University Interviews
Laura Meadowcroft
Sally Raby
Education Liaison
University of Bradford
Education-liaison@bradford.ac.uk
01274 233052
University Interviews
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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
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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
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Initial welcome/presentation
Icebreaker
Group discussion/activity
Feedback
Numeracy and literacy test
Q&A
Contributing- Group Interviews
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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
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To date we have done a structured individual interview –
each candidate is interviewed for 25 minutes by 2
members of academic staff.
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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
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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 language
55%
• 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:
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Clothes/ appearance
Eye Contact
Facial Expression
Posture
Gestures
SMILE!
How you say things
Show
you are
listening
Speak
slowly and
clearly
Smile!
Avoid
distracting
mannerism;
don’t fidget
or play with
your hair…
When answering…
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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!
Some traditional questions
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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?