Excelling in your exams and being shortlisted by the University of your dreams is a major feat. But Pearl Mathias tells you about the next big step, acing your interview
Whether you’re a prospective student, a recent graduate or an international student looking for placement abroad, a Skype interview is a must these days. Although the nervousness of waiting outside the room, muttering a few last minute prayers or straightening your outfit to look presentable, won’t be the same. However, knowing that your fate lies on the other side of the table or internet is daunting enough. Exam results and personal statements can only say so much about your suitability for a degree, especially on competitive courses, so your interview is your best chance at setting a good impression. When preparing for interviews abroad, simply slipping on your smartest tie and memorizing a set of interview answers may not be enough to secure a place at your desired school.
On asking Professor Jane den Hollander, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University, Australia; what qualities did they look for in students besides their academic qualifications, she replied, “Enthusiasm for learning and a curiosity about new challenges. The confidence and communication skills to actively engage in discussion with peers and lecturers. The ability to engage with a diversity of cultures. Strong technology skills and a willingness to keep learning. Problem-solving ability and also the ability to think outside the square. The ability to think critically, to analyse and discriminate, navigating the vast array of information facing us today. They should also be good at working in teams.”
WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENT QUESTIONS ASKED?
• Tell me a little bit about yourself.
• What was your greatest responsibility in your work or daily life?
• How would you deal with difference of opinions in a team?
• How would you demonstrate your leadership qualities in situations such as the above?
• Who are your role models? And what is the single most important lesson you have learned from him/her?
• How would you implement this life lesson or quality in your daily life?
• What is your biggest strength/ weakness?
• What do you consider to be one of your biggest accomplishments?
What students who interviewed with foreign universities had to say:
DISHANTH KEMBHAVI who interviewed at BiTS (Business and Information Technology School), Berlin “Know about your interviewer with a clear prior conversation or conduct small research. Know the intricate details about the course or program you are applying to. This will help in good conversation with the interviewer and will also help you understand what and how you would benefit from the program, and which subject is most apt for you. Stay honest and say what is needed, not more. In an interview with a foreign university, one must learn to stay true to their word when asked questions which are subjective. Speak when spoken to. Especially in a Skype interview, although at times a bad internet connection will not prevent this.”
SACHIN NAIK who interviewed at Deakin University Geelong Australia. “First of all the university representatives would ask you for a statement of purpose. It should explain in detail why you want to pursue the course. Then they would like to know what kind of a person you are apart from studies. What are your hobbies, accomplishments and so forth? The best way to prepare for an interview is to keep your documentation in order, know what you want to achieve, have a clear idea of the course and what the university symbolizes.”
RASHI ARORA who is studying at London College of Communication “The best way to be prepared is to be really confident and as alert as to what you speak. The way you present yourself to them; if they ask you to show your work, do show them, talk about it in detail so that you can keep them interested as to whatever you have done. Don’t keep repeating your sentences, try to bring some good points for the things you want to talk to them, get to know the background, professors of the university which you plan to apply for. Choose the best projects, don’t show too much of work, always show the rough work that you have done along with the final project that you are interested to execute to them.”
SHWETA RAO* who interviewed at London Business School, INSEAD, and Stanford “Research: Read up all the material available online about the university and the program you are applying to. Understand what they are known for / good at. Tap your networks: get in touch with alumni or current students to learn about their experiences, how they went through the process, and why they decided on the specific university. Know your story: Understand their selection criteria and pick out some stories of yourself that highlight some of those traits and most importantly, practice.”
*name changed for privacy purposes
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU NEED TO KEEP IN MIND DURING A SKYPE INTERVIEW?
• Wear a shirt or dress formal and groom yourself just like it’s a face-to-face interview.
• Stay focused on the screen or webcam. Always maintain contact and don’t get distracted.
• Be seated in a silent room without echo.
• Check your headphones and keep them ready well in advance.
• Put your phone on silent as you would during any other interview.
• Try to talk at a normal pace and be loud and clear as a bad internet connection could lead to a misunderstood conversation or having to repeat yourself.
• Greet and introduce yourself properly and precisely.
• Don’t talk too long. Be concise and answer to the point.
• Prepare yourself well in advance. Make a bullet point list that you can refer to during the interview.
• Tidy your surroundings.
• If you encounter an unexpected question, it is OK to take a few seconds to gather your thoughts and even use fillers while you do so, such as “that’s an interesting question, I don’t think I have considered it before.
• Remember why this is important to you, it will set you up well to answer any question.
• Think about how your experience (part-time jobs and volunteering for example) translates into the skills that are important for international study.
• Don’t be trapped by your own frame of reference, think about why the interviewer is asking a particular question.
“Enthusiasm for learning and a curiosity about new challenges.The ability to engage with a diversity of cultures and a willingness to keep learning. Problem-solving ability and also the ability to think outside the square. These are a few essential qualities in a candidate”, states Professor Jane den Hollander, Vice Chancellor, Deakin University.
