Getting Ready to Knock Their Socks Off: University Interview Edition!
Ever pictured yourself walking out of an interview room, fist-pumping the air like you’ve just won an Olympic gold? We all want that moment where we feel like we’ve nailed it, especially when it comes to something as nerve-wracking as a university interview. Whether you’re shooting for an ivy-covered campus or that avant-garde art school, I’ve got you covered. Here are 10 tips you can stash up your sleeve!
1. Do Your Homework
Just like cramming the night before a big exam, preparing for your uni interview is critical. Dig deep into the university’s website, pick up on their values, faculty achievements, and perhaps any recent campus improvements or news. Sound familiar? It’s a bit like stalking someone online before the first date. You want to show you’re interested, and knowing your stuff shows exactly that!
2. Practice Makes Perfect
Remember practicing in front of a mirror for your first public speech in school? Time to bring back that old trick. Role-play with a friend or family member. If you want to go a step further, record yourself to catch those little quirks or nervy habits. Trust me, you don’t want to find out you’ve been playing paper-rock-scissors with your hands during the real thing.
3. First Impressions Count
Let’s set the scene: You walk into the room – what do they see? Dress appropriately, offer a firm handshake, and remember, smile! It sounds simple, but imagine turning up in shorts and flip-flops because you misheard the dress code. Yikes!
4. S-T-A-R Moment
Chances are, they’ll ask you to describe a situation where you showed [insert impressive skill here]’. This is your time to shine! Use the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result. It’s like telling a mini-story where you’re the hero. So, go ahead, save that metaphorical cat stuck up a metaphorical tree!
5. Stay Curious
Ever heard the saying, ‘Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back’? Always have a couple of thoughtful questions to ask when the opportunity arises. Questions like ‘What are the recent challenges the department faced?’ or ‘What are the future plans for the department?’ show you’re engaged and already thinking like a student.
6. Keep Cool Under Pressure
Unexpected questions can throw you off. Remember, it’s okay to take a moment to gather your thoughts before answering. Deep breaths – you got this! Think of it like a surprise ingredient in a cooking show. Make it work, and you could be the star of the show!
7. Mind Your Manners
‘Please’ and ‘thank you’ can go a long way. Be polite, acknowledge everyone in the room, and show respect. After all, you could be speaking with your future professors or peers!
8. Know Your Application Inside Out
Your interview might include questions directly based on your application. Make sure you remember what you wrote. Imagine praising a book you claimed to love, only to forget it’s by Shakespeare, not Shel Silverstein!
9. Follow Up
After your interview, a thank-you email not only shows good manners but also reiterates your interest. Reference something specific from the interview to make it personal, like an inside joke about that time the fire alarm went off mid-sentence!
10. Be Yourself
Last but not least, just be you. Yes, it’s cliché, and yes, it’s one of those eye-roll-worthy tips your parents probably repeat. But it’s true! They’re looking to admit YOU, so let your unique self shine through.
Alright, you’re all set now to make your mark! Remember, they invited you to this interview because they saw potential in you. Believe in yourself, give it your best shot, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll be doing that fist-pump as you walk out of your interview room. Good luck!
