Successful applications and interviews

There can be a lot of competition for some courses, so follow our tips to make sure you stand out from the rest.

 

When applying for postgraduate study, you will need to demonstrate a strong interest in the programme you are applying and outline why you are a strong applicant.

 

While application forms can differ from college to college and from course to course, you are still likely to be asked the same questions: academic achievements, professional qualifications, employment experience and whether you have been awarded any scholarship.

 

If you are applying for a business course such as MBA, you will also be asked for your personal statements. Personal statements, which are usually a page long, allow you to sell yourself. Depending on which college you are applying for, use different statements as each application may need a different emphasis.

 

Be positive and enthusiastic, and most importantly use good English. If your statement is fresh, lively, and different, you'll be putting yourself ahead of the crowd. Be clear and concise, and stay within the word limit.

 

Pay attention to its presentation. If your handwriting is poor, type the statement out. Make sure you read and re-read your statement very carefully. Spell and grammar check it over and over again. To make sure it is error-free, get your final draft checked by friends, academics or the career advisor.

 

While you may not be interviewed for a taught Masters, PhD candidates are usually interviewed for their programmes. The postgraduate study interview is similar to your job interview. Therefore, you should prepare for it as you would a job interview. Not only that, showing enthusiasm and asking the appropriate questions will help you ace the interview. Academic interviews are usually less formal than job interviews, but occasionally you might be questioned on your subject knowledge.

 

For vocational courses, the interviews are likely to be more formal than interviews for research. A good thing to consider is to dress exactly the way you would a job interview. Smart casual dressing is usually acceptable for academic interviews, but business studies departments might expect a little bit more formality for theirs. Interviews for research are likely to require less formal dressing. However, if in doubt, always dress smartly.

 

For most taught programmes, you can expect to find the Programme Manager or Head of Department and/or a member of academic staff on the interviewing panel. For research programmes, the Research Supervisor will sit in on the interview. As academics may not be trained interviewers, you may have to take the initiative to get the interview going.

 

The most important thing an interview will do is to suss you out as an individual. Interviews are conducted to find out these things about you: Will you fit in? Are you a good team member? The answers to such questions are extremely important in smaller departments.

 

As interviews are also conducted to gauge your enthusiasm, avoid simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers. Provide more details, especially if you are asked a closed question, such as ‘Have you enjoyed your course?’ Remember to be polite but at the same time do not be afraid to enter into discussion and stand your ground. Some interviewers will deliberately challenge your replies to see if you can argue your point effectively. These are techniques to look at your ability to think for yourself. The interviewers will then be more interested in your ideas, attitudes and opinions than getting the ‘right answer’.

 

Want to be prepared for your interview? Research the department carefully before you go for the interview. Make note of any questions you want to ask. Check out the research interests of academic staff in the department. You can also read the draft of your application again to anticipate questions they may ask you. That way you can work out in advance rough answers to commonly asked questions.

 

During the interview, try to ask the panel at least one question, as this will indicate enthusiasm and interest on your part. Most prospectuses are frequently lacking in detail. You may have questions you need to ask to decide whether the course is for you or not.

 

Here are some questions to consider: