You can do so by preparing yourself to answer common interview questions, such as “Why do you want to attend this university?” and “What are your academic and career goals?” Practising your answers in advance can help you feel more confident during the interview.
Preparing for questions in advance
Preparing for questions that you don’t know the answer to can be challenging, but there are some strategies that you can use to handle these situations. Staying calm, remembering that it’s ok not to know the answer to each question, being honest and asking for clarification will show the interviewer you are keen to understand the question and it gives you more time to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
If you are asked a question that you don’t know the answer to, try to show your thought process and how you would go about finding the answer. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to think critically.
Remember, the goal of the interview is to showcase your skills, qualifications, and potential. Even if you don’t know the answer to every question, you can still make a positive impression by showing your willingness to learn and your ability to handle difficult situations in a professional and thoughtful manner.
Preparing to answer common interview questions can be a useful way to feel more confident and prepared for the interview. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:
Strategies to help you address common interview questions
Learning about the university and program you are applying to, including their academic offerings, research opportunities, and faculty will help answer questions about why you are interested in the program and how it aligns with your academic and career goals.
Always remember to review your resume, personal statement, and other application materials to refresh your memory about your accomplishments, academic background, and relevant experience.
Remember to also write out answers to common interview questions and practice saying them out loud. This will help you feel more comfortable with the material and improve your delivery.
STAR method
When answering behavioral questions that ask about specific situations, use the STAR method to structure your response. This method involves describing the Situation, Task, Action, and Result of a specific scenario to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and experience.
Don’t forget to provide specific examples and details to support your answers. This will help you come across as thoughtful and well-prepared. It is also important to provide specific examples, it’s also important to keep your answers concise and focused. Avoid rambling or going off-topic during your responses.
By practicing your answers with friends, family members, or mentors and ask for feedback on your delivery and content. This can help you refine your responses and identify areas where you may need more preparation.
Researching the interviewer beforehand to get an idea of their background and interests can help tailor your responses to perspectives and interests.
