Interviews

There’s lots you can do to prepare for the big day – from having a mock interview to arming yourself with information about the university and the course.

Top tips:

• The when’s and where’s - Make sure you know where you need to be and when and make any necessary travel and accommodation arrangements in advance. Visit the institution’s website for any maps and directions and make sure you know exactly where on campus you need to be! If you need more information get in touch with the university or college direct.

• Knowledge is power - Be sure to read the prospectus and look on the institution’s website – the more you know about the university or college and the course you have applied for, the keener you’ll seem. Make a list of questions you’d like to ask, perhaps the kind of things the prospectus doesn’t tell you.

• Know your application – Make sure you’re familiar with what you put in your application – this is all your interviewer knows about you so far so it’s a fair assumption that he or she will ask you about some of the things on your form!

• Be familiar with “hot topics” in your subject area – You may well be asked about them – and don’t forget to read the newspapers too. Interviewers commonly ask for your views on the issues of the day!

• Practice makes perfect – A mock interview might be a good idea. Why did you choose this course; What do you enjoy most on the course you are currently studying and Why did you choose this university are typical things you might be asked. Ask a teacher or careers advisor to run through a mock interview with you.

• Get a good nights’ sleep – You won’t perform your best without one!

Interviews are always nerve-wracking as you never know just what you’re going to be asked. The important thing is to be yourself, be enthusiastic and be sure to “sell” what you have to offer as a student on your chosen course.

Interviewers are looking for students who show an interest, who can think independently and consider new ideas.

They are looking for students who will thrive well on their course and enjoy a varied academic life alongside their outside interests.

Top tips:

• Dress appropriately - Although you probably won’t need to wear a suit to interview, show your interviewer you are taking things seriously by dressing smartly (smart trousers and a shirt or blouse will do the trick).

• Arrive in good time – This goes without saying but remember to take any contact numbers just in case the worst happens and you get delayed on the way to your interview!

• Body language – Be aware of your body language in the interview room – don’t slouch or yawn; sit up and look alert! Make sure you are giving off all the right signals!

• Stumped? – If your interviewer throws you a curve ball, don’t just sit there. If you don’t understand a question ask for it to be repeated or rephrased. Make good guesses or relate your answer to something you do know something about.

• Expect the unexpected – While institutions aren’t trying to trick you, some will want to see how you react under pressure. A surprise text or exercise isn’t unheard of so stay calm and think clearly!

• Ask questions – While your interviewer needs to find out about you by asking lots of questions, you’ll come across as enthusiastic if you ask appropriate questions too. Use the interview as a chance to find out answers to your questions that weren’t answered on the website or in the prospectus. Smart, switched on questions will score big brownie points.

An interview is as much a chance for you to check out an institution, as it is for an institution to check you out so take some time to reflect and improve.

Top tips:

• Make notes – While the questions and your answers are still fresh in your mind, make some notes. If you’re going to other interviews similar questions may crop up – and it will be useful to compare responses.

• Self-appraise – Think about what went well and what you can improve on. Start thinking about what you felt comfortable answering and what left you struggling. Come up with some answers that you are confident in, should similar topics crop up next time.

• Sit back and wait - You will be sent a letter through UCAS letting you know if you were successful or not. If you receive an offer it may be conditional on you receiving certain grades.

Nobody likes interviews – but with a bit of preparation, “selling yourself” and showing knowledge and enthusiasm in your answers will become second nature, landing you a place on the higher education course that’s right for you.

We welcome your comments and feedback on this article.