How to stand out in a University Physiotherapy Interview in the UK.
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If you have found this post the likelihood is you have secured yourself an undergraduate or postgraduate Physiotherapy Interview.
First of all, WELL DONE. Actually getting an interview is one of the hardest parts of the process, many people are lost to the initial sifting of applications.
Secondly, who am I to be providing advice right? I'm a qualified Physiotherapist in the UK, so I have been in your shoes and been successful (albeit a little while ago now) and I have advised many people over the years about this exact process. I have helped them to be successful in the interviewing process which is the starting block to fulfil their dreams of becoming a Chartered Physiotherapist.
So, keep reading on to find out the different formats of interviews out there, what the interviewers are looking for and the best ways to stand out above the crowd.
How to stand out in a University Physiotherapy Interview in the UK.
1. Typical Formats of Interviews.
2. What are the interviewers looking for?
3. Tips for standing out
4. Places to find out more information.
1. Typical Formats of Interviews.
No two Universities are the same, they all have their own culture; the way that things are done. Just like most things in life one size does not fit all and that is also true of how they choose to interview prospective students.
The common formats include: 1:1 interview, panel interview, group interview, timed written essays.
Some universities choose just one of these formats but most use a combination to make sure they have a well rounded view of the interviewees.
1:1 interviews can vary in length and are usually with one of the course lecturers.
Panel interviews will also likely be with the course lecturers but may also have current students present too.
Group interviews often involve a problem solving task where you will be put into groups with other candidates and have to solve a physical problem together or discuss a hot topic and come up with solutions.
Written essays usually have one or two questions which could include but are not limited to: ideas on how to solve a problem provided, asking you how you have overcome a challenge in your life or why you want to be a Physiotherapist?
2. What are the interviewers looking for?
I hope that I haven't scared you too much with the various ways you might be interviewed. To try and ease your stress, let me give you a few things that you can focus on to demonstrate the following skills and attributes of a Physiotherapist.
Communication. The number one skill that the interviewers are looking for is good communication. If you can communicate effectively, you are halfway to being a great Physio already.
They are looking for you to communicate well with your peers i.e. the other people getting interviewed. Yes technically they are your competition on the day but when you get onto your course they are your course mates and eventually your work colleagues, so be friendly.
They are also looking to see how you communicate to the interviewers i.e. Authority figures; they are looking at how you communicate to the people who are asking questions of you and how you respond to being asked difficult questions.
Problem Solving. Another key skill for any Physiotherapist is knowing how to problem solve. I can guarantee you will not leave an interview without having to do this in some way. The chances are it will not be a task you have done before and there won't necessarily be a right answer. ( If you are anything like me you will hate it when there isn't a right answer!!!)
Team work. Teamwork makes the Dream Work is not a famous saying without reason. To survive in the Physio world you need to be a team player.
Time management. You will likely be given an amount of time to complete a task. Whilst yes the interviewers want to get home after work and want to make sure you catch your train to wherever in the country you call home, there is another reason. Being a Physio often requires time sensitive work not to mention the University deadlines before you are qualified. Therefore you need to show that you can prioritise a task and complete it on time.
3. Tips for standing out.
Ok after reading through the last section, I fear I may have made your panic a little worse. Please keep reading because here is where I make things a little bit more simple for you. Great!
Firstly it is expected that you will be nervous. Guess what, everyone else is too. Most universities will have time where you are interacting with the other candidates. You won't realise it but they are watching how you interact. So smile, see that person who is sitting on their own and go and say hello. Terrifying right? Yes it is. But they are in the same boat and chatting to others can actually relax your nerves and you will quickly find out all of the things that you have in common.
When you are in a group task, think for yourself about the problem first and then make sure you make at least one suggestion, complement at least one person's good idea and maybe try to build on someone else's idea and then get stuck in with the plan you have created together.
Other practical tips:
Wear a watch so you can keep track of time.
Follow the dress code provided but wear something you feel comfortable in ( I definitely had one interview where I was knelt on the floor for half an hour)
Don't try to be something you are not, Physios come in all different shapes and sizes and from different backgrounds and cultures that's what makes us great. Be yourself.
Think about your hobbies, the topics and subjects you enjoy and what that says about you and your character and why they are good attributes for a Physiotherapist to have.
Think about why you want to go to that University. What does it offer that nowhere else does? What parts of the course are you most excited for?
4. Places to find out more information
Before your interview you will want to swat up on all things physio so make sure you check out the HCPC and the CSP websites.
Make sure you know the latest NHS news, this can be found on the ....NHS website and also make sure you have read a variety of different newspaper articles to get a broad overview.
Make sure you download my Physiotherapy undergraduate Interview checklist which will make sure you have thought about all the things and save you heaps of time prior to your interview.
You can then use these themes to craft your answers that can be adapted to any question that arises.
Phew. A lot of information there but I know it will be vital in helping you prepare for your upcoming interview. Again, make sure you download my FREE Downloadable PDF University Interview Checklist and be sure to leave a comment below...What tip have you found most useful? Have you had an interview recently? What was the day like? What are you most worried about? Do you have any more questions?
Always happy to help.
Your opportunity to work with me!
Get in touch with me if you would like to feel confident that you are doing the right preparation for your upcoming interview and want to make the most of the limited amount time you have left to invest in the right areas so that you stand out in your interview.
If you don’t feel it is the right time to work with me on this one, no problem at all. Make sure you download my Interview Checklist above and you will also receive updates of my upcoming posts.
About the Blogger:
Hi, I’m Rebekah.
I’m a Physiotherapist with a passion to support others to get to where they want to be. I love to organise and plan which, comes in handy for my mission to empower others to achieve their Physiotherapy career goals.
