1. University Interviews
Laura Meadowcroft
Sally Raby
Education Liaison
University of Bradford

2. University Interviews
Why do universities interview?
Types of interview
Courses that interview at Bradford
What are we looking for – some examples
Preparing students for interview
Interview Tips

3. Why do universities interview?
Requirement of external body (e.g. Nursing and Midwifery Council)
More applicants than places
Vocational or practical courses
Build on Personal Statement
Opportunity to find out more about institution and ask questions

4. Panel (2 or more interviewers) Presentation
Types of interview
One-to-one
Panel (2 or more interviewers)
Presentation
Activity/test (e.g. language/numeracy)
Group

5. Why do universities choose group interviews?
See how you perform and communicate with others
Encourages interviewees to relax
Less time consuming

6. What format do group interviews take?
Varies widely
Initial welcome/presentation
Icebreaker
Group discussion/activity
Feedback
Numeracy and literacy test
Q&A

7. Contributing- Group Interviews
Be polite and friendly to other candidates
Make an active contribution to discussions
Avoid dominating the conversation
Do not interrupt other candidates
Avoid heated conflict
Give praise where appropriate

8. Courses that Interview
School of Health
All undergraduate courses that incorporate a professional qualification
School of Life Sciences
Clinical Sciences
Optometry
Pharmacy
Biomedical Science
School of Social and International Studies
Social Work

9. Courses that interview
School of Engineering, Design and Technology
Product Design and & Automotive Design
School of Computing, Informatics and Media
Media Courses
Creative Technology courses

10. Clinical Sciences – interview structure
We interview for both points of entry
All applications are assessed against both academic and non-academic criteria.  Applicants who score above our threshold are invited for interview
 To date we have done a structured individual interview – each candidate is interviewed for 25 minutes by 2 members of academic staff.
 We haven’t used any kind of performative or group task in interviews so far – but this may change.

11. Clinical Sciences – what are we looking for?
Motivation and insight into the course and medicine/health professions (including reflection on what a candidate has gained from work experience etc)
Social and Cultural awareness – and the impact on health /barriers to accessing healthcare etc
Responsibility
Teamwork
Communication skills
Commitment
Academic potential

12. Optometry – structure and what we are looking for.
Students are interviewed as part of an Applicant Visit Day
Structure of the day:
45 minute lecture
Group interview – 45 minutes, 1 academic and 4 applicants
Tour of the department
Opportunity to talk to 2nd year and final year students
Accommodation Tour
Lunch attended by academics
Group interview consists of 1 academic and four applicants. They are assessing the student’s personality to see if they can communicate and will make an effective Optometrist. They also like students to have completed work experience and to be able to demonstrate that they understand the role.

13. Social Work - Interview Structure
Observed group exercise - Short film clip,20 minutes to discuss issues it raises
Written Exercise – comprehensible written English
Interview – 7 questions, 2 interviewers – Academic and Practitioner

14. Social Work – What are we looking for?
Students who have some capacity to cope with stressful situations and have the potential to respond appropriately
Students who have a good understanding of the roles of social workers and the skills and knowledge they use
Students who have an ability to analyse their experience
Have potential to develop into a reflective practitioner
Students who are open to exploring their own values
Have potential to develop an active commitment to social work values.

15. Preparing students for interviews
Find out interview format
Confirm attendance
Plan their journey
Highlight the importance of dressing appropriately
Research the University and course
Read up on current affairs/issues

16. Preparing students for interviews
Read up on current affairs/issues
Importance of re-reading their Personal Statement
How to prepare answers to key questions
Encourage them to think of examples of their skills, qualities and experiences

17. Preparing students for interviews
Arrive in plenty of time
Report to specified location minutes before your interview time
Take along any documents requested
Be polite to everyone you meet
Smile!

18. The interview - effect of communication
Non verbal signals/ body language 55%
Tone of Voice %
Message content (words used) 8%

19. Listen carefully to and take time to think
During the interview
Listen carefully to and take time to think
Ask for clarification if necessary
Watch your body language and maintain eye contact
Avoid distracting mannerisms
Speak clearly and firmly – no waffling
Be positive about problem areas

20. Non-Verbal Communication:
Clothes/ appearance
Eye Contact
Facial Expression
Posture
Gestures
SMILE!

21. Speak slowly and clearly
How you say things
Show you are
listening
Smile!
Avoid distracting mannerism; don’t fidget or play with your hair…
Speak slowly and clearly

22. When answering… Highlights strengths Minimise weakness
Be enthusiastic and positive
Give specific examples to back up answers
Give themselves time to answer
Keep in mind that interviewers will know answers to some questions that they ask – but assume that they do not!

23. Some traditional questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why did you apply for the course?
What are your strengths / weaknesses?
What is your greatest achievement(s) to date?
How do you motivate yourself?
Why do you choose (your course) and why the University of Bradford?
What do you enjoy most about your studies? What did you least enjoy?
Describe how you typically approach a project
How would your tutor describe your work

24. Thank you for listening
Any Questions?