Interviews
Preparing for Interviews
If you are in Year 11 you are likely to have a college, 6th Form, or apprenticeship interview soon. You might also have a 'mock interview' organised by your school - this is a practise interview, for you to test your interview skills.
Interviews can sometimes be a little daunting but, in most cases the interviewer is not there to catch you out. They want to make sure the course is right for you and you are right for the college, school or employer you're applying for.
Understood... so what next?
Some further education and sixth form colleges may come into school and interview you, others may expect you to go to them. Interviews with employers are normally held wherever the business is based. If you are going somewhere for an interview, make sure you know where you are going and arrive in plenty of time. During the interview you will be asked questions about the course or apprenticeship you have applied for, and why you have applied.
Some of the questions you may be asked include:
- Why would you like to study the course you have chosen?
- How do your choices link to your career aspirations?
- What are your career goals?
- Why should we consider you?
- What are your strengths?
- What do you struggle with?
- Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
- Is there anything you feel you will need help with?
Did you know?
Asking questions can show the interviewer you are keen and motivated for the future. Before your interview, think of some questions you can ask them.
Questions you could ask
- Can you give me more information about the course content?
- What happens if I am falling behind in my grades?
- What are the benefits of studying with/working for you?
- If I change my mind on the course(s) I have chosen can I change them once I have started? If so, by when?
- Are there any tasters available before I start?
- What equipment will I need and is there a dress code?
- What transport is available, to and from the college?
- Is there any financial help I can access?
20 Rules for face-to-face Interviews:
1. Before the interview, confirm whether you will be attending or not. |
2. If it's an interview with an employer, research the company before the interview. For an interview with a sixth form, college or training provider make sure you attend an open day too! |
3. Make sure that you know where the interview will be held and how to get there - check bus routes and bus times before the interview. |
4. Be on time, and if possible be a bit early, but DON’T BE LATE!!! If there is an unavoidable reason for being late, telephone the employer as soon as possible and explain. |
5. Dress smartly. Remove any caps/hats before the interview. |
6. Take any references, record of achievements, and/or exam results with you to the interview. |
7. Think of some questions that you might like to ask the interviewer about the job. |
8. Don’t eat or chew gum during the interview. |
9. Turn your phone off/onto silent before you go into the interview! |
10. Be polite to everyone you meet in the company - first impressions last and they may be asked what they thought of you! |
11. Greet the employer and smile when you meet them. If you are able, maintain eye contact during the interview. |
12. If the employer offers their hand to shake - return this with a firm handshake. |
13. Wait to be asked to sit down. |
14. If you're able, sit up straight and don’t slouch in the chair. |
15. Give full sentences as answers to the questions being asked – not just “yes” or “no”. Try and give examples to further explain your answers. For example, if you say you have team working skills, how can you evidence this? |
16. Do not be argumentative, abusive or swear. |
17. Look interested and ask questions. |
18. If you don’t understand the question ask for it to be repeated or explained differently. |
19. Tell the truth. |
| 20. Thank the employer for their time or tell them it was “nice to meet you”… at the end of the interview. |
If you aren't successful this time, make sure you ask for feedback from the interviewer to find out how you can improve for next time! Try and write down any questions you struggled with and think about how you might answer them differently next time.
More resources from >log on | move on>
Flashcards: College or Sixth Form Interviews.
Download our free flashcards to help you prepare for your interview here!
Poster: Top Tips for a face-to-face interview with an employer!
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Don't forget your checklist!
Download our checklist to help you get ready for your interview. You can do it!
