Interview tips

Before the interview

Find out what form the interview will take – if you know how many people will be interviewing you, and whether it will be formal or not, you will know what to expect.

Read the prospectus – have an idea about the course and university to show you're committed to studying there.

Look over your UCAS form – it’s often the basis for interview questions so make sure you can talk about the things you’ve said on it in detail.

Read over your A-Level subject notes – you may be asked why you took a particular A-Level or what parts of your A-Levels you enjoy.

Read a quality newspaper or magazine related to your subject – interviewers may ask for your opinions on current affairs or developments in your field.

Have a mock interview – get a teacher you’re not familiar with to prepare a formal interview to give you an idea of what it will be like.

Speak to students who’ve already had an interview – ask them what to expect or if they have any tips.

Think of points you may want to make in the interview – prepare specific things you want to say or subjects you want to discuss if you get the chance.

Prepare answers for common questions – for example, why do you want to study this course or at this university?

Think of some questions to ask in return – how is the course assessed? What teaching methods are used? Although make sure they’re not already answered in the prospectus.

Plan your journey – take into account rush hour traffic and finding the room/building so you arrive in plenty of time.

On the day

Get a good nights sleep – be ready for your interview and don’t stay up all night drinking or worrying about it.

Arrive early – allow 20 minutes for traffic and finding the place. If you have extra time, take a look round the university or talk to other applicants.

Contact the university if there’s a problem – if you’re going to be late or unavailable due to circumstances beyond your control you should be able to rearrange the interview.

Dress smart but comfortably – formal clothing may be uncomfortable if you’re at the university all day, and dressing scruffily may give a bad first impression.

Turn off your mobile – you don’t want any distractions in the interview and it will not impress the interviewer.

During the interview

Be aware of your body language – look at the interviewer, make eye contact and try to smile from time to time.

Be enthusiastic about your course – make sure you get your interest in the course across to the interviewer.

Take your time with questions – don’t feel pressured to answer immediately, take a little while to develop your answers to avoid saying the first thing that comes into your head.

Say if you don’t understand a question – interviewers don’t expect you to know everything and will often prompt you or rephrase a question if you ask.

Give full answers – the interviewer is trying to find out about you, so make sure you tell them something. Don’t waffle just to make your answers longer though.

Don’t try to bluff questions – admissions tutors will know a lot more about their subject than you will. If you don’t know the answer to a question be honest and admit it.

Listen to the interviewer – answer the questions asked rather than the ones you’ve prepared for.

Ask questions – use ones you prepared earlier or new ones you’ve thought of. It shows you’re enthusiastic and will help you get more out of the interview.

Try to relax – interviewers will expect you to be nervous and will try to make you feel comfortable.

Be yourself – interviewers want to know about you, not just what tips you’ve read off the internet!

After the interview

Don’t worry if you found it hard – some interviews are designed to stretch candidates.

Make the most of being at the university – talk to students, have a look round the city or sample the local pubs.

Think about what you’ve learned – the interview also allows you to find out more about the university and course. How have your opinions changed?

Write down your answers to questions – this will come in handy for other interviews you may have.

Discuss your interview with other people – they can give you feed back on how they think you did and give you advice for other interviews.

Don’t worry about whether you’ll be offered a place or not – prepare for your next interview or just enjoy yourself, as you can’t do anything to change the result.

Comments

Let me know what you think about the interview tips so I can make some improvements. I should be able to reply any questions within 24 hours.

Comment on the interview tips.

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Speech Science/Speech & Language Therapy interview by guest at 29/01/2007 12:23:50

My 17 yr old daughter has an interview at Sheffield later this week and one at UCL next month. She's done a few work-experience sessions with Speech Therapists in preparation, but she's not feeling confident because she thinks that there will be more experienced candidates on this type of course. Are they likely to interview far more candidates than they have places for? Any ideas what sort of questions they may ask? She's the first person in our family to apply to university, so it's all new to us and any advice will be appreciate.

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Comment by guest at 16/02/2007 14:23:52

i have just been for a nursing interview at demonfort uni, was the first of four and i was very nervous and unfortunately was not offered a place. however i am in no dispair as it has helped me to prepare better for future interviews. possible questions which they will ask include: tell us about yourself and your family, what do you know about the course, why do you want to study this course or at this university, what do you think nursing is, what skills and qualities do you think are needed for nursing and can you give me an example of a resent NHS campaign in the media. hope this will help anyone whose applied for nursing as it is scary being put on the spot in front of two people who know a lot more about nursing and the course than you do, many thanks for the advice and interview tips steph

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Midwifery interview by guest at 25/11/2009 20:34:30

Hi I have just read your interview tips and I feel that they have really helped me! So thank you!

I have a interview for midwifery at a university (Birmingham City) on 2/12/09 and I was wondering do you have any idea on the particular questions that they may ask me?

I have already had one interview but I failed that one so I could really do with some help and confidence building!

Please email me at pinkladiie@hotmail.co.uk asap!

Thanks again! :) Your site tips are great!

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Nursing (mental Health) by guest at 17/02/2010 23:02:27

Thank you for the interview tips. I have an interview on Monday, The interview will be an event like a tour round the school and an opportunity to meet academic staff and students.This event will be will be used to evaluate and select students for 2010 entry and numeracy test which will involve conversions and drug calculations. Do you know what kind of things shall I expect in an interview of this nature and what exactly is a drug calculation? Thank you.
uyiomorede@yahoo.com

Wondering what you'll be asked in your university interviews?

Interview tips

Before the interview

On the day

During the interview

After the interview

Comments

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