Careers Service

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Interviews

Congratulations you have been invited for an interview for a job or course.

For many interviews it is likely you will be asked questions around:

  • Why you have applied to the organisation or institution.
  • Why you are interested in the role or course.
  • Assessing if you have the skills and attributes to do the job or complete the course.

Many interviews include competency or strength based questions, and for some roles you may be asked technical or commercial questions.

To find out more download our comprehensive interview guide to find out about types of interviews, including skype and telephone. Includes example questions.

How to prepare

Understanding the requirements of the job or course will help you to predict the types of questions you may be asked.

Practice and get advice

  • Information and advice Talk to a member of the Information team without appointment for advice and tips.
  • Take a practice video interview on Graduates First You will be able to play it back and receive automated feedback on your communication style and some sample answers for the questions.
  • Careers guidance appointment Discuss interview technique, get tips for preparing for a forthcoming interview or chat about how a past interview went.
  • Interview simulation appointment The simulation will take the form of a role play where the Careers Consultant takes the part of the interviewer and asks you questions before giving you feedback on your performance. Interview simulations can be booked for face-to-face, telephone or video interviews.
  • Worried about your upcoming interview? Here are some ideas that may help to calm your nerves and create a positive impression

Worried about affording an interview outfit?

Smart Works is a charity which offers women a free outfit for a job interview. You need to book a 2 hour appointment with them and travel to one of their offices, (the closest to campus is in Stockport, close to the railway station). The first hour of the appointment is a fashion consultation where a volunteer helps you select your outfit which is yours to keep, including accessories such as shoes, coat and tights. The second hour is interview advice and support.

  • Book with the Manchester Smart Works office by phoning 0161 974 0669.
    N.B their website says you must be referred by a partner agency but they have told us they are happy for women to self-refer. If you have any difficulties contact us and we will refer you.
  • You must have a real interview coming up.
  • There is no means-test to qualify.

Smart Works only provide outfits for women. Unfortunately we are not aware of a similar service for men at this time.,

Interview insights

‌‌Check our interview feedback file in the Atrium to find out what other students were asked at interview.

Want to tell us how your interview went? Complete an Interview feedback form for the file and email it to careers.info@manchester.ac.uk.

More interview tips

Need a quiet space for a Skype or Telephone interview?