 Oxbridge and Teaching Candidates DEFINITELY  Others maybe  CERTAINLY, will be necessary in the future

 Read, read, read  Especially their prospectus ◦ Know their institution (backwards and inside out)  Mock interview if possible ◦ Know your own application  Do read up on current affairs  Plan your route to the interview venue ◦ You cannot arrive late, under any circumstances ◦ Do arrive fresh (i.e. do NOT go out the night before)

 Academics, leaders in their field  Often (not always) middle-aged men!  Two or more people at a time

 The relaxation part …  Serious questions about your subject ◦ Factual questions ◦ Interpretive questions (perhaps analysis of a text) ◦ Questions to test your depth of knowledge and its application to the wider world ◦ Do NOT bluff  If you get through this, more general questions about you and your interests  Your questions

 DO dress to impress ◦ Guys: Suit and tie, shaved and groomed ◦ Girls: Smart, power dressing, heels, make-up, and looking the part  DO arrive early  DO shake hands firmly when introduced  DO sit comfortably, but leaning forward slightly  DO NOT try to someone you are not  DO be INTERESTED in the institution, the degree, what you do  DO NOT say bad things about your school, the teachers, students, courses  DO ask questions

 Tell me about yourself?  How would you describe yourself?  Tell us about your current course?  What are you best at?  What are your main interests?

 Why do you want to study for a degree?  What do you think university can offer you?  What else, apart from study, interests you about university?  Why do you want to study at this university?

 Why do you want to study (whatever subject you have applied for, e.g. Chemistry, Geography, Surveying, Physiotherapy etc.?  What do you know about the course?  What attracts you to this course?

 Interviewers love to ask your opinion on something topical, that is something in the news or related to your subject. ◦ Oxbridge: Outcome of the Irish referendum and its significance for your particular field ◦ Medicine: Euthanasia; the future of the NHS; abortion. ◦ Teachers: funding cuts; special needs; private v. state education  Be prepared to offer a considered opinion (i.e. weigh up both sides and then offer your conclusion)

 YOU also have to be comfortable  The interview is an opportunity for you to interview them too ◦ Ask pertinent questions about the course, the lecturers, the environment  Is it actually going to be the right place for you?  Take time to walk around, before or after, to speak to students, explore the town etc.