Interview preparations

I am a bit nervous about University interviews.  How do you prepare for an interview for a subject that you haven’t studied before? What should you wear? How do you reply trick questions? Should you ask questions when given the chance or is that also a trap?

First of all it is understandable for you to be nervous. A bit of nerves is actually good as it keeps you alert and gets the adrenaline pumping! The key is to channel this nervous energy properly and not let it blow out of proportion thereby affecting your performance.

It is important to READ about your subject of interest. Interviewers want to know that you have a real passion and commitment to your subject because you’ll be studying it for at least 3 years. When deciding what to read, don’t fall into the temptation of skimming Wikipedia and surfing random sites that come up on a google image search. Go to the library and read proper books, academic and professional journals and of course the newspapers. Read stuff that really interest you, that way you’ll be able to talk confidently during your interview.

Dress comfortably. Moderation should be your guide. So please leave out the torn raggedy jeans and stiletto heels.

For questions that you think are there to catch you out. Take your time before answering to think out your answer properly. If there is something you don’t understand in the question, ask the interviewer. It is better to be truthful and learn. Most interviewers are more interested in your thought process as well as how you are able to cope under pressure. Don’t lose your cool over one question.

Ask only necessary questions. Say you read something in the prospectus about the course and you wanted to get more details, that is fine. But don’t ask obvious questions; it only shows that you didn’t do any prior research.

Finally, look at the interview as a conversation. Don’t sweat it and remember to have some water before so you are properly hydrated.

Culled from Aspire June 2010.

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