Here’s our school interview skills feature.
top SCHOOL INTERVIEW Skills
This is part of our top tips for different types of interview’ series, which includes
- private school interview tips
- Graduate interview tips
- school interview tips
- interview skills
- Oxbridge interview tips
- job interview tips
- virtual interview tips
What’s the purpose of private school interviews?
For the school to:
- Assess if the student (and parents, to some extent) is a good fit for the school and vice versa.
- Get to know the student beyond what can be found on an application and school reports.
- Explain the nuts and bolts of how it works, and to differentiate the distinguishing features they offer.
- Detail the enrolment process and when the school may be able to offer a place.
INTERVIEW Advice for parents
- If you’re running late, phone the school and let them know. Allow plenty of time to travel so you and your child are relaxed and ready for the meeting.
- Be flexible when arranging the time. The vast majority of interviews occur during school hours.
- Ensure the school has all relevant information before the interview, including school reports, specialist reports, exam results, etc.
- Schools are legally obligated to cater for any child’s needs by making any reasonable adjustments.
- Do not answer any question directed towards your child. Allow your child to answer questions and be themselves.
- Make sure you ask any questions you may have, but also listen to the answers and don’t interrupt the interviewer.
- Do ask further questions by email after the interview.
2023 SCHOOL INTERVIEW TIPS for children
- Get a good night’s sleep before the interview.
- Don’t worry if you are nervous – most students are.
- Dress to impress. Your current school uniform is fine as long as it is worn well.
- Otherwise, wear good casual clothes.
- Find out the school’s uniform regulations and dress similarly.
- Be prepared to answer questions. Explain your answers and be calm and articulate, but don’t over-explain.
- Make sure you know something about the school. The more research the better.
- Read the prospectus and website, and ask other families you know who have children at the school. Think of a few good questions to ask.
- Make sure you have a firm handshake and always use eye contact. Good posture makes a strong impression,
- So sit up tall and don’t slouch, fidget, bite your nails, pull your hail or chew gum.
- Use your best manners. Say please and thank you to show your appreciation. Call the interviewer Sir or Madam, Mr or Mrs.
- Never answer your phone or check text messages.
- Always be honest. If you don’t know the answer to a question, just say so. Remember, there are no right or wrong answers.
2023 SCHOOL INTERVIEW questions
- The following are just some examples of questions that may be asked to students enrolling in Years 3 to 11.
- We advise parents to prepare their child to answer any question that may be thrown at them.
- Encourage them to answer in an audible and articulate voice.
- Always try to answer with a full sentence or more, rather than just “yes” or “no”.
- What are your favourite/best subjects?
- And your weaknesses? What subjects do you not enjoy? What subjects/work habits require improvement?
- What do you want to do when you leave school?
- Why are you interested in our school? What did you like about the school (if they have been on a tour)?
- Who in your life has been the greatest influence on you?
- What will you do to contribute to our school?
- Tell me about a challenge you have overcome?
- And your hobbies/interests? (Mention sport, music, etc)
- What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time?
- Do you believe your school reports truly reflect your ability and effort? Explain.
- Favourite types of books to read?What books do you read?
- Do you have a favourite author or series? Can you recommend a good book/website/app/game?
- Is there anything you could have done differently in school?
- Tell me about your family. Do you have siblings?
- Have you ever been in major trouble at school, or have you ever been suspended or expelled?
- Do you have any health needs (this includes mental health)?
- Have you ever received academic support in school?
Graduate Interview Tips
- Interviews that are structured around a set of competencies. These need to have been shown to be considerably more reliable and predictive of future work performance. Compared to the traditionally “unstructured” interview format.
- A well-conducted interview should form the basis of every selection process.
- Thus, the most effective way of predicting job performance is to use a mix of assessments. In addition to a graduate interview.
Matching assessment exercises to the role and level
- Graduate level assessment typically involve several online aptitude tests and a personality profile.
- Managerial roles require a range of assessment exercises and psychometric tools.
- These are complex roles requiring a broad range of skills, knowledge and abilities involved.
- It is fairer and more professional for a company to use this multi-assessment approach.
Assessment Options
- Graduate interviews at Assessment Centres
- Group Exercise
- In-tray Exercise
- Fact Find Exercise
- Role Play design / Interactive Exercise
- Development Centre design and development exercises
Panel Interviews
For many jobs:
- the interview alone will be the most appropriate approach.
- For many basic level operative and clerical jobs! Then the interview should be conducted in an as informal and encouraging way as possible.
- It is not appropriate to use a complex battery of assessment techniques for jobs requiring basic level skills.
- Rather than enhance the outcome, this is more likely to put potential applicants off.
- Never use assessment tools for their own sake.