INTERVIEW SKILLS

College, Sixth form, Apprenticeships

Remember the Interviewer

is trying to find the best match for the

course or job.

Key to successful Interviews

PREPAREPREPAREPREPARE

Before the interview• Read through your application

form/personal statement• Try to find out the form the interview will

take. (eg: panel interview, assessment centre)

• Read through a quality newspaper and think about some current, relevant points you might be able to include in your interview.

• Think about your GCSE courses and aspects you enjoyed/relevant to the course/s your applying for.

Essentials• Go to bed early the night before• Dress & Personal hygiene – dress smartly but

comfortably – appropriate to course.• Travel – make sure you plan your journey a few

days before.• Be on time – allow extra time for traffic/transport

problems, finding the building, going to the toilet before the interview etc

• Take all the info about the course/your copy application form, CV with you + contact info with you.

• Prepare everything the day before eg: money, clothes, papers, travel.

• If you are going to be late/can’t attend make sure you phone and inform the college/school.

Dress Appropriately

Be On Time

PositiveBody

Language

Eye Contact

Smile

EnthusiasmBe enthusiastic -

even about things which might be boring

or challenging!

Body Language

• Introductions – take lead from interviewer eg: shaking hands

• Posture• Eye Contact• Smile• Active Listening: eg: nodding, facial expressions

DON’T chew gum, wear shades/hat, slouch, look at your watch, look out of the window, fiddle with your bag/keys, check your phone, yawn, sniff, scratch or shrug etc

Remember - even when you are not speaking you are sending messages to your interviewer.

TURN OFFYOUR MOBILE PHONE

• Think about the speed that you speak at – is it too fast or too slow?

• Think about the volume you speak at – is it too quiet or too loud?

• Think about the amount you speak – is it too much or too little?

Speak Clearly

Preparation

• Have a Mock Interview if possible• Write/Type out answers to standard

interview questions• Note down things you want to raise

at the interview specific to you.• Be aware there might be other

selection methods eg: Group Activity, Questionnaire, Essay, Discussion, Psychometric Test

Types of Interview!

There are different ways that a college or employer may choose to conduct there interview – so you need to be ready as you may not find out what is

involved until you arrive.

Informal Interview

Formal Interview

Panel Interview

Assessment CentreAn assessment centre might involve a group

activity (with other applicants), a

computer/online quiz, a written test/essay or a skills based activity. If you know you are going to have to participate in an assessment centre you can phone up and

ask what will be involved.

Classic Interview Questions 1

• Why do you want to do this course OR what interests you about this course

• Why do you want to study at THIS college/university/institution

• What are you interests/What do you do in your spare time.

• What relevant skills have you gain from work experience/part time work

• Tell me a bit about yourself

Classic Interview Questions 2

• What are your strengths & weaknesses?• Where do you see yourself in 5-7 years?• Why do you think you will make a good

plumber/nursery nurse/lawyer/vet/social worker? (or why do you want to be a…)

• Are you a good team player?• How well do you cope with pressure?

Interview Tips• Try to relax - take deep breaths• Ask the interviewer to repeat the question if you are

unsure.• Don’t give one word answers – try to give full

answers with examples (but don’t waffle)• Don’t bluff – if you are not sure try to answer the

best you can but say if you just don’t know.• Be yourself –make sure you have recent examples of

your hobbies/interests (eg: if you have said your hobby is going to movies or reading be able to name a recent book you have read, film you have seen)

• Prepare the questions you want to ask before the interview (write/type out)

• Use the time at the end to say anything you didn’t get to mention.

After the Interview

• Make some notes about the questions you were asked/answers you gave which will help you at other interviews.

• Has your opinion changed about the course?

• Review how your interview - think about how could you improve next time.

• Try not to worry about the result.