Anyone got an good tips of how to get through a tough university interview!only 16 places to 400 applicants!?

Question

I'm applying for direct entry into midwifery so its a pretty tough course to get onto. just sent off my ucas form and hoping for interview. i'm pretty confident person but crumble in interviews!! help!

Answer 1

1. Be yourself - you are unique and their is something special about YOU
2. Be confidant - they picked you for the interview they don't interview everyone, they saw something special
3. Emphasize your positives! you have unique positive things you have done and you only
4. If asked about your weakness use a spinning weakness that can be turned positive. (i.e. sometimes I am overzealous, sometimes I am overambitious..)
5. Not too much drama - don't be overly dramatic or give too much detail (One night in high school ...)
6. Don't namedrop and try to overtly impress them.
7. Dress well, professional but not designer clothes, if you want to be feminine wear a skirt, have your nails done and hair in order.
8. Dress like you are going to a professional office NOT a date

Good Luck

Answer 2

Just be yourself. They're looking for people who are sensitive to the needs of others and empathic. Open minded (because you come across all sorts!) but most of all dedication. They also like to use the word autonomous because this is the way the role of a midwife has become and is becoming. Usually your "open day" which is what it will probably be if you get an interview, consists of writing an answer to an essay style question as well as a formal interview so the decision will be based on a number of elements not just how you do in the interview. You would usually get the essay question before you attend so you can prepare. Being well prepared is the key. Also don't forget that being nervous is a sign of being human and showing some weakness in this type of interview can also be seen as a sign of humility which is a good thing.

Really hope this helps, good luck!!

By the way, if you don't get a place right away pester the life out of the university after you've received notification. Then if someone drops out - which they inevitably do - you'll be the first substitute they think of!

Answer 3

The interview will probably come down to three questions, which may be asked in more convoluted ways than these, but they are:

1. Why Midwifery? If you can't answer that, you have a bigger problem than the interview.

2) Why this institution? This is where 90% of the applicants will fail. Do some research on the institution. How long have they been there, how long has the program been there, who are the teachers and what are they noted for, who are some alumni that are known, such as book authors, lecturers, other teachers. What's going to make you say with pride that you went to that school instead of another?

3) Why YOU? What makes you different from others, your civic achievements, multilingual capacity, ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound.... basically what do you bring to the diversity of the institution that makes you part of the learning experience of the other students that no one else can offer?

Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Certainly do your research about the institution beforehand, and get someone to give you a practice interview - someone with interviewing expreience preferably. When they ask you a question think about what you want to say before opening your mouth - but not for too long, or they will think you are 'hesitant'. Try to frame the answer using your own personal experience. So if they said "How would you deal with an anxious patient?" Think of a time in your life when you have used your skills to calm someone down, and give that as an example. Remember it is your opportunity to show who you are, you obviously believe you can do the job, so just remember to show that to them. Try to relax and be yourself, they will expect some nerves but try to keep a hold of yourself. I know from bitter experience what can go wrong - I was once interviewed for a job that I really wanted, and which I ahd actually been doing for 6 weeks. I had to spend the day with the other applicants which left me feeling very young and inexperienced. I was so nervous on the day that when I went into the interview I went blank, and couldn't think of a single thing to say. Afterwards I was told I was like a rabbit in headlights. If I had've been able to keep my nerves in check I would probably have got the job, now If I go to an interview I remind myself that I am just as good as the other people but different, and that is a good thing. I also make a real effort to stay calm, and concentrate on answering the questions, rather than sitting their with doubts racing through my mind. The biggest thing is to remind yourself before you go in that you ARE the right person for the position. I hope it all goes well for you.

Answer 5

open4one makes some good points. When I applied for vet school there was one place for every 16 applicants and those are the sort of questions they asked. It was more like what could I offer them than what can they offer me. Have a look at their web page, try and find things that make them different from other places offering midwifery and say thats why you want to go there. Try and maintain that you really want to go there. If you have done work experience and even if it wasn't that good make out that it was rewarding, worth while and tell them what you learnt from it. Try and have a question at the end as well, but overall just be yourself, if you have any friends or family ask them to do a mock interview for you to ask you questions like why do you want to be a midwife?how do you think you would cope in an emergency? why do you want to come to cardiff/leeds/manchester wherever you have applied?what qualities do you posses that you think will help you with your job?whats your biggest fault?how will you cope with long hours and work placements etc etc Good luck and if it doesn't work out this time if its what you really want then persistence will pay off

Answer 6

I had a tough interview - it was so bad I gave up trying to create a good impression and just answered their questions - I later heard I was the only applicant who impressed them. So, just be yourself, tell the truth and it is not the end of the world - sometimes interviewers are just as nervous as you!! Another time an interview again and there were two girls, one to interview and one to "read my body language" - a lot of shiiiite but again I thought thats blown it and I got the job. If you have done the work, there is no reason you should not get the job. Good luck - midwives do good jobs and underpaid at that. If you can deliver a baby, then an interview should be a doddle!!!

Answer 7

First of all well done for applying and i am sure your confidence will come through in your application form.
Interviews are pants and it does not matter who you are it is nerve racking from the start. I once went for an interview not only was I the oldest but also least qualified and I got the job.
I went in knowing my subject well, I walked in head held up high and said hello and handed them my hand to shake which not only shocked the hell out of them but also impressed them too.
When I was asked each question I thought about what they said and answered clear and with thought.
If I was unsure I told them so and asked them to repeat question.
On the day make sure you dress in something you feel really comfy in and you know looks good without going over the top.
You will be a good midwife I can tell and welcome to our wonderful world of medicine a worth while career. One question you will be asked is why midwifery so have that all ready in your head and you will be ok.
Good luck fingers crossed.

Answer 8

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Answer 9

do something to get you remembered, or noticed. Oh and always over dress, if anyone asks just say you have another interview to go to or a party or some bullsh*t like that

Answer 10

There is more than one university in existence. If you do not gain to the course why not continue the search.