Interview tips

Admin Posts : 13 Join date : 2010-02-13

Before the interview

1. 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.

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

3.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.

4. Read a quality newspaper or magazine(i.e nursing times/standard) related to your subject – interviewers may ask for your opinions on current affairs or developments in your field.

5. Have a mock interview – get a teacher/Friend or family member to prepare a formal interview to give you an idea of what it will be like.
6. Speak to students who’ve already had an interview – ask them what to expect or if they have any tips.

7. 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.
8. Prepare answers for common questions – for example,
-why do you want to study this course or at this university?
-What is the role of a nurse?
-How important is communication in nursing?
-Why ......... branch?
- Tell me a bit about yourself...
- What will you bring to the course?
- Name a stressful situation you have been in and how did you cope?
- How important is team work? examples of when you have worked within a team?
- Why nursing and not another healthcare career?
- Name some examples when you have provided care & experience of any health care setting.
-Why are you suited to Nursing?
- What are your inspirations?
- What research have you done about the course?
- List the qualities that make a good nurse...
- How do you cope under pressure?
-Current nursing issues in the media (related to your branch)
- What are your strengths & weaknesses?

Also 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.

9. Plan your journey, take into account rush hour traffic and finding the room/building so you arrive in plenty of time.
On the day
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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. ( e.g. I wore smart black trousers, white blouse, flat black shoes and a black coat.)

13. Be aware of your body language. Make sure to look at the interviewer, make eye contact and try to smile from time to time.
14. Be enthusiastic about your course and make sure you get your interest in the course across to the interviewer.
15. Take your time with questions and 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.
16. Say if you don’t understand a question and interviewers don’t expect you to know everything and will often prompt you or rephrase a question if you ask.
17. 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.
18 .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.

Last of all - relax, be yourself and try not to be too nervous!

After the interview

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.

Good Luck! Very Happy