Is this your first time visiting our city?

Ease with small talk, and a quiet read on whether you've made any effort to know the place you'd be living in for four years.

How to structure your answer

1Answer honestly
2One specific thing you've noticed or done here
3A light question back

A first visit is fine — say so without apologizing
Mention one real thing you saw, ate, or did, not a guidebook line
If you've been before, say what brought you
Keep it short and warm; this is still the doorway

A strong answer

What lands

It’s actually my first time in the city! After the interview, I’m meeting up with my college roommate, who lives here. He’s going to show me around downtown, and we’re grabbing lunch at Bob’s Pizza, which he swears is the best pizza in the city. I’m looking forward to exploring!

A real plan with a real person, and curiosity about the city rather than a rehearsed compliment.

A weak answer

What most people say

Yes, it's my first time here. I flew in last night. It seems like a really nice city from what I've seen, and I've read that there's a lot to do here and the people are really friendly. I'm excited to explore more.

Nothing in it could only have been said about this city.

The trap

⚠Pretending to know the city better than you do, or reciting its tourism page. Your interviewer probably lives there, the rehearsed version is obvious, and a genuine first impression is far more interesting.

Reading it isn't the same as saying it.

Most people can explain a good answer and still fall apart saying one out loud. Admitted asks you all 100 questions in a faculty voice, records you, and scores your pace and filler words.

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