What is the best way to approach answering questions once you are actually in the interview?

After you have prepared for your interview and the interview has actually begun, it is important to try to stay calm and focus on the task at hand. The tutors do not want you to be very nervous and want you to show the best version of you that you can. They have invited you to the interview because they want to get to know you – they aren’t trying to scare you. Your interview is also an opportunity for you to test out the tutorial system: try and see it as you testing out a new style of teaching and whether it is right for you. Further, you’re getting to talk about a subject you have a passion for with a world-class expert. It sounds strange, but try to enjoy it if you can!

When answering questions in the interview, the most important thing is that you know exactly what you are being asked. Don’t be afraid to ask the tutors to repeat a question or reword it if you can’t understand it – they want you to be able to give the best answer possible which depends on you knowing exactly what they are saying. Finally, when answering questions “think out loud”. This is very important: the tutors want to see the way your mind works so take them through the process you take in reaching your answer. Further, this can help make it easier for you to get to an answer and keep track of your thought process.

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Answered by Orla M. Oxbridge Preparation tutor

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