How to land that dream job or university place?

Education isn't just a field of study for me, it's a passion. With experience spanning over 25 years as an educational counsellor and former School Principal of two private schools in Cambridge, UK, I've had the privilege of advising countless young adults. Most of my guidance has been directed towards preparing them for university interviews and job applications.

One of my schools notably stood out, producing more successful candidates for the University of Cambridge than any other education institution in the UK. Whilst these students were bright the fierce competition for a place at the University of Cambridge often boiled down to their interview performance.

To my astonishment many bright students faltered during the mock interviews I gave them. A classic example was a student aspiring to study Medicine at King’s College Cambridge. When asked about his motivation he delved into a lengthy discourse on India's sewage system. While his intentions were noble, the response was misdirected and overly detailed. This brings me to my first piece of advice: Stay relevant. Ensure your answers align with the interviewer's questions and are concise.

Interviews are not casual conversations, they are oral examinations. Just as you wouldn't sit for a written exam unprepared, you shouldn't walk into an interview without thorough preparation. Anticipate potential questions, draft thoughtful responses and practice mock interviews.

A common pitfall I've observed is candidates being lured by the prospect of a lucrative salary. Interviewers seek genuine passion, not monetary motivations.

Another challenge is the "trap questions.” These are designed not to test your knowledge but to gauge your reaction under pressure. For instance, I once quizzed a student applying to read engineering at university about how he would sell an embedded engineering product to a hospital, a topic he was clearly unfamiliar with. His flustered response highlighted two critical mistakes: dishonesty by pretending he knew the answer and evasion. My advice? Maintain Integrity. If you're unsure, seek clarification from the interviewer rather than pretending to know.

Here are my top easy-guide tips to help you ace that interview!

1. Research the Company. Before stepping into an interview arm yourself with knowledge about the company's history, culture, values, and recent developments. This not only shows your genuine interest but also helps in tailoring your responses.

2. Know the Job Description: understanding the position you're applying for is crucial. Familiarise yourself with the skills and qualifications required and be ready to demonstrate how your experience aligns with what the job requirements are. Prepare answers for common interview questions. Anticipate potential questions like "Tell me about yourself" or "Why do you want this job?" and rehearse concise, relevant answers.

3. Showcase your achievements and be upbeat and positive. Use the STAR method: “Situation, Task, Action, Result” to highlight specific instances where you've excelled. Your

past successes are the best predictors of your future performance for the interviewer.

4. Dress professionally: First impressions matter. Choose attire that aligns with the company's dress code and culture. When uncertain, it's always better to be slightly overdressed than under dressed.

5. Arrive early. Punctuality is a subtle indicator of your professionalism and respect for the interviewer's time. Arrive between five to ten minutes before the interview starts.

6. Bring essential documents. Have extra copies of your CV and any other requested documents such as academic certificates with you on hand.

7. Listen carefully to the questions being asked of you and be prepared ask relevant questions at the end of the interview. Active listening is key to giving good answers. Also, prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your keen interest in the role and the company’s culture and activities.

8. Follow Up. A short thank- you email post-interview can make a lasting impression. It's a gesture that showcases your gratitude and continued interest.

9. Be yourself. While preparation is paramount, authenticity is equally vital. Let your genuine self shine through and remember that interviews are as much about your evaluating the company as they are about assessing you. You will be a bit nervous. It’s normal so accept it.

In conclusion, interviews are intricate dances of knowledge, composure, and authenticity. While there are numerous nuances to consider, the key lies in preparation. Equip yourself, practise, and walk in with confidence to secure that coveted university place or dream job. Good luck!