Interview tips and guides

Feeling excited about being shortlisted for an interview but unsure how to prepare for it? This resource guides you to prepare for your interview. If you need more help in preparing for interviews, please approach your teacher or ECG Counsellor. They can help you discover more about your interests and assist you in preparing your interview.


Feeling prepared? Let's get you interview-ready.

An overview about interviews

When you apply for school admissions, scholarships, internships or a job, you may be required to go through an interview.


It is important to prepare well for the interview in order to create a good impression and to stand out from the rest of the interviewees.


There are different types of interviews:
  • One-on-one interview
  • Panel interview
  • Group interview
  • Video conferencing interview


Regardless of the type of interview you are attending, the interviewer is seeking to find out more about you and determine if you are the best fit for the academic course, scholarship, internship or job.

Preparing for interview questions

Next, look out for practical tips on how you can prepare for an interview, such as components of the interview, grooming, and planning your responses to common interview questions.


Common interview questions

Q1: Tell us more about yourself.

You can structure your answer in the following manner:

  • Your name and current school
  • Your interests, skills and strengths relevant to the course you are applying for
  • Your aspirations
Name and current school
Relevant interests, skills and strengths
Aspirations
I am John and I am from Grange Secondary School / Junior College
I am a fast learner and a problem solver, and I enjoy interacting with different people and hearing their stories and experiences.
I enjoy the environment in cafes, as I feel that they are places where people come together in a relaxed setting. Hence I aim to set up my own cafe.

Q2: If you are accepted into this course, how can you value-add to our school?

Your answer can include the following:

  • Show that you understand the school's values, mission, and notable programs, demonstrating genuine interest in the school.
  • Highlight your skills, experiences, and achievements (e.g. academics, co-curricular activities, leadership, or work experience).
  • Emphasize your willingness to engage with the school community, contribute to group projects, and participate in co-curricular activities.
  • Share your aspirations for using the knowledge and skills gained from the course to positively impact the school community and beyond.
Response
Rationale
I understand that the Student Union plays an active role in organising events for students to participate in.
Shows understanding of the school' s notable programmes.
As I enjoy working with people, I believe I can contribute actively in the Student Union by participating in or organising events, to build a vibrant school community.
Aspirations to positively impact the school community

Q3: Share an area for improvement or a challenge you have faced and how you have overcome it?

Your answer should:

  • Demonstrate an awareness of yourself, as well as your drive towards self-improvement.
  • Be something that you are comfortable sharing, and not related to the course or job role you are applying for (e.g. You should not be sharing about finding design work challenging if you are applying for a design-related course or job role).
Area for Improvement / Challenge
How I overcame it
An area for improvement that I had but have since overcome is time management.

In Sec 3 / Pre-U 1, I found it difficult to cope with my studies after taking up a leadership position in my CCA. I also realised that I did not have sufficient time for my friends and family, due to my various commitments in school.
I started to plan my time properly by having a personal daily schedule, and made use of empty pockets of time to seek consultations from my teachers to clarify doubts. I started seeing my results improve. I also deliberately made time to have dinner with my friends or family members to catch up with them.

What to look out for during the interview

Next, look out for practical tips on what you should do on the actual day of the interview. These tips would apply to both face-to-face and video interviews.



Some interviewers may end the interview by asking if you have any questions for them. It is important for you to prepare these questions, so that you will not be caught by surprise. It also reflects positively on you as it shows your interest in the position you are applying for.


Your question(s) can include the following:
  • Curriculum and opportunities within the course, such as internships, research projects, or study abroad programs.
  • Education and career pathways for graduates of this course.
  • Next steps in the application process, and when you can expect to hear back about your application.