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CONTENTS

1. Do universities do online interviews?

2. Tips to pass an online interview

3. Practicalities

4. Starting your virtual interview

Do universities do online interviews?

If a university shortlists you for a course, it may invite you to attend an in-person or online interview. What type it offers will depend on the subject you are studying and the university.

Courses such as Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing will usually involve interviews, as well as arts courses like Music and Drama. For these courses, interviews aren’t a luxury, but a necessity.

Some universities prefer to offer virtual or online interviews. They might only be for international students, e.g., to do an audition. Other universities offer them to all students, including those from the UK. The universities of Oxford and Cambridge run online interviews for all undergraduate applicants, other than UK students applying to certain colleges.

The university is looking for the same thing from their candidates as with an in-person interview. Their aim is to find out about you as a person, the qualities you offer and how you engage with questions.

A virtual interview is a chance for you to show the uni who you are and why you’re interested in their particular course. It’s also a chance for you to decide if they’re the right fit for you. As you’ll be spending the next three or four years studying there, it's important to ensure a good match on both sides.

Tips to pass an online interview

Prepare answers for common questions

Preparation is key. Most universities will want to know your answers to ‘Why do you want to study the subject?’ and ‘Why do you want to go to this university?’ This means you can have your responses to these questions ready.

You’ll need to demonstrate why you’re a good candidate for their course. Draw on your interests and experience. Show them your passion for the subject, enthusiasm, ambition, and willingness to learn independently. Universities will want to see that you’re keen to improve your skills, deepen your knowledge, and develop your career.

Prepare to talk on camera

Don’t write down answers with the idea that you’ll read them out – it’ll sound stilted. Interviewers will want to engage with you, which means you need to talk to the camera. Practise beforehand by talking through your answers on a video call with a friend. Record yourself doing this, so you can review it afterwards and make changes if required.

• Don’t talk too fast
• Be clear when you speak
• Pause when you finish talking so that interviewers can ask follow-up questions
• Sit up straight – this will project confidence
• Keep good eye contact with interviewers on screen
• Have a glass of water to hand – if nothing else, stopping for a drink gives you time to think!

Prepare for practical assessments

Universities may want to assess your ability to problem-solve. This means you might be set a test example during the interview, which they might share on your screen.

Maths or science-based subjects may ask you to work through a series of problems. Essay-based subjects may ask that you read and analyse a piece of text. Healthcare courses will need to know you can work in a team and think 'on your feet'. You are likely to be set a scenario to assess your flexibility and ability to assess and respond.

You can prepare by practising similar scenarios, so you become confident talking about it on camera.

If you’re doing a music audition, you might need to sight-read and play a piece of music. This will be shown on your screen, so make sure you have a device that’s large enough. Test it out a few times beforehand, so you’re comfortable with the set-up and can focus on performing.

Re-read your personal statement

Interviewers might ask about things you included in your personal statement. Make sure you’re familiar and confident with what you wrote. They may ask you to talk in depth about aspects of the subject. For example, what your own ideas are on the topic and how they connect with the reading you’ve done.

Practicalities

Check the tech

Whatever technology you use, you'll need a screen, a camera and a microphone. If your laptop doesn’t have these, you may need to use your smartphone or a tablet. Interviews may take place over Microsoft Teams, in which case you may need to download the app.

Your university will send you detailed instructions on what you need and how to join the interview online.

On the day, make sure you have everything ready:

• Check that your device is fully charged or plugged into a power source
• Check that the internet is working, and that your Wi-Fi signal is strong
• Check that your video call software is working
• Check you have enough light for interviewers to see you
• Check that you won’t be interrupted by parents or siblings; you must be alone in the room

If you’re disabled, you may need adjustments to do your interview online. Let the university know, to see what support they can offer. If you’re at school or college, it may be better to arrange for your interview to take place there, so you can make use of assistive technology. 

Have all you need to hand

Interviewers may ask questions about your personal statement or CV. Having these ready to refer to helps you look professional and prepared, rather than scrambling for an answer.

You might also need:

• A pen and paper to write notes
• Photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence
• Contact details to call in case of technical difficulties

Dress smartly and comfortably

Regardless of whether you’re meeting in person or not, you should still act and look professional. Wear something you feel comfortable in, so that you’re relaxed.

Starting your virtual interview

Arrive on time

The university will send you a link to join. Do this ten minutes before you are due to start, so you can check that your camera and microphone are working. This will avoid adding any unnecessary stress. Never keep the interviewer waiting. You may get further on-screen prompts about actions to take before you start your interview.

During your interview

Make sure you listen carefully to the questions. You can ask your interviewer to repeat or clarify the question if necessary.

Show your thought processes behind your responses. If you’re not sure of the answer, talk through what you do know. Universities will want to know about your critical thinking skills, not just your experience. Show them your thought processes and how you use logic and reason.

If you have technical difficulties, explain what’s happening to the interview team. If you lose the connection, try joining the meeting again. If you still have problems, call the university admissions team to explain.

Do some of your own interviewing

The interview is your chance to ask your own questions, so prepare some in advance. It’ll show you're engaged in the course and interested in the university.

If you’re taking part in a group interview, you can ask questions to make yourself stand out from the other candidates.

Make sure you also check the course pages so you’re familiar with how the uni plans to teach the subject. Think about what questions you might ask about the course. If you’re still deciding between several courses or universities, an interview can help to narrow down your choices.

Relax

Last but not least, remember to relax as you'll interview better this way. You've earned this interview based on merit, and with proper preparation and honest answers, there’s nothing to worry about.