Section For School Leavers :

Interview Information

I’ve applied, what’s the next step?

Once you’ve applied to the College, you will receive a letter of acknowledgement which will advise you of the next stage. This may be a date for an interview or it may tell you that interview times have not yet been arranged and that you will be contacted later.

It will give you the contact details of the administration officer who is dealing with your application. If you need to change any personal details or have any enquires regarding your application you should contact them.

Interview letter

You will be sent a letter detailing the date and time of your interview. You should also be given an idea of the length of time and what to expect at the interview.

What should I wear?

Wear something that is smart, appropriate and that you feel comfortable in.

Many students come directly from school for the interviews so are wearing their school uniforms.

What should I bring with me?

Please bring any reports, references or certificates that are relevant to show your interviewer. These can include references from work placements or proof of activities such as Duke of Edinburgh Scheme.

Should I come alone?

Some applicants choose to bring a parent or guardian with them and this is fine, however they may not always be invited in to the interview unless there is a special reason for them to support you.

Friends, brothers and sisters will not be invited into the interview.

What should I do on arrival?

Stoke Park - report to reception in the main building.

Merrist Wood - report to the area detailed on your interview letter (if in doubt report to Information, Admissions and Careers in the Harris centre).

You will be directed where to go next. It is important that you arrive on time, so give yourself plenty of time to get there.

What should I do if I can’t attend the interview?

Let us know as soon as possible so that we can discuss rescheduling your interview. Please be aware that interview spaces are filled well in advance and your next interview may be for considerably later in the year.

Call the number of your administrator and either talk to them directly or leave a clear message.

If you have not had a response from the college within 10 working days please call your administrator again.

Planning for the interview

Be well prepared – make sure you know the time, date and place of your interview and the name of your interviewing tutor, if possible.

Plan your journey before hand as delays may result in your interview being rescheduled or a long wait.

Be organised - remember to bring with you anything that you’ve been asked for.

Think ahead – about the course you are applying for, questions you might be asked, questions you might want to ask and why you’ve applied for this particular course.

Remember to switch your mobile phone off.

Before the interview

For a vocational course such as beauty or construction you will be asked to complete a very short computer programme which will show the interviewer the level of skills you are working at. You may also be asked to complete a piece of free writing.

If you have identified that you need additional support on your application form you will have been contacted prior to interview to discuss your needs.

This information is used to ensure that you are placed on the right level of course and will not have an effect on the success of your interview.

During the interview

The interviewer will ask questions about yourself and why you’ve applied for the course. If you get a question you don’t know how to answer, be honest and say you don’t know. Above all, smile and be yourself, it’s you we want to get to know.

You may also be asked about your hobbies and interests and what you hope to achieve in the future. The interviewer will also tell you about the course how it is assessed and what is expected of you as a Guildford College student.

At the end of the interview there will be an opportunity for you to ask questions and discuss any other matters.