University Interview | Law Careers |

First things first: it’s all about preparation! I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase, “fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” The university interview is no exception to this rule, so it’s time to get your heads down ladies and gents.

The interview format can vary widely, depending on which course and university you have applied for. Therefore, it’s worth trying to find out as much as possible about the university interview at your chosen institution, whether on their personal website, by simply browsing the internet or here in our forums.

You will need to know whether it will be formal, how many people will be quizzing you and what types of questions they are going to ask. Remember, the only thing that the interviewer will already know about you is from what they’ve read on your UCAS application. Consequently, a decent portion of the university interview will always be reserved for questions relating to what you put on it. With this in mind, make sure you read over your application several times before the interview. It is likely that you will have forgotten most of the details that you put down, so make sure it is fresh in your mind. If they catch you out on something that you do not remember, it certainly won’t go in your favour.

Find a willing practice interviewer! Ask someone in your family, or a teacher at school, to give you a mock university interview. Inevitably they will ask you things that you haven’t prepared for, so it can be a good way of getting used to unexpected questions during the interview.

The interview. We won’t bore you with the importance of being polite and presentable during the university interview, as you’re undoubtedly already aware of this. So let’s get down to it! Factors such as: eye contact and body language can play quite a big part. Admissions tutors are looking for people that are confident and comfortable with themselves, so keep your body language open, don’t avoid eye contact, and no slouching please!

It is important to take your time when answering questions. Don’t rush into offering an opinion if you’re unsure of what they’re trying to ask. By being measured in your responses, you will be able to put your views across more effectively and remain calm throughout. Remember, there is no shame in not understanding the question. The worst thing you can do if this happens is to attempt an answer. Simply ask them to re-phrase it or elaborate. Be enthusiastic! This is not to say that you should be jumping up and down on their desk screaming “I LOVE LAW!”. Strangely, this would not be appropriate during a typical university interview.

However, it does mean that you need to show a little passion for the subject you intend to study for the next three years of your life. This will go a long way to convince the interviewer that you really are interested in the course.

The university admissions tutor will usually invite you to ask questions following the interview. This can be a good time to demonstrate how much you know about the course and the institution itself. The interviewer will undoubtedly be impressed if you have researched the course and are curious about detailed aspects of it.

Post-match analysis: The university interview can be tough, very tough. Don’t fret if you found it particularly difficult, many universities use it as an opportunity to challenge and stretch candidates.

The most important thing at this point is to not over-analyse it. It’s over, you did your best and there is nothing else you can do. As you’re now at the university you intend to go to, have a look around, see what goes on day-to-day and try to get a good feel for the campus. There are bound to be students hanging around, so ask a few questions about their experiences to date. Students are generally a friendly bunch, so don’t be shy!

10-09-2009

Paul - All About Law