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Good luck to everyone with an interview in the next few weeks! I've been asked by a couple of people for some last minute advice, based on my own experiences: [Thread]
1. Be yourself.
The interviewers want to get to know YOU, the real you. Be your best self but don't put on an act. Let all your uniqueness (or weirdness!) shine through! In mine, we discussed strange historical fiction and an essay I'd written about daddy issues in the monarchy!
The interviewers want to get to know YOU, the real you. Be your best self but don't put on an act. Let all your uniqueness (or weirdness!) shine through! In mine, we discussed strange historical fiction and an essay I'd written about daddy issues in the monarchy!
2. Don't be afraid to get things wrong/not know things/change your mind.
The interview is supposed to recreate a supervision so you should expect to learn throughout. They want to see how you respond to new information, not how many facts you know.
The interview is supposed to recreate a supervision so you should expect to learn throughout. They want to see how you respond to new information, not how many facts you know.
3. Think out loud.
The interviewers want to understand how you think and like it when you help them. Explaining your thought process also allows them to guide you towards a solution. If you are unsure as to the answer to a question, try not to sit there in silence.
The interviewers want to understand how you think and like it when you help them. Explaining your thought process also allows them to guide you towards a solution. If you are unsure as to the answer to a question, try not to sit there in silence.
4. Make notes on the source.
This is specifically for historians - the interview will often involve some source analysis and it's a good idea to write down your ideas. I was given three short sources and made a table comparing them. Making notes gets you thinking.
This is specifically for historians - the interview will often involve some source analysis and it's a good idea to write down your ideas. I was given three short sources and made a table comparing them. Making notes gets you thinking.
5. Afterwards, you will probably think it went badly.
I was convinced I had done awfully and burst into tears in front of the Corn Exchange! Most applicants think their interview was a disaster. I know it's hard but try not to second guess your performance.
I was convinced I had done awfully and burst into tears in front of the Corn Exchange! Most applicants think their interview was a disaster. I know it's hard but try not to second guess your performance.
Please DM/tweet/curious cat me if you have any questions. I can't give super specific advice but I'm always happy to help where I can! Good luck! #CambTweet
