potential housemate follows no specific pattern. It | | | | Take this opportunity to learn more about your |
| can seem a very nerve-racking experience to go | | | | interviewer and the house or flat on offer. You |
| through – not knowing what questions to expect | | | | would also need to evaluate for yourself if the |
| or how you should respond, and not having any | | | | arrangement is going to work for you. Clear all your |
| information about the other person whom you’re | | | | doubts. Discuss basic issues like rental agreement, |
| meeting. | | | | living quarters, house rules, schedules, sharing space, |
| However, you can be prepared in some ways to | | | | and amenities, etc. |
| secure a better chance of being selected from the | | | | Some of the questions you could ask are: |
| list of potential house shares. | | | | - How much rent deposit do I have to pay and how |
| First - Create a Good Impression | | | | is it protected? |
| Quite obvious but sometimes neglected. Approach it | | | | - How much cleaning or household chores would I be |
| like a job interview. Your appearance gives people a | | | | required to do? |
| first impression of you, even before you’ve had | | | | - Will you allow overnight guests? |
| a chance to talk to them. Make a good lasting | | | | - Will the kitchen and bathroom be shared or are |
| impression on your first meeting. It’d probably | | | | they a separate? |
| give you better chances over other potential | | | | Remember to ask details of what you considered to |
| housemates. | | | | be important to you! |
| Some of the things you should take care of: | | | | Fourth - Be Clear in Your Communication |
| 1. Dress: Dress appropriately. Leave your party wear | | | | Whether it’s communicating your needs, doubts |
| at the club. Usually a casual business outfit should be | | | | or expectations, be very clear in your communication. |
| good enough. | | | | Try not to leave things open to assumptions. If you |
| 2. Be on time: When you’re on time, it gives | | | | ensure that you have clear and transparent |
| both of you more time to get to know more about | | | | communication right from the start, it sets ground for |
| your needs and expectations. Moreover, the | | | | the way you communicate in the future. |
| interviewer may have multiple interviews scheduled | | | | Avoid using ambiguous sounding words and phrases |
| and you being late may not only leaves a bad | | | | as it leaves communication open to interpretation. For |
| impression but can also lead to lead to cancellation. If | | | | example, if you are asked, “Do you entertain |
| for some unavoidable reason you’re going to be | | | | guests often?” answering just a quick |
| late, let the person know and if possible reschedule. | | | | “yes” may lead the interviewer to assume |
| 3. Manners and Etiquette: Smile! Be pleasant. Offer a | | | | that you bring in guests every other day. A more |
| handshake and greet. Make eye contact and listen | | | | specific answer like – I might have guests about |
| well. We take most of these things for granted but | | | | once a month, mostly for a day or two – would |
| can influence the way a person perceives you. | | | | give a clearer picture. Again, if you need to ask |
| Second - Be Natural | | | | questions to the interviewer, be clear on your |
| As much as we advocate good manners, being polite, | | | | expectations as well. |
| and observing your etiquette, take care that it does | | | | Follow these four guidelines and be prepared to face |
| not appear superficial. People can be very perceptive. | | | | house share interviews better. Don’t feel |
| If you go all out to try and please, it may ring | | | | disheartened if you have not been selected. It was |
| warning bells. | | | | probably just a case of your needs and expectations |
| Be natural in your approach. It is not a job interview | | | | not matching theirs; not a reflection on your |
| and it may not be very formal conversation, but let | | | | personality. Continue your search, refine your |
| your personality come through. The interview is a | | | | approach, and you’ll surely find the |
| process to evaluate you as a potential housemate | | | | “perfect” housemates. |