Interviews: what to expect and how to prepare Student Recruitment and Admissions University of York

What we’ll cover today Understand the function of interviews (for university and for employment) Understand what interviewers are looking for Help you prepare for interviews Help you to improve your performance at interviews

Why use interviews? Interviewer Can you do the job? Will you fit? Will you do the job? Do you live up to your application Interviewee Am I capable of this role? Will I enjoy working in this organisation? Will I enjoy the work?

Likelihood of interview for university Greatest likelihood for Oxford or Cambridge More likely for Medicine and some medical- related, creative and performing arts May be standard procedure for the department or course - for example Chemistry at York

Genuine interest in your chosen subject Appropriateness of your chosen course for you Motivation, commitment and organisation Enthusiasm for complex and challenging ideas Clarity of thought and analytical ability Intellectual flexibility Vocational or professional commitment What you can demonstrate

Huge variation Note carefully any information you are given in invitation, prospectus or website; ask others May vary from College to College at Oxford and Cambridge How many interviews? Usually just one At Oxford and Cambridge you may have two or three How long? minutes would be norm, but longer might be possible Structure? Q&A, discussion regarding article, group task, audition, written test Content? Mostly academic or course-relevant Combining existing knowledge with new material What to expect…

One-to-one Panel Group Telephone First/second Assessment centre Interview formats

Preparation: know yourself and the job Why this career/type of job? Re-read your application and be prepared to discuss it Ensure you can give examples for each skill and attribute that the employer is seeking Know your strengths and weaknesses, achievements and disappointments Be prepared to talk about these in a positive manner

Preparation: know the company Some points worth researching include: – Target market / competitive position – Product range – Company history – Size of the company – Locations – Financial performance and outlook – Key people – Company environment and culture

Thorough research is wise! Whatever the interview situation, you should always ensure you are prepared! – Clip from the Apprentice - grilled Joanna Clip from the Apprentice - grilled Joanna

What are the competencies? The job advert jargon The job description why and what for Your research where to look

Have a go! Rural Development Officer Do you want to be at the forefront of community development work? Are you a skilled communicator? Do you have what it takes to help communities to help themselves? The Humber & Wolds Rural Community Council is looking for a lively, dynamic person to work in the Pocklington area of the East Riding of Yorkshire. The project will provide information, advice, support and training and will develop a network for rurally based voluntary and community organisations. The aim of the project is to increase community participation and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local organisations within the defined area. You will need experience of working with voluntary organisations and community groups, a sound knowledge of rural community issues and good interpersonal skills.

Have a go! Rural Development Officer Do you want to be at the forefront of community development work? Are you a skilled communicator? Do you have what it takes to help communities to help themselves? The Humber & Wolds Rural Community Council is looking for a lively, dynamic person to work in the Pocklington area of the East Riding of Yorkshire. The project will provide information, advice, support and training and will develop a network for rurally based voluntary and community organisations. The aim of the project is to increase community participation and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of local organisations within the defined area. You will need experience of working with voluntary organisations and community groups, a sound knowledge of rural community issues and good interpersonal skills.

Common interview questions  Why have you applied for this job?  Why would you like to come and work for our company?  What do you feel you have gained most from your studies?  What have you learnt from previous jobs/voluntary work?  What do you see yourself doing in 5 years time?  What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?  Is there anything else that you want to tell us? Give an example when you.... Motivated others Made a valuable contribution to a team Demonstrated motivation and initiative Managed to solve a complex task Organised a project or event Achieved a goal through influencing the actions of others

STAR S ituation T ask A ction R esults

UCAS application – section 5 Good/bad responses The Bad … I think I can … I probably could … I might be able to....I’m not sure if The Good … which resulted in … so that … the benefit was … the advantage was

It’s the music not the lyrics?

Top tips for interviews Prepare well; do your homework Present yourself well – Dress smartly but comfortably (but you are not being assessed on your dress or haircut!) – Establish eye contact – Shake hands appropriately – Adopt a confident posture Be honest – Don’t lie – If you don’t understand the question, say so

Preparation for interview Pay attention to whatever information you’ve been given about the format and purpose of the interview/tests/presentation Confirm your attendance Plan your route Arrive early Re-read your application Eat something!

Preparation for interview Practise telling someone your answers to obvious questions (Why this job? Why here?) Make a note of real life examples you might use Re-read the prospectus/job description and any other information you’ve been sent about the university/course/job Anticipate additional questions to your replies and have further detail available if asked

Preparation for interview Consider your reaction to any sample questions or scenarios provided and discuss with family and friends Be alert to issues in the news Decide how to respond to “Do YOU have any questions?” – You should have questions but be alert to whether they are sensible or have already been answered – Avoid terms and conditions of a job

And finally….. Be prepared and…