Interviews can be daunting for students, but with the right preparation they can be a great opportunity to showcase their skills and personality. Whether they're applying for a job or further study, here are five essential tips to help your students ace an interview.
Five top tips to share with your students
1. Preparation is key
Research the company or organisation thoroughly so you understand what they do and what they’re looking for. Think about how your experiences relate to the job or course requirements. Practice answering common interview questions using the STAR technique:
- Situation: Describe a situation you were in.
- Task: Explain what you needed to do.
- Action: Talk about what you did.
- Result: Share the outcome and any positive impact you made.
You can use examples from any part of your life, like a part-time job, volunteering, or school projects such as organising a Prom with a group of classmates to show your teamwork skills, or anytime you've made a difference. This will help you give clear, impactful answers in the interview.
2. Showcase your strengths
Think about what makes you stand out from other candidates. What are your strengths and values? How do these align with the role or course you're applying for? Use examples to demonstrate your skills and how they'll benefit the organisation. Look out for keywords in the job or course description that you can cross reference.
3. Master AI and video interviews
Many companies now use AI-powered interviews. Practise speaking clearly to a camera, ensure your space is quiet and neutral, and avoid a distracting background. Check your tech equipment so you have a reliable internet connection, and your camera and speakers are working. Pay attention to your body language: sit up straight, look into the camera, and speak clearly without rushing. Pretend you’re speaking to a human and make sure to use all those keywords. A confident, steady delivery can help you make a great impression on the chatbot and move to the next round.
4. Ask thoughtful questions
Show your interest in the role by asking insightful questions that focus on the company culture, challenges, or team dynamics. Think about what’s important to you about a job or course and what you would like to find out more about. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role or course.
5. Follow up with a thank you
A thank you email is a great way to reinforce your interest and highlight key points from the interview. And, if you're unsuccessful, follow up by thanking the interviewer for their time and request feedback. You never know when you might meet them again, and feedback will help you improve for other interviews.
Remember, interviews are a chance to develop your network, connect with potential employers, and demonstrate your suitability for the role. By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to make a positive impression..
Useful resources to support your students in the UCAS Hub
- Subject guides and industry guides: Discover what it's like to study a subject, the career and salary opportunities available, and see what current students and apprentices think.
- Explore the world of work: Access virtual work experiences with a range of employers and build their skills set
- Attend a local UCAS event: Meet employers and universities face-to-face to kickstart that research journey. Prepare questions in advance and make a list of who they may like to meet.
Find out more in The Ultimate Guide to Interviews.