Interview formats

University interview formats will differ depending on which institution you are interviewing at and the course you are interviewing for. This video gives further information on the formats that currently run here at the University of York for a range of our interviewing courses.

Often, interviews will be part of a larger event where you may get the chance to meet with academic staff, current students and other interviewees. You may also have the chance to see the department or the wider campus again (or for the first time if you’ve not been before!)

Some departments and institutions will build time in to the day to allow you to decompress and speak to staff about anything that has worried you or potentially upset you during your interview. This allows you to get it all off your chest and go home feeling that you’ve said everything you could. Depending on what the situation is, the department may be able to resolve your issue there and then, or at least provide you with a sounding board so that you know you have spoken up.

Due to the pandemic, many institutions and courses have kept their interviews online, however, it is likely that if this is the case for you, you will still get the chance to have a welcome talk from academic staff or to see a programme talk.

Some interview formats require you to physically do something, whether that be to audition, show examples of your work, or to give a pitch. Make sure you know if you are required to do this and prepare appropriately.

Please also remember to treat all the staff and students you meet at a university interview politely and with respect! Often if a department receives multiple complaints about an applicant, they will be rejected from the course. It’s nice to be nice!

The key is to read your invitation to interview carefully!. This will detail what the format of your interview will be and give you important information to allow you to prepare properly, and to go into the interview process with a good idea of what will happen. This is looked at in more detail in the Understanding your invitation to university interview step.

Have you already attended a university interview? What was the format like? Share with the community in the discussion below to give some examples!