Interview Questions

Hank_Jones

I am applying as mature student to DKIT and have an interview coming up soon, I was wondering if anyone could tell me the kind of questions that the interviewer is likely to ask as I am not familiar with college interviews and want to prepare answers that might be of some help to me.
Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Larianne

I wrote this on another thread:

This is just general advice...

First off, Be yourself. Say what you want to say, in your own words otherwise you'll trip yourself up. (I made that mistake 1st time round). A good thing to do is write down the questions you'd like to be asked and then prepare answers for them.

Wear something you're comfortable in. I wore a suit the first time around but then this year wore a dress with cardigan and flats. Felt much better. I dunno if you're a guy/girl. Suppose for guys slacks with shirt and jumper is fine. Neat and smart is the way to go.

Always look them in the eye when speaking to them and give a good handshake.

Understand the course you want to do - Know what is taught on the course, modules, placements, semesters. Know what type of areas you can go into after the course and if you have an idea of what area you'd like to work in. If you've talked to other students doing the course make sure to mention that. Obviously if you've gotten any work experience mention that.

Also, they may ask you how will you cope with the heavy study workloads. Mention any study skills you have learnt or if you've used a reflective learning journal (that seems like a BIG plus for me when I mentioned it). They want to know if you can cope with full time study so make sure you are very confident about it. If you've done any recent courses/training explain how you coped.

They may ask how will you cope financing the course. Wasn't asked at my interview at TCD but was asked at UL.

Use your life experience to show what type of person you are... you don't need to come across cocky just speak to them like you're speaking to a family friend about why you want to do the course. They'll be looking at your communications skills as well so good thought out answers will serve you well. The interview I went for was pretty informal. I'm guessing all the interviews for mature entry are held that way.

And always have 2 or 3 questions to ask them. Whether its what the timetable is like, how many other mature students are there on the course, placements, research opportunities, when will you find out about an offer, etc.

Okay so I don't want to be negative but don't be dismayed if you don't get in this year. I got in on my 2nd attempt. I contacted the heads of the department of each college and asked what my weaknesses were and spent the last year making my application stronger. So don't be disheartened.

But if you prepare your interview well you shouldn't have a problem!

What course are you hoping to get?

Hank_Jones

It was a video & film course, the interview was today, I was like a deer in the headlights, I answered the questions alright but felt I probably could have elongated my answers slightly, that's the problem with talking, sentences always run much easier in your head, before you stutter them out.
I think I possibly prepared far too many job related interview questions rather than questions regarding the course.
It's a learning process I suppose.

Thanks for your help.

Hank_Jones

I got an offer of a place on the course in the post today, I guess they were impresseed with my deer like charm.

There is a list of sample job interview questions on the Dudalk IT website that helped me alot with the interview.

link: http://ww2.dkit.ie/student_life/student_services/careers/students/faq/want_help_with_finding_and_applying_for_a_job/sample_interview_questions

Larianne

Congrats on getting a place!

Jessie52

Hi Larianne

I have an interview on the 14th of May for Vet Nursing and your advise is brilliant.

Thanks so much

Mona Olsen

Hi, I have an interview next week, it's my second time so I'm well prepared - but I'm totally stumped what to ask at the end! I know it looks good to have a question or two, but I have done so much research, work exp, talking to other mature students on the course, that I feel everything I should know I do know! And any question I can make up makes me sound inept as I should know the answer already.

Larianne

Jessie - you're very welcome. Love hearing people getting interviews etc.

Mona - Could you maybe ask about a certain aspect of placements? Where you could be put or if you can request a certain area of placement?

Play a teeny bit dumb so even if you know stuff, ask the question OR, a good thing is to get clarification about something you already know. You could say something along the lines of "I have been speaking to some students on the course and they were telling me about 'X'..." and then ask a question related to that. It shows that you have been speaking to students, doing you're research and you want to know more.

Best of luck. They'll remember you at least

Mona Olsen

Belated thanks Larianne! I had my intervirew last week - it went well, they remembered me from last year so it was all very positive and I didn't have to so through the standard questions again. For the questions part I took your advice and mentioned I had spoken to a graduate about current employment opportunities and it just led to being just ended up being a discussion about the future of the industry itself. So fingers crossed for a result!