University Interviews

Laura MeadowcroftSally Raby

Education Liaison University of Bradford

Education-liaison@bradford.ac.uk 01274 233052

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

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

Types of interview

• One-to-one

• Panel (2 or more interviewers)

• Presentation

• Activity/test (e.g. language/numeracy)

• Group

Group Interviews

• Why do universities choose group interviews?– See how you perform and communicate with

others– Encourages interviewees to relax– Less time consuming

Group Interviews

• What format do group interviews take?– Varies widely

• Initial welcome/presentation• Icebreaker• Group discussion/activity• Feedback• Numeracy and literacy test• Q&A

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

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

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

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.

 

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Preparing students for interviews

• Arrive in plenty of time

• Report to specified location 10-20 minutes before your interview time

• Take along any documents requested

• Be polite to everyone you meet

• Smile!

The interview - effect of communication

• Non verbal signals/ body language55%

• Tone of Voice 37%

• Message content (words used) 8%

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

Non-Verbal Communication:

• Clothes/ appearance

• Eye Contact

• Facial Expression

• Posture

• Gestures

• SMILE!

How you say things

Show you arelistening

Speak slowly and clearly

Smile!

Avoid distracting mannerism; don’t fidget or play with your hair…

When answering…• Highlights strengths• Minimise weakness• Be enthusiastic and positive• Give specificspecific 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!

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

Thank you for listening

Any Questions?