Interview Tips

We have put together a selection of tips and resources for candidates who are preparing for a job interview in the HE sector.

Job interviews can be challenging but they are also an opportunity to shine. You’ve got to the interview stage so someone believes in you! Recognize performance anxiety for what it is and use it to keep you sharp and focused while preparing for a job interview.

Research the employer

Sounds obvious, but what do you know about your potential employer? Their website is a good place to start and it is helpful to know some key facts and figures.  If you have prior experience of working with the institution or know people from there who have had a good experience  – mention it. 

Research the role – and show your passion for it

Higher education institutions in the UK can vary greatly in culture and approach, from large, research-focused universities to smaller teaching-oriented colleges. Research the specific institution you’re interviewing with as part of preparing for a job interview to understand its ethos. Look at:

• The institution’s mission and values (often found on their website).
• Whether the university focuses more on research or teaching, or a balance of both.
• The department’s approach to teaching, learning, and research.

A common piece of generic advice when preparing for a job interview is to ‘review the job posting carefully to understand what the employer is looking for. Highlight the skills, qualifications, and experience required for the role. Think about how your background matches the job’s responsibilities and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you meet those criteria during the interview.

The above was generated from AI – thanks AI! It is great advice and I am sure our candidates already know it! We recommend showing your motivation and passion for the job too – if there is a tie break between two candidates, who is the interviewer going to remember and appoint? It’ll be the person who could clearly express why they love the sector, how they understand the role and who brim with enthusiasm about the value they will bring to the organisation. This preparation will help you be successful in the job interview.

Prepare for a teaching demonstration

For teaching roles (lecturer, tutor, etc.), many UK universities require candidates to give a teaching demonstration as part of the interview process. The purpose is to evaluate your teaching style, clarity, engagement, and how well you communicate complex ideas. Preparation is key for a job interview.

• Be concise, engaging, and interactive: Create a brief but informative session that encourages interaction, even if it’s with a small group of interviewers.
• Know the audience: Tailor your demonstration to the level of students you’d be teaching (undergraduate, postgraduate, etc.).
• Use technology and resources: If possible, integrate multimedia, handouts, or slides to enhance your demonstration.
• Prepare for questions: Be ready to answer questions related to your demonstration, teaching philosophy, or the content you presented. This confidence demonstrates your preparedness for the interview.

Know current trends in Higher Education

UK higher education is constantly evolving, and interviewers may ask you about current trends and challenges facing the sector, such as:

• Student experience and engagement, and remote learning.
• Diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in both teaching and research.
• Research funding and the impact of research on society.
• The shift towards digital learning and technology integration in education.
• Brexit’s impact on international students and research collaborations.

Being able to discuss these trends in a job interview demonstrates that you understand the wider context in which the institution operates when preparing for a job interview.

Highlight your research and teaching expertise

In academia, your research is just as important as your teaching, and interviewers will want to hear about both:

• Teaching: Demonstrate how you approach the student experience, whether it’s through innovative teaching methods, engagement strategies, or assessment techniques. Preparing for a job interview involves highlighting these teaching methods.

• Research: Be prepared to discuss your past research, how it contributes to the field, and your future research plans. Research-led teaching is highly valued in the UK, so show how you can integrate your research into your teaching practice when preparing for the job interview.