Interview with Someone You Know

Question

I was looking into setting up an interview with alumni in my city and it turns out one of them is someone I used to work with.
We had a good working relationship though we haven't spoken in a couple years. 
Would it be advisable at all to set up an interview with this person or avoid doing that?

TheIvyLeagueEdge · Answer

Ethically speaking, you (and the alum) should not. The Alum is supposed to evaluate you on the basis of the application and the interview, no more and no less.

Practically, the same issues again. S/he knows you more than the application. If there were instances which may have been unpleasant (during your work together), regardless of how professional, they will reflect in the ratings (even if the alum tried to do an honest job).

Go for someone else

chocopie12 · Answer

This is what I thought but I needed to hear it from someone else.
Thank you!

VeritasPrepDozie · Answer

The alum is technically supposed to flag this and let admissions know that you have a prior relationship that would make this a biased interview. It seems like they have not done this so I would give admissions the heads up they may not care but leave it up to them.

If they switch you out, might be even worth reaching out to your colleague for some interview prep if it does not violate any rules at the school

If they switch you out, might be even worth reaching out to your colleague for some interview prep if it does not violate any rules at the school

Interview with Someone You Know

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