Interview Tips
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Got my first uni interview in a couple of weeks, any advice as to how not to crash and burn?
Oh, its a product design course, btw.
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Tip # 1 (and topmost): Don't talk as much as here!
Tip # 2 (still kind of topmost) Talk more meaningful than here!
Well, sorry but I couldn't resist - seriously, this interviewing is quite Greek to me so other than wishing good luck (and hoping that others can help you) I cannot really add anything valuable.
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Subject matter aside; in any interview give a firm handshake, look them in the eyes and display confidence (not arrogance).
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Dear Remus,
Don't pick your nose! It always puts them off.
Seriously, take a small portfolio of work with you, or create a few SU model images showing design ideas. You could then refer to the material during the interview, and use it as a platform for discussing your 'burning desire' to do the course. Showing commitment and initiative always goes down well.
Regards,
Bob -
Do your homework on the particular features of the course offered and style your answers accordingly.
Also ask pertinent questions. Include asking for any particular successes of past students, special awards to students by professional bodies and employment rate of last years students. After all, you should be choosing them as well as them choosing you, it's a two way thing.
As has been said before, a short, crisp, firm handshake, limp ones don't really go down well.
As an aside, is it a honours degree? Is it accredited to any Professional Institutions? -
Be original...!
Do not use 'quotations' (Latin ones, are excepted)!Cornel
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Tell them you know me.
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Don't go to the washroom right before the interview if you're wearing light grey pants. An accident with the sink and you're a dead man.
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Actually what Bob says sounds like a good idea; that way youcan control what you are talking about.
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@alan fraser said:
Don't go to the washroom right before the interview if you're wearing light grey pants. An accident with the sink and you're a dead man.
Wiser words were seldom spoken.
Pretty obvious: go to bed early. No all-nighter!
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Relax. Realize the purpose of the interview is for them to get to know you + a chance for you to perhaps know them a little better. You don't need to impress them with your knowledge of product design as you'll be going there to learn that. You can bet they'd prefer you to be a lump of clay they can mould, than a know-it-all.
Impress them more by just being yourself -- let them see your personality. Relax. Relax. Relax. They want you to be right for them. They aren't trying to keep you out. Their questions are really designed to discover more about you. They'll be wondering things like: Is he a jerk? Is he a know-it-all? Is he enthusiastic? Does he have a spark? Is he lazy? Is he loyal? Does he get along with others? Does he communicate his thoughts well? --- It is obvious from getting to know you a bit from this forum that they won't have any concerns.
Relax. Did I already say that? Realize they already know some important things about you. They accept already that you are smart enough for their program (otherwise you wouldn't have an interview). The also know you want to study with them -- you aren't some random person.
Other tips: They will likely ask you why you chose their program. Let them know you did your homework and tried to learn about different schools. Tell them why you thought their program seemed most suited to you. In that avoid things that might come across as a know-it-all. Focus on what you think is interesting about their program - and what you are looking forward to learning more about.
If you have particular areas of product design that you are interested in let them know but exhibit some enthusiasm for learning all about the field. They aren't expecting (or wanting) you to have a whole career as a cereal box (or whatever) designer planned out now. Expect that in their program you'll be exposed to many new ideas and that you'll discover new interests.
Go to the interview knowing you already have a spot they are holding for you. Just have fun meeting them and enjoy the whole idea of being there and making this step forward in your education. Yes RELAX.
Wishing you all the best,
Regards, Ross -
Cheers guys, some really useful stuff here.
I especially like th bit about not going to the wash room, wise words if ever i've heard them.
Relaxing sounds good, as well. No point in getting overly stressed.
Another question: What sort of thing do you think i should be wearing? I was thinking smart trousers and a shirt and some semi-casual shoes.
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Because I'm old --
Generally clean & tidy
Hair - combed not the "just out of bed" look
Clothes - smart casual, nothing "extreme"
Tie - depends on the shirtJust look as if you took a bit effort to prepare for the interview.
Remember when you open the door they will get an immediate impression, you don't want it to be a negative one.
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@remus said:
Cheers guys, some really useful stuff here.
I especially like th bit about not going to the wash room, wise words if ever i've heard them.
Relaxing sounds good, as well. No point in getting overly stressed.
Another question: What sort of thing do you think i should be wearing? I was thinking smart trousers and a shirt and some semi-casual shoes.
A lot of this would depend on which course at which university you are going. They do vary quite a lot. If you where going to say the RCA then it's a different approach to say Sheffield.
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Well the first one is product design at loughborough, so any specifics should be aimed towards that.
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I would definitely wear pants..
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What - kilts are out this season? Seems like I gotta fetch me a couple of GQ's to read up.
Oh, Remus, would be a good idea to postpone changing your name for a bit.
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Remus, try and get a bit of background info on the people that
will be interviewing you and figure it out from there. Also don't
swamp with with a huge portfolio. One or two good / interesting
pieces can go a long way and MORE so if they touch a note with
the interviewer
Best of Luck,
Mike
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- Be YOURSELF... It's often quoted but seldom employed. If you are pretending to be something you are not then that will show through.
- You've got to know what you DON'T know...IE: if you are asked a question that you don't know the answer to, don't FAKE it. Admit that you don't know the answer and let them know that you enjoy learning new things and that you expect to continue learning all of your life.
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Hey Remus! How did the interview go?
Please provide a detailed update if you have the time. I'm sure it will be interesting.
Regards, Ross
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