Preparing for a College or Training Interview

For those of you who have left or are leaving school, you may be nervous at the thought of having an interview. Our advisers have put together some useful hints and tips to help you to prepare and settle those nerves!

Why do I need to have an Interview?

An interview is a chance for a college or training provider to find out a bit more about you and your suitability for the course. This is also an opportunity for
you to find out more about them. Your interview could take place over the phone, be online, or face to face.

Travelling to your Interview...Think About

Preparation – It’s best to plan your journey in advance :how you will get there …bus? train? cycle? walking? Consider practising the journey so you are confident about how long it will take to get there. Aim to be thereat least 10 minutes early – you want to make a good first impression. The West Midlands travel planner can help you to plan the journey journeyplanner.networkwestmidlands.com

Do you know where to report to and who to ask for on
arrival?

Online Interviews

Make sure your phone or computer is charged up.

Aim to set up your computer at least 20 minutes before your interview to ensure everything is up and running and to give you time to resolve any IT problems.

Do you have the details of how to join your meeting to hand? Arrange for a quiet space in your home for the time of your interview and make sure family members are aware it is taking place so that you are free from interruptions and distractions.

Make sure you have an appropriate background setting – you can download free backgrounds online.

Make sure you won’t be disturbed by other mobile phones – switch them off or put them on silent.

Telephone Interviews

Make sure your phone is fully charged and that you have a clear signal

What to take/Have to hand

Your college / training provider will let you know what you need to bring – this can include:

Your qualifications or predicted grades: you are likely to be asked about any previous qualifications you have achieved or your predicted grades if you are awaiting your results.

You may be asked about any other activities you have
participated in at school or outside of school.

Interviews can be nerve racking – it’s a good idea to
write down any questions you may have about the
college, training provider or course (s) that you are
interested in.

What to wear at your interview

Dressing smart / causal is usually appropriate for a
college interview. You don’t have to be too formal and
wear a suit, however you do want to make a good
impression and should aim to have a clean and smart
appearance

Don't

Wear a baseball cap

Have too much Jewellery or make-up on as this
can be distracting

Wear clothes that are too tight or too big

Wear clothes that need repairing

Questions you might be asked at your interview

We have compiled some questions that you may be asked at your post 16 interview. A Birmingham Careers Service Adviser can support you in answering these and preparing you for your interview.

Applying online...Are You IT Ready?

Many of you will be making applications online, making
a good first impression is important! Have you checked
to see if :

Your email address is suitable.

Your voicemail message is clear and sounds
professional?

Get some help

Has someone read through your application form?
Getting someone to look through it with a fresh
perspective can help to spot any errors and let you
know if you have missed anything out.