Have you been given a university interview? Find out how to prepare for it and how to make a good impression.
If you’re in the process of applying to university, you may be invited to an interview. This is so the university can assess whether you are a suitable candidate for your chosen course. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more, meet some of the faculty for the programme you’re interested in, and discover whether this university and this course is right for you.
In recent years, and especially since the start of the pandemic, more and more universities have introduced online interviews. These are typically held via video conferencing tools such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.
Whether your interview is online or face to face, there are a few strategies that can help you prepare and ace the interview.
Why This Course, Why This University?
You will likely be asked why you want to study the particular course you have applied for. The clearer and more specific the answer here, the better.
If you believe this course will lead you closer to your chosen career, you can say that, with a little additional information on what appeals to you about that path. For example, if you are applying to study Medicine, you might talk about how combining your passions for science and for helping others led you to wanting to become a doctor.
But if you aren’t sure about your eventual career yet, you can still answer this question in a thoughtful and considered way. Saying that you have always loved the subject, or that it will equip you with valuable transferable skills for your future, are some good options. Most importantly, be truthful and authentic.
You should also consider why you have chosen to apply to that specific university. This might include pragmatic reasons (for example, that it’s in your city so you could save money by living at home) but should ideally go beyond that. Does the university score highly in national rankings for your course, is there a specific module or element of the course you are excited about, or is there a particular professor whose work you admire?
What Do You Have to Offer?
For universities and courses with more applicants than places (which is a significant number), those interviewing you will want to know what you can bring to the table. What attributes do you have that will make you a positive addition to the university? How will you be a great student and classmate?
Your academic achievements can get you some of the way here, but you will likely be competing against others with similar grades. Therefore, consider what sets you apart. What skills do you have and what personality traits can you bring to the table?
Think about things like hard work, dedication, drive, overcoming challenges, great teamwork, leadership skills, organisation, and interpersonal skills.
Most importantly, be prepared to back these claims up with examples (more on that in a minute.)
Be as Specific as Possible
You might be asked to demonstrate when you have used specific skills or attributes that will be required to succeed on your chosen course. Consider examples from your life that you can call upon to show that you have what it takes.
Extracurricular activities, school projects, and paid jobs all count as experience. For example, you could say that you have demonstrated leadership by acting as a shift manager in your part-time job, or that you have shown your aptitude for education by helping younger pupils at your school with their reading.
Make Notes
An interview should be a conversation. It is important not to appear as though you are reading from a script. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t take notes with you.
Write down any notes that will help you remember your key talking points. Bullet points are useful for this as you can scan them quickly to find the information you need. You might find that you don’t need them, but just knowing they are there can be helpful from a psychological perspective.
Pro tip: write your notes in a smart notebook, not on a scrap of paper torn from an exercise book.
Do a Practice Interview
Practice makes perfect, and a practice interview can help to put your mind at ease before the real thing.
Your school or college’s careers advisors may be willing to run through a practice interview with you. Another option is to work with a friend and mock interview each other. You could also ask a family member, teacher, or another trusted adult to act as the interviewer for your practice run.
If your interview will be online, your practice interview should be, too. Getting comfortable on camera requires some getting used to.
At the end of your mock interview, ask the “interviewer” to give you feedback on your performance and any areas where you might be able to improve.
Present Yourself Professionally
Approach a university interview as you would a job interview. This means dressing and presenting yourself in a professional way.
Dress smartly, even if your interview is taking place on a video call. (I know some people who dress smartly even for video-free phone interviews as they say this helps them to get into the right mindset! You don’t have to go that far unless you want to.) Some courses and universities require more formality than others. For most contexts, a smart shirt or blouse with a pair of trousers or a skirt in a neutral colour will be appropriate.
Use open, positive body language. This means sitting up straight, smiling, making eye contact with the person you’re speaking to, and taking care to avoid slouching or crossing your arms. Ensure you speak clearly, don’t rush, and be as positive as you can throughout the interview.
Rest and Relax
The night before your interview, try to get a good night’s sleep so you are as well-rested as possible. Gather the things you will need, such as your notes and the clothes you will be wearing, in plenty of time. You do not want to be rushing or running late. If your interview is taking place online, double check your internet connection and test your tech in plenty of time.
Now smile, relax—and good luck!
