Interviews and applications

1. Research the College/Business 

• Understand their Values and Programs: Look into the college’s mission, values, and the specific programs you’re interested in. This will help you tailor your answers to show you’re a good fit.

• Know the Interview Format: Find out if the interview will be in-person, over the phone, or via video call.

2. Review Common Interview Questions

• Prepare Answers: Practice answering common questions like “Why do you want to attend this college?” and “What are your strengths and weaknesses?”.

• Use the STAR Method: For behavioral questions, structure your answers using the Situation, Task, Action, and Result (STAR) method.

3. Prepare Your Own Questions

• Show Interest: Prepare thoughtful questions about the college, such as “What opportunities are there for student involvement?” or “Can you tell me more about the support services available?”.

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

• Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with a friend, family member, or mentor. This will help you get comfortable with the format and receive feedback.

• Record Yourself: If possible, record your practice sessions to review your body language and speaking style.

5. Dress Appropriately

• Professional Attire: Choose an outfit that is professional and appropriate for the setting. This shows respect and seriousness about the opportunity.

6. Gather Necessary Materials

• Bring Copies of Your Personal Statement: Have a few copies of your personal statement on hand, along with any other documents that might be relevant.

• Notebook and Pen: Bring a notebook and pen to jot down important points during the interview.

7. Be Punctual

• Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This shows punctuality and gives you time to settle in.

8. Stay Calm and Confident

• Positive Mindset: Take deep breaths and remind yourself that the interview is also an opportunity for you to learn more about the college.

• Be Yourself: Authenticity is key. Be honest and let your personality shine through.

The following are examples of questions that are often asked at interviews:

• Tell me about yourself? (your opportunity to “sell” your best qualities and describe constructive things that you do) 

• Tell me about your current studies? (this could include an explanation of subjects that you enjoy  or find challenging and strategies you use to overcome them) 

• What are your strengths/weaknesses? (always turn possible negatives into positives – for example if you are shy you might like to explain that in contrast you are a really good listener?)

• Give me an example of when you have worked as part of a team? (think about how you helped with the time management, negotiating to agree a plan and sharing tasks?)

• Give me an example of a time when you have had to complete a task on your own? (explain how you planned the task, used your initiative and motivated yourself)  

• What do you do in your spare time? (describe things that show positive characteristics – not just playing computer games or shopping!) 

• Tell me about any Voluntary Work or Work Experience that you have completed? (if you are interested in a particular career you should try and arrange work experience/work shadowing to find out what is really involved) 

• What do you know about/what interests you in the course or training you have applied to do? (how does it link to your future plans?)

• Why do you want to attend this college/train to do this type of work? (what did you see at their open evening/on their website or advert?)

• What are you hoping to do when you have completed this course or training? (make sure you can give examples of what attracts you to a particular career idea – not just that you would like it!)

Interviewers expect you to ask some questions so use the college and course information to prepare some ideas.