Post Graduate Interview Preparation Guide

This does not mean your personal life. The interviewers do not want to know that you were born in chef field but grew up with your cat in scarborough. Tell them why you are passionate about the field of study you want to study in then tell them of any professional experience you have. Keep the answer relevant and concise; facts and figures are helpful for doing this.

This is your time to shine! If you are asked this question, it gives you permission to go all out with listing your best skills but be careful how many skills you list. Reeling off a list of skills with no evidence will not impress the panel. Instead, focus on three or four skills that make you a great candidate and provide examples. You might be creative, a quick learner, flexible, hold great people and teamwork skills; whatever you are good at, let them know.

This is a tricky question to answer, nobody is perfect after all. Instead, state something which is (or was) a weakness but also explain the steps you have put in place to change this. You could always just provide weaknesses the interviewer already knows such as lacking a postgraduate qualification or state weaknesses that are not related to the course.

If asked this question, it is important not to just state your career goals, you need to explain how you intend to succeed. Broad statements like 'wanting to become a specialist' are unmeasurable, instead you should state that you want to become a recognized leading expert in the field with several published works. The goals should be attainable within the next five years, although you may wish to elaborate further if appropriate.

There are many work philosophies that universities want to see. Motivation, focus, balancing, creativity and resourcefulness are often top of their lists though. Pick out two or three work ethics that you hold and give examples of when you have had to use them, for example, you may have used time creatively in your undergraduate years, balancing work with university.

Although it is tempting to say, "No, of course not, this is the only university I am interested in and I want to spend my dying days in its libraries", everyone knows this probably is not true and as such, it will not help you get on the course. Be honest, if you are looking at a few other courses, tell them, but be sure to say why this course is the best of the bunch.

You can undertake postgraduate study after you have completed a degree or have equivalent work experience. Postgraduate courses include Graduate Diploma, Master and PhD.

This is a popular question that universities ask you in entrance interviews. The key to answering it successfully is to match your answer with your application. Express your interest in the university based on your research. Explain how you are impressed with the successes and achievements of the department or a particular academic that will be involved on your course. Demonstrate your enthusiasm to study at the university and most importantly, explain how you trust it to be the best place to develop your experience and skills.

Second on the list of top interview questions, answering it involves similar skills to the previous question. Think hard about your reasons for applying for a particular course, perhaps it s ai continuation of your undergraduate course or a development of your current career. Consider career aspirations and options at all times and ensure you give a clear idea of your reasons for applying. Prepare your answer for this question carefully as you can expect it to come up at every interview you attend.

Do not give a specific job title or position, you are asking for trouble if you do. Tell the university interview panel instead about a dream career, free from titles or companies. This makes it easier for the interviewer to understand what you want to do, as it allows them to create the job you want in their mind.