If you are looking at how to prepare for a university interview - congratulations!
A university admission interview is one of the most exciting yet daunting aspects of getting into your dream university.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, admissions interviews have been moved online.
Today’s university admission guide will focus on mastering your online university interview.
If you are a bit earlier on in your application for university and need advice about attending a virtual open day, you can find all of our advice here.
Here is how to get into university by mastering your virtual university admissions interview!
1. Find a suitable location
When you have a date and time set for your online university interview, it is time to get to work preparing.
You should decide on a location where you can be interviewed undisturbed.
Try to pick a location that has a non distracting background. Ideally, this location should be brightly lit so that the interviewer can see you clearly.
2. Pick out an outfit
However tempting it may be to just dress from the waist up, we recommend ensuring you are fully dressed in smart-casual clothing. You never know what might happen, and the last thing you want to do is show off your leopard print pyjama bottoms!
Although this interview is online, it is still real and should be taken seriously. Wearing smart clothing will signal to the interviewer that you are taking it seriously, and help get you in the right frame of mind.
3. Check your contact details
Make sure you have an email address for the interviewer or someone in the university, in case you need to contact them about anything regarding your upcoming interview.
This will help you feel at ease in the lead up to the university admission interview.
4. Ensure your devices are charged
Nothing instills panic quite like the flashing notification of ‘low battery’ than during an online interview. Make sure your laptop is fully charged, and you have your charger plugged in, in the off chance that you need it.
If you are using wireless headphones, ensure that they are also fully charged. There is nothing worse than having them run out of juice halfway through a call!
5. Warn housemates
Whether you are living with family or friends, it is crucial to tell everyone that you have a university admission interview. Ask them to make as little unnecessary noise as possible.
Be sure to remind them on the day of your interview as well. We suggest leaving a sticky note on the door of the room you are doing your interview is to prevent unwanted interruptions.
6. Switch devices to silent
An often-overlooked aspect of how to prepare for a university interview is to ensure you have your notifications turned off. This means no email notifications, no WhatsApp dings, and definitely no sounds from dating apps.
Even the slightest buzz from your device will throw you and your interviewer off, so best switch devices to silent!
7. Check your username
Remember how at the beginning of lockdown there were multiple quiz nights held over Zoom and Microsoft Teams? Well, many of us ended up changing our usernames to something funny and have not used the platform since.
Just be sure you have checked your username prior to logging in so that you don’t start the interview red-faced as you frantically try to change your username.
8. Have water nearby
Just like in a normal interview process, be sure that you have a glass of water nearby! By taking the odd few sips throughout the interview, you will maintain composure and will avoid having a dry throat.
9. Log on early
Unfortunately, technical difficulties can occur at either end of the interview process.
We suggest you log in early to check that the link you received for your interview is functioning and your internet is stable. If you are having difficulties, send a quick email to your interviewer asking them to send you another link.
10. Remember to breathe
Now that the interview has commenced, you are ready to blow them away with your preparation!
You should have some questions prepared to ask, as well as answers as to why you picked this particular university and course.
Do not be afraid to ask the interviewer to repeat themselves. They will appreciate this more than you answering only part of a question.
Remember these are unprecedented times for everyone, including the interviewer. Preparation is key, but you’ve got this, and soon you will have mastered your university admission interview!
If you are contemplating furthering your education and are looking to study abroad, get started with Edvoy today!
