University Interviews

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University Interviews

• Laura Meadowcroft
• Sally Raby
• Education Liaison
• University of Bradford
• Education-liaison_at_bradford.ac.uk
• 01274 233052

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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

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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

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Types of interview

• One-to-one
• Panel (2 or more interviewers)
• Presentation
• Activity/test (e.g. language/numeracy)
• Group

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Group Interviews

• Why do universities choose group interviews?
• See how you perform and communicate with others
• Encourages interviewees to relax
• Less time consuming

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Group Interviews

• What format do group interviews take?
• Varies widely
• Initial welcome/presentation
• Icebreaker
• Group discussion/activity
• Feedback
• Numeracy and literacy test
• QA

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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

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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

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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

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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 havent used any kind of performative or
  group task in interviews so far but this may
  change.
•  

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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

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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 students
  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.

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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

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• 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.

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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

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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

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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!

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The interview - effect of communication

• Non verbal signals/ body language 55
• Tone of Voice 37
• Message content (words used) 8

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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

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Non-Verbal Communication

• Clothes/ appearance
• Eye Contact
• Facial Expression
• Posture
• Gestures
• SMILE!

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How you say things
Show you are listening
Smile!
Avoid distracting mannerism dont fidget or play
with your hair
Speak slowly and clearly
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When answering

• 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!

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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

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• Thank you for listening
• Any Questions?